Congratulations to the pupils of Ballagh NS who celebrated their Confirmation and First Communion recently.

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Please click on the link below to access lots of fun resources to keep you entertained!!

https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/lets-play-ireland/

We attach information from PDST and The Irish Heart Foundation, which both contain very good tips and activities. Please click on the links below to view this information.

The PDST Primary Health and Wellbeing Team have developed a new resource which aims to support the emotional wellbeing of children.

In times of crisis and change, feelings and emotions can be heightened, particularly for children. The sanctuary of the classroom allows children to explore these feelings and to develop coping skills and self-regulation strategies. ‘Breathe’ invites teachers to share some of the techniques that they would normally explore in SPHE class, with children in their own homes.

The beautiful new ‘Breathe’ resource features a range of calming breathing techniques and guided visualisations that the child can use to bring about a sense of peace and comfort in any situation. The resource, which is suitable for children (and adults!) of all ages and class levels, is accompanied by audio recordings of the guided visualisations in both English and Irish. There are currently 25 audio clips on our website and more will be added over time.

The resource is available to access and download from  https://www.pdst.ie/primary/healthwellbeing/relaxationandself-regulationtools

 Learning undertaken within physical education class can be consolidated and enhanced outside of school through the use of these resources.
https://www.scoilnet.ie/pdst/physlit/beyond/

https://irishheart.ie/get-support/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you/how-to-stay-active-during-the-corona-virus/lets-get-active/

During these difficult days when we have all been asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it can be difficult to keep the kids entertained.
Therefore, the Irish Heart Foundation has devised the ‘Lets Get Active’ programme to help kids remain healthy, happy and active.
‘Let’s Get Active,’ is a fun weekly activity challenge for children, each week has a different theme and a challenge to do 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
In the booklet, you will find lots of different things to do including, physical activities and educational resources. The activities are designed to include common everyday things you can find at home.

With regards to the Sacraments, no decision has been made yet as to their timeline, as soon as the information becomes available to us, we will forward details to parents. We would like to share a note received from the Diocese Primary Catechetics team:

Over recent days, Deacon Frank McGuinness, Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry, has integrated a number of child-friendly religious education / faith development resources with the Elphin Diocesan website.  They may be accessed via the homepage www.elphindiocese.ie  or directly at https://www.elphindiocese.ie/programme-prayer-resources/ .   Frank continues to add to this resource.  Currently it includes a listing of PG rated movies with faith themes (ideal for Easter holiday viewing) and First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation programmes that include animated videos etc. to stimulate the children’s engagement.

We also take this opportunity to wish you a blessed, safe and healthy Easter break.
Sincerely.

Teresa, Mary & Kathleen
Diocese of Elphin – Primary Catechetics