Greetings from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust |
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Welcome to E-Síol November 2021.
I hope all of you had a restful, safe and enjoyable mid-term break and I wish you well for the remainder of the year.
November is a month when we remember our loved ones who have passed away. We commemorate All Saints and All Souls days and many of you hold remembrance services or Masses in your schools or local parish churches. This November, we reflect on the impact of the Covid pandemic on many families associated with our schools.
This month is also very important in highlighting the need to take care of our planet, restore biodiversity of species and reduce climate change. Dr. Patrick Kirwan, a teacher in Ardscoil na Mara, has done great work in developing an eco-network of students and teachers in our schools to highlight the drastic impact of climate change and to engage with campaigns being arranged around the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). We urge all of you to raise awareness of the climate crisis in your schools and engage some of the activities that Patrick and others are organising. We will keep you informed of these events.
I would also like to bring to your attention an initiative being developed and promoted by students in Westland Row CBS - a national Multicultural Week from 8th to 12th November. They have asked all Edmund Rice schools in the Network to support this. Your school's Link Teacher has all the details.
Finally, after months in development, our new ERST website is ready for launch this week, hopefully by tomorrow afternoon. We hope it will reflect our vibrant network and the vast range of activities available in our schools. We will regularly update the photographs and articles on the site with newer material that you forward to us.
As usual, this edition of E-Síol illustrates the great range of activities that are part of the holistic education on offer in our schools.
We hope you enjoy reading it.
Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive.
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Later this week, our new website www.erst.ie will be launched. We hope you find it informative and easy to navigate. We believe the new site will be instrumental in building and promoting our Edmund Rice community. |
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Leaving Certificate Class 2021
Well done all our students who completed their Leaving Certificate this year, we wish you the very best in the future.
A special well done to fifteen of our students who achieved over 600 points in their Leaving Certificate.
Those who achieved over 600 points were: Declan Kirwan, Jack O'Reilly, Ben Keogh, Jamie Butler, James Gallagher, Paul Dolan, Callum McIvor, Brian Wilson, Conor Wickham and Ben Carter.
Those who achieved 625 were: David Connolly, Eoghan Hyde, Sean O'Connor, Edinburgh Keogh and Hugo Devine.
In particular, congratulations to Eoghan Hyde who achieved eight H1's in his Leaving Certificate.
These are outstanding results from wonderful young men and we commend both them and their teachers for their work throughout the year.
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John Paul II Awards 2021
A huge congratulations to our JPII Awards winners. The Award is committed to helping young people enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development through participation in school, parish and community activities.
Pictured Left to right: Killian Burke - Silver Medal, Peter Cowley - Gold Medal, Andrew Cowley - Papal Cross, Coilín Campbell - Papal Cross, Sean Murphy - Gold Medal and Karl Lennon - Gold Medal.
Thank you and well done to all students involved in the JPII.
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First Year Prayer Service 2021
First Prayer Service was held on the 20th of October to welcome our 1st year students to our school community.
Thank you to all the students and staff who participated in this service. |
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Fourth Year Community Week(s) 2021
A huge thank you and well done to the students of class 4B who spent a week volunteering in various aspects of the local community. Pictured is James Codd who worked with Kings Court Resident Association. He did great work sweeping, shovelling and gathering leaves and the estate looks really smart as a result of all his efforts. This is just one example of the great work done by our 4th years in Naas CBS.
The students of Class 4A spent a week volunteering in various aspects of the community. A huge well done to all involved and thank you to the students of the class.
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School Garden
It is late summer in the school garden and orchard and colour abounds. We have twenty apple trees and four pear trees as well as numerous fruit bushes, blackcurrant, raspberries and blueberries.
Throughout winter then spring and summer our TY students maintain the orchards and gardens learning vital skills and working together.
The students are regularly wedding, sowing, planting, pruning, fertilising and providing all round general maintenance.
We will pick apples soon and should have approx. 25 kilograms of apples and we give these free to the students.
Soon we will be harvesting honey from two beehives. It is a busy time in the school orchard and garden. It really is a Biodiversity hub within the school/
Thanks to Mr. Noone for his work in managing this beautiful resource on the school grounds. Thanks to Jamie Moore(TY) for the lovely photos.
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Green School Committee
The Green School Committee is currently made up of 11 members. Our main goal is to make out school as sustainable as possible. We do a series of events and activities throughout the year to provide awareness of sustainability & climate change. Under guidance from Ms. Cowper, we have achieved 2 green school flags and have been finalists for the Green Schools Irish water Ambassador Award 2020. This year, we will be working towards transport and sustainable transport. Our chairperson is Barney Hennessey(TY) and deputy chairperson is Jamie Moore(TY).
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Cycling
Over the Summer, 60 new bike racks were installed. This was organised by our Green Schools Committee to promote students cycling to school as part of Bike week.
Following the Bike week and the inevitability of punctures, Mr Kelly kindly gave a demonstration of how to fix a puncture. There was a great turn out of Naas CBS students and a valuable skill was taught. Kamies Moore did a wonderful job capturing the event through the series of photos attached. The Green School Committee would like to thank Mr. Kelly for offering up his lunch time to give this informative demonstration. |
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Waterpark College Waterford |
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We’ve had a great start to our new school year here at Waterpark College, welcoming our 90 new first year students and our new staff members. Fáilte roimh cách, go háirithe Ms. Keane, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Rankine, and Ms. Tarrant!
We’ve said goodbye to our recently retired colleague, Ms. Murphy and are enjoying the enthusiasm of our new trainee teachers, among whom are past pupils of Ms Murphy. We’ve also had a number of new additions to the families of our staff and celebrated weddings with newly married couples as well as consoled those who have lost their loved ones. It’s a time to count our blessings and be grateful for what we have as we start this year together.
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Hallowe’en Wellbeing
We’re in the throes of high spirits as pupils are painting, writing, and composing poems for our annual Hallowe’en competitions. A lovely addition to our events this week is the decorating of Teachers’ Doors which TY Students are organising and managing. We’re looking forward to our annual fancy Dress Parade and this year we’re adopting an environmental green theme. The school is gearing up for our first Green Flag, so wish us well as both staff and students do all they can for this most coveted award!
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E.R. Student Leaders
Well, done to class 4.4. who are the first Waterpark students to complete a 20 hour ER Student Leadership Course . Inspired by Br. Peadar’s video, they walked in the footsteps of Edmund Rice and visited a number of key sites, from St. Patrick’s Church in the city centre to Westcourt in County Kilkenny. Our Deputy Principal, Michael Rice travelled with us on the day and paid a personal tribute to the late Br. Damian. Thanks to Br. Christy and Br. Denis for hosting us on the day and bringing us on a tour of the Rice family Homestead.
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E.R. Beatification News
We are literally blessed to be so close to the spiritual heart of our Edmund Rice Family as Mount Sion is only a short walk up the road from us. We joined in the celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of the Beatification of Edmund Rice in the Chapel. Thanks to Conor Butler and Kate Curtin for representing us on the day. It was a lovely gathering of our local communities with Mount Sion Primary and Secondary and Ard Scoil na Mara sharing reflections on the life and legacy of our founder, Blessed Edmund.
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Opening of Year Mass 14-10-21
At the start of each new Academic school year, we gather together for the first time as a community and celebrate our Opening of the school year Mass. We chose the theme: “We Are Community”. Our Liturgy was held in the Holy Cross Parish Church, Charleville. Thankfully the entire student body, staff members and a number of invited parents were able to attend the mass while observing Covid-19 guidelines.
Celebrants were Canon O’Mahony (our school Chaplain) and Fr. Anthony Sheehan.
Canon O’Mahony welcomed and introduced the theme of the liturgy. ‘We Are Community”. He acknowledged the variety of faiths within our school community. He mentioned the founders of the main monotheistic faiths, namely, Abraham, Ishmael and Jesus Christ. In our Catholic School community all faith and people with no faith are very welcome. Together we make up the community that is called CBS Charleville.
Canon O’Mahony introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Billy Lynch from ERST (Edmund Rice Schools Trust).
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Mr. Lynch spoke about the Edmund Rice global community. He reminded the school community that we are part of the worldwide Edmund Rice Family which has over 280 schools and 200,000 students.
Mr. Lynch assisted Mr. Sean Roberts (Year Head to all first-year students) during the First Year Welcoming Ceremony, which took place after Communion.
We are very appreciative of Mr. Billy Lynch’s presence and his contribution to our Liturgy.
The Liturgy commenced with a ritual of prayer and light celebrating the five guiding principles of our schools ESRT Charter.
Teachers, students, management, parents and Mr. Lynch participated in this reflective ritual.
Ms. A. Hanley concluded this ritual with a Teacher’s Dedication to the five guiding principles of the ERST charter and a commitment to serve our students in a spirit of love and understanding.
The readings selected for the Liturgy reflected the chosen theme, ‘We are Community”
First reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Gospel: St John 13: 34-35
The prayers of the faithful were offered on behalf of the community by a number of students, parents and teachers.
The Formal Welcoming Ceremony of the new First year Students took place after communion.
Ms. Murphy, our school Principal, extended a very warm welcome to our new students.
She wished them very success in their learning, emphasising that at CBS Charleville we strive for excellence and work to ensure that each and every student has an opportunity to develop their gifts and talents, reaching their full potential.
Canon O’Mahony blessed the First-year students calling on God’s grace to guide and protect them as they begin their journey in CBS Charleville.
Their year head Mr. Sean Roberts and Mr. Billy Lynch then presented each first year student with a Edmund Rice bookmarker and CBS crested pencil.
The Liturgy was enhanced this year by the addition of a new music group under the guidance and directorship of Ms. Andrea Murphy, (School Principal). The music group was made up of students from across all the year groups. Our thanks to Ms. Murphy and the students for their wonderful contribution in making the Liturgy more meaningful and prayerful.
The Liturgy concluded with a final blessing for the school congregation and a
the recessional hymn, ‘My God Accept My Heart This Day’.
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Care for the Environment
Over the past two years C.B.S Secondary School Charleville implemented a sustainability and climate action plan for the school in partnership with Charleville Tidy Towns. |
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The first phase of the plan has recently been completed. This phase involved the construction of 14 large street style timber planters in the car park and pedestrian walkways of the school. The planters were planted with Pyrus chanticleer trees, under planted with Phormiums, Rudbeckia, Nepeta, Asters and spring bulbs. These plants were chosen to provide a good source of food for pollinators and seasonal interest throughout the year. The planters were constructed and planted by students from all year groups under the guidance of Mr. Michael Reidy. A huge thank you to everyone involved: Charleville Tidy Towns for their ongoing support throughout the project, Mr. Barry McGill (Material Technology Department) for his assistance with the construction of the timber planter boxes. We would also like to thank the School Management for their ongoing support throughout the project.
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RTE Documentary
Students from CBS Charleville to star in new drama documentary about the Anglo-Irish Treaty Debates.
TV company called Loosehorse are one of the country’s main producers of content for the national broadcasters and specialize in making history projects (Election”18. Trial of the Century, Life -After the Rising, Joe Duffy’s Children of the Troubles).
Loosehorse are currently producing a drama documentary about the Anglo-Irish Treat debates. They are going to preform scenes verbatim from the Debates in the Dáil Chamber one hundred years ago. This will be a ‘live’ performance in front of a small, invited audience.
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As part of the programmes, the actors cast as the main historical figures will be undertaking a filmed research phase where they are finding out about the character they are playing. As the actor finds out, so too do the audience watching. And it all builds up to the verbatim performances at the end of the production in an innovative way of bringing history to life.
The actor playing Eamon De Valera visited the Transition Year History class and teacher Mr. Niall Corcoran to interview students about Eamon De Valera.
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Eamon De Valera a past pupil of Charleville C.B.S. Secondary School 1896-1898.
“As a teenage schoolboy, the future President Eamon de Valera (1882-1975) walked or cycled seven miles each day from Bruree in Limerick,
to the school on Main Street, Charleville, for three years, from 1896 to 1898”
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€4 million Extension to School
C.B.S Secondary School
Charleville is to get a makeover in a multi-million extension project that will
transform the 150-year-old institution.
C.B.S Charleville has
announced the appointment of a multi-disciplinary design team to deliver a €4M
state-of-the-art extension for the school.
The integrated design
team will be led by architecture firm Dermot G. Geoghegan Architects Ltd
working with civil and structural engineers Downes Associates, building
services engineers Hayes Higgins Partnership, quantity surveyors Michael
Barrett Partnership and Tobin Consulting Engineers who will supervise the
design project.
Designs for the major
extension will be drawn up and submitted for planning with the aim of breaking
ground by September 2022.
Last March, the
Department of Education approved funding for the new extension which will
provide for two Special Educational Needs classrooms, Design and Communications
Graphics Room, Multimedia Room, Construction Studies Room, and Music Room.
The appointment of the
design team, awarded through the public procurement process, has brought much
excitement to the 150-year-old school which is renowned for its academic and
sporting excellence.
Andrea Murphy,
Principal, CBS Charleville, said, “The appointment of the team marks an
exciting milestone in this significant investment project.
“We are delighted with
the experience and expertise demonstrated by the design team to date and look
forward to working with them on the safe and quick delivery of the extension.
“Our aspiration is for a
design that will enhance the educational experience of students and staff at
the school and I have no doubt that this will be realised by Dermot G.
Geoghegan Architects and their team.”
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Student Prefects
The Student Prefect Team at Edmund Rice Secondary School Carrick-on-Suir held their inaugural meeting in September.
6th Year Prefect Team members including Head Boy,Ian Holden & Deputy Head Boy, Oscar Geoghegan have many initiatives planned for the new school year and hope to make their voices heard throughout the academic year.
The boys met with Mr.Eddie Bourke & Mr.Billy Lynch (ERST) last week where guidance and advice was provided about the effective running of a Student Prefect Team.
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Green Schools Committee
Climate Action Week (October 11th - 15th) was promoted by the Green Schools Committee throughout the week.
In addition to the daily litter collection the boys have challenged the student population in ERSS & the wider community to collect bottle tops. Collecting bottles tops gives the school a large amount of plastic that will be used in the form of an art installation to raise awareness about how we ,as a school body can save our planet by eliminating the need for using plastic.
Hurling
The Inaugural Noel Russell Memorial Cup will be keenly contested by students in ERSS Carrick-on-Suir & High School Clonmel on Thursday, both well known for their hurling tradition.
Noel, a great stalwart of the GAA at local ,community & county level gave generously of his time to both Edmund Rice Schools.
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St. Declan's College Dublin |
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No Helmet, No Cycle
Along with our neighbouring primary and secondary schools, St Declan's College is campaigning to make the cycling journey to and from school safer for all. Our focus is on students' personal safety, road safety & awareness and bicycle/equipment maintenance.
The school is very grateful to past-pupil, Eamonn Murphy, for his work and expertise in advising the students on this campaign and in producing a video to promote it.
The promotional video is available here: https://youtu.be/rZ0JVV9xm00.
We are encouraging all schools, particularly schools in the ERST network, to consider taking part in this campaign.
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Coláiste Éamann Rís, Wexford |
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Leaving Certificate Results 2021
There were fantastic results across the board for the Wexford CBS Class of 2021. 55 of our students received over 400 points, with 26 of those earning over 500.
Years of hard work, study and sacrifice led to eight students receiving over 600 points. Here we have Mr. Hegarty and Mr. Nolan pictured with those students; Jack Forde, Kieran Morris, Conor Keane, David Kelly, Will Sidney, Darragh Collins, Seán White and Masib Jawad. These students were delighted with their results and a special mention must go to Conor Keane and David Kelly who both achieved 625 points each.
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Meitheal Leader Team 2021/22
Pictured: (Back L-R) Tautvydas Sniezka, Conor Dobbs, Dylan Power, Seán Carty, Darragh Sinnott, Cillian Doyle, (Front L-R) Sam Day, Quinton Kelly, Ms M. Sinnott, Ronan Brennan, John Hore and Dean Cash. Missing from picture: Ryan Malone.
Well done to those who were chosen to act as Meitheal Leaders for the 2021/22 academic year. They play a vital role in helping our new first years settle into life as a secondary school student. They offer support to those who need it and are there to look out for your son if required. Ms. M Sinnott coordinates the Meitheal Leader Programme and if you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact her at msinnott@wexfordcbs.ie.
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School Pitch Development
Progress on the new school Astro Pitch is going well and should be completed by mid-term break. We hope to be in a position to hire it out in evenings and on Saturday and Sunday to groups. We are currently exploring a booking system to facilitate this.
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Sixth Year Geographical Investigations
This term, 6th Year Geography students completed a study of coastal deposition and transport along the shorelines of Curracloe and Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford.
Students worked collaboratively when preparing, planning and executing their field investigation. Each group demonstrated an excellent degree of team work, individual responsibility and dedication to their tasks.
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The Geographical Investigation is a chance to showcase a student’s proficiency in the application and use of a range of geographical skills that have been developed and accumulated over the course of the Geography syllabus. Students illustrate their knowledge in map interpretation, figure interpretation, photograph analysis, statistical analysis, figure drawing, information technology and reporting writing during this section of the Geography curriculum.
Mr Byrne, Ms Ivers, Mr Whitty, and the Geography Department as a whole, would like to extend a warm well done to all those involved. It was wonderful to have everyone out in the open air whilst learning and enjoying coastal geography.
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Sexton St CBS Primary Limerick |
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(Left to right): Niall O’Callaghan, C.E.O., L.E.D.P., Doireann Garrard, Deputy School Principal, C.B.S., Br. James Dormer. Chairperson School B.o.M., George Lee, L.E.P.D. and Denis Barry, School Principal.
Pupils: Evan Carey and Andrezj Gladyz
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Pupils benefit from donation of Laptops.
PUPILS attending Scoil Iosagain CBS Primary School in Limerick city are set to benefit from the donation of a suite of laptops for educational use.
The laptops were part of a surplus supply of equipment at Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP), originally supporting a pilot course on Environmental Studies during the pandemic, which encouraged adults from the Southside of Limerick to re-enter the workforce.
It has been recognised the ‘digital divide’ experienced by students in need has been exacerbated by the pandemic and risks of learning regression among students from low progression areas remains a serious concern.
With limited funding and resources, many DEIS schools across Limerick rely on donations and external financial aid to meet the technology needs of students.
To assist in meeting those needs within the local community, LEDP has worked collaboratively with Scoil Iosagain C.B.S. Primary School to close the gap with those students who have learning difficulties.
"This donation from LEDP is timely as we get back to class-based teaching and aim to ensure no one student has a barrier to learning and growing in our school," said Denis Barry, principal of Scoil Iosagain.
"The laptops will allow us to provide high quality teaching and reach out to disadvantaged pupils who are in our care. It will allow them to participate and feel part of the school community, and we are grateful to LEDP for facilitating our work,” he added.
The laptop donation marks another effort from LEDP to connect people to opportunities through education and have a meaningful impact in the community - a key strategic objective of the partnership.
"We recognised an opportunity to provide our community with the tools and equipment to close the digital divide and enhance technology access in Scoil Iosagain. We are part of an overall ecosystem, and we want to maintain a healthy one through these education supporting initiatives. This is our community and when we have opportunities to provide support in any capacity, we will do so," said Niall O’Callaghan, CEO of LEDP
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Basketball.
Jason Killeen, captain of the Irish mens basketball team recently paid a visit to his former primary school, C.B.S. Sexton St., Limerick.
Jason met with the pupils and showed them the European Trophy the Irish mens basketball team won in the European small nations mens basketball tournament.
(Left to right): Tommy Walsh, basketball coach, Denis Barry, school principal, C.B.S. Sexton St., Jason Killeen, captain of the Irish mens basketball team with the European Basketball Trophy and Matt Hall, Basketball Ireland.
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Coláiste Mhichíl Sexton Street |
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Your Gallery at School
Sexton Street CBS has been picked to take part in a new
educational initiative in partnership with the National Gallery.
It is one of three secondary schools selected to take part in the new scheme,
named Your Gallery at School.
This autumn, the
gallery will work with staff and students of the school to create a tailored
programme of age-appropriate activities.
With a focus on
learning through and about art, wellbeing and creative careers, Your Gallery at
School comprises individual practical workshops, sensory sessions, talks and
questions-and-answers for selected schools.
The programme
includes a practical workshop inspired by the national collection, Wellbeing,
which focuses on slow-looking and mindfulness, plus creative careers, which is
a talk with gallery staff and an established artist.
The hope is this
will allow students to learn about a variety of arts careers.
The project is
sponsored by aircraft leasing firm SMBC Aviation Capital.
Its chief
executive Peter Barrett said: “SMBC Aviation Capital is proud to support the
National Gallery of Ireland in this innovative and important programme,
bringing Your Gallery at School to children who may not usually be able to
engage with the gallery.”
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Cahercalla Coffee Morning
On Friday October 15th our Student Council held the annual Bewleys Coffee Morning in aid of Cahercalla Hospice. We raised over 360 euro for this brilliant cause.
Due to Covid restrictions, there was a schedule followed where each class group was accompanied by their class teacher to the CBS Kitchen where Neville and his team had hot drinks and plenty of baked goods ready for each group. We were very fortunate to have many parents, students and staff members also donate baked goods to the cause.
Well done to our diligent School Council for organising and hosting a successful and enjoyable Coffee morning and thank you to all involved.
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Ennistymon CBS -An Autism Friendly School.
The Transition Year class was given the opportunity to receive an Autism Awareness Workshop at the start of October. It proved to be so successful that teachers and SNAs who attended felt that the whole school should get the training. The response from parents and their sons who are on the autism spectrum as well as neurotypical students was overwhelmingly positive. It is anticipated that the rest of the students and staff will have completed their autism awareness training before the end of the first school term.
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A Teacher's Perspective
AsIAm – A Wonderful Presentation
Recently I had the privilege of attending an afternoon workshop delivered by the autism awareness foundation, AsIAm. With a recent SEN qualification, I considered myself well-educated regarding autism. However, this workshop was so enlightening and beneficial that I would recommend it as a necessary whole-school programme to create an autism friendly school. The facilitator was a wonderful narrator, asking our students suitably leading questions to establish their present knowledge regarding autism. Our students showed their collective understanding through reflective answers. As an educator, it was fantastic to witness our students engage with the narrator, through answering questions and taking part in active learning. The question-and-answer segment at the end of the workshop was excellent and truly one of those moments that as a teacher you will remember forever, as our students responded in such an honest, open and inclusive manner to each other.
A Neurotypical Student's Perspective
On Monday 4th of October 2021, we had a speaker from AsIAm come in to facilitate a workshop on Autism awareness. I found it remarkably interesting and informative as I have been in a class with neurodivergent students since first year and I really had little knowledge of the daily obstacles that they faced.
The workshop showed me the difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent people. I can finally understand some of what people are going through and how difficult it can be. I learned that Autism is caused by the brain being differently wired. It is as simple as that. I now know that neurodivergent people can be overly sensitive to things like smell, light and sound or can find it hard to see light, hear sound and smell. I also learned that neurodivergent people might need to take breaks or have something to play with like a stress ball to keep focused. Overall, I feel that I can now be more helpful and caring with my classmates in certain situations.
A Parent's Perspective
Over the years, I have had the chance to participate in AsIam workshops and conferences.
Each meeting was an invaluable source of information and rich in emotions. The speakers don’t just explain what autism is, but how the persons can feel, be affected in their daily activities and social interactions. It helps stepping into their shoes.
To the attendees with autism, the presentations bring a new level of acknowledgement of their daily challenges which was a great relief for our son.
Having our son enrolled in a school participating in the AsIAm Autism School friendly project like CBS Ennistymon is a real chance. Since he started in 1st year, he is not just going to school but knows he is really included.
Following the AsIam workshop and sharing his personal experience, a new chapter of the journey started for him. He was overwhelmed by his friends' support and being accepted “As He Is”. Since the workshop , he is more relaxed and confident. It seems that the weight of the world was lifted from his shoulders.
A Neurodivergent Student’s Perspective
It was on Monday the 4th of October 2021 that we had our AsIAm workshop which took place in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon. The aim of the workshop was to make our school more autism aware and give us a better understanding of what autism is. I knew this was going to be a big important day for me as I am also in the autism spectrum. I even wore my AsIAm badge that day.
A young man came in to give us a presentation on the many different areas of autism and what an autistic person is going through in their life. We started with some ‘’true or false’’ questions to test our current knowledge of autism and not many people got answers wrong which was good. It was mind-blowing for me how much in-depth explanation there was. The gentleman was full of humour which is always a good thing to have, and the explanations of the different terms and everything else was very detailed. I had a feeling the entire TY class was as engrossed as fully in the workshop as I was. It’s hard for neurotypical people to step into the shoes of an autistic person but the illustrations helped us do just that. Then there came the big moment I had been waiting for since 1st year. When the presentation was over, we were given an opportunity to ask any questions we had and that was when I found the courage to do something I should have done 3 years ago when I first came to the school, I finally told to my entire TY group I was autistic myself and I never got so much respect from my classmates in my life until that point! I was so emotional and happy that the huge weight on my shoulders was removed. It was a day I will never forget. Since that day I have a much better relationship with the other students in the class, and I am almost always coming to school with a smile on my face. |
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Bishop Fintan Gavin pictured with some First Year students. |
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New First Years
We were delighted to welcome our new First Year pupils to CBC on 1 September for a special introductory day. Following a service of welcome led by Fr Stephen Cummins, our new classes began an orientation programme with their Year Head, Anna O’ Brien, Mentor teachers and our Fifth Year Meitheal team. Most Rev Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, who had hoped to join the boys on their first day, visited each class later in the week and gave a special blessing for the start of the year.
In early September, current and past pupils involved in the Cork Minor, U20 and Senior Hurling panels paid a courtesy visit to CBC. Players included Sixth Year Mikey Finn (Electric Ireland Minor Team of the Year) and All-Star nominees Robert Downey, teacher Seamus Harnedy and Shane Barrett (Young Hurler of the Year nominee).
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While Covid is still very much on our minds and continues to impact on school life for everyone, it is great to see sports and other pursuits starting to open up again. We were very proud of our students’ involvement in a range of activities. Fifth Year Henry O’ Riordan attended an international session of the European Youth Parliament in Kiev in late September and Sean Murphy from Sixth Year travelled to Monaco to compete in an international Chess meet. Fourth Year Jonathan Walsh won the Five Lamps Short Story Competition and Fearghal Desmond from Sixth Year was selected as a member of the Irish team for the World Schools Debating Championship later this year. Fionn Kimber O’ Shea from Fourth Year will take part in the Baltic Way Maths Olympiad and the Iranian Geometry Olympiad next month. Finally, brothers David and Kamil Novak received a call up to the Irish U18 Rugby training camp which takes place over mid term.
Our Student Leadership team began their work under the direction of newly elected School Captain Stephen Ahern and Vice Captain Louis Healy. New Student Council members attended the ERST Student Council Sessions with Dr Domnall Flemming from the UCC School of Education in October.
The CBC Past Pupils Union celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year and, to mark the occasion, a special artwork was commissioned. Created by Peter Martin, past pupil and member of staff, ‘Aontacht’ (Unity), recognises the support and solidarity that the PPU has shown to the school over the past 90 years and celebrates the unbreakable bond between Christian Brothers College and its graduates.
Created in a contemporary style, using traditional stained glass techniques, the panel consists of hundreds of pieces of glass, painted and fired with stains and enamels which are then leaded together. The bottom half of the panel is an abstract representation on the original school building on Wellington Road as well as the arched entrance to the existing school. There are 90 strips of glass running through the bottom half, each representing a year of the PPU’s contribution to school life. The top half represents the diagonal of both the CBC tie and the Past Pupils tie. The Past Pupils tie weaves its way through the entire panel, representing spirit, ethos and values that hold the CBC community together. The light in the window recalls the first meeting of the PPU which took place in the Physics Lab on 23 March 1931.
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Francis Street CBS Primary |
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Co-education
It has been a remarkable start to the year for all of us here in Francis Street. Education began in Francis Street in 1846! Our school has always been the school of the Franner Boy.
This year, for the first time in the school’s history, we enrolled junior infants boys and girls!!
We enrolled a class of 22 Junior infants of which 13 are girls!! It has been a delight for us all to see our older children bringing their younger siblings to school. Our first junior infants teacher is Cathy Howlett and the SNA in the class is Steven Masterson. They have both done an incredible job in making the new children feel welcome.
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Our new beginnings have also coincided with a new school uniform and a brand new playspace on our yard. We wanted to create a small child friendly area on our yard for our new younger children. For the past year, our Parents Association have helped us with various fund raising events from raffles to a Zoom bingo night. A special thanks to A&L Goodbody Solicitors and the generosity of everyone at Capital Credit Union for helping us to complete this project. We recently had a small opening ceremony of our playspace with all our sponsors.
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In recent weeks we have elected a brand new Student Council, Green Team, Well Being Warriors, Fit Squad and Gaeilge Coiste. We also celebrated National Fitness day and Goal Jersey Day.
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Boxing
Thanks to Ed our boxing coach for completing the bronze level IABA boxing program with both our 5th
& 6th classes. We are also extremely grateful to have received a set of keys for a brand new astro turf pitch in Kevin Street that are children can access every Friday morning. We are all looking forward to an exciting year ahead!!!
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New pupils at Doon C.B.S. Primary School, September 2021.
Back
Row (L to R.) Cormac Murphy, Tommy Treacy, Preston White, Ms. Mary
Campbell-Ryan, Class S.N.A., Ms. Joanne O’Connell, School Principal, Ms
Elizabeth Doherty, Class Teacher, John Cahill, Ned Purcell, P.J. Cusack, and
Joseph Ryan.
Front
Row: Oisin Ryan, Paddy Ryan, Zachary Bracken, Fionn O’Brien, Alan Kelly,
Ernestas Puidokas, Rory Morrissey and Gearoid Hanley.
Best of luck to them all and to their teachers and S.N.A. for the year ahead.
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6th Class Writing Competition
Niamh from U.L. presents Cian Hanrahan of Doon CBS Primary School, with his U.L. hoodie for being overall winner of the U.L. 6th Class writing competition.
The 6th class won the 6th class writing competition outlining what they like best about U.L. Niamh was delighted to meet with the class and present the prizes.
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Crossing the County Bounds.
A part of Active Schools Week the pupils from 5 and 6 class at Doon C.B.S. Primary School cycled from Doon to Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary.
They were accompanied by their school teachers and members of An Garda Siochana.
Pictured outside Our Lady of Fatima Church in Cappawhite;
(left to right); Denis Moloney (teacher), Gda. John Clifford, Gda. Aidan Larkin, Gda. Ivan Hannify, Sgt. Lorraine Mulcahy and Joanne O’Connell, School Principal and a native of Cappawhite, with the boys from Doon C.B.S.
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First Communion
Doon C.B.S. Boys who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday 4 September in St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Doon. The celebrant was Fr. Jimmy Donnelly, Parish Priest, Doon.
Back Row: Cathal Morrissey, Jack Butler, Evan Fahey and Sean O’Dwyer Murphy.
Front Row: Lee Mc Sweeney, Ryan Stapleton, Harry Butt and Dovydas Puidokas.
Pictured with Ms. Joanne O’Connell, School Principal and Ms. Elizabeth Breen, Class teacher.
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Flower Arrangement
Paddy Ryan and Michael Ryan, 6th Class pupils, with their flower arrangements as part of Creative Schools Week.
The second picture show Ryan Stapleton, Padog O’Brien and Paddy O’Brien with their table centre pieces made in school with local florist, Siobhan Somers. |
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Gaelcholáiste Mhuire Corcaigh |
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Ar fheabhas chun iar-dhalta Conchúr Ó Murchú a fheiceáil ó @UCCMedHealth. €600 bailithe ar son @SurgeonNoonan!
It was great to see one of our Past Pupils, Conchúr Ó Murchú, who is studying Medicine in UCC – Conchúr is taking part in the UCC Surgeon Noonan Society Project. The Surgeon Noonan Society is a student-run charity raising funds for medical aid to Africa.
GCM held a Lá Dearg, to raise funds for this wonderful cause, and were delighted to pass on over €600 which came from the Students. The Project has, so far for this year’s trips, raise over €155,000!
The Lá Dearg was a fundraising initiative, but it was decided to go with a Lá Dearg to show our support for Ellen Ní Mhurchú, one of our Teaching Staff, who was in the Cork panel for the All-Ireland Camogie Final on September 12th. Ellen, and the entire Cork team did us proud.
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Ultimate Hell Week
Coimeád súil ar RTE One ar a 9.35pm, Dé Céadaoin, chun Valerie Ní Mhaolcatha a fheiceáil ar Ultimate Hell Week!
Legendary Cork footballer, and GCM Múinteoir, Valerie Ní Mhaolcatha is participating in the Ultimate Hell Week programme for the @LGBT.ie charity. Text Recruit 16 to 50300 to donate €4!
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Mental Health
Mental health is every bit as important as academic progress. Our P.E. department put together a series of helpful short clips/videos - clips of short Yoga workouts, “5 min workouts”, circuit training and other ideas to help everyone get into the fitness habit. All too often the most difficult part is getting started but it’s worth it for both mental and physical wellbeing! |
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God's Gifts
At Oatlands Primary, everyone has been really enjoying this new academic year so far. Autumn is such a beautiful season ! The colours and nature of Autumn are such strong testaments to God's gifts. There is great hope and joy in coming back together again this term.
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Oatlands Buddy System
Our new Junior infants have been working so hard, and have been getting a helping hand from their enthusiastic senior 'mentors' or 'buddies', who have been collaborating with their junior counterparts for fun phonics, reading and word blending activities. This has all taken place outdoors, in nature, which has been so lovely for all the boys and girls. This helps keep everyone safe, in the current climate. This initiative, of working side by side has benefited every student, and the great example shown by the older boys and girls, to the youngest children is inspiring!
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Non Uniform Day
There was a great response to Oatlands non-uniform day, where the total of 812.00 euro was raised for the charity Unicef. This money will go towards helping children who really need it, around the world. We thank God for all that we have, and our focus on gratitude reminds us to always think of those who need our help. Especially when so many are suffering in poverty, and with severe lack of medical care, this is much needed help.
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Autumn Themed Activities
Our Autumn Aistear themes have been so much fun. The boys and girls have been really working hard on Aistear topics such as building spooky houses together, creating clay spiders, painting and drawing bats, and there was also a focus on woodland animals such as stags, hedgehogs and owls.
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Hedgehog Rescue Ireland
We had a little woodland visitor to our yard this October. Mr Pyne saw that this little hedgehog was trapped in a corner of a wooden structure. He then brought the little fellow inside to safety. He was dehydrated and thin, as he had been stuck in the corner, unable to get out. He was promptly collected by Hedgehog Rescue Ireland, within the hour, and they fed him and fattened him up for release into the wild. This organisation is really wonderful, and works tirelessly to help wildlife. We got a lovely update that the hedgehog was doing really well !
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Art and History
There has been a focus this month on the Spanish artist Antoni Gaudi, who single handedly changed the face of Art and Architecture, in the city of Barcelona.
Children have been learning about his colours, shapes and about his wonderful cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, or Holy Family Church.
Boys and girls of all class levels enjoy his colourful mosaics and his awe-inspiring buildings.
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October Seasonal Parade
Halloween Dress up day was a big hit with teachers and pupils alike! The great effort put in by the students was remarkable.
We had our Annual Halloween Oatlands Parade, which we have not been able to do for a couple of years due to COVID-19. The whole school walked to the Stillorgan Shopping Centre, where our families and friends could gather, and the community of shopkeepers came out too, to see all the seasonal costumes. There was a lovely atmosphere in the air! Getting together really is good for the soul!
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Fr. Des Mc Auliffe, Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Ennis Road, Limerick, congratulates Frankie Naughton on his recent excellent Leaving Certificate results. Frankie was a pupil at Ardscoil Ris, North Circular Road and is now a student at Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick.
Frankie is a eucharist minister in the parish church and is also a member of Na Piarsaigh G.A.A. Club.
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Coláiste Éamann Rís Callan |
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These students are wearing the uniform for our new school Coláíste Abhainn Ri, laying the foundation of co-education in Callan.
First Year 1B Class with their Year Tutor Miss Rice Kelly. |
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First Year 1A Class with their Year Tutor Miss McCormack. |
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First Class 1C Class with their Year Tutor Mr. Keoghan
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Culture Week 2021
-Flying the flag-
Despite the collateral damage to school life caused by Covid 19 our annual Culture Week proceeded this year thanks mainly to the efforts of Ms. Mc Manus (photographed with 1st
Year S.P.H.E students and Deputy Principal Ms. Kelly). All 1st Year students were encouraged to get involved in an assignment in preparation for 'The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development" on 21st May’. They focused on the theme of inclusion and the of diversity of the student body within our school.Pupils were asked to create a poster, a PowerPoint Presentation, or a written piece to showcase their country of origin or affiliation. Many impressive contributions emerged as students enthusiastically got involved. It was a wonderful opportunity for all to achieve greater understanding of the value of cultural diversity and about the importance learn of living together in harmony.
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Graduation Class 2021
Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan’s Leaving Cert Class of 2021 attended socially distanced mini-graduation ceremonies in the Sports Hall on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th
May. The students attended the ceremonies in groups of 45, sat two metres apart and wore masks throughout. Unfortunately, no parents, family or friends were allowed to attend but the ceremonies were streamed live online for the first time.
The ceremonies were also made available for delayed viewing which ensured that everyone who wanted to watch could do so at a time convenient to them. The Live Stream certainly created a noticeable giddy excitement and nervous tension among the students as the countdown call went out “Ten seconds to live broadcast, nine, eight, seven…..”!
Deputy principal Mr. Geraghty opened the 1st ceremony by welcoming the students and the audience watching the live stream. Mr. Lyons, (who was Year Head for three years of the graduates that did TY) did similar in the 2nd ceremony.
Both praised the students for the respect, courtesy and co-operation that they have displayed throughout their time in the school and complimented them for stepping up to the mark every time requests and demands were made of them, most especially since the pandemic began disrupting their education. 6th yr student Michael Connolly was then invited to the stage to make his address to his classmates.
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Michael, who was keeping up a family tradition (his brother Edward made the valedictory speech in 2019), began by reflecting on the new routines and behaviours they all had to adjust to over the past 15 months in the school. Michael spoke of online learning, Zoom classes, wi-fi problems, social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitising and new lunchtime routines that required some creative thinking from the students seeking some socially distanced entertainment (where football was replaced with berry throwing and spin-the-bottle fruit Dodgeball!). He then recounted some of his favourite memories of his 6 years at Coláiste Phádraig including trips to Amsterdam, Carlingford and Italy. He lamented the enforced cancellation of the much anticipated Zambia 2020 trip that he was part off but spoke of his pride that a number of different charities and good causes will instead benefit from the funds raised.
Michael’s valedictory address would usually be a once-in-a-life-time experience but on this occasion he got the opportunity to hone his speech and do it all again the following day!
Mr. Carey, the Year Head of 6th
yrs, then took the opportunity to address the students. He complimented the students on their excellent behaviour and good manners in his dealings with them over the past two years.
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Principal Mr. Brady then addressed the congregation and he began by listing with regret some of the things our 6th
yrs have missed out on because of the pandemic such as the annual 6th
yr Breakfast get-together, the Awards Night, the traditional 6th yr v Teachers soccer match (which they usually lose!), a Graduation mass and the Debs among other things.
Mr. Brady praised them for their roles as prefects, their work on the Student Council, their involvement in so many fundraising initiatives, most especially the Zambia 2020 project, their success throughout the years with the Tráth na gCeist, BT Young Scientist Exhibition, SciFest to name but a few, as well as their numerous sporting successes over the years.
As is tradition, the principal then closed the Graduation ceremony by reading a powerful and thought-provoking parable called “Pebbles” (primarily about prioritising family, health, passions and friends above all else), which was printed on the other side of their graduation certs.
The students then received their graduation certs, Coláiste Phádraig Cuff Links, as well as the 6th
yr group photo, put together beautifully by our art teacher Ms. Ryan, who took everyone’s photo individually. At the 2nd ceremony on Friday, the main end-of-year awards were re-presented to the winners in front of their fellow graduates and loved ones watching online.
Afterwards, the students moved to the Memorial Garden for treasured Graduation photographs and some reminiscing with their teachers.
It was lovely to be able to celebrate the important milestone in the students’ lives and we wish them all the best for the future.
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Edmund Rice College Dublin |
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Sod-Turning for New School Building
The Minister for Education, Norma Foley, recently attended a sod turning ceremony for the newest Edmund Rice school. This school, Edmund Rice College Dublin, will serve the communities of the Castleknock / Carpenterstown area and is situated on the site of the Phoenix Park racecourse. The school Principal, Brendan Harrington addressed a gathering of students, parents, Board of Management members and public representatives and spoke of his delight at seeing the sod been turned for a most modern educational facility. He spoke of how in the previous 4 years the school had operated at temporary locations and looked forward to the opening of the new school in the not too distant future. Minister Foley and An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar also address the gathering.
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We have had a very active beginning to the 2021/2022 year. We are very proud of last year's 6th years lwho were awarded outstanding leaving cert results. They are now spread across the country studying courses such as Medicine, Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Construction Management, Law, Creative Music Production and Digital Forensics, the list could go on.
We are now focussed on our current students and have made great efforts to ensure that each year is gaining a holistic education in Oatlands College. Below are some of the activities that have been run to achieve this.
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Transition Year
Transition years started the school year by taking part in an early morning swim at the forty foot in Dublin. The bravest among them showed off their diving skills while the more cautious of the group settled for small steps into the cold water.
They have also been keeping up their fitness levels with some dance classes that focussed on teamwork skills and also a challenging class that involved learning various skipping techniques as part of a series of workshops with SKIPnROPE.
The outdoor activities continued with a 7km walk along the cliffs between Bray and Greystones. The walk ended with a swim in the sea in Lady's Cove.
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The ever-popular Reptile workshop brought the students outside their comfort zones where social distancing rules went out the window.
They enjoyed getting up close to some lizards and snakes.
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This week the teachers were treated to beautiful coffees of all varieties made by the transition year students. They were well trained in the art of coffee-making by the Dublin Barista School who taught the students how to make tasty beverages using professional coffee machines.
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Hugo Gwiazdowski |
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Hugo Gwiazdowski is a Second Year student who is one to watch in the future. He is part of the Under-15 Republic of Ireland football team that defeated Montenegro 2-0 at an away game. All in Oatlands College are immensely proud of his achievement.
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Jack Nolan |
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Another Sporting hero is Jack Nolan in fifth year who is part of the Leinster under-18 clubs squad that were crowned interprovincial champions recently.
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Lastly, our senior rugby team started off their season well with a 12-7 win against Sandford Park.
First year Sports Afternoon
In an effort to get our First Year classes to know each other a bit better, Oatlands College held a sports afternoon with the whole year group. The students took part in several sporting activities including Football, Penalty Shoot Outs and Tug of War. It was agreed by all that it was a great way to release the students from the confines of their desks and their rooms in order to get out and see who else was in their year.
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First Year Archaeological dig
First Years also got a unique opportunity to conduct an archaeological dig as part of their history class. The Irish School of Archaeology were on hand to run the dig and to teach students some basic skills. Students found various artefacts such as animal skulls, swords and axe handles. The first years loved the practical experience and are still talking about the event now, it has truly sparked their interest in the subject.
Charity Bake Sale
Transition Year students held a big Coffee Morning and bake sale last Friday in aid of the National Hospice Movement.
The students baked lots of homemade treats such as brownies, cookies and cupcakes in our Home Economic Kitchen. Members of the Parent Council also attended and the students served tea, coffee and cakes to them.
The event was a huge success with over €700 raised for the great cause.
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6th Year Geography
6th Year Geographers spent an afternoon in the National Museum at Collins Barracks with Geological Survey Ireland where they charted and explored Ireland's geology at the Down to Earth exhibition. This complemented the learning that they had done in class and enhanced their study of geology.
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Barretstown Residential Leadership Programme
Twelve 5th Year students spent three days and two nights in Barretstown. The students got insight into the work that is done in Barretstown and how it benefits the children and families that attend.
The students got to experience some of the activities that are conducted with families and assisted with the set up for the next group of families that were arriving.
Last year the students fundraised for Barretstown and raised €11,964 in advance of their visit. Students gained an appreciation of the difficulties that other families are going through and they were delighted to be able to help out with the important work that is done in Barretstown.
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Scifest winners
Oatlands college was very proud of our achievements in science. Conor Quigley in second year was awarded first place in the Accenture Maths in Science Award at Scifest 2021 at TU Dublin, Grangegorman. Ahmed Hassan and Aldrick Vipin from the same class also received certificates of achievement for their Scifest Projects 2021.
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School of Sanctuary in Oatlands College
Oatlands college has made the decision to focus on Anti-Bullying this year as part of its school of sanctuary activities. The school has already run several activities in this first term and has many further plans which will promote inclusiveness and diversity. The ultimate aim is to generate an awareness of the school's stance on bullying.
The following are some of the activities that we have run so far.
A lesson plan was formed and then delivered to students across the school in an effort to make students aware of what bullying is and how each individual is responsible to ensure that bullying is not a part of school life in Oatlands.
A peer mentoring programme was also set up. Mentoring is something that has always run in the school; however there was a renewed focus on the anti bullying message.
Transition Years received a very clear message from Jackie Fox who is the lady responsible for the introduction of Coco’s Law. Her daughter Nicole died by suicide after years of cyber bullying. Hearing her story in the words of her mother had a huge impact on the Transition Year group; one that they say will stay with them for their lives.
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Daniel O’ Dwyer Awarded Brother Horgan Scholarship 2021
Brother Horgan was a native of Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. He joined the Christian Brothers early in his life and found himself teaching in Nenagh CBS, Tipperary, and eventually went on to become Deputy Principal. He joined The Abbey School – An Edmund Rice School, in the late sixties, becoming Deputy Principal and then Principal. Brother Horgan played a major role in shaping the Abbey and quickly focused on the students, in terms of opportunities for further education and employment. At the time, Agricultural Science was developing into a Leaving Certificate subject. He was one of the leaders in bringing this to the school and The Abbey became the first school in Ireland to offer Agricultural Science as a Leaving Certificate subject. He was actively involved in the Abbey all his life until his passing in 2000. The Abbey School Brother Thomas Horgan Scholarship was established in 2019. It aims to honour all that he achieved and carry the ethos of hard work, resilience, determination, and selflessness which Brother Horgan portrayed throughout his life. Each year one 6th Year student is chosen through a stringent recruitment and selection process which is administered by trustees of the scholarship programme, Mr. Conor Hayes, Mr. Michael O’ Dwyer and Ms. Áine O’ Mahoney. It is a competition which attracts a huge population of Leaving Certificate students due to its open and inclusive nature. The financial and mentoring stimulus attached to the award throughout third level education are also very attractive to Leaving Cert students.
Congratulations to Daniel O' Dwyer who has been awarded the Brother Thomas Horgan Academic Scholarship for 2020-2021. Daniel is a student who has been focused, motivated and has worked consistently during the two years of the Leaving Certificate Programme. He has demonstrated great leadership, courage and resilience especially in the past year, which has been a very disconcerting time for all Leaving Certificate students. Daniel completed a rigorous application and interview process and was the student awarded to represent the school with this prestigious programme. Daniel achieved outstanding Leaving Cert results and is currently studying Engineering at UCC. This course is general in Year 1, but Daniel hopes to specialise in Renewable Energy Engineering from Year 2.
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The Brother Horgan Scholarship: A Saving Grace
(By Darragh Collins - Year 2 Scholarship Recipient)
For myself, the Brother Horgan Scholarship came at just the right time. From the start of fifth year I had decided that I could perform a lot better than I did in my Junior Cert exams. I stayed determined, I study hard and in the end, I decided that P.E and English teaching in U.L was the course for me. What I liked about this course was the fact it offered me opportunities for postgraduate work in the fields of sports performance while also opening doors in terms of teaching English or P.E at home or abroad. No one could have predicted that even the best plans would be thrown into question with the spread of the pandemic. With schools closed since the 12th of March 2020, the sixth-year class of 2020 was left in limbo. Would there be a leaving cert? How could we prepare for our exams? Is remote learning really viable? Without doubt it was a troublesome time for many. Uncertainty amongst students, teachers and employers left a dark shadow over Ireland, and indeed the wider world. It was at this time that The Brother Horgan Scholarship offered me some resemblance of hope. Despite the troubles of the burgeoning pandemic, The Abbey School stood strong. They offered me something invaluable, something priceless: hope for my future.
The scholarship is open to applications from anyone with the passion, desire, and determination to better themselves in college. The beauty with the Brother Horgan Scholarship is that anyone can win. If an applicant can demonstrate their honest drive for success in the application and interview, success is a very real probability. As a recipient myself, the benefits stretched far beyond what I was expecting. Aside from the €2,500 cheque you receive annually, the scholarship offers something far more valuable in the form of an experienced mentor who will guide you through your journey to college. My mentor has assisted me with everything: redesigning my CV, looking for a summer job and even aiding me in securing accommodation for the academic year. The benefits of the mentor are endless and truly make the scholarship a unique opportunity. I know that going forward with my college course, they will be by my side as a mentor but also as a friend. It is also worth noting that mentors are matched with students based off of their own unique personality and interests, ensuring that the recipient can communicate with someone they can relate with on both a human and professional level.
My first year in UL was admittedly a strange experience, but my mentor was always there to remind me that everyone was in the same boat. The remote learning was as difficult for students as it was for lecturers, however there were some memorable moments. Learning how to play hockey through Zoom was a highlight, despite the fact my dog attempted to interrupt one too many times! Coming into second year, after a year of constant support from the people around me, I was ready to take on campus life and truly experience the joys of college. When I eventually qualify, I see myself taking a few years to hone my craft as a teacher in Ireland. In the not-too-distant future I also envisage myself completing postgraduate degrees in sports performance or potentially school leadership, with the view of becoming a principal down the line. As I said, the beauty with my course is the vast array of future opportunities I can explore.
To conclude, the Brother Horgan Scholarship is a unique opportunity that the Abbey has to offer. The support and guidance offered by your expert mentor is just as valuable as the money in my eyes. I have no doubts that being awarded the scholarship has helped to give me the confidence to take massive strides forward in life. My only advice for future students is to apply with confidence, you have the power to showcase why you deserve it!
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Student Leadership Development – The Abbey School
Congratulations to Brian Marnane and Darragh Barlow who have been elected to the positions of The Abbey School Captain and Vice-Captain for 2021-2022. This is a new development for our school aimed to further promote student voice and empower students who have demonstrated great leadership potential. A selection process which involved nominations from students, staff and an interview took place to determine suitability. Brian and Darragh are both very committed to all aspects of school life. They are great role models for all students in the school and we look forward to working with them for the year ahead in their final year as students at The Abbey School.
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Launch of Headstrong Cycle Against Suicide Campaign 2021 -2022
The Abbey School Headstrong Team launched the programme for the 2021-2022 school year on Monday 11th October as part of World Mental Health Awareness Day
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First Year Art
Our 1st Year Art students got very creative for Halloween and worked on acrylic painting. Some wonderful pieces were put together. Well done to Art Teacher, Ms. Jolene Carey and all students involved. |
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New Senior Leadership Appointments |
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Blarney Street Primary Cork
Kieran Murphy, Acting Principal
Kieran Murphy was appointed Acting Principal of Blarney Street CBS, Cork on the 1st September 2021.
“I am honoured to lead this outstanding Edmund Rice School as Acting Principal while Billy Lynch is working with ERST. It is a privilege to work with such a hardworking and dedicated staff. Blarney Street is a place where children are happy, learning is fun and there is something for everyone”
“This year is a big year for Blarney Street CBS. Traditionally a school for boys, an official change of status to co-educational has allowed the enrolment of both boys and girls into junior infants. A three classroom extension is also underway and will be completed shortly”
Kieran has been teaching in Blarney Street since 2009, having graduated from Mary Immaculate College. He has also served as Assistant Principal and SENCO since 2017. Last year Kieran completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs and is currently undertaking the Masters in Education programme in University College Cork.
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CBS Ennistymon
Kieran Meehan, Acting DP
Kieran, a graduate from the University of Limerick joined the CBS Ennistymon in 1995 having previously worked in St Caiman’s Community School in Shannon.
Kieran is a teacher of Technical Graphics and DCG. He was instrumental in introducing the subject Materials Technology (wood) on to the CBS curriculum. Kieran, a guitar player, has a keen in interest in music. He pioneered a highly successful school rock band project which still runs today.
Kieran is also active in his community, volunteering with the Irish Red Cross and has served on the Board of Directors of the Irish Red Cross and the National Training Working Group.
He is also a Water Safety Instructor and competitive swimming coach with Water Safety Ireland & with Swim Ireland.
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Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore
Brendan Cahill, Deputy Principal
Brendan Cahill, was appointed Deputy Principal to Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore in January 2021. Brendan, a PE and Geography teacher, taught in St. Benildus College, Kilmacud, Dublin for 16 years prior to his appointment and is a past pupil of Thurles CBS.
He is one of three deputy principals in Ardscoil na Mara.
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Information on our other newly-appointed senior leaders will be included in the next edition of e-Síol. |
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Multicultural Awareness Week
Students in Westland Row CBS have asked all Edmund Rice schools in the network to join with them in organising a Multicultural Week on 8th November.
They have prepared a sample outline for the week but schools are free to organise events that are appropriate to their contexts. |
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Climate & Nature Summit, 1st - 5th November |
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November 1st - November 5th
Cop 26
To coincide with Cop 26, the 26th
UN Climate Change Conference being held in Glasgow, Edmund Rice schools are being asked to encourage their students to become involved in a Climate and Nature Summit. This Summit is organised by Patrick Kirwan, Ardscoil na Mara Tramore contains a series of empowering virtual sessions that encourage stimulating climate and nature conversations. The summit is all about positive actions and there is a schedule for primary and post-primary schools. It runs for one week, Nov 1st to 5th. Schools are invited to register their interest in taking part by visiting the website www.climateandnaturesummit.com or by emailing patrickkirwan@ardscoilnamara.ie . We hope your school takes part during the week of Nov 1st to Nov 5th.
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Equality of Opportunity and outcomes in Education
Throughout last year a group of ERST Principals and teachers have been working on a plan to make some practical interventions towards achieving equality in educational opportunities and outcomes for students in Edmund Rice Schools. The plan that they have come up with revolves around four initiatives:
- An Edmund Rice Student Support Group
- An Edmund Rice Bursary towards further education
- Developing close links between our schools and third level institutions
- Liaising with local youth services and Youthwork Ireland.
This plan was launched by Professor Daire Keogh, President of DCU at our Principals’ Conference in September.
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Schools of Sanctuary
Following on from the lead of Mount Sion CBS, 15 further Edmund Rice schools have signed the pledge to become Schools of Sanctuary. They are now beginning to work on their portfolios. This will highlight the actions and campaigns the schools have undertaken to ensure that all seeking sanctuary will find a welcoming place in their school. One proposal is to hold a Multicultural Week from November 8th to 12th
where all participating schools will partake of a series of events to celebrate the many nationalities that make up their school communities.
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New Networks – Guidance Counsellors and AEN teachers
In keeping with our policy of becoming relevant to all the partners in our schools we have this year developed two new networks. A meeting of ERST Guidance Counsellors was held online recently. Thirty Guidance teachers attended and were very keen to become part of this network which they saw as a great support and an opportunity to share. Ideas were expressed on how this network would be developed and also a desire to explore the role of guidance in an Edmund Rice School.
We held a similar meeting of AEN Coordinators in ERST schools and again the opportunity to embrace a network and to share and support was expressed. Deirdre Bourke, NCSE addressed the meeting and answered many queries from the teachers. Many ideas on how this network can be developed were also expressed.
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Introduction of Teachers who are new to ERST Network
An introduction to the Edmund Rice School course was provided in October for teachers who are new to our network. This course was offered over 3 online sessions and was facilitated by the ERST team. The sessions focussed on the values in the ERST Charter and the distinctiveness of the Edmund Rice school. Participants were made aware of the ethos based initiatives that are supported in our schools and encouraged to become involved in these. The sense of belonging to a strong network of school both locally and globally promoting a vision of education in the spirit of Edmund Rice was emphasised. 94 new teachers in total attended these sessions.
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25th Anniversary of the Beatification of Blessed Edmund Rice
The 6th of October this year marked the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Edmund Rice. ERST decided to organise an online event with our EREBB colleagues to celebrate this anniversary. The celebration was held on October 14th and was attended by 96 participants from all over the world. The event was opened by our CE, Gerry Bennett and addressed by Br Edmund Garvey who challenged us to be Edmund Rice people in the world today.
A most inspiring address was delivered by Evona Rebelo, Edmund Rice Education, South Africa on the influence of Blessed Edmund on her life and work. Footage of the celebration that had been held previously in Mount Sion featuring the Mount Sion choir, video clips from students and adults across the globe, speaking on what Edmund Rice means to them and a nostalgic look back at footage from the video commissioned in 1996 at the beatification ceremony in Rome were also included in the event.
We are very grateful to Waterford principals Edward Kennedy, Michael Walshe, Joe Hagan and Padraig Cawley, along with their students, for organising the event in Mount Sion.
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Principals Online Conference
Our Principals’ Conference was held online this year. 6 sessions were held over three days. The themes addressed in these sessions included Additional Needs education, Equality in Educational Outcomes and Opportunities, Advocacy, including Vaccines for all campaign and the upcoming Climate Summit and a positive approach to taking care of yourself. Wayne Tinsey, EREBB, addressed the opening session where he focused on the pillars of Edmund Rice education. Further sessions included input from Deirdre Bourke, NCSE, Jessica Dewhurst, from the Justice Desk in South Africa and Patrick Kirwan, a teacher in Ardscoil na Mara Tramore. There were some inspiring presentations from our Principals, Karen Steenson, Brendan Harrington, Sarah Barry, Denis Barry, Padraig Cawley and John Kiely. The conference was well attended over the three days with most people dipping in and out of the sessions.
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School Ministry Conversations
Last year, in an effort to provide help and resources to RE teachers, School Chaplains and others interested in leading school liturgies, we organised a five night online course which we entitled “ School Ministry and Liturgy Preparation”. This proved very popular with participants. As well as the inputs from presenters a great value for participants was the richness of the discussions in breakout rooms and feedback. Many people have asked if we intend doing something similar this year. As there seems to be a yearning for sharing and collaborating in this area we decided to keep the discussions going this year and we have arranged a series of evening conversations, once a month throughout the year. The format will be a 20 minute input from a selected speaker followed by breakout sessions, discussion and feedback. The first of these sessions was held in October. Fr Chris O Donnell and Aoife Walsh, from the Limerick Diocese facilitated this session. This session focused on nourishing the teacher and included input on faith development and spirituality.
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Student Council Meeting for Students and Teachers
Our first online meeting of the year with representatives of Student Councils was held in October. Dr Domhnall Fleming, UCC, attended and gave a very informative talk to our student leaders. This was attended by over 100 student leaders. Domhnall also delivered an address to our Student Council Coordinating teachers on the subject of student voice.
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The Naughton Scholarships 2021 |
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Each year 36 students are awarded Naughton Scholarships. There is at least one winner from each county in the Republic of Ireland. The scholarship is intended as a reward and encouragement to exceptional students who would like to study in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering and maths) at University. The school of each winning student also receives a prize for the schools' science labs.
The 2021 winners were announced on Saturday last, 30th October.
Scholarships are worth up to €20,000 per student (€5000 per year for up to 4 years of undergraduate study).
Congratulations to the four winning students and their families from schools in the Edmund Rice network and to their schools.
(Photos courtesy of Irish Times 30/10/2021) |
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