Sixth Class
Mr. Hoey
Welcome to 6th class!
Start of World War 2 Anniversary (Sat 1st September 2018)
On September 1st 1939, the Nazi German army invaded Poland and two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany. These events marked the start of what has become known as World War 2.
World War II was the most destructive war in history. It killed more people and destroyed more property than any other war.
World War II was the most destructive war in history. It killed more people and destroyed more property than any other war.
- Web quest: Use this web quest to know more about World War II and its impact on European nations:
- Quiz: Choose an answer for each of the questions and then select "Check Your Answers" at the end of the quiz to see how you scored. The answers to all of the questions can be found within World Book:
- Photo story: A Photostory on World War II which happened between 1939 - 1945. Students could create their own photo story after watching the video
International Literacy Day (Sat 8th September 2018)
This is a UN day which falls on September 8th each year and the aim of the day is to raise concern and awareness for literacy issues around the world.
The website is Help My Kid Learn is supported by the Department of Education as part of the actions outlined in the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among young people. It recognises that parents who are engaged in their child’s learning have a significant positive impact on a child’s educational achievement, especially in literacy and numeracy.
Try these teacher created quizzes at home:
The website is Help My Kid Learn is supported by the Department of Education as part of the actions outlined in the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among young people. It recognises that parents who are engaged in their child’s learning have a significant positive impact on a child’s educational achievement, especially in literacy and numeracy.
Try these teacher created quizzes at home:
Class Novel ('Holes') - Term 1
We have just started working on our first class novel this year called 'Holes', written by Louis Sachar.
Stanley Yelnats' family has a history of bad luck, so he isn't too surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to a boys' juvenile detention centre. At Camp Green Lake the boys must dig a hole a day, five feet deep, five feet across, in the dried up lake bed. The Warden claims the labour is character building, but it is a lie. Stanley must dig up the truth!
Stanley Yelnats' family has a history of bad luck, so he isn't too surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to a boys' juvenile detention centre. At Camp Green Lake the boys must dig a hole a day, five feet deep, five feet across, in the dried up lake bed. The Warden claims the labour is character building, but it is a lie. Stanley must dig up the truth!
- 'Written with a crystalline prose and simplicity of style it is startingly original. There is not one false sentence' - The Independent on Sunday
- 'This is a story of friendship with the cleverest of plot twists, and description so vivid you can feel the heat of Stanley's desert prison burning off the page. A total must-read' - The Times
- 'An exceptionally funny and generous book that is also a tightly plotted detective novel' - The Guardian
National Children's Choir 2019
This year all the boys and girls from 5th and 6th class will participate in the National Children's Choir - a school-based choral experience for primary school children. Affiliated pupils from 5th or 6th classes in Irish Primary Schools learn a common repertoire of songs. The programme is selected and prepared by three Musical Directors, Órla Gillan, Anne Purcell and Mairéad Déiseach.
The children learn the repertoire in their own schools, taught by their own teachers, and join with other local schools three times a year to rehearse these songs with one of the Assistant Musical Directors.
Every child will participate in a local concert next March, and a percentage of these children will perform in the National Concert Hall, Dublin under the baton of the musical directors.
All the songs and lyrics can be found on the school website for the children to practice at home.
The children learn the repertoire in their own schools, taught by their own teachers, and join with other local schools three times a year to rehearse these songs with one of the Assistant Musical Directors.
Every child will participate in a local concert next March, and a percentage of these children will perform in the National Concert Hall, Dublin under the baton of the musical directors.
All the songs and lyrics can be found on the school website for the children to practice at home.
Beep Test!
This year all boys and girls from 5th and 6th class will be participating once a month in a multistage fitness test (commonly known as the Beep test) with the view to improving their levels of fitness and stamina throughout the course of the year.
Check out the video below which explains all you need to know about the Beep Test.
Check out the video below which explains all you need to know about the Beep Test.
Roald Dahl Day (Thurs 13th Sept 2018)
Events, ideas and online activities are all part of the Roald Dahl Day celebrations. Dahl brought words like Oompa-Loompa, Augustus Gloop, scrumdiddlyumptious and snozzwanglers to the English language.
- Roald Dahl Official Website: Welcome to the official Roald Dahl website, where you'll find all the latest news about the World's no. 1 Storyteller and author of much-loved stories: http://roalddahl.com/
- Video: Click on the link below to watch a short video on Roald Dahl:
Mexico Day (Sunday 16th September, 2018)
Mexico’s Independence Day is a nationwide public holiday to celebrate freedom from Spanish rule. Dia de la Independencia marks the “cry of independence” on Septemebr 16, 1810, which started a revolt against the Spaniards.
We used the link below to learn all we needed to know about this fascinating country:
We used the link below to learn all we needed to know about this fascinating country:
- Mexico through World Book Online
Op Art
This week we had lots of fun doing Op Art - a form of abstract art that gives the illusion of movement by the precise use of pattern and colour, or in which conflicting patterns emerge and overlap.
Here are some examples of Op Art;
Here are some examples of Op Art;
...and here is how ours turned out!
European Week of Sport (Monday 24th September, 2018)
The European Week of Sport takes place between the 22nd - 30th September and aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level.
For more information, visit www.sportireland.ie
For more information, visit www.sportireland.ie
National Fitness Day (Thursday 27th September, 2018)
National Fitness Day is the biggest and most visible annual celebration of physical activity of the year. It is the day to celebrate the role that physical activity plays across Ireland.
All this week we had loads of fun taking part in lots of different keep fit activities through GAA skills, Operation Transformation Dance Moves, GoNoodle and Just Dance.
All this week we had loads of fun taking part in lots of different keep fit activities through GAA skills, Operation Transformation Dance Moves, GoNoodle and Just Dance.
Taoiseach's visit to Airfield Estate (Friday 28th September, 2018)
We were very excited this week to help give our Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the tour of Airfield Estate in Dundrum, to showcase everything they’re working on there, from the gardens to the farm and their educational work.
World Habitat Day (Monday 1st October, 2018)
The United Nations designated the first Monday in October every year as World Habitat Day "to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all". The Day is also intended "to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat".
In class we reflected on a range of issues relating to the places in which people live. We considered the plight of refugees, the growing size of cities, the need for water and in particular the current homelessness crisis in Ireland and ways in which we could improve the situation for so many families in emergency accommodation.
In class we reflected on a range of issues relating to the places in which people live. We considered the plight of refugees, the growing size of cities, the need for water and in particular the current homelessness crisis in Ireland and ways in which we could improve the situation for so many families in emergency accommodation.
Environmental Workshop with Aoife Munn
We are currently taking part in a 5 week environmental workshop with Aoife Munn, a lecturer and tutor in horticulture and the environment for many years.. Aoife visits us every Thursday for one hour and we have been learning so much from her about ways in which we can all nurture, care for and protect our environment for the generations to come.
Here is a look at the topics we will be covering with Aoife during her visits to St. Mary’s;
Week 1 Explore Green Spaces and the impact of Climate Change
Week 2 Recycling, Reusing and Spending Less
Week 3 Biodiversity & Air Quality
Week 4 Water Conservation
Week 5 Drainage
Here is a look at the topics we will be covering with Aoife during her visits to St. Mary’s;
Week 1 Explore Green Spaces and the impact of Climate Change
- Take a walk around your local green areas
- Discuss if they are wildlife havens or in need of work
- Discuss the needs of wildlife and what wildlife might be present
- Discuss if climate change is impacting on the area (such as flooding)
- List changes we can make to the local environment to improve it for everyone
- How many benefits do you think we get from trees?
Week 2 Recycling, Reusing and Spending Less
- What can we do with our waste?
- How do we reduce our consumption?
Week 3 Biodiversity & Air Quality
- Discuss the threats wildlife face from us
- List the things we could do to help reduce our impact on local wildlife
- Discuss the wildlife in Ireland they would most like to see
- Discuss the importance of Hedgerows
Week 4 Water Conservation
- Where does our water come from?
- Why should we pay for it?
- Does it need to be this clean?
- Are there any more efficient ways we can get our water?
- What steps can we do to waste less water?
Week 5 Drainage
- Where does the water go?
- Why are green areas important for drainage?
- What plants take up the most water?
- Where do we need to plant to prevent flooding?
Unity Day, Germany (Wednesday 3rd October, 2018)
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is annually held on October 3rd to mark the anniversary of the nation's unification. It remembers when the Federal Republic of Germany and the Democratic Republic of Germany united to create one single, federal Germany on October 3, 1990.
In the classroom this week we discovered more about the country - Germany. What is its population? What are its largest cities and rivers etc?
In the classroom this week we discovered more about the country - Germany. What is its population? What are its largest cities and rivers etc?
Tetra Pak Tree Day (Thursday 4th October 2018)
The Tree Council of Ireland, supported by Tetra Pak, is calling on primary school children across the country to get involved in Tetra Pak Tree Day on Thursday 4th October 2018. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Be nature nice! or Bí dóighiúil don dúlra!”
Tetra Pak Tree Day gives children, teachers and parents the opportunity to put down the school books, get outdoors and connect directly with nature. The campaign also encourages children to become more environmentally aware. The campaign's mascot Sammy Squirrel will feature on Avonmore school milk cartons with seven simple messages on how to help the environment.
To find out more about this year's campaign and learn how to plant a sapling tree, watch the videos below & visit www.treeday.ie
Tetra Pak Tree Day gives children, teachers and parents the opportunity to put down the school books, get outdoors and connect directly with nature. The campaign also encourages children to become more environmentally aware. The campaign's mascot Sammy Squirrel will feature on Avonmore school milk cartons with seven simple messages on how to help the environment.
To find out more about this year's campaign and learn how to plant a sapling tree, watch the videos below & visit www.treeday.ie
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Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Thursday 4th October 2018)
The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church's patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed”. The current Pope Francis is supposed to be named after the popular saint.
Learn more through the link below about the life of the Italian saint and discover why he is associated with animals:
https://www.biography.com/people/st-francis-of-assisi-21152679
Learn more through the link below about the life of the Italian saint and discover why he is associated with animals:
https://www.biography.com/people/st-francis-of-assisi-21152679
World Teachers Day (Friday 5th October, 2018)
World Teachers Day celebrates teachers efforts and applauds their contribution to future generations. This day was first created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Foundation (UNESCO) in 1966.
Check out these 2 videos below on;
Check out these 2 videos below on;
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Mental Health Week (Sunday 7th October, 2018)
Mental Health Ireland will be celebrating Mental Health Week from the 7th - 13th October.
World Mental Health Day takes place on the 10th October and this years theme is 'Young People and Mental Health In a Changing World', as set by the World Federation for Mental Health.
This year in St. Mary's, all classes from 2nd-6th will be working from the new Weaving Well-Being Programme. It is the first Irish designed positive mental health programme of its kind which aims to enhance well-being in children aged from 8-12 years.
Weaving Well-Being gives children the opportunity to weave positivity into their daily lives through a range of activities in a variety of areas. These areas include identifying and using their authentic character strengths, boosting positive emotions, developing and nurturing positive relationships and connections, building practical resilience skills (including mindfulness) and developing self-efficacy through empowering beliefs.
To find out more about the Weaving Well-Being Programme visit the following link below;
weavingwellbeing.com/
World Homeless Day (Wednesday , 10th October, 2018)
The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people's needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness.
Here in Ireland we currently have a homelessness crisis. Below are some of the facts and harsh realities facing many families today;
To learn more about Homelessness with Focus Ireland go to www.focusireland.ie/resource-hub/about-homelessness/
Here in Ireland we currently have a homelessness crisis. Below are some of the facts and harsh realities facing many families today;
- 9,698 people homeless in the week of September 24th-30th 2018 across Ireland
- The number of homeless families has increased by 21% since September 2017.
- More than one in three people in emergency accommodation is a child.
- In March 2018, the official rough sleeping count confirmed 110 people sleeping rough in Dublin, with an additional number in the Night Café, without a place to sleep.
- In September 2018, there were 1,753 families accessing emergency accommodation. This includes 3,829 children.
To learn more about Homelessness with Focus Ireland go to www.focusireland.ie/resource-hub/about-homelessness/
The Crocus Project (Friday 12th October, 2018)
We are taking part again this year in The Crocus Project - an Irish initiative whereby HETI provides yellow Crocus bulbs for young people and school pupils aged 11 years and older to plant in memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust and thousands of other children who were victims of Nazi atrocities. The yellow flowers recall the yellow Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. The Crocus blooms around the end of January, about the time of international Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January). When people admire the flowers early next year, we can explain what they represent and recall the children who perished in the Holocaust.
GOAL Jersey Day (Saturday 13th October, 2018)
GOAL Jersey Day is one of our favourite days of the year here at St. Mary's. It's the perfect opportunity to proudly wear your team colours, and an excuse to share your sporting opinions with other people. Last year, GOAL Jersey Day raised €150,000 with the help of companies and schools. This year, they hope to reach €250,000.
World Food Day (Tuesday 16th October, 2018)
Celebrated around the world on the day the World food Organisation was founded in 1945. This week we learned about where we get our food from, whether we are we eating the correct types of food and all about the Food Pyramid?
Check out the Food Pyramid guide to every day food choices for adults, teenagers and children aged five and over here: www.safefood.eu/SafeFood/media/SafeFoodLibrary/Documents/Healthy%20Eating/Food-Pyramid-leaflet.pdf
Check out the Food Pyramid guide to every day food choices for adults, teenagers and children aged five and over here: www.safefood.eu/SafeFood/media/SafeFoodLibrary/Documents/Healthy%20Eating/Food-Pyramid-leaflet.pdf
Aidan Dockery Visit (Friday 19th October, 2018)
On Friday, 5th and 6th class had a visit from Aidan Dockery from the Heritage Council's Heritage in Schools Scheme. He brought along with him some of the most interesting artefacts, commemorative booklets, stamps, coins, etc. from his extensive collection.
Among the topics he covered were:
- The sinking of the Dublin steam packet R.M.S. Leinster, torpedoed by a German submarine one hour out of Dun Laoghaire/ Kingstown; over 500 of the 771 on board drowned. This was the subject of a state commemoration on Oct. 10th next- 100 years to the day after the event.
- Jan. 21st next marks the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil Éireann in the Round Room of the Mansion House and he had some lovely memorabilia associated with that event.
- Nov. 11th will mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, bringing an end to hostilities in WW1, while next June will see the centenary of the Treaty of Versailles - a place Aidan visited himself on a few occasions. This event is dear to his heart as his Uncle Joseph was one of 50,000 Irishmen who perished in that awful war.
Among the topics he covered were:
- The sinking of the Dublin steam packet R.M.S. Leinster, torpedoed by a German submarine one hour out of Dun Laoghaire/ Kingstown; over 500 of the 771 on board drowned. This was the subject of a state commemoration on Oct. 10th next- 100 years to the day after the event.
- Jan. 21st next marks the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil Éireann in the Round Room of the Mansion House and he had some lovely memorabilia associated with that event.
- Nov. 11th will mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, bringing an end to hostilities in WW1, while next June will see the centenary of the Treaty of Versailles - a place Aidan visited himself on a few occasions. This event is dear to his heart as his Uncle Joseph was one of 50,000 Irishmen who perished in that awful war.
Tag Rugby Blitz (Tuesday 23rd October, 2018)
We took part in the recent Tag Rugby Blitz in DLSP FC is association with Leinster Rugby. We have been getting great coaching by John O'Brien over the past number of weeks and got a chance to showcase all we’ve learned. There were over 300 children participating in the blitz which was a huge success. We had great fun on the day and hope to take part in many more during the year.
Tour of Glasnevin Cemetery (Thursday 25th October, 2018)
This week 5th and 6th class were brought by bus from the school to Glasnevin Cemetery and Botanic Gardens for a wonderful guided history tour. The children were given the opportunity to explore the diversity of Irish life since 1800, through the stories of the famous (and not so famous!) people who are buried here.They gained a deeper understanding of the men and women who shaped modern Ireland and learned about events and personalities from The Decade of Centenaries. It was an amazing day of Local History presented by Glasnevin's expert guides in a unique and memorable manner.
Have a look at the video below relating to the tour;
Halloween Party! (Friday 26th October, 2018)
We finished up for our mid-term break on a high with a Halloween Party and fancy dress show! Everyone made a big effort with their costumes and we had great fun all day. We all brought in sweets and enjoyed watching the movie 'Ghostbusters' in the afternoon!!
World Kindness Day (Monday 5th November, 2018)
World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on the 5th of November. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness. The mission of the World Kindness Movement and World Kindness Day is to create a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations towards greater kindness.
We are going to choose 2 random acts of kindness each week from the following list to make our school a better place:
We are going to choose 2 random acts of kindness each week from the following list to make our school a better place:
Diwali (Wednesday 7th November, 2018)
The 7th of November marks India's biggest and most important festival of the year. The festival is also celebrated outside India - even in Ireland. The festivities last for five days and the fourth day marks the start of the new year on the Hindu calendar.
People celebrate with family gatherings, glittering lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship to Lakshmi.
Check out the video below to learn all about the story of Diwali:
People celebrate with family gatherings, glittering lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship to Lakshmi.
Check out the video below to learn all about the story of Diwali:
Confirmation Club (Thursday 8th November, 2018)
The boys and girls making their confirmation this year have been invited, along with children from other local Primary Schools in the parish, to attend a Youth Pilot Initiative this year called the ‘Confirmation Club’.
The parish will adopt the ‘You Shall be my Witnesses’ Confirmation programme and adapt the sessions to incorporate ice-breaker games, meditation and creative activities used successfully during the Teen Hope Programme.
Sessions will run over 4 consecutive weeks: 12th, 19th, 26th Nov and 3rd Dec. All club sessions will take place in St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre from 7:30 – 8:30pm.
Themes explored throughout the club include:
The parish will adopt the ‘You Shall be my Witnesses’ Confirmation programme and adapt the sessions to incorporate ice-breaker games, meditation and creative activities used successfully during the Teen Hope Programme.
Sessions will run over 4 consecutive weeks: 12th, 19th, 26th Nov and 3rd Dec. All club sessions will take place in St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre from 7:30 – 8:30pm.
Themes explored throughout the club include:
- Week 1 Belonging –How do we belong?
- Week 2 Believing – What do we believe?
- Week 3 Being a Christian – How do I share the Good News?
- Week 4 Becoming a Witness – How do I share the Good News?
Armistice Day (Sunday 11th November, 2018)
Commemorates the end of World War 1 in 1918. This took place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. People often wear poppies around this time to remember the dead. The boys and girls in 6th class held a 2 minutes silence on Monday 12th November to remember and honour those who have paid the price for our freedom.
A Canadian army doctor, Lt Col John McCrae, wrote a famous poem about the poppies that grew in battlefields where soldiers died - 'In Flanders Fields'. Have a listen here:
A Canadian army doctor, Lt Col John McCrae, wrote a famous poem about the poppies that grew in battlefields where soldiers died - 'In Flanders Fields'. Have a listen here:
Have a look at this excellent interactive website below which gives a video account of World War 1 under the title 'The Story of a Global Conflict'. Ten historians from 10 countries give a brief history of the first world war through a global lens. Using original news reports, interactive maps and rarely-seen footage, including extraordinary scenes of troops crossing Mesopotamia on camels and Italian soldiers fighting high up in the Alps, the half-hour film explores the war and its effects from many different perspectives. Content is centered around Origins, Trenches, Empires, Fronts, Slaughter, Endings, and Aftermath. Each section has interactive elements that allow you to hear the voices of participants and read original reports:
www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2014/jul/23/a-global-guide-to-the-first-world-war-interactive-documentary?CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2
www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2014/jul/23/a-global-guide-to-the-first-world-war-interactive-documentary?CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2
Super Troopers!!!
Here in St. Mary's we have just started a health and fitness programme called 'Super Troopers' in association with Laya Healthcare, which encourages children and their families to live happier and more active lifestyles. Through short burst, fun daily activities around physical activity, wellbeing and nutrition, this programme helps to promote healthy minds and bodies.
Laya Healthcare has created this exciting programme along with teachers and a team of experts in the areas of psychology, nutrition, wellbeing and physical activity to encourage YOU and your children to get more active!
The programme encourages children to increase their activity levels by setting physical activity homework every night. The Health Homework Journals also contain wellbeing challenges, extra tips on looking after overall health, information on nutrition and healthy recipes helping children to be fit and healthy in mind and body.
Laya Healthcare has created this exciting programme along with teachers and a team of experts in the areas of psychology, nutrition, wellbeing and physical activity to encourage YOU and your children to get more active!
The programme encourages children to increase their activity levels by setting physical activity homework every night. The Health Homework Journals also contain wellbeing challenges, extra tips on looking after overall health, information on nutrition and healthy recipes helping children to be fit and healthy in mind and body.
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Science Week (Monday 12th - Friday 16th November, 2018)
Science Week is an annual national celebration of the life-changing and fascinating world of science. The week-long festival highlights how science, technology and engineering are fundamental to everyday life.
On Friday the 16th November we went along to see Triple-award-winning Irish comedian and scientist Donal Vaughan brings his hugely popular science and comedy show back to dlr Mill Theatre. With some brand new tricks and some old favourites too, we learned about science using everyday objects and laughed our pants off while we did it!
“His unique blend of science and comedy has proved popular with audiences” (PubSci London)
Winner: ‘Beat the Frog World Series’ (2016), ‘Laughing Horse NATY’ (2015), ‘Tedfest Comedy Award’ (2014).
On Friday the 16th November we went along to see Triple-award-winning Irish comedian and scientist Donal Vaughan brings his hugely popular science and comedy show back to dlr Mill Theatre. With some brand new tricks and some old favourites too, we learned about science using everyday objects and laughed our pants off while we did it!
“His unique blend of science and comedy has proved popular with audiences” (PubSci London)
Winner: ‘Beat the Frog World Series’ (2016), ‘Laughing Horse NATY’ (2015), ‘Tedfest Comedy Award’ (2014).
Retreat (Wednesday 14th November, 2018)
Our Retreat (By Rhean Sharma Mathai)
On Wednesday 14th November we went to the Dominican Retreat Centre in Tallaght as part of the preparation for our Confirmation next February. We travelled by bus to the venue. Upon arrival we were welcomed by a lady named Anita. There was a lovely aroma coming from the candles and scented sticks. We walked down the hall past the oratory and into a room called ‘Meeting Room 1’. We were introduced to Deborah, our facilitator for the day. We put our belongings in one side of the room and made a circle with chairs around an unlit candle and a bowl full of pine cones. After that we wrote our names on name tags and drew a picture of what describes us best. Then one by one told the group about the picture we drew. We also made a contract regarding our behaviour and placed them beside the candle in the middle of the room. Afterwards we played a story game. Then we were put into four groups of 6 and on a piece of paper we had to write how we get stressed and ways to overcome these situations to return to a state of calm. We then practiced some relaxing meditation for 20 minutes before lunch.
After lunch we went back to the meeting room and played 2 rounds of Chinese Whispers. Next we were split into 2 groups and we drew our hands on a piece of paper then passed the papers around and wrote one good thing about that person on their hands. Lastly, we finished with Mass in the oratory. We all took part in the Mass by singing hymns, doing the readings and prayers of the faithful and bringing up the gifts.
After Mass we gathered our belongings and said our goodbyes to Deborah. We had a fun and enjoyable day on our retreat.
On Wednesday 14th November we went to the Dominican Retreat Centre in Tallaght as part of the preparation for our Confirmation next February. We travelled by bus to the venue. Upon arrival we were welcomed by a lady named Anita. There was a lovely aroma coming from the candles and scented sticks. We walked down the hall past the oratory and into a room called ‘Meeting Room 1’. We were introduced to Deborah, our facilitator for the day. We put our belongings in one side of the room and made a circle with chairs around an unlit candle and a bowl full of pine cones. After that we wrote our names on name tags and drew a picture of what describes us best. Then one by one told the group about the picture we drew. We also made a contract regarding our behaviour and placed them beside the candle in the middle of the room. Afterwards we played a story game. Then we were put into four groups of 6 and on a piece of paper we had to write how we get stressed and ways to overcome these situations to return to a state of calm. We then practiced some relaxing meditation for 20 minutes before lunch.
After lunch we went back to the meeting room and played 2 rounds of Chinese Whispers. Next we were split into 2 groups and we drew our hands on a piece of paper then passed the papers around and wrote one good thing about that person on their hands. Lastly, we finished with Mass in the oratory. We all took part in the Mass by singing hymns, doing the readings and prayers of the faithful and bringing up the gifts.
After Mass we gathered our belongings and said our goodbyes to Deborah. We had a fun and enjoyable day on our retreat.