The new year brought so much energy, learning, and community love to The Quay School. From mindfulness sessions to Seachtain na Gaeilge, from World Book Day adventures to Wellbeing Week, January through to Easter has been one busy, brilliant stretch. Here’s a look at everything we got up to!
🌱 January – a calm and creative start
We kicked off 2026 with something a little different. First class took some time to slow down and breathe with a lovely mindfulness session, guided by Múinteoir Charlene. It was a calm, grounding afternoon — just what the children needed to settle into the new term.
And then came St Brigid’s Day! The school was full of cross-making, helping hands, and great craic. Senior infants got help from 6th class, 1st class got a hand from 5th class, and Junior Infants had their own special session too. It was really lovely to see the older pupils stepping up and passing on this beautiful tradition. Maith sibh go léir!
❤️ February – grandparents, woodturning & wellbeing
February was full of heart — starting with one of the most special days of the year: Grandparents or Someone Special Day. A huge thank you to Ms Chambers, Ms Hoban, and the wonderful 5th and 6th class pupils who organised the whole day. To every grandparent, family member, and special guest who came in — thank you. The smiles said it all.
We also had an incredible visit from professional woodturner Willie Creighton. He showed 4th, 5th, and 6th class how a simple piece of timber can be transformed into something beautiful. The children were totally mesmerised. Thank you, Willie, for sharing your passion and skills with us!
Our Credit Union Quiz teams had a fantastic night, with our U13 team finishing 3rd after two rounds of nail-biting tiebreakers. Both U13 teams and the U11 team represented The Quay School brilliantly. We are so proud of all of you!
3rd class took a trip to Custom House Gallery as part of their learning about famous artists — a really inspiring afternoon out.
Then came Wellbeing Week 2026 — and what a week it was! Thelma brought mindfulness and movement to Senior Infants and First Class. Miriam and Pauline had 1st class doing aerobics and dancing. Ruth and Maureen showed Senior Infants how to properly wash away germs — with the help of blue lights that revealed the sneaky ones we usually miss!
Junior Infants and 3rd class also joined in with loads of great activities throughout the week. A massive thank you to Thelma, Miriam, Pauline, Ruth, and Maureen for giving their time and energy to make Wellbeing Week so special for our children.
📚 March – books, bravery & Blas na Gaeilge
March was absolutely packed — in the best possible way!
World Book Week was a highlight of the whole term. Ms Barrett pulled off something really brilliant — every class had their own adventures. Children dressed up as their favourite book characters (the costumes were amazing!), visited Tertulia Bookshop with their World Book Day vouchers, played games in the hall, and took part in shared reading sessions with other classes. One of our favourite moments? Senior Infants walking to the Harbour Store and getting a lollipop from a special Granny on the way — and yes, it was a windy day but nobody cared! A huge thank you to Ms Barrett for making World Book Week 2026 so fun and memorable.
We also had a visit from the Westport Fire Brigade — George and Jason came in to give 3rd class a really informative Fire Safety Talk. Very important stuff, delivered in a way that the kids really engaged with. Thank you both!
Senior Infants got their hands dirty (in the best way!) by planting their vegetable seeds. We can’t wait to see what grows!
Big congratulations to our Mini 7s camogie team who won their blitz in Castlebar and are through to the final after Easter! A huge thank you to Anna, Ella, and Ms Chambers for all their coaching and support throughout the season.
Our Active Schools Daily Mile continued too — keeping those little legs moving every day. 🏃
A big thank you to our Parents Association who organised a Table Quiz fundraiser in The Quays Bar. What a night! Thanks to quiz master Brendan, our generous sponsors, Kevin at The Quays Bar, and every single PA member who worked so hard to make it happen. Your dedication to this school community means the world.
And then — Seachtain na Gaeilge! 🆔 Every class took to the hall for a ceolchoirm (mini concert) on Lá Glas. From Na Naíonáin Bheaga to Rang a Sé, every single class performed and celebrated the Irish language with pride. There was even dancing in the hall! Maith sibh go léir — you were all brilliant.
💚 A big thank you to everyone
None of this happens without our incredible community. A heartfelt thank you to:
- Múinteoir Charlene for mindfulness
- Willie Creighton for his woodturning magic
- Thelma, Miriam, Pauline, Ruth, and Maureen for Wellbeing Week
- George and Jason from Westport Fire Brigade
- Ms Barrett for World Book Week
- Brid and Neil at Tertulia Bookshop
- Our amazing Parents Association
- Ms Chambers and Ms Hoban for Grandparents Day
- Every teacher, SNA, and staff member who makes this school what it is
A huge congratulations to our past pupils who played their part in winning the Junior A All-Ireland Final! We are so incredibly proud of each and every one of you. What an achievement. Enjoy every moment of it – you deserve it! 🙌
🐣 Happy Easter from The Quay School!
As we head into the Easter break, we want to wish our wonderful pupils, families, and staff a very happy, restful, and joyful Easter. 🐿🌼
You have all worked so hard this term. You deserve every egg, every chocolate, and every lazy morning in your pyjamas!
To our children — you make this school shine every single day. Keep being curious, keep being kind, and keep being brilliant.
We can’t wait to see you all back after the break, full of energy and ready for the summer term ahead. Take care of each other, and enjoy every moment. 🌞
Check out our photo gallery to see all the fun and festive moments!
With love from everyone at The Quay School.
