Castletown NS win top Safe Code prize
THERE were huge celebrations at Castletown Girls N.S when they scooped a top prize at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) Safe Cross Code competition.
The Dundalk school were confirmed as the English category winners in the national competition.
The school’s fifth class had been announced as one of five finalists for the competition back in June before winning the award this week.
Proud Principal Marion McNally explained that the girls, under the supervision of their teacher Ms McMahon, directed and performed a short drama around the Safe Cross Code dance and song.
‘For the dance, we had every pupil from Junior Infant pupils right through to 6th class taking part in the dance which was filmed and posted online as part of the competition.’
Students really got behind the theme of the competition, with dramatic moments merged with dance sequences for the video.
She explained that an online poll followed where all five schools shortlisted battled it out for the most ‘ likes’ of their entry.’
‘We got over 8,600 likes for the video, and we are just so thrilled,’ said Ms. McNally.
She added that the school had organised an entire Rod Safety month at the end of the last school year, to promote the vital issue.
‘We are very conscious of the fact that our school is situated along the Castletown Road, a main artery for traffic. As most of our pupils would live in the area, the whole issue of road safety coming to school and going home again is extremely important.’
She said that they hoped to continue their safety campaign throughout this coming year, with a number of other key issues, such parents using mobile phones while driving, set to be addressed.
The school’s success in the competition saw them award 30 Samsung mini tablets.
‘It is an incredible prize, and we are so delighted to have the tablets for use in class.’