Artist in Residence.

The school participated in an artist-in-residence scheme in the final term of the school year.  This project involved the children working closely with local artist Mr. Liam Connery in creating artwork featuring locations within the community.  The children dressed up in period costume and were then photographed to form a living tableau.  These photographs were then used as a model to incorporate the children into various scenes which were painted of Castle Oliver in the past.  The children dressed as ladies, gentlemen and servants and were then painted against the background of Castle Oliver.  The children, under the enthusiastic guidance of Liam, then proceeded to collaborate in creating a large painting which currently hangs in the school.  The project, supported by Limerick County Council Arts Office, was very worthwhile in developing an awareness and enjoyment of art amongst all our pupils.

Green Schools Campaign

Ardpatrick N.S. have been actively promoting a positive approach to the environment and recycling over the past year.  Having entered the Green Schools Project, sponsored by An Taisce, the schoolchildren have been instrumental in promoting a green lifestyle within the community.  The school currently recycles aluminium cans through the facilities of Mr. Binman.  All plastic bottles and drinks cartons used within the school are recycled as is all the wastepaper generated within the classrooms.  In addition the school successfully operates both a conventional composter and a wormbin for organic waste generated within the school.  In tandem with the Healthy Eating Policy in operation within the school, these measures have transformed the school precincts into a litter-free zone.  A highly successful open day was staged on June 20^th which showcased all the recycling practices in operation to parents and visitors from the community.  While the work is carried out by the children in school through a Green Schools Committee, the principal Ger Lennon, Special Needs Assistant Margaret Kearney and Pat Casey have been heavily involved with the project.  The work of the school in the Green Schools Campaign has been recently assessed very favourably by the County Council Environment Officer, Pauline McDonagh, and she has submitted her report to An Taisce.  If the school is granted a Green Flag for its work, it will be amongst a handful in Co. Limerick who have achieved this recognition.