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Convent of Mercy Nursery, Folly Lane, Downpatrick, County Down
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World Book Day & Treasure Hunt Thursday

3rd Mar 2021

Good morning everyone! It appears that we are returning for two weeks then back to remote learning.  As we are back to school on Monday we will give your packs when we return to remote learning.

Today is World Book Day some people might dress up as their favourite story character or read their favourite story so send us a photo to share on the website.  

We are going to be very busy over the next few weeks as we have Mother’s Day, St.Patrick’s Day and to prepare for Easter. So today why not create a handprint rainbow with a pot of gold at the end.  Why a pot of  gold? Well it is believed that when we see a rainbow at the end of the rainbow there is a leprechaun with a pot of gold. 

Leprechauns

Leprechauns are a part of old Irish legend. They are said to be shoemakers. Irish legends say that if you spot a leprechaun, he will have to tell you where his pot of gold can be found. There are many fables surrounding these playful, mythical creatures. There might not be any rainbows today yet we can go on a treasure hunt around the house or the garden.

The traditions and beliefs surrounding leprechauns

Pot of Gold

One key component of the leprechaun story is their famous pot of gold. They are known to possess and hoard their prized pots and traditionally hide this treasure at the end of a rainbow. This means that humans need to catch them in order to find this fortune, as it is impossible to actually locate the end of this natural phenomenon.

Lucky Symbols

The leprechaun story says capturing these small creatures will secure a wee bit of luck in addition to three wishes. With this in mind, they have become associated with the “luck of the Irish,” which is one of the reasons they remain so popular today.

Tiny Tricksters

Many looking for fortune also seek to gain their gold, but beware- these teeny men are also known to be tricksters. They are said to deceive humans and serve as a warning against greed. Some even believe that they hide their gold simply in order to lure in the unsuspecting and when granting their captors three wishes, they often instead lead them astray.

Sights and Sounds

Keep your ears open- they can often be heard tapping their tiny cobbler hammer in the distance, which signals listeners that they are near. They can also be heard dancing away to traditional Irish music and are even known to play instruments while doing a little jig

 

We will be having a St.Patrick’s Day party next Tuesday and all the children will be invited to come to school dressed in green clothes - so practice your Irish dancing (link to Riverdance in the Alternative St.Patrick’s Day and Let’s Dance section for leprechaun songs)

Today’s story is ‘Please dont talk to the bus driver’