In PICTURES: No stopping super active Laois school

Thursday, June 8 was a day of great celebration in Ballyadams National School as they proudly raised their second Active School Flag.

Alex Fitzpatrick, who is a member of the Active School Committee, hoisted the flag alongside his grandfather Peter. Peter dedicates many hours training the school hurling team.  To see more pictures tap NEXT or ARROW - to read about what they did continue BELOW PICTURE.

The Active School Flag is a Department of Education initiative. Schools who wish to receive an Active School Flag must achieve a range of targets under four headings - PE, Physical Activity, Partnerships and Active School Week. 

As part of the celebrations, the children enjoyed a gymnastics showcase. This was a piece choreographed by all the students who attend gymnastics to display their amazing skills and was performed in the school hall. 

Active Schools in Ballyadams NS is led by a busy committee of Sophia, Cayden, Erin, Georgia, Lucy, Charlie, Josh, Elli, Alex, Donnacha, Abbie and Maria and Active School Co-ordinator Ms. Malone.  

On May 24, Mairéad Teehan, Active School Accreditor visited the school to see the work that is taking place. She was very impressed with what she saw and thanked all the students for their efforts. 

The children listed many highlights which included: 

• Bike Week
• Active Lines
• The Daily Mile
• Playground Leaders
• Table Tennis Take Over
• Day 10 @ 10 exercise stations
• Santa Dash
• Exercise Trail
• Active School Week
• Ballyadams Active School
• Crest Competition
• Bike Safety
• Art Competition
• Tag Rugby with Tadgh Kelleher
• Skipping Workshop with Lee from Skip-Hop
• GAA with St. Josephs GAA coaches
• Colour Run for Autism Awareness Week
• Futsal, soccer in the yard with Clare Conlon from the FAI
• Cumann na mBunscol, football, camogie and hurling                            

The credit for the success of Active Schools must go to all the students, parents, principal Mr Stapleton and all the staff of Ballyadams NS.