Welcome to the Spring 2022 edition of E-Síol |
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Greetings from Gerry Bennett
While there are positive signs that we seem to be turning a corner in relation to Covid, there are still worrying trends in our schools and elsewhere that require us to continue to work together to keep each other safe and minimise the spread of the disease.
We are all shocked by the very distressing news coming from Ukraine on a daily basis and we hope and pray for a resolution that will save lives and end the misery imposed on families there. Well done to all schools in raising awareness of the issues among students and arranging appropriate responses through fundraising and collecting resources.
I hope you enjoy our Spring 2022 edition of E-Síol. I'd like to congratulate Don O'Leary from the Life Centre in Cork and his past student, Darragh Cotter, on winning the inaugural EREBB Europe award for the wonderful work that happens at the centre.
Catholic Schools Week 2022 was a great opportunity to celebrate our Catholic ethos and the stories from our schools illustrate the range of activities in which schools engaged to celebrate this event.
The achievements of Synge Street in the annual Young Scientist competition are remarkable. Aditya Joshi, Aditya Kumar, with the help of their teacher Mr Ger Davin, won the overall prize this year, marking the school's 4th time to win the competition. St Aidan's Dublin, Colásite Phádraig Lucan, Ardscoil Rís Limerick and Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar also had notable successes. Well done to all of you.
Two schools from the international Edmund Rice community - South Africa and Peru - are included in this edition. While the schools are quite different, the ethos is the same.
We wish James' Street CBS (Jamebo) the very best on their 200th anniversary. I look forward to reading the digital book.
Best wishes to all our schools involved in extra-curricular activities. Naas CBS and Ardscoil Rís are involved in the All-Ireland Football and Hurling finals, respectively, and we look forward to seeing you on our tv screens on St Patrick's Day.
Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and best wishes for the remainder of the school year. Gerry. |
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All - Ireland Colleges Finals
Best of luck to our two schools, Naas CBS and Ardscoil Rís Limerick, in Croke Park on St. Patrick's Day. |
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Our events calendar can be found on our website here: Events - Edmund Rice Schools (erst.ie) - Tuesday March 15th: Student Council Leaders and Teacher mentor (Zoom)
- Tuesday March 15th: Meeting of schools involved (or wishing to become involved in Schools of Sanctuary (Zoom)
- Wednesday March 16th: Network of Career Guidance & Counselling Teachers (zoom)
- Thursday March 17th: Happy St. Patrick's Day
- Tuesday March 29th: Meeting of Chairpersons of BOMs in Primary Schools
- Thursday April 7th: Student Council Conference for primary and secondary schools
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Edmund Rice Europe: Use Your Voice Award |
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Don O’Leary and Darragh Cotter have received the inaugural Edmund Rice Europe community’s ‘Use Your Voice’ award for excellence in advocacy.
The award recognises excellence in advocacy and the recipients will get a perpetual trophy and a €500 donation towards their future advocacy work.
Gerry Bennett, CEO of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust said that Don O’Leary, the Director of the Cork Life Centre, has played a key role in the lives of young people who find themselves outside the mainstream secondary education system by offering them an alternative learning environment.
While Darragh Cotter, a past student of the Cork Life Centre, had played a pivotal role in advocating for action on climate change as a founding member of Cork’s ‘Fridays for Future Movement’.
The ceremony took place in the Cork Life Centre on Friday 4th March.
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Celebrating with Don and Darragh were Louise Callaghan (ERST), Dónal Ó Buachalla (GCM), David Lordon (CBC), Larry Jordan (CBC Preparatory School), Carl O'Brien, Marc MacGabhann (GCM), Tony McSweeney (North Mon), Kieran Murphy (Blarney St) and Billy Lynch (ERST). |
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Pictured are Darragh Cotter, Louise Callaghan, Don O'Leary, Cormac McAirt (Westcourt, Belfast) and Aidan Donaldson (Westcourt, Belfast). |
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Living Life to the Full
Living life to the fullest has always been at the heart of life in CBS Kilkenny, so we were delighted that the theme of CSW2022 allowed us to reflect upon and celebrate this aspect of our school community so fully.
After the difficulties of the last two years and the hardship of separation that it enforced upon us, we were eager to utilise CSWW 2022 to reconnect fully as a community with each other, with our broader community and with our Christian faith. Our CSW2022 committee, in liaison with our Student Council devised an exciting programme of events across the week which emphasised the need to live life to the fullest by underlining the importance of others in our lives and our importance in theirs.
Activities included a visit to the birthplace of Blessed Edmund in Callan, where our 1st Years learned of the deep roots, rich heritage and proud educational traditions of our network of schools.
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Our Trad band brought joy to the residents of St. Columba’s Nursing Home in Thomastown, helping them celebrate the arrival of better times and reconnect with the broader community with a stirring performance of traditional favourites |
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In school itself, we reflected on the importance of inclusion in our community with a CBS Kilkenny CSW2022 bookmark design, as well as a wonderful art installation and video which celebrated the twenty-five different nationalities that we have represented among our student body, while our very popular photo competition encouraged our students to see our gospel values in the world around them.
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Huge thanks to Ms Kehoe, the CSW2022 committee, the Student Council and all the students and staff who contributed to a highly enjoyable week. Special thanks must be offered to Mr Ryan and the Woodwork Department, for their fantastic installation to mark CSW2022 and to permanently place our ethos at the heart of our school. We are sure that it will provide inspiration for Catholic Schools Weeks for many years to come.
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Francis Street CBS Primary |
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After 2 years of no action, our GAA team has finally started training again. We have 33 boys in 4th-6th class vying for places in our match day squad. The boys have been training in the morning before school. Thanks to our coaches Shane, David and Lee for all their efforts. When the day came for our first match there was huge excitement as the school jerseys were brought out. We won our first match against Marlboro Street. Looking forward to game week 2!!
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Jordana and Maebh’s AS classes have been extremely busy the last couple of months. They have been adopting a monthly thematic approach. The month of January was a celebration of dinosaurs and we even had a T-Rex visit the school. Each boy brought a child from the mainstream class to join in the dino fun. We’re looking forward to a space celebration at the end of February.
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The Normans
Our 5th classes have been learning all about the Normans. In Shane’s class they created incredible Norman Castles. The boys worked together in groups planning, constructing and spray-painting over the last month!
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We are delighted to be collaborating with UCD who will be delivering a Primary School Law Programme. The 5-week programme will consist of four in-class workshops delivered by final year UCD Law students. During these workshops, the boys will be introduced to the law and the legal profession, and get the opportunity to ask any questions they have about being a Law student in UCD. Students will also prepare the boys for a mock trial that will take place on the UCD campus.
We are really enjoying our Artist of the Month project. So far, we have learned all about Keith Haring, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso!!
Our Student Council has also been very busy and is linking in with the student council in Dalkey Forest School Project. The members also got to pick the pupil of the week in their class last week. We are delighted that each child opted to focus on kindness when selecting the recipient of the cert.
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Young Scientist Exhibition
Coláiste Phádraig had seven students taking part in this year's Virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which took place in early January.
Two of our students, 3rd Years Jevin Joy and Taha Fareed, as well as their science teacher Mr. Carey, were invited to The Mansion House in Dublin (where the very 1st Exhibition actually took place in 1965) on Tuesday 11th
January for the official launch of this year’s contest.
The students took part in a number of TV and radio interviews throughout the launch and they appeared on all of the main News reports later on that day. They spoke with clarity, maturity and passion and they should be very proud of themselves. They also had their photos taken as well and these were used in every main newspaper, both online and in print. Taha and Jevin were fantastic ambassadors for the school throughout the day and they should be very proud of themselves. They were also delighted to meet and have their photo taken with last year’s BT Young Scientist and Exhibition winner Greg Tarr, who had kind words of encouragement and support for our two students.
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Taha and Jevin Joy ended up finishing a highly respectable 2nd in the Intermediate Technology Section with their project. They also won an award from Science Foundation Ireland in recognition of the project’s positive contribution to Irish society. The students developed their own computer model using Artificial Intelligence to predict future cryptocurrency values.
Their method uses Bayes’ theorem and Bayesian optimisation to enhance AI so their project is extremely well researched and clever. They are currently launching a website to assist the public in predicting the course of their investments. This is the third time the students have entered the Young Scientists Exhibition and the second year in a row winning an award so they can be extremely proud of their efforts and contributions to the Exhibition. They are determined to qualify again and go one better next time.
2nd
yrs Joel Emmanuel and Rohit Tummala also entered a project the Junior Group Technology section entitled “Kinetic Kicks” which analysed how heat can be removed from shoes/runners to help with medical conditions such as Athletes’ Foot etc. The judges praised them for their work and especially how green it was and good for the environment. The pair qualified for last year’s Exhibition also so they are gaining invaluable experience each time.
3rd
yrs Elvin Garcia, Aniruddh and Abhinav Sriram entered a project in the Intermediate Technology Section entitled “Safe School Mask”. They were praised by the judges for the ingenuity of their research and excellent presentation skills.
Well done to the students on being such outstanding ambassadors for the school throughout the Exhibition and many thanks to Mr. Carey for supporting and guiding them through the entire process.
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Awards:
Each month in the school, three important awards are presented to students.
The Mark O’ Neill Student of the Month Award is named after a 2nd yr student who sadly passed away at the age of 14 in 2007. Mark was a model student; quiet, respectful, diligent, well-mannered, mature, good-natured and extremely determined to fulfil his potential. He made a huge impression on his teachers and management with his love of learning and modest, shy demeanour. The award is given to a student that embodies some of Mark’s many qualities and the winners are chosen first by the class tutors and then in consultation with management and Year Heads. The most recent winners of the award were 2nd yr student Dara Reilly, who won the award for December and TY student Patrick Ryan,
who won the award for January.
The Sports Star of the Month Award doesn’t need much explanation! 2nd yr Emmet Keheller won the award in December as he is a very talented all-round sportsman. He impressed his PE coaches Mr. Phelan and Mr. O’ Brien with his skill, excellent fitness levels and active participation in all PE activities. 1st yr Ben Lawless won the award for January in recognition of his outstanding scoring exploits for the 1st yr soccer team throughout the month. Ben scored a remarkable six goals in just three games as the team topped their group with three wins and maximum points.
Congratulations to all of the above winners. Mar a deir an seanfhocal “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh siad” (Praise the youth and they will flourish)
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The Gaeilgeoir na Míosa Award is presented to the student that tries his best to speak Irish to the best of his ability and displays an obvious love for learning and using the language. Comghairdeas le Faraz Ahmed ón rang 1Air a bhuaigh an gradam do mhí na Nollag agus Rohit Tummala ón rang 2Behan a bhuaigh an gradam do mhí Eanáír, mar gheall ar an sár-iarracht a dhéanann siad an Ghaeilge a labhairt ach go háirithe agus an sár-obair atá déanta acu sa rang Gaeilge |
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Sports Hall
The Sports Hall in Coláiste Phádraig has recently be upgraded to a high standard. Floor specialists spent two weeks bringing the maple flooring back to pristine condition after almost 20 years of wear and tear at this stage. They sanded the floor five times to start off with to remove the lines that were there already in order to ensure that it was completely level. They then replaced any imperfections in the wood before applying two coats of water-based floor lacquer specifically developed for Sports Halls. They then lined the floors for basketball, soccer, handball, badminton and volleyball using different colour markings for each sport. A final coat of lacquer went over the line markings to seal and protect them to complete the job.
There is a strong element of “give” noticeable in the finished floor to protect your back, knees and ankles especially so a lot of care and attention went into getting this just right for our students.
The hall was back in full use just before the February mid-term break and the students were thrilled with the new flooring. They loved the look and feel of the floor and liked the extra grip afforded by the new varnish and markings. They also commented that it felt like an elite Sports Hall that professional clubs would use so they were certainly impressed with the finished product!
The bottom walls of the Sports Hall will very soon be re-painted in a rust-orange colour to match it with the colour theme throughout the rest of the school and to decoratively finish the hall off.
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Catholic Schools Week at Ardscoil na Mara
To mark Catholic Schools Week 2022 at Ardscoil, the RE Department led the whole school in a Prayer Service with our local priest, Fr Tadeusz and some of our students.
Ms. Barry’s First Year class visited the parish church of the Holy Cross where they learned about Sacred Buildings.
Her Fifth year class also attended Mass during the week and it was a prayerful experience for all.
Some of our students read daily reflections over the intercom and our TY’s did some lovely art work for Grandparents Day.
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Under 16.5 South A Cup Champions.
Our camogie girls took to the field in Youghal on Saturday 22nd having trained hard and overcame a number of tough games to reach the final against Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig. The girls were primed and ready from the off.
They got off to a great start, 2.3 to no score after 10 minutes. They continued to keep the scoreboard ticking, fine scores from girls all over the forward line. The girls went in at halftime with a comfortable lead but were keen on ensuring they maintained that lead and played to their ability in the second half.
They started the second half with some fine scores and by the water break were beginning to really enjoy their teamwork and interplay. All thirty players had game time and it is a great confidence boost and sign of strength and depth as our younger girls came on and gave a very good account of themselves.
From number one to thirty, there were excellent displays around the field. From the safe hands of Hayleigh (1-0) in goal, through the back line with Sarah Byrne and Katie cleaning up any loose ball. Aimee, Robyn and Jill (1-0) played brilliantly in the middle of the field and gave it everything. Our forward's display was a joy to watch with all six girls scoring Emma C (0-2), Emma K (0-2), Abby (0-1), Natasha (1-1), Róisín (3-1) and Kim (1-6). We also had excellent performances from the girls who came on, Áine held the full back line with the support of Andrea and Tara. And up front Stephanie, Sarah Power and Eimear Mackey all took on their players at any opportunity.
Final score 7-13 to 4-3
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Junior Ladies Gaelic Football 2021/2022
It has been a fantastic year to date for the Ardscoil na Mara Junior Ladies Gaelic football team. Everyone was delighted to get back playing sport on our return to school in September and participation numbers for Ladies Gaelic football have been better than ever before.
The school began participating in Ladies Gaelic Football in 2017. Initially, playing numbers were low but they have steadily increased. Over seventy girls from First to Sixth year attended our first training session of 2021.
The junior girl’s panel have performed with great skill, passion and enthusiasm from the very beginning of this year’s Munster Championship, beating Waterford schools including St. Declan’s Community College, Waterpark College and Blackwater Community School. Having topped their group Ardscoil na Mara went on to play Coláiste Iosaef Community College of Kilmallock, Limerick in the Munster Championship quarter final. In a tough game, on a blustery afternoon in Tipperary, with both teams missing a number of players, the strength and commitment of the Ardscoil na Mara panel was vital and the girls won a closely contested match 2-08 to 2-06.
The girls now eagerly await news of their Munster semi-final fixture. No doubt, they will continue to represent the Ardscoil na Mara school community with pride. They are a credit to our school.
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Cross Country
Ardscoil na Mara East Munster Cross Country
On Thursday February 3rd forty from Ardscoil na Mara students travelled to Thurles Crokes Athletics Club to participate in the East Munster Cross Country for 2022. This event also doubled up as the Waterford Cross Country championship.
A team of eight first years competed in the first event which was Minor Girls and the course was 1500m. The team came third out of eight competing Waterford schools and Sarah Byrne qualified for the Munster Championships. (The top 15 individual competitors in each event qualify.)
In the Minor Boys a delighted and impressive Ciaran O’Connor received a trophy for coming 5th in a race that had almost 100 entrants.
Chloe Bennett joined Sarah and Ciaran by qualifying for the Munster Championships when she ran an impressive race in the Intermediate Girls, coming in seventh.
The Intermediate Boys team are once again Waterford and East Munster Champions. With four team members finishing in the first 15 their team score was an incredible 42 points. To put that in context the second place in Waterford had 105 points and the second in East munster had 86 points. (lowests points wins). The team included Tom Halley, Geoffrey Daniels, Ben Kiely, Zak O’Sullivan, Esdras Irabizi, Mossy Quaid, JP Murphy and Danny O’Shea.
The final event of the day was Senior Boys (5000m) and our team came second in Waterford.
Overall this was a very enjoyable day out and all competitors showed remarkable resilience and determination. For Sarah, Ciaran, Chloe and the Intermediate Boys team preparations continue for the Munster Cross Country Championships which take place in Riverstick, Co. Cork on Friday February 18th
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Plant a Planet Campaign
In November 2021 countries came together from around the world to ratchet up their commitments to address climate change. They agreed that we need to work together to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees ampaig to avoid catastrophic and irreversible climate change. Unfortunately, the commitments that government leaders made would see an increase in global warming of 2.4 degrees ampaig. Scientists have predicted that on our current trajectory we will reach 1.5 degrees by 2033 and 2 degrees of warming by 2060.
The Plant a Planet Campaign is a way we can foster awareness of the emergency and show students that they have power and influence to effect change in their families and local community. The aim of the campaign is to get 10% of the school, staff and students to plant a tree in their own gardens. There are a number of schools in the Irish Schools Sustainability Network who are involved in the campaign.
3rd year and TY students have been delivering lessons to wellbeing classes teaching them that planting a tree is a climate and an ecological action. Trees have many benefits which include absorbing and storing carbon, reducing flooding, improving soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, providing food for insects, birds and mammals and improving wellbeing by reducing stress related hormones in our bodies. There are so many benefits. Our students also have a series on Waterford Local Radio called Climate and Nature Conversations which focuses on the campaign. They have been making posters, contacting local businesses for prizes, having conversations with parents while they wait to collect their children from school, making announcements on the tannoy and lots more. As well as developing their own skill sets, students are managing their own anxiety about the climate and nature emergency by working with others and feeling that they can positively influence people in their community to effect change.
The picture shows our Principal, Mr. Cawley planting a tree for the students’ Plant a Planet Campaign.
If you would like to know more about the campaign please get in touch with Patrick Kirwan – patrickkirwan@ardscoilnamara.ie
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Technology CBAs
On display in our school is a selection of some fantastic CBA’s done by 3rd year Technology students. Students were tasked with doing a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) to determine how their skills could be best utilised in designing and manufacturing their Junior Cycle Applied Technology projects from scratch. Students worked on this task over a 3 week period during which they built and improved their digital literacy, sketching, presentation and design communication skills. It was very encouraging to see the young designers take advice on board, learn from their mistakes and grow in confidence while completing this task with pride. Well done to all the students involved who have now set high standards for others to follow.
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Mt. Sion Secondary School |
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Visit from Minister for Education - Norma Foley
Our school community was honoured to welcome Minister for Education, Norma Foley and Minister for Older People and Mental Health, Mary Butler.
They were both hugely impressed with our inclusive education model and how much care and support we give to our students.
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They were welcomed with a celebration in the Edmund Rice Chapel and then the group visited Our School Of Sanctuary Room, our two home rooms and lastly our technology department.
We are particularly proud of all our young people who represented us so well and who everyday make us proud to be part of the Mount Sion community.
Charlie Maher even managed to conduct a quick interview with Minister Foley which we can see below:
We asked how the Minister's day had been so far and she told us that it was absolutely spectacular. Having visited other schools around the county then stopping at ours - Minister Foley was so impressed with our school and what everyone had shown her. Also stating that it was nice to get out of Dublin for a little while.
As the Minister is a Kerry woman we inevitably had to ask, did she believe Kerry were in with a chance of winning the All Ireland Final this year - the minister laughed this question off then stated she had no doubts and that it would be a miserable summer if Kerry didn't get to the final!
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St. Bridgid's Day
To start off this month our 1st years made St. Bridgid's Day crosses to celebrate the feast day. The crosses were made out of fresh rushes from the Knockmealdown Mountains brought in to the school by Ms. O'Rourke.
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Transition Year Virtual Exchange
Throughout these next two months a handful of Transition Year students are participating in a virtual student exchange, meeting students from all around the world over zoom.
It is a great way to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Young people from America, Spain, Belgium and Denmark are all part of this programme also.
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Catholic Schools Week
January marked Catholic Schools Week around the country and the theme for this year was that of 'Living Life to the Full’.
1st year students began the celebrations in the Edmund Rice Chapel with a ceremony centred on their Grandparents.
The focal point for Grandparents Day was a love heart (pictured) containing the names of the 1st year student’s Grandparents. Thank you to Ms Brennan for sharing her acrostic poem at the celebration.
It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony and what a wonderful way to celebrate with great story telling as always from Mr. Doherty. The rest of the year groups attended celebrations in our local Parish Church in Ballybricken throughout the week.
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School of Sanctuary on Nationwide
We were bursting with pride this month after the Nationwide piece on our School of Sanctuary was aired. Thanks to all the students and staff who were involved in highlighting the great work and support this initiative offers. Edmund Rice would be very proud of the school we have become. A special thanks also to Brian and Susie from RTÉ who take extraordinary stories from around Ireland and turn them into amazing Nationwide programmes.
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2nd Year Trip to W.I.T.
Our 2nd year students visited W.I.T. and were taken on a guided tour of the main campus to see the wondrous opportunities that await them if they do decided to study there in the not so distant future. They also got to see their two teachers attempt to take some high quality photos to commemorate their trip but as you can see Mr. Foley will have to try harder next time. We were incredibly proud to see the names of two of our past pupils - Seán Walsh and Justin Fanning - displayed in the School of Business as past recipients of the John Hume Scholarship. A big thank you to Jess Lawton and Conor Fahy Davies in W.I.T. for giving the group a guided tour of the main campus also to Mr. Maher for setting it all up.
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Ashling Murphy Memorial
The 18th of January marked a day in which our country honoured the short life and tragic death of Ashling Murphy. As a mark of respect our school made a memorial table and we honoured her funeral with a minutes silence throughout the school. As a school community we send our condolences to Ashling Murphy's family and we stand with the people of Tullamore and all communities around the country.
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4th Year Global Schools Programme
At the start of the month a group of our TYs took part in a weeklong training course with 6 other schools from around the city. Slí ran the event in conjunction with the Global Schools Initiative. For it's 20th year the boys tackled the issue of water consumption and our hidden water footprint with the goal of being able to teach a class on the topic themselves. The boys learned so much about water waste, hidden water usage, the sustainable development goals and how we can present these subjects to a younger class. It was also a fantastic way for the boys to meet other like-minded students from across Waterford and they had a lot of fun participating in it.
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Catholic Schools Week
CBS Roscommon joined with schools all over the country in celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this year was 'Living Life to the Full' and the message was to celebrate and enjoy the blessings all around us; our family, friends and the beautiful landscape. It was a particularly relevant message to young people after almost two years of lockdown. To celebrate, students enjoyed 'tea and talk' during religion classes where they got a chance to have some treats and chat to their teachers and classmates. Ms Quinn also organised a cake sale on Friday in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Many thanks to the RE Department and to all students for participating.
In celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week 2022 First Years in the CBS gathered in the “Ciaran Byrne” Hall to make Saint Brigid's Day crosses with Ms Doyle.. Students worked together in small groups to make hundreds of Saint Brigid’s Day crosses. It was a very enjoyable afternoon, and students were delighted to bring their crosses home to their families to be blessed that weekend.
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Visit from World Medalist
Transition Year students had a talk last week with Para Cyclist and World Track Medal winner Richael Timothy last week.
She came into the school and spoke to the year group about elite fitness, nutrition and resilience in the face of all obstacles.
Richael told students about her acquired brain injury that came about after surgery on an underlying condition, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT).
She told them how she’d previously immersed herself in football, playing for her club St Croans and inter-county football with Roscommon.
Richael described the physical challenges she faced as soon as she came out of hospital, and how it soon became clear to her that she would have to take on a very difference athletic journey and began training as a Para cyclist.
Richael also studied Sport Science degree in Athlone IT, and afterwards set her sights on international competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics.
She spoke to them about her nutrition when she is training, and how she sustains her energy during long cycles. She also spoke about the difficulty caused by Covid in accessing elite gyms, and in getting to velodromes, as there isn’t one currently in Ireland.
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The students really enjoyed her honest, positive and engaging talk and loved the opportunity to ask her questions about elite fitness and training. Many thanks to Richael and to TY CO Ordinator Mr Eimhin Griffith for organising and the talk.
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Monsignor Travers RIP
The CBS Roscommon community was saddened to hear of the passing of Mgr. Travers, a true friend and a spiritual leader to the entire school community. He inspired us with his wisdom, kindness, devotion and gentle nature.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
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First Year County Champions
Last Wednesday, the CBS First Years took on Boyle in the County Final Championship, emerging as winners of the First Year Schools County Final . CBS started strong with Sam Hannon and Brendan Tully leading the force from midfield. Scores from Daniel Fleming and Ronan Carr opened the game up to give CBS Roscommon a boost after 15 minutes. The second quarter began with a bang and Boyle ran the first few minutes scoring many fine points up the field. Then came the second half and there wasn’t anything between the sides with a score of 2-4 to CBS Roscommon to 2-6 to Boyle. Both teams played there part working hard on every part of the pitch. CBS Roscommon managed to pull away from Boyle in the last 15 minutes which won them the game. The final score was 6-10 CBS Roscommon to 4-10 Boyle CC. Best players on the day for CBS Roscommon was: Sam Hannon, Ronan Carr, Daniel Neary, Sean Fox. Ty helpers on the day: Michael Moran, Cathal Feerick and Jamie Betts. Captain was Jack Finn. Managers on the day were Mr. Seamus Heneghan and Mr. Paul Sweeny.
Team Panel included: 1. Aaron Lawrence 2. Ben Delaney 3. Ben Martin 4. Brendan Tully 5. Cathal O’Brien 6. Cian Kiernan 7. Cian Trimble 8. Ciaran Cuttle 9. Conor Gilmore 10.Conor Timon 11.Conor Weir 12.Cormac Egan 13.Cormac Fleming 14.Daniel Fleming 15.Daniel Healy 16.Daniel Nerney 17.Emmet Beirne 18.Gerard Greene 19.Harry Waldron 20.Jack Finn 21.Jack Hennigan 22.Jack Keane 23.Jack Kelly 24.Jack McEvoy 25.Jack Walsh 26.James Murray 27.Joshua Gilleran 28.Lee Cash 29.Michael Byrne 30.Michael Doorley 31.Mikey Daly 32.Roger Connelly 33.Ronan Carr 34.Rory Kelly 35.Ryan Hannon 36.Samuel Malec Hannon 37.Sean Devine 38.Sean Fox 39.Tiernan O’Toole 40.Tom Sexton(article by Michael Moran)
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Junior Rugby
On Thursday the 27th of January 2022 the Junior rugby team of CBS Roscommon travelled down to Galwegians RFC in Galway to play The Bish. This game was the last game of season for CBS and they were looking to end it with a win.
For the first 10 minutes it was a very open game with both teams having one or two chances to take the lead, but it was Bish who took the lead about 10 minutes into the game with a well worked move from their back line. The Bish ended up getting another 2 quick tries in about 5 minutes and left CBS 19-0 after with only 15 minutes gone. The Bish scored another 2 tries before the half time break. While CBS did have chances to score, they just couldn't take them. The score was 33-0 at half time.
The second half started and both teams made a few substitutions. No team scored for about 20 minutes until Michéal Kelly got over the line for CBS but could not CBS did not convert the kick. CBS kept pressuring The Bish and then Eoghan Keaveny broke the line and scored a well taken try under the posts which was then converted and the score was 33-12. With only 5 minutes to go till full time The Bish scored again but couldn't convert with the final score ending at 38-12. Many thanks to Mr Casey for coaching and accompanying students.
The panel included: Evan Collins, Craig Glennon, Rakesh Satish, Jamie Betts, Aaron Mc Ateer, Daniel McGarry, Liam Miller, Dylan Bruton, Michéal Kelly, Lucas Ledo, Eoghan Keaveny, Leo Anic, Liam Butler, Cian Farrel, Ciaran Mulry, Ruairi Carling, Luka Cormican, Jack Hoare, Arturas Slunka, Ronan Doyle, Eoin Cox, Rhys Ward, James Molloy, Brian Gearaghty.
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Cross Country Winners.
Well done to CBS students, Eamonn Coyle and Jack Donnellan who both came 2nd in Junior and Senior. Both ran brilliant races.
Séamus Hussey, Adam Killion, Odin Fallon and Ethan Hussey all came in the top 30 for Junior and therefore qualify for the Connacht final. Juniors also won a team medal (Silver)
Colm Lyons and Daragh Walsh also qualified from the Senior race - placing 10th and 17th.
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Remembering Ashling
CBS Roscommon students took a few moments to pay tribute to Ashling Murphy, a teacher from Tullamore who was murdered while going for a run. Fifth Years walked respectfully up towards the town centre, lit candles in her memory and said prayers for the soul of the young teacher whose talented young life ended so tragically.
May her gentle soul rest in peace
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Fire Station Visit
Edmund Rice students went on a trip to Roscommon fire station recently, where they got a chance to meet some of the fire fighters and witness first-hand the rescue work that they carry out on a regular basis. They learnt all about Fire Safety. They particularly enjoyed the demonstrating the fire hose, fire truck and fire equipment. Many thanks to all in the Fire Station for facilitating the visit.
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FE Y ALEGRIA SCHOOL – LIMA, PERÚ. |
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We will feature a school from our EREBB community in each edition of E-Síol. For our Spring 2022 edition, we welcome FE Y Alegria School in Peru. There are 1500 students in the school. A new principal, Celinda Beautista, has been recently appointed, replacing the recently retired principal, Gaby Bravo. We wish both of them the best of luck.
As you will read below, the Covid pandemic has been very tough and challenging for the school community and for people in Lima. We pray that the Fe Y Alegria school community and people around the world will begin to experience the positive developments that we have seen over the past few weeks
We thank José Rosel Santa Cruz Alarcón for submitting this article.
We also feature a school from South Africa, St. John's Christian Brothers College. Their story is at the end of this publication.
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The Fe y Alegría school is run by the Christian Brothers who work to promote the education of the most disadvantaged in one of the poorest areas of Lima.
The area surrounding the school is still considered a high-risk neighborhood, as drug trafficking and social violence are still prevalent. Many of our families lack access to basic services: drinking water, electricity, etc.; the majority are young families who have moved to Lima from the poorest areas of the country in search of better opportunities and work in the informal sector.
The pandemic has critically affected the families of our 1,500 students. Many parents have unexpectedly lost the opportunity to work and generate income to support their homes. Since the pandemic began, our school has been closed and our face-to-face classes have been suspended. Students follow their lessons through WhatsApp groups and Meet sessions.
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Since we have migrated to virtuality, the emotional impact for our students is very strong and critical. That is why, to alleviate the suffering and with the help of many donors, food has been delivered to the poorest families. It is a process that is still going on and we are happy to be part of the good news for our brothers and sisters who are going through difficult times.
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Br Kevin preparing the food parcels with community members. |
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Another very good initiative has been the constant collaboration of many institutions and people to deliver some electronic equipment such as used laptops and cell phones so that the neediest students can continue with their education.
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Also had the voluntary presence of parents, who with the help of teacher Mercedes, have managed to keep alive our ecological space in the school. Our plants are still alive and it is a sign of hope to continue caring for our common home.
It has been a time of adaptation and listening to God's call to continue with our commitment to continue sowing the good seed.
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Model Council of the European Union Debate
The Model Council is an annual debate for secondary schools organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland. It is a simulation of a meeting of the Council of the European Union and involves teams from secondary schools around Ireland, each of which represents an EU Member State. The event allows schools to learn about the EU's decision-making process. |
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On Thursday 3rd March, a group of Transition Year students in the School took part and won the Virtual EU Model Council Debate for secondary schools. The team represented Ireland in the debate. Those involved were speakers Joseph Connolly and Daniel Cassidy, as well researchers Joe Gifford, Eoin Burke, Luke Hedin and Tomás Boland.
The subject of the debate was an EU regulation in relation to migration. Specifically, a mechanism for solidarity between EU Member States to address situations when particular Member States are exposed to or likely to be exposed to migratory pressure.
As part of our research, Irish MEP Barry Andrews came to the school and spoke with us. It played a crucial role in allowing the team to construct a concise and defined argument and we would like to sincerely thank him for his time.
We are delighted to say that we, the Irish delegation, came first and won the entire event. A special thanks to our mentors Ms Farrelly and Mr Whelan.
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Under-16 Badminton
Congratulations to the U16 badminton team who beat Sandford Park
4-2 in their matches to win the Dublin Schools League and now progress to the
Leinster Championship. Special mention to Capt. Paul Foley, Noble George, Dan
O'Grady, Eoin Dooley, Carl Pamplona and Charles Egan for their tremendous
effort and sportsmanship. A special thank you to mentor Mr. Vincent
McGowne.
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First Confession
Pupils from Doon C.B.S who received the Sacrament of Penance for the first time pictured with their class teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Doherty and Parish Priest, Fr. Jimmy Donnelly.
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Catholic Schools Week
Catholic schools week took place this year from the 23rd January until the 20th
of January. The theme ‘Living Life To The Full’ was reflected throughout the week. The students were immersed in morning reflections, prayers and lessons on this throughout the week.
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Harty Cup Final
Ardscoil Ris were seeking a sixth title when they played in the TUS Dr Harty Cup final on Saturday 5th February 2022 against St Josephs of Tulla. While it was not our day, the panel will look forward to the All- Ireland series of the Croke Cup. Congratulations to St. Joseph’s of Tulla on their first every Harty Victory.
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All Roads Lead to Croke Park for Ardscoil Ris
Ardscoil Ris stormed into a St. Patrick’s Day Croke Cup final following a seven-point victory over Good Counsel College of Wexford.
Victory was made possible by goals from Shane O’Brien and David Kennedy. Ardscoil Ris led by the minimum at half-time, 1-7 to 0-9, with O’Brien’s individual goal lighting up this contest midway through the half.
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Redmond scored six of their seven second half points as Jack Golden, Cian Scully and O’Brien were all on target in a dominant second half.
The clinching goal came from David Kennedy, who added to two earlier points, with a low finish.
The final score was 2-17 to 0-16.
An exciting week ahead for the team and school. Ardscoil Ris abu!
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BT Young Scientist
TY students were busy during this term entering the BT Young Scientist Competition. We had five groups enter projects.
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Paul Cullinane |
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Copying Nature’s Homework |
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This project was an analysis of tardigrades’ use of cryptobiosis and other animal hibernation and their applications in human medicine. |
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Sam Hamilton |
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PV Solar Panels |
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A case study investigation the performance of PV solar panels without a battery module over one calendar year.
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James Corcoran, Daniel McDonagh and David Moore with their project entitled:
Online learning: An analysis of its effects on the mental health and academic performance among Irish secondary school students.
JJ O Reilly and Robert Stafford with their project:
An Investigation of the efficacy of biochar to increase soil fertility and crop yields in Irish agricultural enterprises.
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Patrick Stenson, Shane Rafferty & Colm Murphy project:
“Row-tricity" - Design and development of a device to capture the potential energy of an ergometer (rowing machine) and a case study into the possibility to use it as a renewable energy source.
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Horticulture
TY students were busy this term working together on replacing the cover of the polytunnel. Great work by the students and their teacher, Mr. McPhail!
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Transition Year Public speaking
Huge congratulations to Evan Ruane our Transition Year Public Speaker of 2022 with his engaging speech on "Peace is an absence of war".
Evan was presented with the winner's plaque by last year's winner Darragh O' Connell.
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TYs Coaching Rowing
TYs teaching our first years how to row as part of their Rowing Instructors programme with Rowing Ireland. Some great future teachers!
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Athletics
It was a successful North Munster event, with Ardscoil having 11 students qualify for the Munster’s. Best of luck to the Minor Boys Team, as well as Jack Downes, Diarmuid Stritch and Oisin O’ Farrell.
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Hockey Junior A Quarter Final
Our Junior A hockey team played Villiers in a Quarter Final on 3rd of February. Hard luck to the squad on a tough match.
The team is pictured with coaches William O'Leary and Frankie Naughton, both past pupils who both played senior cup hockey.
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St. Mary's Academy Carlow |
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Catholic Schools Week 2022
In Religion class, our teacher arranged to have a zoom meeting with a couple, Sarah and Declan. The meeting was held to help us learn about Grandparents' Day for Catholic Schools Week.
Declan and Sarah told us stories about their lives to give us an insight into being a grandparent. They told us they have five children but all of them live abroad. Two of their grandchildren live in France and two in England, one in the USA.
Sarah recounted a visit to her grandchildren. Her granddaughter was in secondary school at the time and wasn’t spending much time with her because she was busy with school and friends. One morning as she was leaving to go to meet her friends, Sarah told her, “its moment like these that will be remembered.”
A couple of days afterwards, the family decided to go to the beach but Sarah said she’d stay in the house. Then to her surprise her granddaughter stayed with her. They drank tea and played a game together in the house. This time spent together meant a lot to Sarah and is fondly remembered today.
Listening to that story, I considered the amount of time I am spending with my grandparents, and felt sad thinking about the amount of time with them I’ve missed out on due to the Covid-10 pandemic. When it ends, I think everybody should make and effort to spend more time with their grandparents or parents or any family.
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Catholic Schools Week
The celebration of Catholic Schools Week in Oatlands College was obvious to any visitor to our school. The corridors and classrooms were adorned with posters and artwork from several year groups, highlighting the importance of the week and what it meant for students.
Ms. Phelan's Religion classes made colourful bunting which was hung around the reception area, greeting everyone who walked through. Students discussed the importance of the week in Religion class and prayers and reflections were hosted daily.
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The highlight of the week was one that our whole school was very proud of. A group from our senior choir celebrated a special Catholic Schools Week, Sunday Mass on RTE which was broadcast on both television and radio. The students sang a variety of choral pieces and were accompanied on piano by their choir master, Adam McDonagh. Some of the students also read readings as part of the mass. The group of students was expertly coordinated by religion teacher, Shannon Bracken.
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The significance of the occasion was recognised globally, with many letters of praise and thanks coming from listeners and viewers from all over Ireland, the UK and America. It was certainly a moment of pride in our school and is something that our students can remember with fulfilment for years to come.
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Oatlands College Under 18 Dublin Hurling Champions
OATLANDS COLLEGE 1-16 SKERRIES COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3-6
Scorers for Oatlands College: Tom Doran 0-10(6 frees, 1 65), Eoin Keys 1-3, Peter Whelan 0-3
On a Friday morning in early February the Oatlands Senior Hurling team boarded a bus to Abbotstown, the whole school was full of anticipation for the team as they were off to play Skerries Community College in the Dublin under 18 hurling final. The team was made up of TY, fifth and sixth years, some of whom had won in the previous final that was played back in 2020, they were eager to hold on to the title.
The match got off to a shaky start with injuries for both teams however Oatlands were in fighting form scoring ten points in the first half with the opponents achieving a goal and five points. This only added to Oatlands determination however and they continued strong in the second half, scoring a flurry of points and a magnificent goal from Eoin Keys. The match ended with a win for Oatlands and a final score of 1-16 to 3-6. The whole school was bursting with pride for the whole team and their coaches Mr. Cian MacGabhann and Mr. Barra Ó Leidhin
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Some quotes taken from a
match report by Diarmuid Coogan, father of Oatlands team members Sean and Conor
Coogan:
Oatlands
College Principal Caroline Garrett:
“I’m so proud of the lads
and I’m thrilled that they’re bringing some silverware back to Stillorgan. All
the lads played their hearts out and I’ll never forget today. After what we’ve
been through over the last 2 years, this feels even better than when we won in
March 2020!”
Oatlands College
Bainisteoir Cian MacGabhann:
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“I’m just delighted – the
lads really dug it out after the goals went in and took some great scores as
the game went on.”
When asked if he thought
it was “all over” after the quick concession of the goals at the start of the
second half, dúirt sé:
“Luckily the goals came
early enough in the 2nd half so there was plenty of time for us to get
back into it if the lads kept their heads which thankfully they did. After that
they all showed great determination and took their chances well when we got
back on top.”
Oatlands College
Captain Eoin Keys:
“We made tough work of it
and it would have been easy to give up after those goals in the 2nd half
but once we steadied ourselves, we were calm on the ball and I felt that we’d
get the scores. Once that happened I thought we’d win it as this team always
keeps going right to the finish.”
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Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar |
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BT Young Scientist Competition
Our BT Young Scientists have been very successful once again this year. Under the watchful guidance of their mentors Ms Acton, Ms McCarthy, Ms Seery and Mr Rafferty, the boys claimed several trophies:
Competing in Intermediate Technology were Robert Brennan, Peter Kennedy and Hugh Murtagh who came 2nd overall with their project "A-OK". They designed a wristband for Autistic people to use in situations when they might require assistance. This brilliant idea also netted the lads the National Disability Authority Award!
The school is hugely proud of those hard-working young men and their well-deserved success.
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Micheál Geoghegan achieved 3rd place with his project "Rib Guard" in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Science. |
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Catholic Schools Week – looking forward with the proud heritage of an Edmund Rice School
During Catholic Schools week, some senior students attended a celebration of the Eucharist in St. Cronan’s Church Swords. Rev. Fr. Paul Thornton, CC, presided over the mass and was led out to the congregation by the cross of Bl. Edmund Rice. The cross bearer was Louie Groves, 6th year. The liturgy of the word was read by Conor Bourke and the prayers of the faithful were presented by Rossa Hughes, Daniel Cumiskey, DJ Weldon and Matthew Joyce.
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Faith is the heartbeat of an Edmund Rice School, for every week, not just Catholic Schools Week. Junior students worked with Ms. Ferguson in November for students and staff to share a candle and remember those who have passed away during the month of all souls.
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National Young Technologist of the Year 2021
Congratulations to Leo Colgan who was awarded first place in the National Young Technologist of the Year Competition 2021. The National Young Technologist Competition is run annually by the Engineering and Technology Teachers Association. It is awarded to the best overall project completed for state examination.
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A changing curriculum for a changing time.. |
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2022 saw the introduction of Physical Education as an examination subject and Spanish join the list of option subjects available to students in Coláiste Choilm.
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Election of the first Head Boy of Coláiste Choilm
Coláiste Choilm is pleased to announce that Stephen Murnane from 6S has been elected by his peers and the teaching staff as the inaugural Head Boy of Coláiste Choilm.
The Head Boy will be a figure head for the Prefect Team. He will manage and lead the Prefect Team and take a position of honour in the Ceililúradh and other ceremonial events. The motto of the Head Boy is ‘Primus Inter Pares’, which means ‘First Among Equals’. The badge he wears is scarlet in colour.
The following young men have been elected as Deputy Head Boys:
Sam Boland 6K, Oscar Geraghty 6L, Muamar Mohammed 6S, Matthew Joyce 6L and Sean Moore 6S.
The Deputy Head Boys wear a badge which is purple in colour.
The selection process involved three parts:
Firstly, the young men had to be nominated by two of their fellow prefects.
Secondly, they chose an element of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter that meant the most to them during their time in Coláiste Choilm and gave an address to their peers on this.
Thirdly, they then addressed a meeting of the full teaching staff on what that element of the ERST Charter meant to them during their time in Coláiste Choilm.
Prefects and teaching staff both voted in a secret ballot.
Speaking to an assembly of prefects in Mr. Foster said that today is a great day in our school’s life and we celebrate the work of these six young men who with their fellow prefects are being men for others.
As the special symbol of the role was handed to Stephen, Mr Foster said “By the authority invested in me by the Board of Management, I create you Head Boy of Coláiste Choilm, Primus Inter Pares”
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Movember 2021
The 6th year Prefect team lead Coláiste Choilm’s first annual Movember campaign to raise awareness of men’s physical and mental health. The importance of ‘self-checking’ and being there for each other were central to the overall campaign which saw 6th year students and staff join together to raise funds and raise awareness about an important topic for us all…and enjoy a good laugh along the way.
The campaign started when David Caulfield (class of 2006) joined the prefects by zoom fron the UK to provide information on prostate and testicular cancer and for some tips and hints on how to run a Movember campaign. David had just celebrated 1 year of being cancer free, having being diagnosed with testicular cancer. His frank and honest talk really impressed us all and there were great questions from the prefect team.
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The Movember teachers from 2021 back row: Mr. Lawlor, Mr. Sansome, Mr Burke, Mr. Kelleher, Mr. Foster. Front row: Mr. Bonnie, Mr. Dailly, Mr Smith, Mr. Blake and Mr. Malone. |
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Student Council
The Students’ Council for 2021/22 had their inaugural meeting with Ms. Hynes and Mr.Foster. They elected Maksim Webb, 5th year as their Chairman. Existing projects include a role in the Advisory Board of Studies, Wellbeing, ‘1 Good Adult’ and setting up clubs for students to enjoy at lunchtime.
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A man of our time – under the watchful eye of Bl. Edmund, Maksim Webb receives his badge as Chairman from Mr. Foster. |
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European Taekwondo Championships 2021
Congratulations to Joshua Goodson Finglas from 6th year who was awarded a bronze medal in the European Championships of Taekwondo with Team Ireland in Spain.
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Success in the Leaving Certificate 2021 – Science, Sport, Law, Languages and much more!!!
There was great excitement at the Leaving Certificate results in Coláiste Choilm with Peter Gorman scoring a super 7 H1’s and the impressive maximum score of 625 points. Peter was later created an Entrance Scholar in the University of Dublin, Trinity College where he is reading for a dual BA(Mod.) in Neuroscience in conjunction with Columbia University USA.
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Congratulations to Daniel Wilson, who secured a scholarship with the prestigious McKendree University, Illinois, USA, reading for a degree in Exercise Science and Sport Performance. Daniel’s first term was off to a great success and with straight A’s he was awarded a place on the Dean’s list.
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Pictures show:
Callum Gray reading for a BA (Mod.) in Modern Languages in the University of Dublin, Trinity College with Mr. Foster.
Alex Coyle, reading for a BA (Mod.) in Business, Economics and Social Studies in the University of Dublin, Trinity College.
Seán Downey who scored over 600 points now reading for a BA (Mod.) in Law in the University of Dublin, Trinity College. |
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Christmas Food Drive
Our Student Council arranged this year's food drive and the response was phenomenal. Huge thanks to our students and their families for the generous donations. Fergal from the Main Street Food bank was delighted to receive the contributions.
Thank you to our student council and Ms. D. O’Brien, Mr. Keating, Mr. Stephens and Ms. Fennell for helping with the arrangements.
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TY Hill Walks to Glendalough January 2022 |
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Transition Year Skiing Trip
71 T.Y. students and 8 teachers travelled to Italy and had a wonderful time skiing the slopes of the Dolomite Alps. Well done to the boys for their enthusiasm and good spirits in learning this new skill.
A huge thank you to Mr. Manning for all his work in organising this fabulous trip.
130 of our 2nd and 5th year students are also travelling to Italy during the mid-term to enjoy their very own memorable Ski trip.
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Senior Football
Congratulations to our Senior Football Team on their big win over St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam in the All-Ireland Hogan Cup Semi-final on Saturday the 26th of February. Naas CBS won on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-4.
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Well done to the team on fantastic performance and to the management: Mr. Cribben, Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Hughes. Naas CBS will meet St. Brendan’s College, Killarney in the All-Ireland Hogan Cup Final in Croke Park on St. Patrick's Day. It will be a proud day for the team and school community in Croke Park on March 17th
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Junior Rugby
Hard luck to the Junior Rugby Team that lost the quarter-final of the Fr. Godfrey Cup in the Energia Stadium in Donnybrook against the CBC Monkstown. The Team, led by Captain Harry Dunne played very well. Well done to all involved.
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Green Schools Committee
These past two years The Green- Schools Committee of Naas CBS has been working diligently on The Travel theme. Their main focus has been on improving air quality by encouraging more people within the school community to walk, cycle and carpool to school. The Committee, made up of 10 students and a selection of teachers, meets each week to discuss actions that can be taken in the school and in the wider community to make Naas a more environmentally friendly and healthier place to be.
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To develop a better understanding of where we are at in Naas CBS the students tested the air quality within the school and did a series of walking and cycling audits. To date The Committee have made great efforts to inform the community of concerns regarding air pollution and have created informative visuals around the school to do so. To further spread the word they encouraged the school community to engage in walk to school and bike week events. Looking to the future, ,during Clean Air week, the Committee decided to specifically target the young and conducted air pollution quizzes amongst 1st Years.
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The Green –Schools Committee also engaged in a no idling campaign just outside the school grounds and one of their greatest achievements has been to get the Council on board to address idling within Naas. Due to the efforts of the Committee work has begun to have official no idling posters erected outside all the schools of Naas. Another great achievement has been the acquisition of 30 new bike racks for the school and the good news is they are all used throughout the school week.
Naas is most definitely becoming a more environmentally friendly and healthier place to be because of the efforts of The Green-Schools Committee of Naas CBS.
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Synger Hits The High Notes Again…
On Friday 14th
of January, two of our third-year students, Aditya Joshi and Aditya (Adi) Kumar were named as the overall winners of the BTYS. This is the fourth time the school has won the overall prize. The win was announced on Aditya’s, 15th birthday. They took home the top prize for a project entitled ‘A New Method of Solving the Bernoulli Quadrisection Problem' — an old but difficult problem in Euclidean geometry. Aditya and Adi started working on their project last summer with the support of their Computer Studies teacher Ger Davin. Using two perpendicular straight lines they were required to divide a triangle into four equal areas, three of which are quadrilaterals and one of which is a triangle.
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They used an algorithm, called Particle Swarm Optimisation, that was devised in 1995. This algorithm was inspired by natural phenomena such as the flocking of birds and the cooperative behaviour of ants. Having completed our work on the Bernoulli Quadrisection Problem, they turned their attention to a problem concerned with the placement of large numbers of components on a single chip using Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI). This problem was formulated by Jens Vygen in 2005. Ultimately, they devised a new solution of Vygen's problem. Their solution involves a modification of the standard Particle Swarm Optimisation Algorithm. In practical terms their algorithm could reduce the cost of producing computer chips and make them more powerful.
They will now go on to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists which takes place this September. This time the students are being supported by all our amazing Maths, Science and Computer Studies teachers. Aditya and Adi are currently enjoying the different opportunities that this win has brought them. As a school community we are so proud of their achievement and know that they will represent us and Ireland in European Union Contest for Young Scientists with great distinction.
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BT Young Scientist Competition 2022
Andrei Florian in 5th year of St. Aidan’s C.B. S. entered a project in the BT Young Scientist competition, held in January 2022, entitled “An investigation into the Development of a Digital PR-STV Electoral Voting System”. Elections are essential to a democratic system to allow the population to express opinions and allow the people to have the privacy of choosing what they believe is right for them. As we are moving into a more technological era, our electoral systems need to develop with the time. Therefore, Andrei has developed an application in which voters can vote online. In this application, Andrei used blockchain technologies to help for running efficient elections. With the implementation of security protocols and developing verifications to allow voters to verify credentials, Andrei has developed a system to help the Irish electoral system as there has been a decrease in the number of people turning out to vote for a variety of reasons.
After two days of interviews and then waiting for the awards Ceremony, Andrei received Individual runner up. While the competition was broadcasted virtually, Andrei was presented with his trophy by his teacher Ms. Niamh O’Brien, in the presence of his classmates. Congratulations were offered by the Principal Mr. Thomas Shannon and Andrei’s Year Head Mr. Alan O’Neill.
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As well as receiving the Individual Runner Up prize in the competition, Andrei has now received a special award from Regeneron, a leading biotechnology company that has offices in Ireland. This award allows Andrei to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with his project based on the application he developed for elections in Ireland. The fair is held in Atlanta, Georgia in May, with a facility to allow international students the chance to compete virtually due to the current climate.
We, in St. Aidan’s C. B. S., would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Andrei on this amazing achievement as well as wishing Andrei best of luck in the next stage of the competition.
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Arklow CBS – Response to Ukraine Crisis
Arklow CBS is donating monies collect from our school community to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Our Polish Teacher, Monika Kostka has a friend in Poland, Mr. Marcin Piotrowski who is a local councillor and runs an agritourist B&B (Chutor Gorajec) a few kilometres from the Ukrainian border. He is now using his premises as a local shelter and a transfer point for the Ukrainians fleeing the war after Russian invaded their country.
We have transferred a total of €2000 collected to Marcin Piotrowski and we intend to continue offering support to the Ukrainian people.
We are also collecting items of non-perishable foodstuffs and toiletries for the Ukrainian refugee camps. Our first collection has now been delivered to Brauder’s shop in Arklow for transportation to the Ukraine.
You may help by wiring money directly to his association. Ensuring your money will be spent on a direct support to Ukrainians.
Recipient: Stowarzyszenie Animacji Kultury Pogranicza Folkowisko
Address: Gorajec 14, 37-611 Cieszanów, Poland
Account number: PL 29 1140 1081 0000 2604 2400 1001
Transfer title: Darowizna na cele statutowe – UKRAINA/Donation for statutory purposes - UKRAINE
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Rugby History
Arklow CBS is delighted to be making History as this is the first time the school has made a Leinster Final in Rugby.
We are playing in the Anne McInerney Cup Final in Donnybrook on Wednesday 16th March 2022.
A massive congratulations to our senior rugby team on their 15-7 victory against East Glendalough in the semi-final of the Ann McInerney Cup. We march on to the Leinster final which will be played in Donnybrook. Try scorers today were:
Sèan McCarthy 🏉🏉
Roan Freehill 🏉
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Grandparents day
As part of Catholic schools week, the boys and girls of Blarney Street celebrated ‘Grandparents Day’ last Wednesday. Although we couldn't have our Grandparents present on the day due to Covid-19 restrictions, pupils still had great fun participating in fun art activities and conducted their very own grandparent interviews, which were thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. We also lit an interactive candle and said a prayer on the IWB to remember all of our grandparents who are no longer with us. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha
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Radio na Scoile
Bhí na páistí an-ghnóthach ag cruthú radio na scoile an mhí seo chaite. Rinne rang a ceathair,
rang a cúig agus rang a sé seó radio. Bhí an seó ar súil gach Aoine ar a haon deag a chlog
agus bhí seans ag gach rang éisteacht leis an seó mar craoladh é ar an idirchum.
Bhí siad ag caint faoin nuacht, an aimsir agus cúrsaí spóirt. Chomh maith leis sin, rinne siad agallaimh lena múinteoirí agus sheinn siad amhráin Gaelach ag deireadh an seó. Bhain siad an-taitneamh as.
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Green-schools
The Green Schools Committee in Blarney street is currently made up of 10 pupils in 5th class, who are very busy raising awareness throughout the school on the issues relating to climate change and are working hard towards achieving our 9th green flag. We are currently working on the theme of Global Citizenship and travel, and all pupils have been making a massive effort to use ‘Green’ modes of transport when travelling to and from school.
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As part of our work, we recently carried out a ‘Walkability Audit’ with our Green Schools travel officer, Lisa O’Grady, who helped us to identify potential issues pupils may face when walking to school. We are currently compiling our findings of our audit and hope to send it off to Cork City to see what improvements we can make to our local community.
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Cork Primary Schools Soccer programme
Pupils in both 4th class and 5th class are currently participating in the Northside Primary Schools Soccer Programme, which has been running since the 3rd of February. The programme is run in conjunction with Cork Sports Partnership, FAI & Cork City Council and aims to introduce 4th & 5th class primary school children (Boys, Girls & Mixed) to the Sport of Futsal (indoor soccer) in a supportive environment. The programme will run for a total of 6 weeks. To conclude the programme participating schools will then be invited to enter the Inaugural Northside Primary Schools Futsal Blitz, which promises to be a great day of fun and enjoyment for all!
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Make a Book--200 Years of Jamebo
Second years, along with their English teacher, have been working very hard to produce our new book 200 Years of Jamebo. They are using it as their English CBA as well as entering it into the Make a Book exhibition run by the PDST.
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The book is a digital and interactive journey through the past 200 years of a Christian Brothers school in James Street. The students wrote creative diary pieces about what life was like for schoolchildren long ago, interviewed past pupils and staff members, created comic stories, wrote about their life in school nowadays, and created a digital timeline of major events in Dublin over the past 200 years. One student even sang a song about the 1916 Rising.
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As part of this project, we interviewed a past pupil called Rory Fitzpatrick, who has created a web site full of history and photos of Jamebo over the years. Along with his old James Street primary teacher John Johnston-Kehoe, who has written historical and Irish-language books, they joined us for a zoom all about their school days. Rory also sent a large file of memories and information to us to include in the book.
Another set of past pupils, Brendan Comerford and John Doyle, came in to talk to the students and found their names on the old registers. They all had lots of interesting stories for our book.
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Staff members were also interviewed, especially those who are past pupils, and we focussed on the first females in the school—first female staff member, management, principal and student. We received old photographs of the locality from the Guinness Archives.
The book contains short snippets of the interviews, with links to the full video interviews. It is mostly in a dyslexia-friendly font to make it easier for dyslexic people to read. At the beginning of the project, we got the students to discuss what they were looking forward to and then we reflected on what they enjoyed and learned at the end of the project. They also improved their tech skills by using Padlet and Powerpoint, along with recording interviews, performing Internet searches and using reliable sources.
Some of students will be presenting the book at an upcoming Make a Book online exhibition. We will also have a launch of the book, inviting back in our interviewees and having a screening.
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We are hoping to have a permanent display in the library, where students can read the book, watch and listen to the interviews, and click on the links.
It is also a live document, meaning we can add information to it each year from now on, creating a living history archive.
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New Beginnings |
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January is a month of hope for the year ahead, as well as a time to plan for the goals of the coming months. We come into a new year with an open and grateful heart. We thank God for all our blessings!
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Science Week
Since returning to school in 2022, there has been a really action packed schedule!
We have been getting ready for science week, and all of the dedication and enthusiasm around the school is clear to see!
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This week we thank the Oatlands science team, who have set up great resources for everyone to use, as a whole school, on topics such as magnets, floating and sinking, and on materials in the world around us. Children are bringing in experiments and showing their class colleagues the scientific outcomes. There is great excitement ! Science 'show and tells' are a proving to be a great way for children to chat about all their knowledge and love of all things science, and to learn from each other. Some experiments are taking place in the outside classroom too!
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Science Experiments |
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We have been doing experiments in class and making a 'magic potion' has been one of the best parts of our week so far! Children were so surprised then the baking soda was a catalyst for the potion to bubble up into a huge volcanic mountain!
We also experimented with magnets and treated out our predictions. We look forward to so many more fun lessons this week!
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Science week also allows us to focus on the wonder of nature, and of the beauty of our planet. Wildlife and all of the myriad of species in our world, are a focal point this week. Examining the Arctic and its Wildlife, studying big cats, and looking at rainforests of Ecuador, have all brought a rich renewed appreciation of animals and plant life to us all!
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Art and Art History
Art and creativity abounds this month at Oatlands Primary School, and all of the colours and details along the corridor are testament to all the unique and wonderful talents of the students. Their skills are astonishing, and all art works are linked cross-curricularly, with History, Geography and oral language, as well as with music and science, such as the wonderful Aztec Art below!
Categories:
Tree Art - Colour, pattern and form
Juan Miro Art - Line and colour
Egyptian Studies - Colourful pharohs
Artist of the month
Artist of the Month is Keith Haring, and this artist is focused on fun colours, and dynamic prints. The pops of colour are bright and cheerful and his idiom is one of freedom and movement. |
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Aistear Themes
In Aistear this month, the theme is 'Transport'. Everywhere at Oatlands this month, we can see the results of this wide spanning theme; with hot air balloons, trains and aeroplanes featuring strongly along the corridors.
Story and Geography topics are all linked in together here, and the boys and girls are all collaborating on their various tasks during active play and construction.
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St. Joseph's Primary Drogheda |
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Catholic Schools Week
We at St. Joseph's CBS, Sunday's Gate, Drogheda celebrated Catholic Schools week. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year was Catholic Schools: Living Life to the Full.
Each day students from 2nd Class to 6th Class led us in the prayers via the school intercom.
Every class participated in a colouring competition. There was a high standard of colouring! Each winner got a prize and their artwork is proudly displayed in the school.
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History was made on Monday morning, March 7th 2022, when Rice College officially opened a new state of the art Home Economics room.
Following years of fundraising by current and past Parents’ Associations, the school is at long last in a position to offer Home Economics as a Junior Cycle subject to the current First Years. A Home Economics teacher, Ms. Meagan Bourke, was appointed last summer and a conversion of an existing classroom into a custom designed practical room with 10 stations, disability access and high spec fixtures and fittings took place.
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Mr. Louis Mulqueen, Principal, welcomed the development saying “the broadening of the curriculum that this room allows, along with the obvious skills that will be developed by our students, life skills, the meeting of the Junior Cycle Indicators of Wellbeing – Active, Responsible, Connected, Resilient, Aware, Respected -is a fantastic achievement for the college. We have long hoped that this day would come and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our parents, staff and vision of our BOM, we can now add another subject to our already expansive curriculum.” The principal also congratulated the students present, who had been busy working in the kitchen since early morning. He emphasised that they are part of the new history of their school, and that they should be proud of the role they too had to play in making this morning possible. In the true spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice, students will be educated for the real world, enabling them to become active, responsible citizens of the future.
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St John’s Christian Brothers College South Africa |
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About Our School
Founded in 1935, St John’s Christian Brothers College is a home away from home to students aged 2 to Grade 12.
As an independent Catholic school, our aim is to provide an enriched holistic education based on gospel values where the spirituality of each person is nurtured in an environment where Faith, Family, Excellence and Diversity are celebrated. By recognising each child’s potential, we aspire to produce students who are meaningful contributors to a world requiring social advocacy, compassion, tolerance and innovative thinking.
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Living Our Ethos
CBC St John’s is committed to serving our community through various initiatives, through our club SERV (Student Edmund Rice Volunteers). We have recently held a Virtual Run for Operation Smile, made packages for the elderly for Christmas and planted trees to show our care for the planet. Every Friday, our students make sandwiches to donate to other Catholic schools in the area to feed their students. We also do beach clean ups every term on our local beaches. In SERV we are currently learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and discussing ways the school can help save the world.
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Global Classrooms
CBC St John’s was involved in a connecting classrooms initiative last year with schools from the UK and India. We were paired up with St Anselm’s and our students collaborated on a Zero Waste Food project. The students also shared their story on the EREBB Pre-Congress. CBC St John’s will be working with CBC Fremantle in Australia this year, where our students will work together and share ideas on a project. |
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Technologists, Engineers, Creatives and Scientists
Congratulations to Shane O’ Connor and Liam Carew for yet another outstanding award at the Immersive Software Engineering TECS Awards held at the University of Limerick on January 06th. TECS is a competition for secondary school students throughout Ireland. This competition was organised by the ISE (Immersive Software Engineering) programme at the University of Limerick. The programme is supported by John Collison, President of Stripe, the Irish-American payment processing platform.
Codenamed TECS (Technologists, Engineers, Creatives and Scientists) the competition aimed to find Ireland’s next technology and business superstars. The TECS programme was designed to support these students in becoming the next generation of leaders.
Over a four-week period, the contestants were asked to share the progress they had made. They then received constructive feedback from a world class mentor. The skills of development and improvement are vital in the modern world of software engineering. The projects that had made the most significant progress at the end of the four-week period were then chosen to receive an award. Winners attended a special invite-only event in the University of Limerick Concert Hall. The guest speakers included
• John Collison, President of Stripe.
• Professor Kerstin Mey, President of the University of Limerick.
• Dr Patricia Scanlan, Founder and CEO of Soapbox Labs.
• Professor Stephen Kinsella, Professor of Economics in UL and Co-Director of ISE.
Shane and Liam’s project was chosen for an award based on the immense progress made and adaption to feedback from their mentors.
Professor Stephen Kinsella of UL said: “The standard was set high for this project. Shane and Liam show a great drive and ability to work independently in order to produce work of a very high quality.” |
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The Abbey School Munster Football Champions with team management, Mr. Conor Sweeney, Mr. Sean Mullins and Mr. Kieran Hickey
Munster Post Primary Schools TUS Corn Dhonncha Ui Nuanain Munster Senior Football Final
Abbey CBS, Tipperary 1-08 Mount Saint Michael Rosscarbery 0-10
The Abbey CBS Tipperary Town claimed the Munster Post Primary
Schools TUS Corn Dhonncha Ui Nuanain Munster Football title for the eighth time
in Mallow on Saturday 12th February. The Abbey came out on top of
what was a titanic struggle with their Cork opponents, Mount Saint Michael,
Rosscarbery who were in the hunt for victory right up to the final
whistle.Mount Saint Michael started brightly raced into a two-point lead inside
the opening 10 minutes. The Abbey were struggling to gain a foothold in the
middle third but rallied to claim the next three points with the scores coming
from Eoin Doocey, Liam Carew, and Orrin Jones. Both sides traded points as the
half progressed with Carbery Rangers star Peadair O’Rourke having a big
influence on proceedings.
The Abbey boys again
responded when Orrin Jones latched on to a deflected shot after a brilliantly
worked move. Prior to half time the West Tipp side were dealt a blow when
Arravale Rovers’ Shane Maher sustained a serious injury. After a lengthy delay
the Abbey men held on to their lead to claim a half time lead of 1:04 to 0:05
points
On the resumption of the
second half Rosscarbery were first out of the block with a score from Ciaran
Santry on 33 mins. The Abbey responded with two points of their own from
captain Evan Hawkins and an inspirational score from Stephen Dee. It was at
this point the Carbery roared back into the game with three excellent scores to
level proceedings with the ever-impressive O’Rourke kicking the pick of their
scores.
It was that this point that
the Abbey boys showed real metal in both defence and attack. Their defensive
unit ably led by Raymond Kelly and Simon Crehan thwarted many Rosscarbery
attacks and Oola’s Paddy Downey carried numerous ball out of defence in a
frantic second half. On 27 minutes Evan Hawkins kicked an inspirational score
to reclaim the lead for the Abbey and Paddy Kennedy doubled that lead with a
beautiful score from the right wing.
Mount Saint Michael then
laid siege to the Abbey goal as the game entered injury time and when Ciaran
Santry kicked a majestic score to leave the bare minimum between the sides
extra time became a real possibility. It would however be the Abbeys day as
Limerick official Donnacha O’Callaghan blew the final whistle.
The Abbey were overjoyed at the final whistle after giving their
all against an excellent Rosscarbery. On the day the Abbey had standout
performances all over the field. Robbie McGrath was calm and assured in the
goal and was well protected by a watertight defence with Darragh O’Brien and
Raymond Kelly making vital blocks in the closing stages. At midfield Paddy
Kennedy and Stephen were excellent and acted as the launch pad for many of the
Tipperary Town schools’ attacks. The half forward line was ably led by Orrin
Jones with Aherlow’s Liam Carew making many valuable contributions. In the full
forward line Caleb Molloy Hickey and Cian O’Dwyer worked tirelessly with
captain Evan Hawkins playing a captain’s role.
Mount Saint Michael for their part had excellent performers with
the likes of wing back Owen Tobin, Conor Twomey and Ciaran Santry putting in a
tireless effort. The performance of the versatile Peadair O’Rourke was most
impressive for the West Cork side and he could count himself unlucky to be on
the losing side.
The Abbey school now progress to the All-Ireland series were they
will look to emulate the class of 1998 and bring home the Paddy Drummond Cup to
West Tipperary for the second time in the schools history
Abbey CBS: Robbie McGrath (Galtee Rovers), Shane Maher (Arravale
Rovers), Raymond Kelly (Arravale Rovers), Darragh O’Brien (Aherlow), Paddy
Downey (Oola), Simon Crehan (Aherlow), Aidan Duggan(Kickhams), Paddy Kennedy
(Galbally), Stephen Dee (Solohead), Eoin Doocey (Arravale Rovers), Orrin Jones
(Kickhams), Liam Carew (Aherlow), Cian O’Dwyer (Galtee Rovers), Evan Hawkins
(Arravale Rovers), Caleb Molloy Hickey (Arravae Rovers) Subs Used: Sean Gubbins
(Galtee Rovers) Conail Grogan (Galtee Rovers), Conor Martin (Cappawhite) Colin
O’Grady (Oola) Panel Members: Marcus Kinnane Arravale Rovers, Jack O'Neill,
Eoin Halpin Galtee Rovers, John Paul Lohan Arravale Rovers, Moss O'Brien
Aherlow, Daniel Kelly Eire Og, Anacarty, Ben Ryan Arravale Rovers, Gary Quirke
Aherlow, Gavin Cussen Arravale Rovers, Conor Farrell Knockavilla Kickhams,
Michael Gleeson Knockavilla Kickhams, Daniel O'Dwyer, Galtee Rovers
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Kildalton Agricultural College Open Day
5th and 6th Year students visited Kildalton Agricultural College today on Friday March 04th. Our first onsite open day in 2 years. Great to bring learning and teaching outdoors in the fine weather and get the students thinking about future career opportunities in the agri-sector. Thanks to Mr. Michael O’ Dwyer and Mr. Conor Hayes for facilitating
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Creative Art Programme – Artist in Residence
Transition Year pupils were treated to an Introduction to Ceramics Workshop with Artist-In-Residence Tanya Creed recently. Tanya is a ceramicist based in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Our workshop is held in conjunction with the NAPD Creative Engagement program.
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Students learned a huge variety of skills over the course of two weeks , skills included learning to wedge the clay, slab-rolling, slab-building, the slip & score technique, throwing on the pottery wheel, and the process of recycling the clay. We also learned how to make our own moulds using potters plaster and learnt the slip casting technique to make mugs. Each pupil designed and created their own slab-built ceramic houses! We are looking forward to seeing our finished designs next week when the firing process is complete! Many thanks to the NAPD Creative Engagement Program for their support with this project and to our artist in residence Tanya Creed for inspiring and encouraging creativity in our pupils and to Ms. Jolene Carey for facilitating all in school. |
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