Category: Junior Infants, Senior infants, 1st Class
Celebrating Diversity through Upcycling Colour
Our young team created a colourful collaborative collage using old canvas paintings and pencil
and crayon stubs. The end result symbolises the demography of our Muslim National School in
Clonskeagh, Dublin.
The pupils in our school are from a wide array of diverse and multicultural backgrounds. The
resulting collective work created by this young team not only showcased their creativity but also
highlighted their shared vision of unity and diversity. The project, made from the most basic
items that they use the most in the early years of primary school that are otherwise discarded,
symbolises a powerful message of sustainability, creativity, and diversity.
The pupils collected hundreds of pencil stubs—colouring pencils, writing pencils, and
crayons—that would have otherwise been thrown away. These seemingly insignificant remnants
of everyday school supplies were transformed into the heart of the project as the children saw
them as a raw material for something beautiful.
In addition to the pencil stubs, the pupils also reclaimed old canvases that had been damaged
and were destined for the rubbish bin. These canvases were found next to a clothes recycling
bin and were painted black to transform them into blank slates for the children's vibrant
creation.
The project also made use of repurposed furniture. A neighbour of one of the pupils had been
discarding a frame and giraffe-shaped shelves. Instead of these items being thrown into a skip,
they were salvaged and repurposed as part of the canvases. The frame was used as the central
focus point. The giraffe shelves became decorative elements that acted as columns of support
to the overall design. This thoughtful upcycling process gave new life to discarded objects,
further emphasising the project's commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
The pencils and crayons, with their unique shades and varied sizes, symbolised the different
backgrounds, cultures, and personalities that make up the school's vibrant student body.
In the final stages of the project, the pupils decided to focus on a central theme that captured
the essence of their work. They chose the song "Colours of Islam" as the core of their project,
recognising its message of unity through diversity. The song, which celebrates the variety of
colours in the world and their connection to faith, perfectly mirrors the pupil’s abstract art. The
final works were varnished to make them durable to be hung on the school yard fence.
The project served as a reminder that even the smallest and most seemingly insignificant
objects can be transformed into something beautiful when viewed through the lens of creativity,
teamwork, and respect for differences. The finished project now hangs loud and proud for
everyone in school and the wider community to see.
Category: 2nd class, 3rd class, 4th class
Project Title: “Eco-Magic Makeover: Our New Secret Kid’s Corner!”
A group of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class students from the Muslim National School in Clonskeagh in
Dublin transformed a forgotten grassy area behind the school’s portakabins into a vibrant Kid's
Corner, using old wood pallets and redundant tree stumps. The final project demonstrates the
need for an eco-sustainable functional hub of creativity and relaxation in a busy suburb on a
bustling premises.
The students began by repurposing two wooden pallets, which were first sand papered and
glued together to form a sturdy table. Discarded artificial grass pieces were found in a skip near
the local park. More redundant pieces were given by one of the student’s neighbours who had
recently placed an artificial lawn. By covering the pallets with artificial grass, the students
added a soft, safe and sensory texture which provides an inviting calmness to the space for all
the school children including those on the Neurodiversity Spectrum. This not only gave new life
to the discarded pallets but also showcased the students’ resourcefulness and thoughtfulness.
Next, the students sourced Willow tree wooden stumps from the premises gardener. They were
destined for the bin as they make for poor firewood. The students meticulously cleaned,
removed the bark from, and then painted and varnished the stumps. Artificial grass was stuck
onto the flat top surface. These stumps were transformed into seats, providing a natural and
rustic touch to the Kid’s Corner. The transformation of these stumps from ordinary waste into
functional seating was a testament to the students’ dedication to art and creativity.
To further enhance the area, the students painted the mural “Welcome to the Muslim National
School where great minds grow- Kid’s Corner” on the portakabin walls. This mural was designed
to add a splash of colour, protective guardianship and personality to the space. The mural not
only beautified the area but also reflected the students’ artistic talents and collaborative spirit.
One of the most imaginative aspects of the project was the upcycling of plant pots. The
students creatively transformed these pots into decorative heads by attaching artificial grass on
top thus giving them a fun and quirky appearance. This element not only promoted recycling but
also allowed the students to explore their artistic side.
Through this upcycling project, the students learned valuable lessons about sustainability and
the importance of environmental stewardship. They discovered that with a little creativity,
everyday materials could be transformed into something beautiful and functional.
Overall, the project not only revitalised a neglected space but also fostered a sense of
community and environmental responsibility among the students, making it a truly inspiring
endeavour. We look forward to seeing classes and student groups making use of this zone.
Category: 5th class, 6th class
Project Title: "Where Old Things Grow New Dreams"
In front of the entrance of our much-loved Muslim National School in Clonskeagh, Dublin,
space is precious, and nature has little room to flourish. A small patch of land has been
transformed into a vibrant celebration of creativity, sustainability, and remembrance using
planter tyres, CD wind spinners and sun catchers and tinned animals. Often overlooked due the
garden being fenced off, this area now stands as a testament to what can be achieved through
imagination, committed teamwork, and upcycling.
The garden, already home to a memorial bench honouring a much-loved and dearly missed
teacher, is the last remaining true garden space on our school grounds. Inspired by a desire to
bring beauty, colour and childish fun to this meaningful spot, a group of pupils embarked on an
ambitious project to rejuvenate the area using only discarded and unwanted materials.
The transformation began with tyres—soon to be disposed of by a local auto service centre.
Instead of heading to a landfill, the tyres were cleaned, spray-painted in a rainbow of colours,
and decorated by students to reflect their individual personalities and artistic abilities. Once
varnished for weather protection, they were transformed into unique flower planters, bursting
with blooms and pride.
Next came the humble food can. Rather than ending up in the recycling bin, many were
repurposed into delightful animal characters, each carefully painted and designed to nestle
among the tyre planters. These playful additions brought even more life and charm to the
garden, hopefully sparking joy in all who passed by.
An old steel watering can, once rusting in a corner, was given a new purpose as a centrepiece.
Painted and varnished, it now hangs gracefully from a branch of the overhead cherry blossom
tree, angled as if to pour water onto the flowers below. From its spout, soft fairy lights cascade
like magical droplets, glowing gently in the dusk and lending an air of enchantment to the space.
To enhance the spirit of kindness and positivity that the garden represents, the children
introduced a kindness rock garden. Dozens of stones were collected, painted with inspirational
words, cheerful patterns, and imaginative themes. This colourful display invites all who visit to
reflect, smile, and take a moment of peace.
Finally, a collection of old, defunct CDs—once destined for the bin—were turned into
shimmering wind spinners and sun catchers. Decorated with care and hung from the cherry
blossom’s branches, they catch the light and dance in the breeze, adding sparkle and
movement to the ever-evolving garden.
What began as a plain garden is now a lively, colourful sanctuary—built entirely through
upcycled materials and the passionate hands of students determined to make a difference. It
honours the past, brightens the present, and inspires a future rooted in sustainability, creativity,
and care within the school. This little garden proves that even the smallest spaces—and the
simplest discarded.
Mohamad and Osama Kalash, 6th class and 5th class students of the Muslim National School proudly represented Ireland in the final ceremony of the prestigious Arab Reading Challenge in Dubai.
The boys showed exceptional dedication to this extraordinary feat having secured 1st and 2nd place within the Ireland and Northern Ireland. Competing with students from 1st class in primary school up to 6th year in secondary school, their outstanding achievement highlights not only their passion for reading but also their impressive trilingual abilities in Arabic, English and Irish.
The Arab Reading Challenge, initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum lf Dubai, promotes a lifelong love for knowledge and reading, bringing together millions of students worldwide. It aims to ignite a passion for knowledge and reading among young people. Since it's inception, it has encouraged millions of students from around the world to read, analyse, and discuss a wide range of books, fostering critical thinking and a love for learning.
The journey to Dubai was intense, involving up to 50 books being read, discussed, and analysed at home and through online sessions. For the boys' proud parents, Shadi and Sanaa, being in Dubai to witness their recognition was truly special. The school couldn't be prouder of Mohamad and Osama for their hard work and dedication. Seeing the Irish and Palestinian flags side by side is a beautiful coincidence that symbolises the close bond between these two countries.
The mothers and students of the Muslim National School joined forces with the ICCI youth clubs and organised a Kid's Fun Day full of activities during the mid-term break. Funds were collected in support of the annual Islamic Relief Charity Week. Children of all ages enjoyed craft and colouring stations, different races and challenges, learned to Limbo, explored their senses in the sensory and messy play areas and had fun with the photo booth props. Thank you to everyone who supported the event. We are looking forward to hosting it in the school in the summer term hopefully!
The Parent's Association organised a very beneficial and informative talk by Furdus Sultan about safeguarding children in this digital age. The seminar was excellent with the content being well-delivered and interactive throughout.
Many relatable examples, both positive and negative, regarding the effects of digital exposure on primary school children were discussed. Parents were strongly advised to minimise a child's exposure to the internet and ensure strong parental control are in place on smartphones and tablets.
Every class in the school enjoyed the benefit of having a dental health promotional seminar. The topics focused on 'Why it is important to brush our teeth and look after our diet'. The chemistry behind dental decay was simplified and explained to the children so they could understand why the advice given is as important. Also that conscious eating habits and brushing frequencies impact their dental health. They learned to spell FLUORIDE and that toothpaste must contain 1450ppm F for optimal daily fluoride absorption onto teeth. Students learned about the 'Rule of 2s' when caring for their teeth. These include:
• Everyone only has 2 sets of dentition (baby teeth and permanent adult teeth), so it is pertinent that good dental health habits are established early and maintained.
• Brush teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before they go to sleep.
• Spend 2 minutes brushing teeth and use a sand timer or a smartphone timer.
• Don't forget to brush the gums and tongue.
• Snacks and treats within reasonable quantities should only be consumed twice a week, after a meal and followed by a drink of water or plain milk.
• Chocolates are better than gummies as snacks.
• Fizzy drinks and sparkling/flavoured water at all costs should be avoided.
• Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
We are hoping to revise and build on this foundation next year and expect some future dentists and hygienists from the Muslim National School in the future!
