This has been the most amazing week. There have been so many incredible achievements and learning opportunities, absolutely brilliant.
Science Technology Engineering & Maths (STEM)
We teamed our STEM week with National Science Week. Mrs Marie Clare Duffy (STEM extraordinaire) organised a whole range of amazing activities all designed around STEM and aimed at Developing our Young Workforce (DYW). Our pupils, and staff, have been fully engaged in exciting, unique teaching and learning. We launched our STEM week at Monday morning assembly:
Throughout the week we’ve had visits to the Science Centre, a range of workshops from Motherwell Heritage Centre, presentations from Scottish Power, a range of scientists, a variety of engineers and a plethora of parents/carers all presenting to our pupils providing practical expertise. THANK YOU to everyone who contributed. This was an inspirational way to encouraging our pupils to think of themselves as young adults in the world of work. A triumph of organisation and innovative practice from Mrs Marie Clare Duffy, outstanding work.
Here’s a flavour of how much our children learned:
In the midst of all of our DYW work through STEM our cross country pupils excelled themselves at the finals on Tuesday with the teams winning two second places and one third. Brilliant work from our budding athletes, huge thanks to Mrs Margaret Mary Murphy and her trusty team, excellent work. Here’s the teams:
Also on Tuesday our wonderful choir won first place in the Glasgow Music Festival in the Hymn Singing category. Our choir was also awarded the Ian Barrie Certificate for being awarded the highest mark out of both Hymn Singing Competitions, a wonderful achievement. Huge thanks to Mrs Campbell who was our official accompanist on the day. Here they are on stage in The Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow with our wee OLGA proudly seated in the front row cheering them on.
On Tuesday evening our Primary Three pupils celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this was a beautiful, uplifting service held in OLGA Cathedral Church. Fr. Chromy, Fr. McPhail and Canon O’Mahony all commented on how well the children had prepared to receive the sacrament. Our Primary Three pupils looked angelic on the night and they sang like a host of angels, well done to all in Primary Three so ably led by Mrs Gillespie, Miss Cawley and Miss McAlinden.
Thursday evening saw Primary 6a perform in Motherwell Concert Hall. This concert was the culmination of an excellent Song Writing Project for P6a & Mrs McCulloch. The children have had opportunity to work with a range of musicians and artists to create their own song, both lyrics and melody. And what a song it was. The concert, entitled, ‘All our Tomorrows’ focused on our children’s aspirations for the future. Our school decided to concentrate on our planet, they sang of the importance of taking care of our planet and protecting it for the future of all. A truly beautiful, lyrical performance. Well done to all in P6a & Mrs McCulloch their very proud teacher.
Friday was our second Lenten Charity event, Crazy Hair Day and Motherwell Foodbank Appeal. Thanks to all for the fabulous generosity. The food will be collected and distributed around the locale on Monday, a true example of ensuring charity does indeed begin at home.
Please remember Lenten Mass every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in our school library at 8.15am.
Meanwhile down in the nursery the STEM work continues:
The children and staff have thoroughly enjoyed this busy week.
The children have participated in a range of S.T.E.M. activities this week please have a look at the photographs to see how hard they worked. Below is a list of what the children did this week
Bubble experiment.
Volcano eruptions.
Stretchy playdough.
Kinetic sand.
Gloop.
Shaving foam.
Bubble painting.
Sinking and floating
Explored movement using magnets, magnetic numbers and straws.
Feely tub predictions.
Magnetic fishing game to catch the letters in their name.
They made jelly exploring solid to liquid to solid.
Rainbows from Skittles.
Made healthy smoothies using technology (Nutribullit)
Made crispy cakes melting the chocolate in the microwave. Solid to liquid to solid.
Polar Bear hands.
Robotic Rabbit.
In the forest they explored movement using the ropeswing and built a fire to make cheese toasties. (Melting)
Popoid building challenge.
A magnificent week, thoroughly enjoyable and such great learning.
Let me know what you think.
Mrs Shields
