Today, some members of Cairnshill's 'Code Club' had the opportunity to share their work at the BBC's 'Make It Digital' event at Blackstaff Studios.  Una, the NI Coordinator for Code Club, had invited four pupils to share some of the interactive coding activities they'd been developing on Thursday afternoons.  The children were keen to demonstrate their latest project - an interactive art pad which was connected to a Makey Makey device.  Want to draw in yellow? Touch the banana. Green? Try the lettuce!  The drawing tools were made from playdoh and it was all visible on a large screen.  The children were very enthusiastic as they talked to visitors at the event and explained their projects.  They also really enjoyed having the opportunity to visit some of the other stands.  Overall it was a great afternoon and the children were fantastic ambassadors for Cairnshill.

 

The 'Make It Digital' event continues on Friday (10am-9pm) and Saturday (10am-7pm) so why not drop in and find out more!  It's free to attend and there are a range of special workshops and shows happening.

Yesterday's Belfast Telegraph featured some of our P7 pupils who've been developing their coding skills this year.  For the past three academic years, our P7 pupils have been using 'Go Berserk' resources to help them create their own websites.  With the launch of a new 'Go Berserk' book, the Belfast Telegraph is giving away supplements based on these award-winning resources.  We're excited to see how this year's websites develop over the coming weeks.

 

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/technology/children-get-with-the-programme-and-master-the-codes-essential-for-digital-age-31016142.html 

Today, the P7 pupils attended a special NI Science Festival Event at the Ulster Museum.  The show was called 'Lotions & Potions' and was presented by the enthusiastic Scientific Sue!  The children learned about different types of chemicals and the reactions you can get when they are mixed together.  There were lots of exciting demonstrations, including a few explosions!  Philip and Ella were chosen to be Sue's assistants for two of the experiments - they did a great job!  Overall, it was a really interesting show and certainly inspired the children to ask some scientific questions.

As part of the C2k computer provision for schools, all pupils (P1-P7) are eligible to download the latest version of Microsoft Office free of charge.  The software can be installed on up to 5 devices - either PC or Mac.  The download includes full versions of Word, Powerpoint, Excel etc and the Windows version also includes Microsoft Publisher.  Children use these programmes in school so it's great that they can now have full access on any home computers.  You will need to use your child's C2k username as part of the installation process.  P3-P7 children should know these as they use them to log-in to the school network.  In school, P1 & P2 pupils use a simplified log-in which will not work for this download; their full log-in details will be provided for parents who wish to download the software.  Full details of the download and installation process are in a document which you'll find on the 'Notes' page of this website (under 'Parents' menu).

Today, Tuesday 10th February, is Safer Internet Day.  This event is celebrated in over 100 countries across the world with many families, children, teenagers and schools taking part.  The theme for this year is 'Let's Create a Better Internet Together'; everyone is being encouraged to play their part in ensuring the internet is a safe and positive place.

 

At school today, the P7 Digital Leaders led a special assembly for all P5 - P7 classes.  There was lots of information shared as well as opportunities for children to discuss how they can use the internet responsibly.  Hopefully, the children have a better understanding of how to use the internet in a positive and responsible way, as well as understanding how to get help and support if they experience negative behaviours.

 

​For more information and to find useful resources for your family, check out the website:- http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2015/parents

On Thursday 5^th February, eleven excited pupils along with Miss Bingham, Mrs Graham and Mr Harvey travelled to Ballygowan where “The Old Mushroom Factory” used to be.  We were welcomed by Mrs Alix Mulholland, the owner of Bog Standard who showed us around and answered lots of questions about her very successful business.

 

Bog Standard sells a beautiful range of candles, soaps, hand creams, hand washes and other home fragrances.  The luxury products are extremely popular and sold all over the world.

 

When we entered the factory there was an amazing aroma of the combined fragrances and it was a great experience to discover the inspiration behind all the products on display.

 

Mrs Mulholland has very kindly given the mini enterprise group, the opportunity to design their own packaging for a selection of Bog Standard soaps.  We will then market and advertise the product around the classrooms at school and we are sure everyone will want to purchase some of the gorgeous soaps available.

 

The Mini Enterprise will have lots to do in the next few weeks but it will be an exciting time as everyone gets to work on the business.

Many thanks to Mrs Mulholland at Bog Standard for her help; we certainly enjoyed our trip!

We are now collecting Sainsbury's Active Kids vouchers.  We hope to purchase lots of new equipment the children can play with outdoors.  Any vouchers you receive can be sent into school where there will be a collection box.  Thank you for your support.