Ballycoog National School

Best wishes to everyone, including our past pupils, starting their Leaving and Junior Certificate Exams this morning. Good luck.

Sincere condolences are extended to the Dowling and Darcy families on the tragic passing of Danny Dowling of the Glenmalure Lodge. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time.

Expressions of interest are sought for places at a proposed ASD Class at Ballycoog National School, near Arklow, commencing September 2025. Email the school at [email protected] to express interest. Eircode Y14Y248

A superb response from the Ballycoog School Community on Daffodil Day raised €225! Well done to the students, staff and parents for supporting the day and the cause so vigorously. Yellow is such a vibrant colour and really brought the school to life today. We are delighted to do our small part to support such a worthy cause.

Enjoy the photos! More photos in the comments. Wicklow People

☘️ Lá Glas i mBaile Chuag. Bhí spraoi mór againn- Damhsa mór, biongó mór, ealaín agus amhráin ☘️ Junior room fun!

As part of our drive to encourage greater attendance today we recognised the 3 pupils with the highest attendance levels in school year 2023/24. Our award winners average attendance rates in excess of 99%. Maith sibh cailíní! A new award will be up for grabs between now and the end of June for the overall highest attendees and the most improved attendees.

The celebration of World Book Day 2024 in Ballycoog NS. So much fun was had!

For the past 6 weeks, the children in both classes have enjoyed hurling/camogie lessons under the tutelage of Conor Daly, Hurling Games Development Officer Wicklow GAA Conor hails from the hurling stronghold of Birr. His passion for the game is obvious and his ability to coach children the skills of the game are commendable. Go raibh maith agat, Conor.

Our Senior Class had a brilliant time presenting their project focussing on the presence of electrolytes in drinks at Science Blast in the RDS. They particularly enjoyed discussing their project with their judge, Marie and once again meeting Steven Matthews TD. For some pupils this was their 3rd time presenting at Science Blast. Well done children. Well done Mr McGee.

Heartiest congratulations to our friends and neighbours in the Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge on their recent award, Ireland's "Favourite Place to Stay" in Leinster. What a well deserved award, showing the hotel is much loved by tourists and locals alike. Well done to Gerard, Lorcan, Gillian, Liz, Maciej, Ines, Mark and all the staff in the hotel. Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge, Wicklow

Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge, Wicklow

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/arklow-news/wicklow-hotel-crowned-favourite-place-to-stay-at-national-business-awards/a318459989.html

The children have been learning about their mental health and wellbeing this past week. Knowing it's OK and normal to experience a range of feelings, they discussed how best to cope with those feelings- Getting out into nature, creating art with nature, positive interactions with peers, gentle breathing, mindfulesss colouring, healthy eating and getting sufficient rest.

It felt a little like Wonka's chocolate factory today in Ballycoog NS. The children learned how to make pancakes and more importantly how to adorn them with all things sugary and sweet. A little flipping was practiced too!

The children really enjoyed celebrating Saint Brigid's Day recently by catching up on the folklore that surrounds her and in creating the iconic crosses. They initially practiced with pipe cleaners and then progressed onto using rushes.

Nollaig Shona!

Sharing a few more pictures from our play and the lead up to Christmas in Ballycoog NS.🎄☃️

The magic of Christmas really comes to life for the children in Ballycoog NS when the preparation for our annual play begins. The children fill Ballycoog hall with life and laughter. This year we performed A Midwife Crisis and all children took on key roles to bring each scene to life. Well done all!

The children recently enjoyed a pottery session with the wonderful Christien van Bussel of Studio Upper Aughrim. It was an excellent session run with infants up to 6th class.

Pupils in Ballycoog NS had the pleasure of singing to the residents of the Asgard Lodge Nursing Home. It was a very special morning where they got to greet and chat to some of the residents. Afterwards, they were treated to a screening of Wonka at the cinema.

The stage is set as we enter a very busy time with Christmas almost upon us. Preparations are ongoing with the children busily learning lines and songs to perform their play, 'A Midwife Crisis' on Friday.

It's been a busy time all round at Ballycoog NS with Science Week on and our Open Day last Saturday. This was a great occasion with the families of former, current and future pupils all getting the chance to meet. Today we visited Avondale House for the Wicklow Schools Invitational Trail Run where we had six medal winners. Well done everyone!

Reminder: Our school 'Open Day' takes place this Saturday 2-4pm

Riverside Childcare Ballyflanigan Montessori Little Munchkins Preschool FirstStep Pre-school group Jellybeans Arklow Kangakare Creche & Montessori Busy Fingers Pre-School Aughrim Imagination Station The Little Red Hen Playschool Building Blocks Daycare Early Days Academy Pixies Montessori Pre-school Wicklow People Wicklow Times Wicklow County Childcare

Last year the children planted these Jack-Be-Little pumpkins from seed and they loved how this cute dainty variety turned out. Enjoy the selection of pictures from life in our polytunnel.

Here is a little selection of the Halloween creativity from the junior room children. 🎃👻