Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Spring 2026

5th Class became local historians, researching their own townlands using free online resources such as townlands.ie, places.galwaylibrary.org and the Irish Townland & Historical Map Viewer. They investigated plantation records, census returns from the early 1900s, land ownership changes, geology and placenames (logainmneacha). Pupils drew their own maps and examined old photographs brought from home, comparing life then and now. 6th Class explored family history, researching their own family trees using birth, marriage and death records, census archives and emigration records dating back to the Famine. The workshops sparked great excitement with pupils uncovering fascinating stories and even discovering previously unknown relatives. They compiled their findings in a Google Slides presentation to document their family heritage. A Strong Showing in Quizzing Term 2 began with great enthusiasm as Newcastle NS pupils proudly represented the school in two quiz competitions. In February, four teams competed in the St. Columba’s Credit Union Schools Quiz at the Racecourse, with two Under 11 and two Under 13 teams showcasing impressive knowledge, teamwork and composure. Earlier in the year, pupils travelled to Loughrea to participate in the Kilchreest NS Annual School Quiz, a valuable and enjoyable experience for all involve. Student Voice and Wellbeing Newcastle NS takes great pride in empowering its pupils. The Students’ Council and Wellbeing Committee, elected by their peers, meet regularly to

contribute meaningfully to school life. This term, the committees helped devise new school rules as part of the schools Bí Cineálta Anti-Bullying Policy and organised a festive Christmas Jumper/PJ Movie Day. The Wellbeing Committee also organised a fantastic Wellbeing Week, promoting positivity, kindness and healthy habits throughout the school: Motivation Monday encouraged pupils to stay active and positive with brain breaks, Just Dance, GoNoodle sessions, laps and physical activities throughout the day. Classes shared what motivates them and explored Growth Mindset posters to inspire resilience and perseverance. An Anti-Bullying Poster Competition was launched, with every child designing an A4 poster promoting kindness and inclusion. Winners in each class were awarded prizes later in the week. Tranquil Tuesday focused on mindfulness and relaxation, with mindfulness colouring, meditation and yoga sessions for several classes providing calm and balance during the busy school term. Wacky Wednesday brought colour and energy to the school with a non-uniform day where pupils wore bright clothes while raising funds for charity. Wellbeing stations were organised on the Astro, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all. Beyond the school gates, the Wellbeing Committee also spread kindness to the wider community by designing handmade cards for residents of Maryfield

Nursing Home. Meanwhile, the Students’ Council also launched an ambitious whole-school challenge to collectively walk or run the 6,400km distance to the North Pole, demonstrating teamwork and school spirit at its very best. Sporting Success and Special Visitors There was great excitement when the victorious Athenry Senior Camogie Team, fresh from their All Ireland triumph, visited the school with an array of silverware including the O’Duffy Cup. Newcastle NS shares strong connections with the team, with nine past pupils among the panel, along with coach Joe Rabbitte. The visit was made even more special with coverage on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland.

Qiiz Teams: (on left) Under 13 and Under 11 Teams

31