Congratulations to the children who received their First Penance today. Many thanks to Fr. Pat for a lovely ceremony.
The Science of Art or The Art of Science?
This week, creativity and curiosity collided in the most beautiful way as the children explored the fascinating process of making Marbled Card with Stephanie from Heritage in Schools. During this lesson science met art—and the results were both stunning and educational!
Paper marbling is an ancient art form with roots stretching back to 10th-century Japan, where artists developed a technique known as suminagashi, or “floating ink.” While our young artists didn’t quite travel back in time, they did tap into this rich history using some delightfully modern tools: shaving cream and water-based paint.
But what made this activity extra special was the science behind the magic.
Shaving cream, it turns out, is more than just fun foam—it’s a surfactant. That means each of its molecules has a hydrophilic (water-loving) end and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) end. When the children added drops of paint onto the shaving cream surface, the paint didn’t soak in. Instead, it sat beautifully on top, interacting only with the hydrophilic parts of the molecules.
Once their colorful designs were ready, the children pressed pieces of card gently onto the surface. In a flash, the paint transferred from the foam to the card, capturing the beautiful, swirling, marbled pattern.
It was a perfect blend of scientific exploration and artistic expression—and the children were fascinated. From experimenting with color combinations to understanding the science behind surface tension and molecular behavior, this hands-on activity proved that learning really can be beautiful.
Nourishing Bodies and Minds
At Togher N.S., wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and this month, the children have been embracing healthy habits in a fun and engaging way. As part of our Wellbeing activities, the children delighted in freshly baked porridge bread and refreshing fruit smoothies. Promoting healthy eating is essential, and we love encouraging our children to enjoy the benefits of fresh fruit and nutritious foods.
Our wellbeing motto, “Together we grow, Together we shine,” continues to inspire us all. In the Senior Room, the children have been busy working on their “I Am Amazing” activities, which are now proudly displayed in the school hall. In the Junior Room the children have reflected on their strengths and written something they are good at on beautifully designed Bee Amazing templates. This uplifting display serves as a reminder of the unique talents and abilities that make our school community so special.
Through these activities, we aim to foster a positive mindset, self-confidence, and a sense of togetherness among our students. Wellbeing is not just about physical health but also about celebrating individuality, self-worth, and collective growth.
We are incredibly proud of the children for their enthusiasm and participation in these activities. Here’s to continuing our journey of growth, positivity, and wellbeing at Togher N.S.!
Artist Visit – Séan Murphy
We were delighted to welcome musician Séan Murphy as part of the Creative Schools Initiative—a program dedicated to placing arts and creativity at the heart of children’s education.
Séan’s visit was wonderful experience for the children. His passion for songwriting, rap, beat-making, music production, and performance brought the creative process to life for the children. They were fascinated as he broke down how songs are crafted, offering insights that sparked their imaginations and deepened their appreciation for the power of music and self-expression.
During the workshop, the children enthusiastically explored the world of rap music. They brainstormed lyrics, experimented with rhythm, and discussed the many aspects of creativity that go into crafting a great song. It was inspiring to see them dive in with such energy and enthusiasm!
A huge thank you to Séan Murphy for sharing his talent and creativity with us.
Food Dudes
The children were delighted to receive their Food Dudes Certificate. Well done everyone for participating in the Food Dudes programme. Food Dudes is a programme designed to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables both in school and at home. Find out more about Food Dudes here. https://www.fooddudes.ie/
Characters from Children’s Literature
This years St. Patrick’s Day Parade featured many wonderful characters from children’s literature including Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Harry Potter, The Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf, and The Woodcutter, Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox, Jack and The Beanstalk, Leprechauns, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Peter Rabbit, Farmer Hoggett and Babe and others. Well Done to all the children.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We had an incredible day at the Dunmanway St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It was wonderful to see the children transformed into beloved characters from literature.
A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in helping the children prepare their imaginative and creative costumes for the parade.
We’re also deeply grateful to the large, enthusiastic crowd that gathered to wave, applaud and enjoy the festivities.