On Tuesday, 10th September, we held a book buffet in the Senior Room. The classroom was organised with six tables covered in tablecloths and soft background music played. On each table was a different genre of books: fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, picture books and graphic novels. Pupils had an opportunity to move from table to table to 'taste' each genre of book. They spent ten minutes at each table, examining the books and reading the opening chapters. Then they had to fill in their menu about the book and rate it. Pupils now have a shortlist of books which they can read during daily DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read).

Thank you to Dr. Paddy Madden and Dr. Des Murtagh who visited our school on Monday, 17th June to film a video on how to prepare a raised bed for the summer months. Pupils from Junior Infants to 6th Class took part in this video which now becomes part of the Department of Education resources on Sustainable Development. The video is now available to watch on https://www.engagewithnature.ie/esd/ . (Scroll to the bottom of the page.) Here is a photograph of our raised beds when we returned to school: Two weeks later and the sunflowers have appeared!

Our new chess table is a wonderful addition to our school grounds. This week we are having a draughts tournament and next week, we will begin our chess tournament.

Congratulations to Ms. Carey and the Green School committee on achieving their sixth Green Flag on the theme of 'Global Citizenship: Litter and Waste'. Teachers and pupils have worked hard over the past two years, learning about sustainability, participating in Picker Pals and reducing, reusing and recycling! Our 6th class pupils represented us as they collected the Green Flag on 21st May at an Awards Ceremony in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone. We plan to have our flag raising ceremony in mid-June.

The swifts can be seen (and heard!) above our school every day now that the summer is here! They live in the roof of our school and return each May from their winters in more tropical climates. The number of swifts in Ireland has been declining in recent years as many of the high buildings where they used to nest are no longer available to them. We are proud that they have chosen to return to our school each year. Did you know that swifts spend most of their life airborne? We are always delighted to spot these remarkable birds around our school - it truly marks the beginning of summer! Can you spot two in flight in the photograph below?

Active School Week was held from 29th April to 3rd May. The pupils from Horseleap N.S. enjoyed a range of activities. We held our bi-annual 'Bring Your Bike To School Day' and the children participated in a circuit of challenges to become better cyclists. Our tag rugby coach John also visited during the week and the Senior Room made a trip to Paddy Ryan's to try their hand at pool.

Paddy Madden, Heritage in Schools expert, returned to our school on the 8th of May. We had a wonderful day exploring our school grounds with Paddy, examining plants and drawing pictures.

Well done to our Cumann na mBunscol team who played a great game against Rahugh N.S. on 9th May.

Thank you so much to Caroline who visited us from Kilbeggan Library and inspired us to read and write and embrace creativity of all kinds!