We were delighted to have a truly inspiring role model, the Olympian sprinter Marcus Lawler, visit the school on Wednesday, 13th March last. This was as a result of Ms Kinsella’s and Ms Rochford’s 2nd classes winning a national competition organised by Dare to Believe to host an Olympian.
Only 50 schools nationwide (from primary and secondary schools combined) won this award. We had a wonderful day thanks to Marcus’ generosity and to Dare to Believe.
On arrival, Marcus was welcomed by 2nd classes at Reception.
How to train like an Olympian and more …
Speaking with 2nd at Reception
Then Marcus was welcomed by the whole school in the hall. He spoke about his life as a professional sprinter and about the Tokyo Olympics.
He showed us his singlet and the runners he wore at the Tokyo Olympics.
We also got to see his bronze medal, having come 3rd in 200m sprint at the World University Games in Naples in 2019. An amazing feat! Some even got to hold or touch the medal!
After our time in the hall, Marcus met with 2nd classes. As it was his birthday recently, we sang happy birthday to him in French. Pupils who speak a language other than English and Irish also wished him happy birthday in those languages. Of course, we also gave him cards.
Happy Birthday!Each pupil wrote their own letter to Marcus and drew an individual picture for him.
Then Marcus gave an inspiring, age-appropriate presentation on Olympic values.
Getting tips from the expert!
After that, 2nd classes went back to the hall for some sporting activities with Marcus.
To end, some cooling down stretches.
Marcus then took 5th and 6th classes for the same series of sessions as he did with 2nd classes.
Now for a look at our Olympic art in preparation for the visit:
Every child in the school wrote their name on a piece of card to create this spire. Marcus Lawler autographed it for us and we too can dare to believe!
We wish Marcus Lawler all the very best and hope he qualifies for this year’s Paris Olympics. We will definitely be rooting for him.
We celebrated World Book Day with lots of interesting activities.
First, the children got into character as their favourite book personas. What fun!
Then we went on a book trail searching for clues around the school. Once found, the trick was to solve the name of a book. We had 10 to find and solve in total.
Finally, the children designed a book cover and a winner was chosen from all classes. Congratulations to all.
Second classes were very fortunate to have a Communion Retreat for a whole day!
Nine volunteers have taken a year out from work or study to help prepare children for their First Confession and for their First Holy Communion. Our volunteers came from the Australia, the U.S.A. and Ireland.
The children had a wonderful day packed with teaching about Jesus’ love for us in a fun and meaningful way.
