1) Sugradh / Siamsa / Spraoi Christmas annual
This day the Christmas annuals arrived in our class was always a day of great excitement. These magazines were a treasure trove of puzzles, riddles, excellent colouring opportunities and general Christmas joy. They were usually handed out on the last day of school before holidays and on the same day as the Nativity play, so, at least one member of the class would still be going around dressed as a Wise Man or a Little Donkey (I was always a Wise Man because I was tall). Great craic altogether.
2) Sports Day
This was the highlight of the school calendar, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was generally a sunny day and you were allowed wear shorts (or least your school tracksuit) and secondly, you’d spend the day flying around a field, with all your friends, happy as Larry. Heaven. There was always one child who would take it too seriously and start crying when they lost but, for the most part, it was the best day of the year. Now, I don’t want to brag, but I was exceptionally talented in the sports field; I won the Under 10’s sack race at least two years in a row and came third in the ‘marathon’. (The ‘marathon’ was actually just three laps of the pitch. )
3) School Tour
The school tour came once a year and was a big day for any primary school child. Just to get out the school gate was a novelty. With the tour, came the pre-tour nerves. You’d be up at the crack of dawn, afraid that you’d miss the bus and all the craic, mithering your parents until they dropped you down. Basically, it was a child’s version of FOMO (fear of missing out). Then, there was the worry over your seat – mate. What if your best friend sat beside someone else? Devastating. It was also the one day of the year that you were allowed bring goodies for lunch, so naturally, lunchtime was the highlight of the day.
4) When teacher was out
Even if you liked your teacher, the days that they were out sick, were the stuff that adventures were made of. You’d be paired off and sent packing to other classes. Basically, it was an excuse for a doss or at least a gawk at other classes. Brilliant.
5) When a dog came in
Nothing and I repeat NOTHING, was more exciting than when a dog ran through the yard.
