ffIyaaz Allybuxsh; Mrs Higgins; President Higgins; Daniel Marzec; Locklen Sallinger; Mihai Sabo Síol • Issue 2018 15 • Summer Trust Schools Rice Newsletter Edmund

Síol Newsletter Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Summer 2018 • Issue 15

priorities of those involved in Edmund (EREBB) schools providing Edmund Rice Deich Bliain ag Fás Rice education. It is a document which education worldwide. distilled the wisdom of almost 100 Boards Every one of our schools is brimming On September 1st, 2008, the Edmund Rice of Management, staffs, student councils with ideas and enthusiasm from which Schools Trust formally took responsibility and parent councils. It is not a top down our Charter emerged 10 years ago. Today for trusteeship of the schools founded by Charter – its values came from our similar sharing of ideas and expertise Edmund Rice and his successors in the school communities. makes our network unique, nationally and Republic of Ireland. Today the Charter expresses the internationally. This issue of Siol highlights This was the culmination of a process tradition, heritage, core characteristics some of the achievements of our schools. which began with the appointment of the and values which of each school seeks to Recently an independent education fi rst Boards of Management in our primary uphold. It is a challenge to every school. expert stated, “I work with and know many schools in the 1970s and in our secondary It is aspirational. It is the norm against Trust bodies and I see in ERST a great schools in the 1980s. The process which each school community measures its ‘can do’ attitude”. I think he was talking continued with the appointment of the fi rst mission, performance and priorities. about our schools! As we approach our lay principals in secondary schools in the In meeting this challenge each school 10th anniversary, we in the Trust celebrate 1980s and in primary schools in the 1990s. is not alone. We are a growing network the achievements of our diverse schools The move to Edmund Rice trusteeship of schools. Since our foundation we in making the Charter a living reality. As was carefully planned. Members of school have added further schools to the the Edmund Rice Prayer says: “Grant us communities in the early 2000s will Edmund Rice Family, including ERC the courage and compassion of Blessed remember the consultation process which Carrigaline and ERC Carpenterstown/ Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and invited each school community to refl ect Castleknock. Our growing network places service”, we open our doors to the students on the values which led Edmund Rice to a caring, child-centred approach at the that other schools cannot or will not place. fi nd his fi rst school in Waterford. Schools heart of our existence. our network & community – 96 were asked how those values are evident Our schools form one large schools, 37,000 students, from all today, with questions such as: “What is it community. Operating and acting under socio-economic areas that makes your school special?”; “What the guidance of our unique Charter we our values & social conscience – we do you value in your school?”; “What’s learn from one another and support each provide an education that is steeped in important to you in this school?”. other. We are a Catholic school network a value system that promotes inclusion, The result of this consultation is the that welcomes everybody, all races, acceptance, a caring conscience and a Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter, religions and backgrounds. Our network sense of social justice. a document which expresses the hope provides the gateway to almost 300 and commitment, the values and Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive Francis Street C.B.S. President Michael D. Higgins opens the new library in Francis Street CBS

Our new library is up and running and was offi cially opened by President Micheal D. Higgins! It was a wonderful occasion and the boys recited poems as Gaeilge and sang some songs for the President. Dr Berry CBC, Mr Mooney Glanmore Foods, Bros Hendrick and Sassi were among the attendees. President Higgins’ speech and acknowledgement of the work of teachers and boys was outstanding - a great occasion on the 200th Anniversary of the school.

ffSean O Connor, father of Joe and Sinead, is a past proud pupil and frequent visitor to the school. His son Joseph read the chapter ‘Franner’ from his father’s book which he presented to the President.

Síol Page 2 Summer 2018 Page 3 Francis Street C.B.S.

More from Francis St

Congratulations to our school football team on a winning start to the season. The boys beat Scoil Una Naofa 4-3 in a thrilling encounter with lots of skill on display from both sides. Our hurling team has also been in action and were narrowly beaten by Ringsend in our opening fixture. However, our coach David was very impressed by the attitude of the boys on the day. Our school chess competition has reached its completion and Daniel from 6th class emerged victorious. Boys from 3rd class to 6th class participated in the tournament. 6th class have also been teaching chess to our second class boys. Big thanks to Brendan for organising the competition. Some boys from 4th class represented our school at the Our 5th class have just completed the Cycle Right robotics competition in Cork. We are the first primary school program. Lots of fun was had and some valuable lessons were in Dublin to participate in this event. learned. 5th class are also participating in the Dragon’s Den Second class and third class have participated in the program run by the Solas Project. A group of boys have been Creativity in the Classroom Project. As a result there are some selected to represent our school at the community final. incredible displays of artwork on the corridors of our school!

Coláiste Íosagáin Comórtas Náisiúnta Díospóireachta Fraincise buaite ag Coláiste Íosagáin National French Language Debating Competition won by Coláiste Íosagáin

Bhí bua mór ar an 16 Márta 2018 ag foireann ó Choláiste Íosagáin, meánscoil lánGhaeilge i ndeisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath, sa chomórtas náisiúnta díospóireachta a eagraíonn an Alliance Francaise do mheánscoileanna na tíre gach bliain. Is comórtas dúshlánach atá ann ina mbíonn ar na daltaí labhairt ar mhórcheisteanna na linne, bréagnú a dhéanamh ar argóintí an fhreasúra agus pointí eolais a fhreagairt ón bhfreasúra ar a gcosa agus é sin ar fad a dhéanamh trí mheán na Fraincise. D’éirigh thar ffFrom left, Iseult Ní Cheallacháin, Sadhbh Ní Ghráda, Ciadhla Ní Mhaolmhuaidh, Niamh Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh barr leis an bhfoireann sna babhtaí éagsúla i mbliana ach bhí ardchaighdeán i gceist i ngach babhta agus ba léir go raibh dianullmhúchán déanta ag gach debating competition organised annually the competition but the standard in all the foireann agus ag a múinteoirí freisin. by the Alliance Francaise and open to all debates was very high and showed a huge Comhghairdeas mór le foireann Choláiste secondary schools in the country. It is a amount of preparation by all the teams Íosagáín, Iseult Ní Cheallacháin, Niamh very challenging competition in which and their teachers. Congratulations to the Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, Sadhbh Ní Ghráda students are asked to grapple with the winning Coláiste Íosagáin team, Iseult Ní agus Ciadhla Ní Mhaolmhuaidh agus lena major issues of our times, to refute the Cheallacháin, Niamh Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, múinteoir, Róisín Ní Earcáin. arguments of the opposition and to answer Sadhbh Ní Ghráda agus Ciadhla Ní Coláiste Íosagáin, an Irish medium points of information from the opposition Mhaolmhuaidh and to their teacher, Róisín secondary school in south county Dublin, while on their feet and all of this through Ní Earcáin. had a great win on the 16th of March the medium of French. The Coláiste 2018 in the final of the French language Íosagáin team were excellent throughout

Síol Page 4 St. Kevin’s College, Ballygall Camino De Santiago 20 boys, 4 teachers, 120 kilometres and 1 unforgettable week of the Easter Holidays. I present to you the Camino De Santiago or The Way of St. James. Our 24 strong group from St Kevin’s in Ballygall hiked, stumbled and hobbled our way through the pathways of hilly northern Spain. It all started some time ago when our school signed up to a competition. After a hard-fought battle and lots of whole community support – we won! Our prize, a trip to Spain to complete the final stage of a pilgrimage. We walked the end of the French way which brought us from a town called Sarria as far as the city of Santiago where St. James can be found (allegedly). Each person was fuelled by their own purpose, some ecclesiastical, some for craic and some for personal reasons. Together we pushed ourselves to new physical and mental limits. We were determined. Throughout this journey, after talking and walking with other pilgrims – from far flung places, and even from Finglas, we realised that every pilgrim has their own reason for taking this journey. Beginning our trek in the wasteland the locals call Sarria, walking up and down… and up and down… and up and down. The rolling hills of northern Spain were no match for our calves as we made pace through the stunning countryside. Each day was by no means easy but soon enough it was flying in. Hitting the town of Portomarin, you are stopped in your tracks by the beautiful town resting on the hill. Think traditional, idyllic Spain. No matter where we were you could look up or down to capture picturesque vistas. That night was one to remember, there was a festival, singing, shouting, chanting. Many voices were lost that night but all in the name of celebrating. The days sped by, we passed Palas De Rei and Arzua. Meanwhile no landscape, no view was left untouched by our eyes as we moved ever closer to our goal. Finally, after a week of walking through rain, hail, sunshine and even a lightning storm… we made it. By afternoon we hit Santiago De Compostela. Our feet ached as we flooded out into the square that lay before the Cathedral. Collapsing down in the centre, we let it dawn on us what we had achieved, that we had walked 120 kilometres and survived. Basking under the gaze of the steeple sat 24 exhausted survivors. Within the church there was gold… A LOT of gold. Behind the altar we could stroll up and give St James’ Statue a hug. I could end it with saying, ‘and that’s the Camino’, but I would be lying. My mere 400+ words barely show the hardships, the pain, and the glory. This is but a snippet, it is a struggle to convey such a diverse experience in a full essay let alone a small article. So, I will leave you this, the Camino is a phenomenal experience from the friends to the strangers, from the culture to the landscape and especially your attitude to yourself and your ability. We would like to thank our school St Kevin’s, the teachers who accompanied us – Ms O’Mahony, Ms Delany, Mr Browne and Mr Corry. We would also like to thank our parents for encouraging us to take this opportunity.

By Martin Geraghty

Summer 2018 Page 5 CBC, Cork Cork CBC raise money with New Secondary the Br O’Reilly Cup match School Principal

ffMr David Lordon has been appointed by the Board of Management as new Secondary School Principal with effect from 1 September 2018. ffPresentation of money raised by the Br O’Reilly Cup match to Mr Jonnie Fitzpatrick, Manager of L’Arche Residential Centre. Also included in the photograph are Mrs Mary Coughlan, (L’Arche), Mr Donal O’Mahony (Deputy Principal, CBC), Ms Clodagh Bergin and Mrs Rosemary Healy (CBC Charitable Activities Committee), Dr Larry Jordan (Principal, CBC) and Mr David Barry (Principal, PBC), with students from PBC and CBC.

ffCBC win Senior All-Ireland Maths Competition - third year in a row. Back Row L to R: Matthew Gibson, Ciaran Galligan, Andrew Nestor. Front Row L to R: Alex Burke and Miss Ann Barry-Murphy. ffIrish International Rugby Coach Mr Joe Schmidt gives a coaching lesson to CBC Rugby Team.

ffLithuanian (Kaunus) Expert Education Delegation to CBC accompanied by ffNorth City & District Sports Awards for February 2018. the Director of the Cork Education Support Centre Niamh Ní Mhaolàin.

Síol Page 6 Scoil Iosagain, Sexton Street

ffScoil Iosagain, Sexton Street’s New Art Club

ffScoil Iosagain Students pictured on Intergration Day

ffScoil Iosagain, Sexton Street Vex Team who competed in the All Ireland Final.

ffStudents getting creative at the lunchtime Art and Craft club.

ff6th class boys that have been helping the 1st class children in ffVex Team Project St Michaels Infant school to write stories

Summer 2018 Page 7 Rice College Ennis A Positive Approach from Rice College Ennis

Rice College Ennis is delighted to take part in the Amber Flag For Schools Initiative. This is a school wide approach in promoting positive mental health and well-being. A dedicated Amber Flag committee is made up of students and staff to enhance the existing well-being structures that are already in place in the college. The committee organizes events throughout the academic year that promote positive mental health and well- being for all. These events are threaded throughout the school year in an effort to ffCommittee Members: Bronagh Brennan, Elaina Byrne, Méibh Dergan, Caoileann Kelly, Kate instil a positive approach on how students McGuinness, Laura McMahon, Rebecca Rahman, Claudia Ryan, Ms. Chambers view mental health and in helping to normalise the language around seeking The Amber Flag Committee took this to cushion hard times, a plaster to heal help when people feel in difficulty. opportunity to affirm the association of wounds, a tea bag to share a cuppa and The committee plans and prepares the colour orange with positive mental a chat, a thought to brighten their day for these events by volunteering their health. With the permission of our and a little sweet as a treat. Each student lunchtimes on a regular basis. These Principal, Mr. Mulqueen, and resounding in the school received this package from events and activities are varied. One such encouragement from staff, each the Amber Flag committee to promote event was at the beginning of pre-exam classroom door now displays an orange positive mental health and support. week for our Junior Certificate students. circle to show their support for positive Our 5th year Art students, Ciara The Amber Flag committee members mental health. In keeping with the Coughlan and Adam Fawl are responsible wanted to remind the 3rd years to stay cycling theme, the TY students contacted for the latest addition to the schools positive during this time. They did this by their local ‘Build a Bank’ representative ‘Positivity Wall’ and took the time to leaving a little inspirational message and which saw Mr. Mulqueen and the bank use the colour orange for the 2017- piece of orange ribbon on each of their Manager compete in a lunchtime cycling 2018 contribution. lockers. challenge in the General Purpose area. The committee is hopeful that it will Another hugely successful event at This event was well attended! attain the Amber Flag for Rice College the college took place on Friday 9th Earlier this year Care Packages were Ennis on May 17th and will endeavour to February, the day Cycle Against Suicide very thoughtfully put together by the attain the ‘Consecutive Certificate’ in the held its national #SchoolsGoOrange day. committee and contained a cotton ball coming years.

Faith Friends

This year 25 transition year students took part in the Faith Friends programme, a parish based programme as part of the preparation for confirmation. Over a six week period the students journeyed with 80 confirmation students from Ennis National School, Cloughleigh National School and the Holy Family. In small groups the Rice College students shared their own faith journeys with the 6th class students. They taught a different topic each week, covering the themes of “Belonging”, “The Holy Spirit” and “Saints”. The Rice College students used worksheets to help prepare the primary school pupils for their Confirmation. On the last Tuesday, after the Faith Friends, our students took part in the Ceremony of Light mass, taking various roles, such as readings, prayers of the faithful and lighting candles.

Méibh Dorgan

Síol Page 8 Rice College Ennis Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag)

Rice College, Ennis are hoping to be awarded their third Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag) at the end of this academic year (2017/2018) and a committee of motivated and enthusiastic students was formed to promote activities as Gaeilge around the school. This is a relatively new scheme in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn and Conradh na Gaeilge. A committee consisting of students was put together facilitated by the members of the Irish department, composing an action plan to organize events throughout the year. Such events included poster competitions, cake sales, fundraising activities for local charities, a flash mob, a sports day with Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, and visits to CBS primary where the committee performed a sketch as Gaeilge to second class students, entitled Fionn agus an Dragún and taught the students how to sing the “Hokey Pokey” as Gaeilge! TY students also visited Kilmaley National School where they organized a Tráth na gCeist (table quiz) to help mark Seachtain na Gaeilge. The Gaelbhratach committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Louis Mulqueen and Mr John Burns for their support throughout the year, and also Mr. Dara Glynn (principal of CBS Primary School) and Mr. Leonard McNamara (Principal of Kilmaley National School) who facilitated our visits to their school. Tá an Gaelbhratach ar foluain sa scoil agus is cúis onóra í dúinn go léir. Mar a deirtear, is linne í an Ghaeilge!

Pope John Paul II Awards 2018

The Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them. Through the Pope John Paul II Award, young people in the Killaloe Diocese are enabled to take an active part in the life of their church, in the life of their community and society, and also become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world We participated in numerous activities including climbing Croagh Patrick, Parish Youth Ministry, working with students from St. Clare’s school, Faith Friends and one of the highlights was our TY retreat with the ‘Mustard Seed’ youth Leaders. Each of these activities contribute towards the John Paul II Awards.

Brónagh Brennan

Summer 2018 Page 9 Coláiste Choilm, Swords

ffOfficial organisers Parades and estimate that 20,000 attended the Swords parade, Past Pupils lead with all floats and participants the way in the assembling in the Coláiste Choilm campus before Golden Jubilee walking through the village to North of Coláiste Street. Choilm Swords

Coláiste Choilm Swords was honoured to accept the invitation of Fingal County ffPictured: staff Council to be the Grand Marshall of this and students with Councillor Mary year’s St. Patricks Day Parade in Swords. McCamley, Mayor In the true spirit of partnership, students of Fingal before the and staff were joined by parents and past parade starts. pupils to walk in the parade. Master of Ceremonies for the day was TV3’s Aidan Cooney who announced to crowds “Coláiste Choilm is proud to lead the St. Patricks Day Parade through the streets of Swords where 50 years ago the Christian Brothers walked for the first time, offering education to young men from all over Swords and neighbouring ffThe parade sets villages in North County Dublin.” off from Coláiste Choilm to walk through the village.

ffMs Maria McKittrick and ffMr Gleeson was in charge of face painting on the Mrs Edel Daly both morning of the parade. parents of students in Coláiste Choilm, carrying the flag of the school crest in the parade.

ff…and to round off a great day we were very proud to get a mention on the Six- One News by Aengus Mac Grianna during his last broadcast with RTÉ. ffDarragh Lawless from 5th year carrying the placard representing the Student Council.

Síol Page 10 Coláiste Choilm, Swords

Past Pupils Union of Coláiste Choilm Seán Mok (Class of 2015) Winner of 2017/18 Trinity Employability Award

Announcing the winners, Trinity Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, congratulated all of the students who participated in the programme. He said: “We are dedicated to preparing students for the ever-changing challenges of the 21st century workforce and the Trinity Employability Award has set out to do this. Through a combination of training and experience the Award helps students to build on their skills and knowledge to make them ready for the workplace after graduation. Sean Mok, who is also studying Nanoscience, Physics & Chemistry of Advanced Materials at Trinity, said: “It’s refreshing to give us a chance to be acknowledged for extracurricular activities in a formal manner, and for our work outside lectures -- college is about working to grow as young people and there’s more to development than passing exams. I cannot believe I won -- I was in absolute shock. Even if I didn’t win it, I felt I had won anyway, because of how much I enjoyed the programme. I ffProvost of Trinity, Dr Patrick Prendergast, with winning students, Sean Mok would do it again even if I hadn’t won; it’s so important to see a (Class of 2015, Coláiste Choilm Swords) and Anastasiia Shandra, and Intel big industry player showing us how we can prepare ourselves to Ireland General Manager, Eamonn Sinnott be future employees and apply our skills in the ‘real world’.”

Past Pupils Union of Coláiste Choilm NIBS International Case Coláiste Choilm Swords scoop the Enterprising School Spirit Study Competition Award at the Fingal Student

Shaun Spelman is a world beater, having clinched a major global Enterprise Awards competition with his fellow DIT undergraduates. Shaun is, a former student at Coláiste Choilm, (Class of 2014) was a member of the first-ever Irish business school team to win the NIBS International Case Study Competition and the first European Business School to win since 2000. The contest brings together top undergraduate students from some of the world’s leading international business schools. Over the course of a week, the team competed against their rivals from across the globe, completing six complex and varied case studies and were required to analyse and solve complex international strategic business cases within a tight timeframe. They then presented their recommendations to a panel of judges comprised of senior industry professionals, policymakers and academics and defended their chosen strategies in the Q&A sessions.

Coláiste Choilm Swords was thrilled to be awarded the ffShaun Spellman (Class of 2014) prize for Enterprising School Spirit at the recent Fingal Winner of NIBS Student Enterprise Awards in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. International Case All students and staff attending the event were invited Study Competition on stage to receive the award. This is the third time in 10 years Coláiste Choilm has won this prestigious award. Coláiste Choilm is the largest entrant in the competition with over 200 students taking part this year alone. A glass trophy, certificate and laptop computer were presented to the school.

Summer 2018 Page 11 Coláiste Choilm, Swords Coláiste Choilm was very sad to that Colm Colm returned to academia. He took up Kearney, part of the first class of September the position as Professor of Finance and 1967 had entered into rest. Colm had Economics at the University of Technology Colm Kearney been in Australia during the launch of the Sydney in the late 1990s, and continued Golden Jubilee year, but sent a heartfelt with his research supported by a number message which was read out on the day. of Australian Research Council awards. Professor Colm Kearney was the Head In 2001 Colm was appointed Professor of the Monash Business School and Dean of International Business at Trinity of the Faculty of Business and Economics, College, Dublin. He was elected Dean of from 2012 until November 2017. the Faculty of Business Economic and Colm held economics degrees from Social Studies in 2004, and in 2005, he University College Dublin, the Universities was appointed Chief Academic Officer of Essex and Western Ontario, and his of the College. In 2012, he returned to PhD is from the University of Warwick. Australia to take up the appointment Colm migrated to Australia in 1986 of Dean of the Faculty of Business and and joined the University of New South Economics at Monash University. Wales as Lecturer in Economics. Having Colm was an internationally known B.A. (N.U.I.), M.A. (Dubl., Essex, served as senior economic consultant to researcher with extensive experience in N.U.I.,W. ONT., Ph.D (Warw), F.T.C.D. the Federal Treasurer and Federal Finance the disciplines of economics, finance and (2004). Member of the first class in Ministers during the Hawke-Keating international business. He passed away on Coláiste Choilm. Labour government in the early 1990s, March 28, 2018. May he rest in peace.

Synge Street, Dublin 8. Sruth Lán Ghaeilge i mBunscoil Synge Street

Our Sruth Lán Ghaeilge was opened in September 2017 with fourteen pupils. We enrolled both boys and girls and they are immersed in Irish Medium education. This is a fantastic opportunity and another choice for our local families. Helen Diamond is the class teacher, she is a musician and spends much time singing and playing the fiddle with the children. They love it! We provide support for our parents with Irish Language classes taking place every Monday and Thursday in the school. We are immensely proud of our Sruth Lán Ghaeilge!

Síol Page 12 St Aidan’s CBS, Whitehall International Day

St Aidan’s CBS held an International Day on March 22nd to acknowledge and celebrate the rich diversity in the school. There were 32 nationalities represented, who speak 27 different languages. A Fair-Trade breakfast was held to encourage students to shop ethically and sustainably in this world. This was supported and funded by of the World Wise Global Schools Development Education programme and run by enthusiastic teacher volunteers. Our gymnasium was transformed into a banqueting hall and over the course of the day every pupil in the school had an opportunity to visit the international tables which were created by students and their parents from all over the world. The aim was to display as much information about the country as possible and to display pictures, ornaments or clothing that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of our diverse school community. For many the highlight was tasting the delicious food from all over the world, there was semolina Puff Puffs from Nigeria, Paella from Spain, mouth watering onion bhaji from India to name but a few. The atmosphere was electric as music from all corners of the world blasted around the now transformed Gym. Traditional dress was worn by many students. It was a day when the whole school joined together to appreciate the vibrant cultures that are represented in St. Aidan’s. Huge credit must go to Ms. Z Kennedy who organised everything and inspired so many students to participate. At the end of the day, our principal, Mr. Shannon had an opportunity to congratulate the students who worked so hard to prepare and were so generous in their willingness to share their heritage with each other. Though there were lots of lovely prizes for the students the feedback from the boys about how much they learned from each other on the day was by far the most rewarding element of the experience. It was a privilege to watch our students develop a wider definition of school spirit and national pride.

Summer 2018 Page 13 North Monastery Secondary School

North Monastery CBS Science

The science department in the North Monastery has always maintained a strong commitment to providing a progressive education in scientific knowledge and its application since its very inception. At the heart of the department’s pedagogy is the empowerment of our students to think scientifically for the innovation of technology and its design. This is achieved by scaffolding an inquiry and constructivist approach to classroom activities in making science an active subject where powers of observation, data collection and its interpretation become core skills in a student’s repertoire. There is a great sense of enthusiasm and willingness in taking on extracurricular science projects by our students. It can be argued that students take on this workload due to the realisation that they feel empowered and that there is a can-do attitude which manifests itself in our student’s wiliness to research academic scientific papers and to utilise their powers of creativity and imagination to the development of technical projects. In particular, students have had a lot of success in both SciFest and BT Young Scientist competitions. These competitions ffWinners of SciFest CIT 2016. Harold Ibarlin, Filip Gajda and Elvis Nzekwe have been an excellent opportunity for our students to learn and explore a range of new skills that are specifically focused on what third level institutions offer and what industry requires, in a functioning workforce. On reflection, we are utterly amazed by what our students can absorb over a short period of time. It surely is a testament to their work ethic and is also a true indication of their natural flair in processing quite complex material in a practical manner. In this year’s BT Young Scientist competition one group of students designed a water meter sensor that is both economical and doesn’t require any moving parts. This ensures the sensors longevity and ease of placement on the water pipe. The motivation of the project was to make homeowners more cognisant of their domestic use with the view of conserving it. Moreover, their design can easily be mounted on the main water pipe and is only a fraction of the price of existing versions on the market. There was a multifaceted approach to the project which combined the inclusion of several cross-curricular disciplines for example applied mathematics, physics, electronics, coding and, woodwork. As the project wasn’t ingrained in any one ffWinner of the Boston Scientific Medical Devices. Danila Fedotov.

ffHarold Ibarlin, Filip Gajda & Elvis Nzekwe pictured with founder of BTYSE Tony Scott and An Tánaiste Mr Simon Conveney

Síol Page 14 North Monastery Secondary School

North Monastery History Club ffWinners of the RSC School Chemistry Last year the North Monastery History Club was established by a group of award, Jordan Woodgate, Paul Sunday and very talented and dedicated students. The aim of the club was to educate the Daniel Dennehy. students involved in it on the History of their local area and their school. The boys involved were from all different year groups with all the students having a genuine interest in Local History. The club has become increasingly more subject students develop a true sense active and have hosted quizzes, given talks and have highlighted the unique and of collaboration by working with their rich story of the school by decorating the school with informative posters, old teachers and amongst themselves in pictures and have even taken over a notice board that they continually update. making their project a reality and this The students’ passion for the history of their school and city was clear and soon gives them a real sense of what project they began competing in competitions with the Club managing to secure one design is all about in the workplace as of seven winning places in Thomas F Meagher Foundations Scholarships and engineers and scientists. Awards Programme in its inaugural year. The Club since then has gone from Specifically the North Monastery strength to strength and so far, this year have held a “North Mon Pride Week”, has won the Best Project SciFest have been on a trip to Toulouse visiting Pen Pals to commemorate the First World competition in CIT and has won many War and have also managed to win two awards in the Cork Schools Heritage other awards; for example, Boston Competition. The Club has not only encouraged its members to develop their Scientific Medical Devices, RSC School historical knowledge but has also taught them skills and values that will help Chemistry award, Abbott Runner –up stand to them in all walks of life. These include among others Leadership skills, best project award and second place Organisational skills, Respect for one’s self and one’s area, Cultural Awareness in the senior technology category and also Literacy and Numeracy skills. The boys raised money for charity by at the BT Young Scientist. Needless selling pins and they created essays for competitions such as UCC’s Decade of to say these achievements are a great Centenaries Essay Competition. The Club has been lucky in the short time it has outcome for our students as they give our been active to have students that are capable of rising to any challenge such as students a realisation and a belief that the Club President Shay McNamara who addressed the French media in Toulouse they are among the best in the country during the cities commemorative as individuals and as groups, which ceremony and Club Treasurer in turn gives students and teachers a Connor Sheehan who successfully lift in the daily routine of school life. ran an in-school exhibition on the Our template of creating success for Atlas of the Irish Revolution on loan our students is reinforced by school from UCC. The Club has gone from management through inspiring teachers strength to strength and has taken in making their school a hive of activity pride in promoting the inspiring of in the sciences. Also, a significant feature transformational leadership, one to the school’s identity is derived from of the core values of an Edmund the principles and vision that the great Rice school, since it was established science educator Br. Burke and inventor last year and its members provide of the submarine J.P Holland initiated a constant source of pride for their at the school all that the time ago and teachers and the school as a whole as is being emulated today to the same they have highlighted the very best of high standards. talent that is displayed by the North ffHistory Club with Mr Ryan and Ms Collins in Mon’s students. Frank Murphy, teacher of Physics and front of Leinster House Applied Mathematics.

Summer 2018 Page 15 Wexford CBS Secondary School Historic day for all in Wexford CBS

Monday 16th February 2018 was a historic day for all in the school community as we began our first day in the newly developed school. Staff, students and parents have expressed their delight with the new spacious building and decor, with the overall project costing in the region of €11million.The building contract was awarded to Mythen Construction and work commenced on site in July 2015. An upgrade of the CBS Primary School which is located adjacent to the secondary school is included as part of the project and is currently underway. The growth in the school’s population coupled with the dated nature of much of the existing build meant that there was a great need for such enhanced facilities. The drive to improve facilities at the school began when Mr Frank Duke sought funding from the DES for new facilities to cater for the growing school population as far back as 2006. This campaign continued for a number of years despite the difficulties of getting prioritised on the DES list for building projects. Finally, in 2012, we managed to get approval for the redevelopment which has transformed our campus. The design and planning stages took a considerable period of time. The Board of Management made a decision to stay in the existing location in the heart of Wexford town. This brought its own challenges due to the constricted nature of the site but also that any building work would have to accommodate the fact that school would continue on the exiting site. The retention of a small part of the existing infrastructure further complicated matters. Phase 1 saw the commencement of enabling works, the construction of a new gym and the provision of temporary accommodation. This was completed by June 2016. Phase 2 saw the construction of a link building joining up more modern separate blocks of the existing school and the construction of a computer room and language laboratory. This was completed by September 2016. an ASD Unit, group rooms, a staff room, Plans are underway to develop an all- Phase 3 consisted of the decanting offices and stores. The GP room was weather school pitch later in the calendar from the old school into the temporary renovated and existing classrooms were year when the temporary accommodation accommodation, the demolition of the old renovated and reconfigured to provide is removed from its current location. school and the construction of a new state a music room and a lecture hall which of the art facility comprising seventeen can be also used as classrooms. This was classrooms, three science labs, a library, completed in February 2018.

Síol Page 16 Wexford CBS Secondary School Bunscoil McAuley Rice, Callan,Co. Kilkenny. Journalism Competition Junior Entrepreneur Prize Winning Essay on Programme: Migrants in Our Society

As part of the school’s attempts at improving members of the schools community outlook as regards to social justice there are many initiatives undertaken. To date students, staff and parents have been involved in the cycle against suicide initiative, the Concern debates, the public speaking competition organised around mental health, Saint Vincent De Paul and our own Cumann Éamonn Rís (among other things). Staff members have been involved in CPD including the EREBB course. This year, as part of the Columban Fathers hundred anniversary celebrations, they had a journalism competition Mr. Fogarty’s class have been busy running their Power for students. The objective of the competition was to encourage Porridge business as part of our Junior Entrepreneur students to use their writing skills to investigate a topical issue Programme, selling over 630 jars both in school, in which is relevant to Catholic Social Teaching and resonates MacDonagh Junction and SuperValu, Callan. They are now with the Columban mission. School students aged 15-18 were preparing to finish their Junior Entrepreneur Programme invited to take part in a student journalism competition which with a showcase in the school hall.Mr. McGrath’s young asked entrants to look at the plight of migrants and their place entrepreneurs have been working hard selling their fantastic in our society. school beanie hats throughout the past number of weeks with 250 being sold to date. The judges for Irish entries were:

»» Fionnán Sheahan – Editor of the Irish Independent. »» Patsy McGarry – Religious Affairs correspondent with The Irish Times. Digital Detox »» Michael Kelly – Editor of the Irish Catholic. Ms. Tyrrell’s 6th class have taken on a ‘Digital Detox’ »» Fr Bobby Gilmore SSC – writes and campaigns recently in which the pupils firstly recorded their average on migrant issues. time spent on screens Monday to Friday. Following this they reduced those times over a one month period. The winners were announced in Columban media on 15 March The astounding results highlighted a huge cut back in 2018. One of our students, Eoin Bergin, a fifth year student, screen time! was awarded third prize in the competition. Pope Francis has on many occasions underlined Church teaching about welcoming the stranger, notably when he said, “We have a duty toward our brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, have been forced to leave their homeland: a duty of justice, of civility and of solidarity.” Prizes for the Irish competition will be presented by the former president of Ireland, Dr Mary McAleese, on 29 June 2018.

ffDigital Detoxers from L-R: Sarah Cahill, Callum Higton, Mark Gregg- Murray and Emma Stuart.

Summer 2018 Page 17 St Fintan’s High School Transition Year Musical - Grease

The Transition Year students of St Fintan’s High School, Sutton, sound, lighting, set design, props, costumes, dancing, singing in collaboration with the girls from Santa Sabina, have once and acting. Creativity was encouraged and the students learned again staged a hugely enjoyable and entertaining musical which to work as a team. Finally, it gave many students the chance to was played to sold out audiences over three nights in March of step outside their comfort zones and try things they had never this year. This year’s production was Grease, which documents tried before. the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. The audience was glued right from the start as the classic musical was born again in the hands of a talented cast and creative stage production team. The most memorable scenes from the show included, Greased Lightening’, Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee, Beauty School Drop-Out, Born to Hand-Jive and You’re The One That I Want. Throughout the show, the audience joined in with the signing, laughed at the jokes and delighted in the antics of the characters. The production, which is produced entirely in-house by staff and students from St. Fintan’s High School, involved the collaboration of the Art, Music and English Departments in the school and rehearsals took place during the students’ Performing Arts Module and at weekends. Throughout the year, students were involved in every aspect of the show including

Young Social Innovators from St. Fintan’s High School

Two groups of TY students from St. Fintan’s High School are taking part in the Young Social Innovators Competition. They took part in the YSI Speak Out event on 20th March.

Síol Page 18 St Fintan’s High School

The Off-Grid Project The Icitabo Project

Our big idea is to build the first ever public library in Kabwe, the second largest city in Zambia. The library will house the books that we collected from our communities. Our major goal is to improve literacy levels among the street children of Kabwe by giving them free access to books and literacy lessons. We also have other, smaller goals, such as educating Irish volunteers on Zambia related issues especially helping them learn the local language, Bemba, before they go to Zambia and educating ourselves on issues such as cultural sensitivity, the politics of aid, Zambian culture and Bemba language. We collaborated with another YSI group in our year, as well as the 15 students who were in Zambia last year. Our big idea is to install solar panels in St. Fintan’s High School, thereby We also worked with Pat Fanning, the promoting our message of positive, small, community-level action for the principal of Sables school in Kabwe, environment throughout Ireland. along with its charity Zamda. We met We want to set an inspiring example to other schools and communities around with Irish Aid who gave us a workshop the country by being the first student group in the nation ever to install solar on the appropriate ways to give aid panels their school. We also hope to leave a long-term impact on our school to poorer countries. This was very and community by educating students on the importance of green energy and significant as it showed us how to by cooperating with different people in our community to create a plan for support countries in relation to the sustainable energy initiatives in future years. sustainable development goals, and what As part of our project we addressed the school’s Board of Management to happens to them when you give them the request partial funding for the installation of a small number of solar panels. necessary aid. We contacted SEAI and solar panel providers for advice in this regard. We spoke We designed a logo for our project to TDs, Eamon Ryan, Brian Sanley and Bríd Smith who invited us to attend the and created a website to document all Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change. We approached local businesses with our meetings, events and activities. We a view to initiating a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) masterplan and to collected over 3000 books and sourced discuss fundraising. a container to ship the books to Zambai. We translated the book “Handa’s Other actions undertaken for this project included: Surprise” into Bemba. We created an app called “Bemba Phrases”. We advocated Energy feasibility studies at our local fundraising events and the Built a dedicated website 2018 Zamda Gala Ball which took place Created an advanced Android phone app in Clontarf Castle on 17th February. Lobbied government officials, TDs, councillors and Ministers We are active on social media with Received acknowledgement from Al Gore and President Michael D Higgins over 2000 followers. We organised a Submitted our project to Minister for Communications, Climate Action and workshop with Irish Aid on sustainable Environment, Mr. Denis Naughten development. Following a presentation Raised €3000 through fundraising activities to the YSI Dragon’s Den, we were awarded € 1000 Euro for our project. We Both YSI groups have been mentored and guided by Science teacher, Mr. Wissam organised a workshop with Mr. Michael Abdel Samad, who was nominated for, and received, an award for Most Inspiring Chanda, a Zambian national to learn Guide at the YSI Speak Out event in March. about Zambian culture and history.

Summer 2018 Page 19 CBS Roscommon Raising the Flag to Commemorate 80 Years of CBS Roscommon

In advance of its 80th anniversary, the The phrase ‘facere et docere’ means ‘to who have gone through its doors. CBS Roscommon decided to commission a do and to teach’. It represents excellence Principal Fiona Gallagher is looking special flag to commemorate the historic in teaching and learning. It also means forward to the event, ‘Our anniversary occasion. The Art Department held a that the staff of the CBS Roscommon couldn’t take place at a better time. As competition amongst Transition Year aim to be positive role models for our well as commemorating Edmund Rice Day student, challenging them to come up students through respect, inclusion and which takes place on May 5th, we are also with a design which would encapsulate compassion in our daily work. The crown, part of the Roscommon Lamb Festival the school, its ethos and its long standing the cross and the bible all symbolise celebrations which draw huge crowds to association with the wider community. our faith-based heritage as we operate the town over the weekend. We are looking CBS Roscommon Art teacher, Ms. Lorna under the Edmund Rice charter. The forward to meeting many familiar faces Kincaid was overwhelmed by the creativity image of the oak branch stands for the around the school, and catching up with and effort that students put into the growth of our students from youth into old friends. Former principal Brother exercise, and after much deliberation, TY adulthood, and also symbolises the Heffernan is going to address our guests, student Lokesh Satish was named winner virtues of strength and solidity. The and I’m sure he’ll have many great stories for his colourful and eye-catching design. torch represents the enlightenment of to tell about his time here. The CBS The background of the flag is our students in education, and equipping Roscommon has been educating the young predominantly in the striking red and them with the knowledge and skills men of Roscommon and surrounding white of the CBS. The school has a long needed to navigate their path in life. areas for many decades, and it will be tradition of excelling on the sports field. The phrase Semper Vera Loqui means truly special to honour the commitment Lokesh wanted to honour this reputation ‘Always Speak the Truth’ and is a to education and learning that has taken of the CBS as a ‘sporting school’, the alma reminder that we need to always act with place here. The flag designed by Lokesh mater of a large percentage of Roscommon honesty and integrity, and stand up for really incorporates so many elements of Senior teams throughout the decades. At what we truly believe to be right. what we want to communicate about our the centre of this he placed the outline of The flag will be officially unveiled at school. A special mass will also be held the county. ‘The school lies at the heart of a special anniversary celebration in the in the cathedral in Roscommon, and we the community, and I was keen to show this school on Saturday, May 6th. Past pupils, expect large attendance at that too. So, in the design of the flag’, said Lokesh. He staff members and representatives from if anyone is at a loose end this May bank also included the school crest, a symbol the community will gather in the school holiday weekend, then we’d love to see of the values of the CBS Roscommon. As on that day to reminisce on days spent them in Roscommon!’ part of the initiative, students studied the together in the CBS, as well as honouring significance of the crest. the many great students and teachers

Síol Page 20 Doon C.B.S. Primary School, Co. Limerick Cumann na mBunscoil Awards

Doon C.B.S. Primary School received the National Cumann na mBunscol Award for the Best Primary School for the promotion of Gaelic Games. The Awards, sponsored by Cornmarket, were presented at a function in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny on Friday night 9th March. ffPictured are- (left to right) Sitting: Joanne O’Connell (School Principal), Brian Cody, Kilkenny Senior Hurling manager, who was the guest speaker at the Awards, Elizabeth Doherty (Deputy School Principal), Back Row: Denis Moloney, Bro. James Dormer, (former Principal Doon C.B.S.), Kay Byrne, Donal O’Connell and Tina O’Connell.

Callan Visit

ff5th and 6th Class pupils from Doon C.B.S. Primary, pictured outside the house in Callan, Co. Kilkenny, where Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers, was born on the 1st of June 1762. Pictured with teachers, Joanne O’Connell, School Principal, Donal O’Connell, Tina O’Connell and Bro. James Dormer.

E.S.B. National Winner

Emmet Roche, 5th class Doon C.B.S. Primary School - winner of the National E.S.B. Primary School Art Competition. The theme was to focus people’s attention on electrical safety outdoors. The campaign aims to reach all of their audience - the general public, farmers, construction workers and children. There were over 4,000 entries and Emmett’s entry was the overall national winner.

ffEmmett is pictured at the E.S.B. Headquarters in Leopardstown. Co. Dublin, receiving his prize from Mr. Arthur Byrne of the E.S.B. along with his mother, Helen Roche and Bro. James Dormer, former school principal at Doon C.B.S., Co. Limerick.

Summer 2018 Page 21 St Joseph’s CBS, Fairview St. Josephs CBS win 1st place at the LEO Student Enterprise awards!

Tuesday 6th March saw the LEO Student the voices of young people and shows Enterprise Programme Dublin City finals everyone that we need to speak about take place in Croke Park. Over 40 school mental health and we need to do teams attended and brought with them everything we can to promote a positive a huge range of creative and innovative mentality in all students across our businesses and ideas! That day saw country. All books are being sold for €5 us put St. Josephs CBS on the Student each and money earned will be donated Enterprise map! to Jigsaw Dublin City. Everyone in Joeys Our ‘Mind Matters’ team, led by their is so proud of this team and wish them teacher Ms. Allison Leetch, wrote a book the very best in the National Finals in for young people that focuses solely on May! If you are interested in purchasing Mental Health and the promotion of a a book contact mindmattersbook@gmail. positive mentality. It features interviews, com for more details and follow us on useful contacts, food and exercise tips, a twitter on @joeys_secondary to keep up section on the supports that our fantastic to date with our preparation and progress city has to offer for those who may be in the National Finals! struggling with their own mental health and much more! It is a resource that can be used by young people, their teachers, their families and anyone that works closely with young people. This group of students have been working on this project since September and were then awarded 1st place in the Senior Category of the LEO student enterprise awards in Dublin City! The excitement could be felt throughout the school when the crystal was brought back to Joeys. The Mind Matters team will now go on to represent Dublin in the All Ireland LEO Student Enterprise National Finals. Our aim is to promote the Cycle Against Suicide message that ‘Its okay not to feel okay and it is absolutely okay to ask for help’. This resource empowers

Blarney Street Cork Schoolboys Football League Award for Blarney Street ffGerry Bennett and Pat Keating from ERST dropped into Scoil Cholmcille, Blarney Street just in time to wish everyone a Happy Christmas! Here they are with Principal Billy Lynch and prize winners Seán Salmon, Josh O Connor, Daniel Tooley and Tyrone Williamson, holding their Cork Schoolboys’ Football League Award.

Síol Page 22 St Joseph’s CBS, Fairview St. Josephs CBS, Fairview, are officially a Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School! In order to become an Ambassador school for this amazing present their book in Leinster House. This is only the beginning organisation, we had to satisfy 5 criteria. Mental Health and plans are still being made for the future of the book. Education was criteria number one. For this, various speakers The next three criteria were carried out simultaneously – and talks were organised throughout the year to promote Community Involvement, Schools Go Orange and Get Active. positive mental health in our school. This ensures Mental Health A dodgeball tournament and a spin-a-thon were organised to Education is given a more central focus throughout the school. highlight the benefit of exercise for our mental health. Both Secondly, was project work. Ms. Allison Leetch’s TY Mental members of our school community and our local community had Health Team wrote a book called Mind Matters. This book was the opportunity to take part in these activities. Students were created to: promote positive mental health, encourage people to encouraged to wear orange as a symbol of their dedication to seek help if they need it, and to remove the stigma attached to the suicide prevention message “It’s okay not to feel okay, and speaking about one’s mental health. This book has also succeeded absolutely okay to ask for help”. The group cycled 247km to in getting through to the All-Ireland Student Enterprise Awards highlight the fact that we must look after our mental health 24 final. Since this fantastic award, the Mind Matters Team have hours a day,7 days a week. Working on these five criteria has been interviewed on NEAR FM, Mid West Radio and Dublin City been a very positive and enjoyable experience for all involved. FM. Furthermore, they were invited by TD Séan Haughey to The ceremony for this award will take place in September.

ffMs. Allison Leetch with her students Joe McAuley, Seán Higgins (back row) and Matthew Boland, Lee Cadwell and Cian Maloney (front row) at the Dublin City Finals! -enterprise article.

Summer 2018 Page 23 Coláiste Éanna C.B.S. Coláiste Éanna C.B.S. celebrates its Golden Jubilee Year

In the beginning of September 1967, Coláiste Éanna CBS opened The public celebrations of the Jubilee Year culminated its doors to students for the first time, another milestone in the with the Dedication of the school pitch to Br. Mortimer Hynes Christian Brothers’ narrative. Throughout this academic year (Principal 1975-1981) by Mr. Jim Gavin. Br. Hynes Park was staff and students have acknowledged and recalled the various blessed by Fr. MacLennan, followed by the inaugural match – a contributions of the school’s family. High profile contributions minor football challenge between Ballyboden St. Enda’s and in social justice on the world stage, including the Niall Mellon Skerries Harps. Township Trust, the founding of Calcutta Connect, and our This year has been a valuable opportunity for our school engagement in the India Immersion Project, were noted, along community to celebrate its Edmund Rice heritage and the with achievements in business and sport. Along with these, contributions of Muintir Choláiste Éanna to society over the recognition was given to how our students continue to make past fifty years. We look forward to our students continuing to a difference in the ordinary significant aspects of modern become leaders who will continue to transform our world and daily life. peoples for the better. The 50th Anniversary Celebrations began on Friday, 5th May, Coláiste Éanna CBS is the ‘Star on the Hill’ – a light that 2017, with the launch of “The Star on the Hill” by past pupil continues to inspire our modern world. Dominic Price. It recounts in detail the history of Coláiste Éanna CBS 1967-2017, including the various contributions of Christian Brothers, Staff and Students to the growth and progress of the school in the past fifty years. On 20th September, Most Reverend Bishop Brendan Leahy, assisted by Reverend Robert Smyth (both past pupils), led the celebration of our Jubilee Mass in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Ballyroan. Fr. MacLennan (Ballyroan Parish), Br. Hendrick of the Christian Brother’s Province Leadership Team, Ms. O’Brien (ERST), Staff and Students past and present, friends and neighbours of Coláiste Éanna CBS, Muintir Choláiste Éanna, joined in the celebration. In his homily, as well as congratulating and thanking all who have contributed to the school over the past fifty years, Bishop Leahy suggested three ways to go forward based on the initials CBS. “While the initials stand for Christian Brothers School they could also stand for: courage, benevolence and Spirit. Courage: don’t just go along with the crowd. Be the first to love, that is, be the first to take the initiative in reaching out to those around you. Benevolence. This means, wishing the other person well, wanting the best for the other person, being kind in the way you talk about other people, the way you talk to others. Spirit. Don’t forget you are a spiritual person so you need to look after that side of you. That’s why it’s so important to keep in touch with the person of Jesus Christ. He’s not just someone you learnt about who lived two thousand years ago. He’s alive today too and is by your side. He wants to help you, support you, guide you.” A special Jubilee Remembrance Service took place in Ballyroan Parish Church on 15th November, 2017. Muintir Choláiste Éanna, Br. Garvey (Provincial), Mr. Gerry Bennett and Mr. Noel Merrick (ERST), friends and neighbours gathered to remember members of our school community, staff and students, who have joined Blessed Edmund Rice in their eternal reward. At the end of November, the school’s Drama Society produced the musical ‘Oliver’, which was also the first musical performed in Coláiste Éanna CBS. The energy and enthusiasm of the actors and musicians captivated audiences each night.

Síol Page 24 Midleton CBS India Immersion Project Midleton CBS 2018

In February this year five students and student came back with a broad smile and At the end of each day the team met two teachers travelled to India as part a unique story about their interactions. to look at the events of the day and how of the Christian Brothers Developing In St George’s School the young each person was feeling. By the end of the World Immersion Programme. Matthew students were treated to a bit of Irish fourteen day visit student and adult alike Cody, Kieran Daly, Ciarán Evans, Cathal culture as our students produced tin felt changed by their experiences. One Lane, and Dan McDonnell, along with whistles a plenty in an attempt to get a student remarked how happy the local Ms Higgins and Mr Kennedy travelled harmonious rendition of ‘Three Blind children always seemed to be despite the to Kolkata to work with the Christian Mice’ into the Kolkata morning air. After obvious difficulties they face on a daily Brothers. While in India they spent time a few amusing attempts we finally had basis. Another felt that this trip would teaching children basic English and Maths everyone playing in unison and with change the way he looked at those on the in St George’s School, provided classroom giggles galore it proved a great success. margins back home in Ireland. assistance in the special education needs During our two week visit we stayed One short interaction, with any Mary Rice centre, played various sports in St Mary’s Day School in Dum Dum. student from St George’s or the Mary with the local students, and distributed Each evening the Christian Brothers and Rice Centre highlights the invaluable food to the homeless each evening. local volunteers ran a food distribution work being carried out by the Christian Each of our five students fully programme for those in need. The Brothers in Kolkata. Despite the sights, immersed themselves in the project programme has been running for thirty sounds, and smells of Kolkata it is the from the very first day and showed great years and amazingly the local chef has people of the city who leave the greatest patience and interpersonal skills when never missed a day in all that time! This imprint on us; from the beaming smiles assisting the local teachers in the Mary level of dedication was infectious to be of the local schoolchildren to the helpful Rice Centre. After a morning in the around and even at the end of some tiring stranger in the metro station. Although classroom, it was evident how rewarding days our five students always made sure not a city rich in materials, it is a city rich the experience had been as each Midleton to help distribute the food. in the spirit of human kindness.

Summer 2018 Page 25 CBS Thurles Dean Ryan Champions 2017

Within two minutes, Thurles would raise another green flag, this time it was an excellent effort by Jack Lanigan and now, the Midleton lead was down to a single point – 2-13 to 3-9. A minute later, Stephen Ferncombe pointed a long range free for Thurles and the sides were level. After a three-minute spell of hurling were the ball flew from one end of the field to the other, the next score went the way of Thurles as Stephen Ferncombe pointed from play. Devon Ryan scored a point from Thurles CBS produced a dominant Midleton CBS had other ideas and play soon afterwards before Sean Walsh performance in the final quarter to less than a minute after Thurles took the pointed a free for Midleton in the 54th come from seven points down to lead, a Sean Walsh crossfield ball found minute to halt a 2-3 to 0-0 scoring burst secure a three-point victory over Midleton full-forward Kyle Quinn Waites for the Thurles side and leave just a single Midleton CBS at Clonmel Sportsfield on in space and his batted shot from close point between the teams, 3-12 to 2-14. Wednesday afternoon. range found the net to put the Cork school This Midleton score did little to affect the Following this victory, Thurles CBS back in front. Thurles were clearly rattled general run of play as the Thurles scoring now sit alone on top of the Dean Ryan and as the game slowed down, Midleton’s machine kept motoring. Firstly, Darren Cup roll of honour with 13 titles, one superior size seemed to prove vital time Flood (now operating to good effect at ahead of old rivals St. Flannan’s and and again as they won almost every ruck midfield) scored a monster point from St. Colman’s. ball during a dominant ten-minute spell. inside his own half before further points Played in front of a large attendance, Ryan McCarthy was doing well with by Devon Ryan and Stephen Ferncombe conditions were overcast but calm as referee long range frees and added three points (free) put Thurles in to a four-point lead in Thomas Walsh of Waterford threw in the in a six-minute spell. In the 42nd minute, the 57th minute. ball at 1:30pm. Thurles started the better when a Ciaran Joyce effort dropped short, To their credit, despite being over-run side and in the opening minute, Devon the ball was grabbed out of the air by for most of the final quarter, Midleton Ryan and Darren Flood helped to set up Waites and on the turn the Midleton full- CBS summoned up the resolve to seek Jack Lanigan who made no mistake from forward rattled the back of the Thurles the scores which would force extra time. close range for an opening goal. Stephen net. The Thurles woes were added to A Sean Walsh free in the 59th minute Ferncombe pointed a free in the third during this period when midfielder Ryan left just a goal between the sides and minute and Thurles were off to the perfect Walsh received a second yellow card to Midleton had 3 or 4 opportunities for start with an early four-point advantage. leave Thurles down to 14. goals in injury time. On a couple of Thurles CBS eventually began to At the game entered the final quarter, occasions, it seemed easier for Midleton to break even around the middle of the field Midleton looked in total control and now score a goal than miss but somehow, the and managed to end their barren spell led by 2-13 to 1-9. With a man advantage, Thurles defence stood firm and time after with points from Darren Flood, Stephen Midleton looked set up not only win the time managed to get in the necessary, Ferncombe (free) and Edmond Connolly game but possibly inflict a heavy defeat hook or block to ensure that by the final to retake the lead after 20 minutes, 1-4 on the Thurles side. The odds of a Thurles whistle, Thurles were three points in to 0-6. victory at this stage looked remote. front and would be crowned champions.

Proud Captains

CBS Thurles proud captains over the past few month. Conor Bowe (Fitzgerald Cup U 17), Jack Lanigan (Dean Ryan CU, Munster A U 16.5), Paddy Creedon (Cusack Cup U 15A Football), Martin O’Dwyer (Croke & White Cup U 15), James Griffin (Rice Cup U 14) and Darragh Fitzpatrick (Corn Ui Chathain 1st Year)

Síol Page 26 CBS Thurles First Year Trip to Paris

In early February forty of our first year students arrived safely home in Dublin Airport having spent the previous four days in Paris. During their sojourn in the French capital they participated in a wide array of activities designed to improve their linguistic abilities and give them a taste of Gallic culture. On their first morning in Paris they enjoyed a guided bus tour of the city before having lunch in a nice restaurant on the Rue Rivoli. Afterwards, the pupils visited Notre-Dame Cathedral and took a stroll around the historic Notre-Dame area. The following day saw a visit to the Louvre where they were given the opportunity to appreciate the museum’s impressive collection of fine art: including, of course, the Mona Lisa. Following this the students visited the Arc de Triomph, Basketball ascending to the top to take in the awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city. The afternoon was capped off with a visit to the Eiffel Tower and that evening the pupils enjoyed a fun and relaxing Midland couple of hours at a local bowling alley. Monday was spent at Disneyland, where Thunder Mountain and the Rock N Roller Coaster appeared to be the star attractions for the boys. On the League final morning the group strolled around the historic Montmartre area of the city and visited La Basilique du Sacre Coeur. Later the Champions pupils were given a guided tour of the Stade de France before stopping at a shopping centre en route to the airport to pick up a few souvenirs. It was a very educational and enjoyable tour. Congratulations to our second year basketball team who have secured the title of Midlands League Champions. To reach the final of the Midlands League they had to overcome a talented Marist College team from Athlone. Following this 9-point victory they travelled to Portlaoise for the final to face St. Pauls School from Portlaoise. After a very close contest it was in the 4th quarter that the CBS students pulled away and secured a well-earned victory on a score line of 38 points to 20. The team now progress to the all-Ireland knockout stages of the completion. Congratulations to all the students involved and Ms. Quinlan and Mr. Mulcahy on this great achievement.

John Paul II Awards

The Pope John Paul II Awards were awarded to 15 CBS Students in January hosted by Fr. Vincent Stapleton and which included addresses from Tipp hurler Brendan Maher and Archbishop Kieran O’ Reilly. Over fifty students from the school have committed to participating in this new initiative which encourages young people to be active members of their parish and community. After completing the requisite hours of community work each student will then present a reflection based on their experience.

Summer 2018 Page 27 CBS Thurles Wellbeing Week

In February the school organized a series of events which were designed to promote awareness of mental health issues and to encourage positivity and general wellbeing. Our second year students participated in a range of enjoyable team-building exercises in the school yard and in the P.E. hall; the winning class group was rewarded with pizza and chips. On Tuesday Mr. Justin Campbell, addiction counsellor and former Galway hurler, spoke to the fifth years about alcohol, gambling and drug addiction. Using his own life story as an example, Mr. Campbell outlined how easy it can be to slip into addiction and he furnished the pupils with some effective strategies and advice so that they will be able to recognise the warning signs and thus avoid getting into any difficulties. Our first and second year students attended productions of Mr. Michael O Sullivan’s Humourfit show, which analysed issues such as bullying in a humorous, interactive and thought- provoking manner. Along with these activities, there was a ‘Wellbeing’ noticeboard in the foyer where students posted positive messages about mental health, subjects such as religion, S.P.H.E. and P.E. focused on wellbeing, and ‘Mindfulness Moment’ quotes were read out over the intercom each day.

School Musical

This year’s School Musical, ‘Oh What off you’, ‘Begin’ and ‘Oh What a Night’. show another huge success. We always a Night!’, was performed in the Evan Lyons playing the part of Frankie invite the Transition year students Premier Hall on Thursday, Friday and while the parts of Bob, Tommy and Nick from our neighboring schools to take Saturday night (25th -27th February). were performed by Kevin Bracken, Ryan part and each year we are delighted to This lively and entertaining show Greene and Eoin Ryan respectively. welcome students from the Ursuline features the music of Frankie Valli The show was a huge success with full and Presentation convents. Plans for and The Four Seasons, including hits houses each night. Well done to all our next year’s show are already underway. such as ‘Sherry ‘, ‘Can’t take my eyes Transition Year students for making the

Síol Page 28 Naas CBS “High Hopes Homelessness Awareness Campaign”

On the 23rd of November, the third year students of 3A and 3D put together a Homelessness Awareness Day in the school as part of their CSPE action project. Much planning and preparation went into the organisation of the event with various year groups, students, teachers and departments coming together to make it a heart-warming and poignant day in the school calendar. Homelessness figures and statistics are on the increase at an alarming rate in our country. The latest figures from the Focus Ireland website show that there are almost 10,000 people homeless in Ireland, 3755 of which are children (January 2018). After much discussion about the facts and figures within the classroom, the students decided that they felt passionate to ff5th Year Music students Colm Foley and Samuel Sheehan take the lead challenge the perceptions surrounding homelessness - why are the figures getting worse? The students wanted to create awareness through music and conversation whilst hopefully raising some money to support the struggle that thousands of Irish people suffer on a daily basis. The awareness day included two events with very important guests - Fr. Peter McVerry from the Peter Mc Verry Trust and the Dublin/Cork members of The High Hopes choir. The High Hopes choir are made up of individuals from Waterford, Cork and Dublin who are currently or were directly affected by homelessness. With no musical background, they break the barriers by coming together to support one another, raising awareness in song. The first event took place during school for all third year students and included a talk from Fr. McVerry and ffMembers of the school choir and High Hopes choir during their performance performances from the High Hopes Choir joined by our own at the Homelessness Awareness concert Naas CBS choir on stage. In between each song, members of the choir told their stories and the students asked questions and listened attentively. In the evening, the main concert took place to a packed school hall of parents, friends, family, students, teachers and the community of Naas. The visual of the High Hopes choir on stage alongside the Naas CBS choir performing songs like “Fix You” was very inspiring to see and hear. This was something the students had created by themselves with the teachers as facilitators. The message was strong and direct. Altogether the students raised a significant amount. They presented Fr. McVerry and Penny Dinners (Cork) with a cheque on the night. Money was raised through various school bake sales and donations that were made throughout the event. The action project fell under one of the seven concepts - ffStudents and staff of Naas CBS alongside Fr Peter McVerry and some Human dignity. Human dignity means to show compassion, to members of the High Hopes Choir during their Homelessness Awareness Event treat people equally and respect difference. The dignity, respect and support that the students, community of Naas and our guests displayed during these events led to feelings of hope and empowerment that once we work with others, break the barriers and challenge the perceptions, then we too can create change! No matter how big or small that change is – it’s still a step in the right direction. We would sincerely like to extend our gratitude to Fr. Mc Verry, The High Hopes Choir, Phil Brennan, John Kelly (Sound engineer) and all the staff and students at Naas CBS that made it such a memorable day. We raised up to €4,000 between our events which was distributed between the Naas homeless community, The Peter McVerry Trust and Penny Dinners in Cork (which help to feed the Cork member of the High Hopes choir) ffStudents of Naas CBS presenting Fr Peter McVerry with a donation for the trust

Summer 2018 Page 29 St Joseph’s - Drogheda U15 North Leinster Soccer Champions

St. Joseph’s Secondary School made Soccer History in the U15 the talented Leddy who lit up the game in the second half. With North East Leinster Final. The venue was the MDL in Navan and the game at 2-1, the Joey’s were given the lifeline they needed the team was looking for the first piece of soccer silverware in when Leddy struck again with a superb chip over the onrushing the school’s history. keeper from 20 yards to bring the game back to 2-2. With the In a game full of twists and turns Dunshaughlin quickly game in the melting pot with 10 minutes to go, it looked like started pulling together some brilliant passing moves either team could take the win. Each team created chances but it and deservedly took the lead within the first 10 minutes. was Patrick Mc Geary who stepped up to finish off a well worked Dunshaughlin played a long ball over the top and their striker move, making the game 3-2 with Joey’s fans who travelled to was on hand to take advantage of a nervous Joey’s defence. the match going into meltdown. Dunshaughlin pushed every Dunshaughlin continued to push forward but failed to capitalise man forward in the remaining minutes of the game but were on their early pressure. For the remainder of the first half caught out at the back when Leddy released Anthony O’Donnell, the two sides traded shots, with neither side threatening who calmly smashed the ball into the roof of the net. their respective keepers.Yet five minutes after the interval Every Joey’s player played a brilliant match, but a special Dunshaughlin carved through the Joey’s defence to put their mention goes out to a number of players. Firstly team Captain school two goals ahead; threatening Joey’s dreams of a first Timothy Ivare who led by example throughout the game. soccer cup for the school. Michael Leddy; the game-changer who scored two goals and got For the remainder of the game, the Joey’s got into their two assists. Owen Murphy and Anthony O’Donnell who linked rhythm with some great passing moves, with Kyle McElroy, up well throughout the game. But it was a man of the match Eseosa Omoregbe and the impressive Owen Murphy linking up performance from Matthew O’Brien who worked endlessly well. When a Michael Leddy shot whizzed over the bar with in midfield throughout the game breaking down countless 25 minutes remaining, it looked like it was not going to be the Dunshaughlin attacks and suppling the front men with some Joey’s day. With 20 minutes to go, the Joey’s hit the net with beautiful passes.

Camino Easter 2018

During the Easter break 23 students and six staff walked the last 144 km of the French Way Camino from Triacastela to Santiago ffPhoto back row: Mr Savage, Mr Madden, Mr Mc Donagh, Aidan Mc de Compostela. It took seven Cormack, Owen Murphy, Stephen O’Reilly, Eoin Flanagan, Óisin Mc Cann, days to complete the walk Kyle Mc Elroy, Dara Mc Donnell, Lee Grifferty, Charlie Mohan, Mark in challenging weather from Holohan, Cian Yelland, Cian Fitzpatrick and Ethan Martin. Front Row; Joe Savage, Luke Loughran, Jake Haggans-Clarke, Matthew torrential rain to snow. Burnell, Ryan Dunne, David Moroney, Conor McGinnity, Callum Skinnader, James Breen, Eoin Brennan, Ms O’Rourke, Mrs Madden and Ms Murphy.

Síol Page 30 St Joseph’s - Drogheda

Grease the Musical

Rehearsals are well underway for our musical version of Grease. The Transition Year students are performing this amazing show at the Barbican Centre on Wednesday 9th May and Friday 11th May. Admission tickets are available from the school office at a cost of €10 per person or a family ticket for €35 (2 adults and 2 children). Grease is a 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Named after the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as greasers, Joeys Intermediate athletics team the musical is set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High School, make All‑Ireland Finals Chicago. It follows ten working- class teenagers as they navigate St. Josephs inter (u17) team put in a memorable performance at the Leinster final on the complexities of peer pressure, the 21st of February to secure a coveted spot at this year’s All Ireland. Having qualified politics, personal core values, as silver medallists from the North Leinster zone where they trailed an impressive and love. Mullingar CBS by 50 points an All-Ireland seemed an unattainable goal. However such This is a major production for was the desire and hunger from the Drogheda sextet Tadgh Donnelly (6), Peter Meegan the staff and students of St. Joseph’s (14), Tom Cummins (24), Neal Hodgins (44) total score tied them for second spot. and the TY girls from Greenhills Frank and Hugh Mc Clean 45 & 55 also ran splendid races over the 4500m at Santry. College. Please come along on Count back eventually gave Mullingar silver and Joeys bronze with victory going one of the nights and support the to Belvedere. Nonetheless a shot at All-Ireland glory beckons on March 10th on the show. It promises to be a great banks of the Suir in Waterford. Elsewhere Esosa Victor and Diarmuid Mc Keown night’s entertainment. also qualified as individuals in u15 and u19 respectfully. Our photo shows a rather disjointed presentation, Mullingar on left, Belvedere in the centre and Joeys on the right.

St. Joseph’s are the real kinks of digital.

Congratulations to our TY students on winning an award the 2018 AIB TY Bank at the national finals recently held in the RDS in Dublin. The students bank titled ‘The Bank of the Caribbean’ took first place in the Digital Bank Award. ffTY students: Luke Rock, Stan Goodwin, Niall Mc Ginnity, Conor Mc Kenna, Paul Ziehmer, Jake Connor, Eoghan Ryan. Mentoring teachers: Ms Mc Eneaney and Ms Murray.

Summer 2018 Page 31 St Joseph’s - Drogheda Seachtain na Gaeilge India Project

Ten students and their teachers are hard at work preparing for the India Immersion Project. For many years now teachers, students and parents from St Joseph’s have been involved in the setting up and development of a school for underprivileged children who would not otherwise receive an education. This involvement has meant fundraising and visiting the school and again this year the students Seachtain na Gaeilge in St Joseph’s was a flurry of activities ‘as Gaeilge’ for our from St Joseph’s will work with the students. We held céilithe, tráth na gceist, played cluichí and watched gearrscannáin. children in Providence School in This busy week ended with another successful ‘Lá na Gaeilge’ on Friday 16 Márta. Schillong, North East India. Our This immersive language day was organised by class TY C who ensured that the day fundraising helps keep the school was a great success and also raised funds for Saint Vincent de Paul. open. The boys are fundraising in Many of our students took part in the day using their language skills for 24 hours, the local community between now some only had a cúpla focal and others could be heard communicating go líofa sa and October and your support for teanga. A great effort was done by all. this extremely worthwhile project is Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste! greatly appreciated.

ERC Carrigaline Time Capsule to be opened in 25 years’ time

Almost a year ago on Monday, 8th May 2017 the staff and students of Edmund Rice College, Carrigaline celebrated moving into our beautiful, new permanent school building. Now, as we approach the end of our second academic school year we are marking the foundation of our school community with a time capsule. All 146 students in First and Second Year, together with the teaching team contributed to the design of the Time Capsule and items that capture life in a new school in 2017/2018. Reflective of the school ethos and of ff2nd year students displaying some of the items that will be placed in the Time Capsule along with Ms Edmund Rice, our time capsule captures: Marian Tobin, History teacher, who lead the project in the school. students’ hopes and dreams for the future; current academic and sporting achievements; learning material. Many the recent centenary of 1916, and over items and putting together a photo students documented what life is like for a hundred years since the Proclamation album of our adventures from the last a teenager in 2018 and what it is like to of The Irish Republic, many reflected year. Whilst we still debate the exact learn in a new school, contributing: news on the challenges facing Ireland such location of where the Time Capsule will reports; top music records; popular vocab; as homelessness, or global conflict, in be buried some of the items going into adverse weather; Cork G.A.A. successes; the hope that when the time capsule is the Time Capsule will be temporarily on photos of everyday life; interviews; opened such issues might be resolved. display. Until May 2043... examples of technology of our time. With We are now collecting the final few

Síol Page 32 Scoil Mhuire na mBráithre, Tralee Seanoige - Bridging the Generation Gap

The Seanoige club was set up as a result The benefits of interest of children they love to sit and talk of a visit by the boys and girls from the intergenerational work with them. CBS School at Christmas to our lady of By communicating with the elderly Fatima home. The residents from the Some of the benefits of intergenerational residents it will help to reduce negative home were taking part in the St Vincent work include: stereotyping sometimes associated with de Paul Christmas jumper day, the boys »» All generations have a lot to both old age. and girls from the school made badges for teach and learn from each other and Studies show that children who the residents to decorate their jumpers contribute to lifelong learning. communicate and participate in the care and they also sang some carols for them. »» Tackles issues around stereotyping of their grandparents and elderly people The visit was a great success. Through and ageism. can be more understanding and patient. discussion and consultation between »» Increases understanding and Even though a person may have the school principal Denis Coleman and respect between older people and dementia or Alzheimer disease their long teacher Michelle Culloty and the activity younger people. term memory is usually not effected. coordinator from our lady of Fatima’s »» Chance to make new friends and Behind every elderly woman or man is nursing home the Seanoige club came combats social isolation and loneliness a little boy or girl, who had a father and about. Our Lady of Fatima home, founded mother, brothers and sisters, They can give by the Dominican sisters has a long According to statistics our aging a mature historical perspective of who we tradition of strong links to the community. population will increase over 55% by are, and where we came from. Our young The aims of the Seanoige program is the year 2220.With so many families people can give us a childlike vision of the to bring people together in purposeful, dispersed around the world many elderly future and how things can be. mutually beneficial activities which people don’t get to see their grandchildren Everyone need to feel valued and promote greater understanding and as often as they like and also young people loved with the help of this project we respect between generations and don’t get to see their grandparents. The hope to develop a better understanding of contributes to building friendships and elderly people crave the attention and old and young. understanding..Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive resources that the young and old have to offer each other and those around them. Students from CBS primary school visited the residents of our lady of Fatima nursing home on Thursday 1st February a great day was had by all. The day was packed full with question time and stories and was a great success. The children will visit again next week and it is planned to ffExploring iPad Apps at Fatima run this programme on a regular basis throughout the school year.

ffMaking St. Patrick’s Day Badges before ffMary Martin & Karolina Kuserova with badges our parade they made at Fatima

ffJaden Ward Barrett enjoying St Patricks Day with resident at Fatima Nursing Home ffDesigning St. Patrick’s Day Badges

Summer 2018 Page 33 Ardscoil na Mara, Waterford Ardscoil Na Mara Transition Year wheelchair basketball team - All Ireland silver medallists

In September 2017, Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) continued with their fifth win of the day in the semi final launched the first ‘All-Ireland TY Wheelchair Basketball against combined Sutton schools. They lost out in the end in an Championships’ which took place throughout 2017/2018. The intriguing final against Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, Cork. unique initiative allows TY students across Ireland to engage The TY Wheelchair Basketball Championships aims to create in a disability awareness programme and also experience a an inclusive team sport for students of all abilities, alongside Paralympic sport, immersing TY students in a fast paced, edge this it is an opportunity to overcome adversity and challenge of your seat game, providing an authentic first hand inclusive attitudes through sport. Alongside this, schools raised over experience of this incredible game and wheelchair sports. €50,000 by supporting IWA’s Angels Campaign by participating The inaugural Championships saw over 1000 students, in fundraising events and activities. All funds raised by local alongside their PE teachers, TY Coordinators and peers taking schools will be invested in IWA services and supports in the part in the inclusive programme, whilst also raising funds for schools local community. the vital services and supports IWA provides to people with physical disabilities. Following on from the regional finals in Carriaganore, the Ardscoil na Mara team travelled to the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght for the All Ireland championship finals. They remained unbeaten in the group stages of the day coming up against teams from Cork, Ennis, Sligo and Meath. They

ffPictured are Shillane Giles and Hollie Anne Gahan from the TY Céilí Mór in ffFreya Roche competing in the All Ireland final of the TY Wheelchair Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore for Seachtain na Gaeilge. basketball tournament. News from the Student Council and young St Vincent De Paul

The members of the Young St Vincent De Paul and the Transition Year members of the Student Council actively participated in Wellness Week by launching their Student Council Newsletter, distribution of positive notes in the lockers of students and staff, organisation of a healthy eating and nutrition awareness display, compilation of stress busting techniques from the teachers, meet and greet mornings,introduction of the guest speakers and the coordination of mindfulness in the prayer room. The Pope John Paul 2nd students are busy completing the remaining hours, presentations and personal reflections for their respective awards. Transition year Students from Ardscoil na Mara exhibit their Art Work in Lismore Castle as part of this year’s Artifice festival

Síol Page 34 Ardscoil na Mara, Waterford Seachtain na Gaeilge 2018

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2018 was filled with fun and frolics for staff and students of Ardscoil na Mara. There was a 1st Year poster competition and an Irish table quiz for all 1st Years, as well as a workshop with traditional musicians with Donnchadh Gough and Brendan Clancy. There was an Irish ‘focal’ on the intercom daily, as well as some very entertaining Irish memes across the school TV screens. The ffShilanne Giles at the céilí mór highlight of the week, however, was a céilí mór skilfully co-ordinated by TY students Shilanne Giles and Alannah Jones. This culminated in a fantastic performance by all TY students in the sports hall on Friday. 4A also taught all the second years the basics of céilí dancing. Staff were encouraged to speak as much Irish in class as possible throughout the week. This was facilitated by posters of Irish phrases all over the staff room, and rewarded by ‘pióg úll’ and performances by the traditional musicians in the staff room on Friday. The atmosphere across the school was one of community and celebration, and a great Seachtain na Gaeilge was enjoyed by all. ffWorkshop in Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore with traditional musicians Donnchadh Gough and Brendan Clancy

A truly global event taking place every What is World Cancer Day? year on 4 February, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer. It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action. Here are the “Triple A Team” from 1F, Aimee, Aoife and Amber. The girls produced leaflets “I Can, We Can” and distributed to all students outlining the healthy choices we can all make to avoid cancer. Aoife designed the poster featured in the photograph showing the ribbons which symbolise the many cancers. Together with 1st and 2nd years and with the help of Ms Wright home Economics classes, 300 purple ribbons were made and each 1st year was given one. We done on such great advocacy work, Ardscoil students are all now ffStudents Caoimhe, Mairead, Dylan, Ciara, Kimberly and Matthew from Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore, members of the John Paul 2 Award who represented ASNM so well at a special ceremony in the more aware of the positive choices Cathedral in Waterford to celebrate religious orders in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. they can make to lead a healthier life.

Summer 2018 Page 35 O’Connell Secondary School, Dublin O’Connell Secondary School Celebrates the Re opening of the Daniel O’Connell Monumental Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery

On Friday April 13th 2018, the various members of the O’Connell School Community were delighted to be involved in the re-opening of the renowned Daniel O’Connell Tower Staircase in Glasnevin Cemetery - the final resting place of Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847). On Monday June 9th, 1828, the Foundation Stone for O’Connell School was laid by Daniel O’Connell – ‘A Great Day for Ireland’. In the same year, O’Connell stood in a by-election in County Clare. He won the seat with a 1075 vote majority, but could not enter parliament as Catholics were still not permitted to do so. Fearful of further rebellions and uprisings in Ireland, ffAbout to Bury the Time Capsule. L to R: Pupil Antoni Sniezek and Minister Paschal Donohoe the then Prime Minister, The Duke of Wellington and the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel convinced King George IV his work of preserving and promoting and weighs some three tonnes. The total that Catholic Emancipation should be early Irish Christian art and architecture. cost of construction came to £18,000 – an allowed. On April 13th 1829, the Catholic It consisted of a Round Tower, a Chapel equivalent cost today would be between Emancipation Bill was passed and and a Celtic Cross. Work began on the €13 and €15million. O’Connell proudly announced that April monument in 1854 and a hole was made O’Connell’s remains were relocated 14th was “The First Day of Freedom”. within the foundation stone and within it from another part of the cemetery to the From that day on he became known as was placed a lead time capsule containing crypt at the base of the Tower in1869 and “The Liberator” and “The Emancipator”. medals, documents and objects relating the site became an attraction for visitors Following his death in 1847, it was to O’Connell’s life along with gold and from Ireland and beyond. decided to build a monument suitable silver coins. The height of the Tower from In 1971 a large explosive device for O’Connell and the Dublin Cemeteries the foundation to the apex of the Cross damaged the base of the Tower and Committee sought the help of the well- is 180 feet or 55 metres. The Cross at the a large crack spread up through the known Irish antiquarian George Petrie. top of the Tower is cut from one piece of monument’s granite casing. Unfortunately His design for the monument reflected solid granite and is over seven feet high the Tower’s staircase and crypt were badly damaged and consequently the site was closed to all visitors. Nobody claimed responsibility for the bomb attack. In 1991 the crypt was repaired and re-opened. Following a prolonged and extensive programme of restoration, the reinstatement of the staircase that once graced the Tower was completed and reopened to the public on April 13th 2018 by the Minister of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe. Ms Lynn Kidney, Deputy-Principal of O’Connell Secondary School delivered a most passionate and informative address to the gathered assembly at the official re-opening of the Tower on April 13th. She outlined the close links between Daniel O’Connell and Blessed Edmund ffO’Connell School Pupils & The Time Capsule for 2068 Rice at the time of the school’s origins L to R Antoni Sniezerk, Jack Renehan, Philip Corpuz, Ade Adewunmi and Nicholas Marinho De Lima in 1828. Ms Kidney also spoke about

Síol Page 36 Coláiste Ris, Dundalk the contents of a new Time Capsule that the pupils, staff, Christian Brothers and former pupils put together for burial at the site and to be opened in 2068. Among News from Coláiste Rís, the many contents in this Time Capsule were class timetables, a school journal, Dún Dealgan a copy of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’, a copy As the current school year draws slowly to a close the students of Coláiste Rís of ‘Na Bleachtairī Zombai’ and a primary are reflecting on another worthwhile year in school. Since our last bulletin the school jumper to reflect the transition Winter Solstice was marked by the annual walk on the town’s Navvy Bank. of junior pupils to the secondary school. This has become a traditional activity in the school where this time over 200 Senior pupils decided to place sports hundred students, accompanied by a number of their teachers, walked to the memorabilia and some souvenirs from area known as the Coastguards to witness sunrise before returning to school our travels to our link schools in Zambia for a number of planned activities to mark the end of term and the start of the in the capsule. Our staff placed a Staff Christmas holidays. Handbook in the capsule, a copy of the On a more fashionable note our students emulated last year’s achievements on Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter and the catwalk. Just as fifth year student Emma Conlon Duffy represented Coláiste an Edmund Rice Commemorative Medal Rís with pride in winning the national title in the Junk Kouture competition so to show our school’s dedication to our this year one of our students, Nathan McKenna appeared in the National Finals. Founding Father and First Principal. His outfit represented the carbon footprint on the environment. The Christian Brothers’ Community The Feast of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice was marked again by our Fifth Year in O’Connell School, led by Brother students by climbing Croagh Patrick. Last year our students raised considerable Pat Madigan, donated a copy of ‘Our funds for the local anti-suicide organisation SOSAD. This year the funds raised by Way into the Future’ to signify how the students also benefitted SOSAD. The Transition Year students raised money the Congregation of Christian Brothers for Womens’ Aid by organisation a sponsored cycle to promote the ‘Break the are entrusting the education to the lay cycle of domestic violence’ campaign. These events were organised by teacher community and hoping to see their Martin Kavanagh. vision for each pupil being fulfilled. The annual musical went off in great style this year at the beginning of May. A copy of ‘Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis This year’s production was All Shook Up and was directed by teacher Evan was also included by the Congregation Markey. The show was performed over three nights in the Táin Theatre, Dundalk to demonstrate an approach to ecology and was received very well by sizeable attendances. which respects our unique place as Finally, as always some of our students deserve note for their own personal human beings in this world and our achievements. First Year student Elliot Kwelele finished in the medals in the relationship to our surroundings. World Irish Dancing Championships held in Glasgow and Third Year student Many thanks to the officers of Magda Krok won the gold medal the Irish Open Kickboxing Championships held Glasnevin Trust for organising the in Dublin. fabulous occasion. Thanks also to Ms Kidney, the staff and pupils of O’Connell Secondary School, the Congregation of ffFlyers for the Christian Brothers in North Richmond musical - All Shook Up Street and the members of our Past Pupils’ Union who all gathered to make the day a most memorable and enjoyable one for the extended O’Connell School Community.

ffOpening of the O’Connell Tower ffMagda Krok for Irish Kick-Boxing Champion ffElliot Kwelele for World Irish L to R Minister Paschal Donohoe, Lynn Kidney Dancing Championships (DP) Br Pat Madigan

Summer 2018 Page 37 Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar Momentous Sporting Year for Coláiste

Mhuire. ffU16 Football team chance. Two stalwarts of Coláiste Mhuire What an historic sporting year it has been teams in recent years have been James for Coláiste Mhuire in Mullingar, with not Drumm and Brian Martin and both lads one, but two All-Ireland titles claimed by did the school proud as they finished this the boys in green. In what is Mullingar’s very tough course. greatest colleges’ football achievement Principal Malachy Flanagan said of since St Mary’s CBS, Mullingar claimed the triumph, “It’s a truly astounding the Leinster Colleges’ SFC this week 35 achievement that Coláiste Mhuire has years ago, the same school – now known claimed two All-Ireland titles this year in as Coláiste Mhuire – have annexed an All- the space of a number weeks!” He noted Ireland Colleges’ JFC ‘A’ title. Captained that, “huge credit and praise must go first by Trevor Keena and Enda Gaffney and and foremost to the boys involved. Their managed jointly by Brian Murtagh, Sarah dedication and commitment know no Guilfoyle, and Mattie Dempsey, the boys bounds. Long may this success continue!” have beaten famed Kerry football nursery St Brendan’s College, Killarney 1-12 to 0-13 at Galtee Rovers GAA grounds, Bansha, Co. Tipperary. A first half goal from Shane Williams gave Coláiste Mhuire the advantage at half time, and they held on doggedly in the second half, with a defence brilliantly marshalled by Conor Gibney and man of the match, Charlie Drumm. To put the win in perspective, this St Brendan’s team was hot favourites to take this junior cycle All-Ireland title and to progress to more success at senior level. The school ff2013 Athletics Cross Country Team – which has produced Kerry legends like Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper, Seamus Moynihan, Páidí Ó Sé and Pat Spillane – has won the Hogan Cup (the All-Ireland Colleges’ SFC title) for the last two years. Coláiste Mhuire won the Leinster Colleges’ JFC ‘A’ last month, defeating Dublin stronghold Coláiste Eoin, Stillorgan. They reached the All-Ireland final by virtue of beating St Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway. To add to this stunning football victory, on March 10th last Coláiste Mhuire’s senior athletes continued their winning ways and claimed the Senior Boys Cross Country title in Waterford to add to the three titles already won by the school in 2002, 2013 and 2017. Strong performances on the day from Jamie Battle, who finished in fourth place, Ciaran Nolan and Jack Moran ensured ff1st Year Diarmuid Fagan pictured with athletics ff2013 Athletics Cross Country Team Coláiste Mhuire were in with a winning coach Gary McMahon

Síol Page 38 Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar

Getting to know our Neighbours

As part of our Transition Year their life and school days. Often a shared alienated from each other. Instead we see programme, our students visit members interest in sport, a shared hometown or a how the senior members of our locality of different communities within the town mutual neighbour proves to be a common gain an appreciation for our youth, while of Mullingar. Each week, a number of ground on which to build a friendship. our youth realise the value of their elders. boys visit Cluain Lir Nursing Home, St. Music provided by our trad group proves We see that those who overcome their Brigid’s School for those with Learning most popular. St. Brigid’s School sees our difficulties provide inspiration for wider Difficulties and the Sunflower Room in St. boys meet students of their own age with society. We see that those who need help, Mary’s Primary School. These visits allow learning difficulties. From the time spent allow us to give, and since it is in giving the boys to meet people outside of their together we realise the bravery involved that we receive, the benefits of our work usual social circles and develops the links in overcoming the various difficulties are far reaching and felt by all involved. between the school and other groups that life throws up. Our visits to the within the town. Sunflower Room in St. Mary’s means our The weekly visits are well received by Transition Year students can assist the the residents and students of these groups students of the primary school in their and a friendship is formed between those learning. Ultimately, these visits prove visiting and those being visited. The visit enriching to all parties. Were it not for to Cluain Lir Nursing Home sees old and the introduction of this programme, these young share stories and experiences of groups in society would remain somewhat

Coláiste Mhuire, Bác Gnóthú na Gaelbhrataí

Is scéim í Gaelbhratach a thugann aitheantas do scoileanna a ghníomhann le húsáid na Gaeilge agus feasacht ar an teanga a chur chun cinn tríd an scoil ar fad agus lasmuigh di. D’éirigh le Coláiste Mhuire an chéad bhratach a ghnóthú i rith na bliana seo. Bunaíodh Coiste na Gaelbhrataí sa scoil anuraidh, faoi stiúir an Mr Uí Bhraonáin. B’iad baill an Choiste ná Josh Ó hIarnáin (Cathaoirleach), Seán de Paor (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Doireann Nic an tSaoi (Rúnaí), Caitlyn Ní Fhaogáin agus Sophie Ní Rua (Oifigigh Caidreamh Poiblí), Líadan Ní Dhúlain, Alannah Ní Chaomhánaigh, Fionn Balbh, Lara ffTráthnóna spaoi eagraithe ag Coiste na Gaelbhrataí mar chuid den Nic Uaid, Aoibhín Ní Cheara, Tom Ó Riagáin, Eoghan Ó bhfeachtas Gaeilge 24. Dúinn, Séamus Ó Conchubhair, Megan Nic Seoin agus Lucy Ní Loinsigh. Tar éis don choiste suirbhé a dhéanamh cuireadh plean gnímh i bhfeidhm. B’é an chéad gníomh a rinne Coiste na Gaelbhrataí ná ‘Comórtas G’ a chur ar bun sa scoil. Tugadh aitheantas do scoláirí a léirigh Gaeilge mhaith thar tréimhse coicíse. Ghlac an scoil páirt i bhfeachtas Gaeilge 24 don chead uair chomh maith. At tús na bliana seo cuireadh imeachtaí Gaeilge éagsúla ar siúl sa scoil ina measc Biongó as Gaelige, Lá Spraoi le Meánscoil Lán-Ghaelach agus Bunscoil Lán-Ghaelach, Comórtas aistriúchán amhrán idir ranganna, Tráth na gCeist agus Lá Spóirt. Sa scoilbhliain reatha, tá Coiste nua ag gníomhú chun an dara Gaelbhratach a ghnóthú. Guímid gach rath ar a n-iarrachtaí. ffCoiste na Gaelbhrataí ag ócáid bhronnta na brataí.

Summer 2018 Page 39 St. Mary’s Academy CBS, Carlow

Young Scientists Tanzania.

Joseph Clowry, a teacher in St Mary’s the exhibition inspired such research. with 4 schools in 2011. These days, Academy, CBS, Carlow was recently Joseph travelled to Tanzania in schools from every region in Tanzania presented with an award by the Deputy May 2009 to see if there was support participate in the competition. It is a President of Tanzania for his work in for setting up such a project. While remarkable achievement. In some cases, setting up Young Scientists Tanzania. It there he organized meetings with students travel for 2/3 days to attend the was while he was working in Maynooth some key players, including the Irish exhibition in Dar es Salaam. A measure University as Education Officer with ambassador Anne Barrington, Concern of the success is shown by the fact that the Combat Diseases of Poverty CEO Tom Arnold and other NGO’s. He the YST Award Ceremony was televised Consortium that the idea of setting up quickly developed good relations with live on national television. the programme was sown. government ministries, academics and In 2015, 260 students from all 30 Joseph worked with 40 university teaching unions, and they who bought regions in the vast country took part in researchers from East Africa and, as into the project. the Tanzanian competition. Since 2012, part of their training in Ireland. He took In 2011, he secured funding for the winners of event in Tanzania have them to Irish schools that were involved Young Scientists Tanzania to launch the had the added excitement of travelling with the development education course project. A year later, Irish Aid provided to the BT Young Scientists’ Exhibition in that was developed by St. Mary’s incubation funding to pilot the project Dublin each year. The Young Scientist Academy CBS, Carlow. They looked at and in 2012 the first exhibition took Tanzania is mainly supported by Irish projects the students were preparing place in Dar es Salaam. Aid, BG Tanzania, KJ Foundation and for the Young Scientist exhibition in The project has grown to become the Concern Worldwide. Ireland. The African researchers could most successful national competition not believe the level of research and how in Tanzania. It started as a pilot

Fostering Edmund Rice’s visionary leadership. Part 1

A decade of Development Education at St. Mary’s see their actions as part of a wider change for a more just world. Academy, Carlow In 2006, St. Mary’s Academy CBS, Carlow decided to explore the The course is designed with four core modules, these possibility of introducing a development education course for include: transition year students at their school. It was decided to collaborate What is Development Education? with St. Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise to develop and pilot the necessary Poverty syllabus. Both schools felt the need to collaborate and create greater Conflict awareness of development issues in their wider school communities Gender Inequality. and add value to their respective Immersion Programmes. The first edition of “Development Issues – a course The core modules are designed with comprehensive lesson for Transition Year” was developed by the two school and plans and supporting resources which enable a teacher who validated by NCCA in 2011. It was directly supported by Self is new to Development Education to facilitate engaging lessons. Help Africa, Combat Diseases of Poverty Consortium, NUIM and The outline of the course allows the teacher to build their own Irish Aid with support from a range of other NGOs. capacity for the subject. Extra reading materials are provided to The course was recently edited and updated by Aileen delve further into each topic. Tennant and Joseph Clowry (St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow) with Tony Daly and Dan Bartley (developmenteducation.ie) with the The course has four supplementary modules: support of the Worldwise Global Schools programme. The new Sustainability edition was developed in accordance with the NCCA template Trade and Fairtrade and Guidelines on writing a Transition Unit. Health Diseases of Poverty The course supports students who want to explore the Human Rights. global development issues that affect our world. Through research, debate and critical reflection, students develop a Following the skills learned in the core modules, teachers can greater understanding of the complex world around them. It develop their own lesson plans based on the active learning equips students with the knowledge, ideas, skills and values to methodologies used in the core modules such as walking participate as active global citizens. debates, think-pair-share activities etc. Students are equipped to take action within their own We encourage all teachers to check the online course; http:// communities and be empowered to have a positive impact on a www.developmenteducation.ie/feature/the-development-issues- local and global scale. a-course-for-transition-year/ Engaging with the course will help students to develop the skills ISBN: 978-0-9930234-4-6 DATE: 30th November 2015 necessary to affect positive change in their own lives and also to

Síol Page 40 St. Mary’s Academy CBS, Carlow St. Mary’s Academy CBS Students Peace and participate in Trócaire’s - Sign Justice Up and Sign Out Campaign As part of the student leadership Our First and Second Year Students along with our Peace and Justice Group recently programme, St. Mary’s Academy, attended talks led by Trócaire to talk about this year’s Lenten Fundraiser, which Carlow runs a very active social focuses on Sierra Leone and the challenges faced by communities there, in particular justice group. ‘Peace and Justice’ following the mudslide that occurred in August 2017. Mr Kavanagh’s (St. Mary’s (PJ) facilitates the promotion and Academy CBS Teacher) sister Julie Kavanagh (Kildare and Leighlin Diocese Faith implementation of our school’s Development Services Team) joined them to discuss her trip to Sierra Leone last policy. The policy enhances the November, when she visited with Trócaire to see the work being done in the villages educational growth of our students hit by the mudslides and the Ebola outbreak and also the work being done in the in their intellectual, spiritual, Women’s refuges. This year students were asked to Sign Up and Sign Out of social social, artistic, moral and sporting media for 24 hours on Wednesday 21st March, to raise money for Sierra Leone. It was development. The Peace & Justice great to see so many of our students volunteering to take part and taking sponsorship group affords an opportunity for cards. As a community we can help change lives in Africa by supporting our students students to be involved in a club with sponsorship. with social and developmental Then on Wednesday 21st March our First and Second Year Students, along with benefits. The work of the group our Peace and Justice Group took part in Trocaire’s Sponsored Sign Up and Sign Out is a continuation of the work & campaign. This involved them signing out of social media for 24hrs to raise money for ethos of Blessed Edmund Rice and Sierra Leone and it was fantastic to see so many of our students taking part. On the day comprises 70 voluntary students our Peace and Justice Group organised games for participating students, so they could from all year groups. They meet take the media out of social media and just be social. Great fun was had by all. at lunchtime every Wednesday. Annual elections are held within the ffMr. Kavanagh - St. group to elect a Core Committee. It Mary’s Academy falls to these members to organise CBS Teacher, Julie Kavanagh - Kildare agendas and oversee all activities and Leighlin Diocese throughout the year. There are 10 Faith Development positions filled each year. Students Services Team, Lauren Lennon - raise awareness of local, national School Liaison for and international issues. The PJ Trócaire and 2nd students bring relevant issues to Year Students - Conor Heffernan, the attention of school community Eoghan Byrne and and work extremely hard in our Ronan Quinlan. local community in county Carlow. They have forged strong links ffSt. Mary’s with philanthropic and voluntary Academy CBS local groups such as Lion’s Club, First and Second Year Students Carlow Rotary Club & St. Vincent participating in de Paul. PJ members volunteer at Trocaire’s Sponsored various events throughout the year Sign Up and Sign Out Campaign. and raise much needed funds for these organisations. These local organisations acknowledge the PJ group as a dependable, enthusiastic and consistent partner. Peace & Justice members liaise with CBS Student Council on school based initiatives such as our annual Wellness Week. PJ members are the vehicle that organises and promotes development education initiatives as set out by our Dev Ed programme and were instrumental in the school attaining our Special Global Passport from Worldwise Global Schools- one of only 4 schools in Ireland to receive the award in 2015.

Summer 2018 Page 41 Dungarvan CBS Being Well @ the CBS Week

ffFirst Year students who did the walk to Durrow and back with teacher ffL-R Patrick Kenneally 2nd year on guitar, Teacher, Mr. Coffey with singers Ms. Joyce Shane Burke, Adam Baumann & John Power

ffCBS Students cycling down Mary ffFirst Year students Jack McGrath, Ben Power & TJ ffFirst Year Raffle Winners Street at the start of their journey Fitzgerald enjoying a chat over their hot chocolate to Kilmacthomas

ffBefore the walk and cycle: Mr. Morley, Mr. Commins, Ms. Kirwan, ffMs. Norris, Ms. Power, Proprietor Craig ff6th year students Seamus Cronin and Conor Duggan Mr. Looby, Ms. Joyce, Mr. McGrath, Dee, Ms. Kirwan, Ms. Moore and Mr. Kelly taking a break from the Cycle ‘Kilmac & Back’ Ms. Morre & Ms. Geraldine Power.

Síol Page 42 Dungarvan CBS

Dungarvan CBS has just finished its third “Mind-Body-Spirit” Thursday 22nd March week entitled “Being Well @ the CBS”. The “why” is to plug back Building the House “Together we can!” – Phase 2 into the natural world around us amid the growing social media “Being active: Road to Resilience!” – Tony Keane (For Junior influence, to continue to cultivate and nurture sense of caring Cert pupils.) community in a chaotic world, to spark positive cooperation Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and creativity for a better school environment, to reduce and This activity is for Senior Pupils. Venue: A1 eliminate mental health issues while increasing the vibe of the Eanna McGrath’s Circle of Influence. Venue: A10 school. To empower our community with self-worth, self-belief and tools for now and for life. Friday, 23rd March. Below is the itinerary for the week. We wish to thank Building the House – Phase 3 all who took part, all who helped, all who supported. A Pieta House Information Coffee Morning – For Senoirs special thanks to the Parents Council represented by Carole Donation to Pieta House. Ronayne and Liz Morrissey, the Principal Mr Paul Sheehan TY, 5th & 6th Year pupils will have a talk followed by a coffee and the Deputy Principal Ms Brenda Kirwan, our amazing morning with Pieta House to be informed of the facilities and caretaker Paudie Lynch, The Coach House, Kilmacthomas, information available to young people. Aidan McCarthy (Past pupil and Liaison Officer) and an Garda Time: 10.15 – 11.15 (Talk followed by coffee) Síochána, Dawn International, Michael Murray (Past Pupil) Venue: School Sports Hall and coffee in Main Assembly Area. of Glanbia, O’Mahony’s Pub for their generosity, Flahavan’s of Baby photo winner announcement Kilmacthomas, Tony Keane (Past pupil), Stephen Dargan and Junior Sensory Walks Pieta House. Thank you all! Dungarvan CBS Sponsored Cycle

Tuesday 20th March Another activity for our Wellness Week was our sponsored 08.55: 1.1 & 1.2 - Breakfast Club / Activity: “DINGBATS” Ms cycle and walk on The Waterford Greenway. All years took part Moore, Mr Barry, Mr Stephen Donovan, Mr Kelly and really enjoyed the day. The cycle was from the school to 9.05: Building the House “Together we can!” – Phase 1 (A Kilmacthomas and back. The full journey was around 50 km. physical and symbolic building of a house to represent co- The students left the school and had a Garda escort to the start operation and communication) (TY students) of the Greenway. They were then sent off in spaced out groups Live Music – Organized by Mr Stephen Coffey. to Kilmacthomas where they stopped at the Coach House for a Teacher Baby Photo Competition Opening – Ms K Gleeson. rest. They received flapjacks from Flahavans, water from Dawn Senior Sensory Walks (Senior pupils will be accompanied International and Mooju’s from Glanbia. They then made their on a guided 40-minute walk to connect pupils to nature and way back to Dungarvan. The walkers set off after the cyclists re-engage their senses. This is becoming more important with and walked to Durrow and back. Their full journey was 20 pupils spending more time on social media and games consoles. km. When they got to Durrow they also got water, flapjacks Option for adverse weather: Indoor sensory Walk and Calm and Mooju’s. Island – Ms Joyce, Mr Kenneally “Happiness” - Steven Dargan. (Junior Cert pupils – 1st, 2nd, Written by: TJ Fitzgerald 1st Year 3rd Years). This seminar looks at values, beliefs, motivation, life options, the power of being present, gratitude, what motivates us, social media and happiness. Venue: School Sports Hall Hot Chocolate Morning As part of our “Being Well @ Dungarvan CBS” students in 1st Wednesday 21st March year took part in a hot chocolate morning. The students got a Live Music – Organized by Mr Stephen Coffey. cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and played dingbats. Sponsored Cycle – “Kilmac’ ‘n’ Back!” In association with The Parents’ Council. (Organizers: Mr Morley, in conjunction with Ms Moore.) Wellbeing Sensory Walk to the “Light at the End of the Durrow Tunnel” (For those not cycling.” In conjunction with an Garda Siochána, Dawn International & The Coachhouse, Kilmacthomas, Flavahans, Michael Murray and Glanbia. This entire school venture with take the pupils through the square in Dungarvan with a Garda escort to The Coachhouse in Kilmacthomas via the Waterford Greenway. At the Coachhouse Cafe, pupils are provided with water sponsored by Dawn International and snacks. Pupils walking will go as far as Durrow and back. Pupils return to school via Greenway.

ffTeachers Ms. Moore and Mr. Barry serving cups of hot chocolate to first years

Summer 2018 Page 43 St. Paul’s CBS, North Brunswick Street

Career Ready Students

Our ongoing partnership with Career Ready continues this year with thirty of our senior cycle students now linked in with mentors from business and industry to help them plan their current work and shape their future study and career plans. Career Ready forms part of the suite of supports offered through Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI). JAI mission statement is to encourage young people to remain in education and helps them develop the skills they need to succeed in a changing world. The accompanying photograph shows some of our students visiting the offices of Standard Life and taking part in an interview and CV workshop with staff. Hands Across the Continents - Growing our Cambodian Partnership

As part of our work in supporting global education initiatives we were delighted to welcome a visiting group from PEPY- Empowering Youth to our school. During their visit the students and staff from PEPY met with staff and students to speak about their work and also to learn about our school. PEPY is a non-governmental group that focuses on youth leadership and enhancing the employment capabilities of their students. The programmes are based on the premise that improving education, providing training, and stimulating creative ideas builds capacity for people to achieve their dreams, and provides opportunities for people to make the changes they want to see in their own communities. The visit to the Ireland this year was funded through the INTO and Irish Aid. As a part of their welcome to our school our Construction Studies teacher, Eddy Weldon and some of his students made a clock from Irish Oak in the shape of a map of Cambodia (see attached photograph). We wish PEPY every success in their ongoing work and look forward ffTime for our Cambodian friends. Eddy Weldon with two tutors and two to continuing our link with them students from PEPY-Empowering Youth, Siem Riep, Cambobia. Their names are Savoeng, Soury, Sina and Phearith

A Visit from Brunner Boys Caught Spitting!! Jigsaw Don’t worry, not that type of spitting! SPIT is card game which is based on speed and accuracy and great for building numeracy speed skills and spatial Dublin awareness. Our junior cycle maths classes took part in the SPIT challenge as part of our Love Maths week in the school and had great fun as they pit their Ryan, Deputy President of our wits against each other. Students got to challenge the teachers including the Student Council, presents James renowned Mr ‘Math’Weeney. We have been asked not to divulge who came out Barry from Jigsaw Dublin with a on top (other than to say, ‘Well done students!’) cheque to help that organisation continue it’s vital work in the area of Youth Mental Health. James presented to a number of class The Great Brunner Bake Off groups in the school and following As part of our ongoing college access links with Dublin Institute of Technology our this out Student Council organised Transition Year students took part in a Culinary Arts Challenge along with our fellow a non-uniform fundraiser day for local secondary schools, Mount Carmel, St Joseph’s and Cabra Community College. Jigsaw. This received excellent Under the guidance of their teacher Ms Ross and DIT lecturers Shannon Dickson, support from the school community Robert Humphries and Roseanna Ryan. It was a wonderful opportunity to visit the and we are happy to play any role professional teaching kitchens in DIT Cathal Brugha St and a great chance for our we can in promoting mental health students to demonstrate the skills they had developed over the course of the culinary awareness and support for all programme. A big well done and thanks to all involved.

Síol Page 44 St. Paul’s CBS, North Brunswick Street Development Education

This year the school community, with notable effort from the Transition Year group, has worked hard to establish Development Education in the school. We have recently been awarded our Citizen’s Passport – for Emerging Engagement with Global Citizenship Education from World Wise Global Schools. Activities and initiatives that we have undertaken this year include Green Schools, who have just been awarded their first flag, Show Racism the Red Card, Student Council events, Young Social Innovators (YSI), One Good Idea Competition, the integration of development education across the curriculum and embedding it into school policy and ethos. The Transition Years entry into the One Good Idea Competition run by the SEAI has reached the national final for 2017/2018, taking place on Tuesday the 15th of May in The Printworks, Dublin Castle. They will present their idea to reduce energy consumption and reduce the effects of climate change by encouraging the school, wider community and local business owners to cycle to work and school. ffTY students exploring coastal erosion

St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda Unveiling of the Whitaker Collection and the relaunch of the St. Joseph’s CBS Whitaker Alumni

On the 15th of January, 2018, the official unveiling the Whitaker Collection of documents took place in the school library. The Whitaker Collection was kindly entrusted by the Whitaker family to the school and consists of cut crystal, certificates, diplomas, degrees and honorary doctorates that were presented to Dr TK Whitaker during his distinguished life. The Board of Management extended an invitation to past pupils, school staff, retired teachers, student council, parents’ council and representatives from the trustees, Edmund Rice Schools Trust to attend the unveiling. It was performed by of Dr. Whitaker’s son David in the presence of the Whitaker family. The full set of documents may be viewed on the school’s website www.droghedacbs.ie The Past Pupil Union of St. Joseph’s was also relaunched at this event. The PPU was formed in 1958 and the relaunch marked its 60th year in existence. Dr Whitaker was an enthusiastic and generous in his life: Integrity, Vision, Courage, (Daughter in law), Neil Whitaker supporter of the PPU especially in the Humour, Modesty, Love of our Culture (Grandson), Theresa Whitaker (Daughter sponsoring of the Peadar Mc Cann Award and Language, Dedication to Peace and in law), John Mc Eneaney (Chairperson, in memory of one of his most influential Reconciliation, and above all Selfless Board of Management), Paul Savage teachers. We believe that a lecture he Service to the Nation and its People. (Deputy Principal), Lana Quintero gave in Drogheda under the auspices of Members of T.K. Whitaker’s family (Great Granddaughter), Sam Whitaker the PPU was his last such public address. pictured with representatives of St. (Grandson), Ross Whitaker (Grandson), Our aim for the Whitaker Alumni is to Joseph’s Secondary School. Pictured Brian Whitaker (Son), David Whitaker build on his example from the past to are David Madden (Principal), Alan (Son), Ken Whitaker (Son) and Nicola inspire for the future; to promote those Whitaker (Grandson), Maeve Whitaker Ryan (Granddaughter). qualities which he so effectively embodied (Daughter in law), Deirdre Whitaker

Summer 2018 Page 45 St Vincents C.B.S. Glasnevin

ffPresident Higgins and Mrs Higgins with the staff of St Vincent’s Secondary School. Front Row (L-r) Neil McCann (Deputy Principal), John Horan (Former Principal and President of GAA), President Higgins, Mrs Higgins, Maire Quinn (Principal)

in French, Spanish and Irish. He chatted recognise the diverse community here Presidents Day with the numerous sports teams who at St Vincent’s and this is reflected in lined the corridor in their jerseys and the expanding range of subject-based in Glasnevin admired students’ art work which and extra-curricular opportunities we decorated the halls. endeavour to provide to all our students. Any day the President of Ireland comes Finally we reached the new library Our aim is to provide an inclusive to visit your school is an historic occasion where parents, staff and students greeted education where every student can find and when he is greeted by the school the guests with a standing ovation before an outlet for their talent. Principal, who just so happens to be the being entertained by our school band These notable achievements and incumbent President of the GAA, it is as who performed some well know classics improvements of recent years are the memorable a day as there can be. as well as their own original pieces. result of a focused, combined effort by The community of St Vincent’s Their excellent performance has earned the Board of Management and Staff. Secondary School in Glasnevin were them an invitation to perform at the Áras However, this transition needed a pilot, delighted to welcome President Michael garden party this summer. someone willing to steer the school in D Higgins and his wife Sabina to the The day was a celebration of the the right direction. The impact that our school to celebrate the improvement of realisation of a vision several years in Principal, John Horan, has had on the the school building and to recognise the the making. This vision was to develop school is immeasurable. He attended the dedication of Principal John Horan as he a more inclusive school that embraces school himself as a student and worked prepared to take up the role of President the many talents and skills of our here for 37 years, 9 of which he spent as of the GAA. students. The objective shared by the Principal. John’s leadership is epitomised President Higgin’s car pulled in the Board of Management and staff was by an enduring ideology - to put the front gates of our school that morning to radically improve both our learning needs of our students at the centre of to be greeted by a guard of honour environment and the learning experience, our decisions. made up of both junior and senior through building expansion, curriculum These two Presidents both seemed students. The President and Mrs Higgins development and a greater emphasis on to enjoy the occasion and each other’s enthusiastically greeted the students creative expression. President Higgins, company which is good as they will surely and their warm and friendly demeanour himself a great lover of the Arts and be meeting regularly in Croke Park in immediately disarmed us all. creativity was presented with the very the future. President Higgins met the Board of first finished piece to be completed in John has now taken up office as Management and the Student Council our new wood work room. The book- President of the GAA. What he leaves before he took a tour of the school, rest was engraved with a quotation from behind is a school transformed and a visiting the science labs and numerous President Higgin’s inaugural speech legacy that will last well into the future. classrooms, engaging with students as where he celebrates the significance of For this, we are all grateful and we they discussed experiments, studying artistic expression. remain committed to building on John’s languages and learning about the world In keeping with the principles of achievements. We thank him and wish around them. He was warmly welcomed the Edmund Rice Schools Trust we him every success in his new role.

Síol Page 46 ffPresident Higgins speaking to second year, Jan Mrowinski

ffPresident Higgins and Mrs Higgins with some junior students in the new Library

ffFormer Principal/President of the GAA John Horan; President Higgins; Mrs ffPrincipal John Horan, President Higgins, Mrs Higgins, Principal Maire Higgins; Principal Maire Quinn; Deputy Principal Neil McCann Quinn on a tour of the school

Summer 2018 Page 47 Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan TY Fashion Show

The annual TY Fashion Show was held at the Spa Hotel in Lucan There were extra whoops and cheers whenever a teacher took on Tuesday 13th March and the show drew a large crowd, the catwalk of course! However, it was all in good spirit and fun everyone keen to get in tune with the latest fashion trends! as the audience appreciated the courage it took for every model, The event was organised and operated by the Transition Year from the young to the not so young, to take to the catwalk in students themselves. DJ Mono oversaw proceedings from the front of such a large crowd. decks while Mr. Todd and Mr. O’ Neill were joint-hosts and both There was plenty of mid-session entertainment too as did a wonderful job of putting the models at their ease as well Coláiste Phadraig students and brothers Josh and Luca Sullivan as entertaining the crowd. took to the floor and performed some upbeat tunes on their The staff at the Spa Hotel did an amazing job setting up guitars, including “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. The crowd the function room for the show. They were tremendous hosts also got involved in a rousing rendition of “YMCA” led by CBS on the night and everyone involved was very grateful for teacher Mr. O’ Donoghue! their expertise, patience and professionalism. The function The night was an outstanding success, raising important room looked spectacular on the night and there were spacious funds for the running costs of the school. The Transition Year changing rooms for the models, a well equipped stage and most students were an absolute credit to themselves as they displayed importantly a catwalk. initiative, team-work and leadership throughout. They took The students from CBS were joined on the catwalk by ownership of the event and pulled out all the stops to deliver a number of their teachers and also by a contingent from a wonderful night’s entertainment for all in attendance. Ms. St. Joseph’s College Lucan. Modelling clothes from Tesco’s Casey, Ms. Hunt and Ms. M. Ryan in particular were hugely Collection, Dublin Formal Wear Lucan, Elvery Sports Fonthill involved in the whole process while the Coláiste Phádraig Road, Quiz Henry Street, Jack and Jones, Tommy Hilfiger, Parents Association kindly supplied the spot prizes, arranged the Carraig Donn, Oasis, Diesel, Coast, New Look Men, Evans ads for the brochure and helped on the night as well. The school Ladies (All Liffey Valley), Bubb Hub Lucan, Aria Vintage Clothes were especially grateful to the staff of The Spa Hotel who once Naas, Vila Jervis Street SC, Louis Copeland, Charlotte Love JFK again went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that (Inchicore) as well as SixSeven, a new clothing business set up everything went off without a hitch. Local businesses showed by two of our 6th yrs Niall Moynihan and Dáire Newcombe, our great support to the event and hopefully they will see a spike models all looked absolutely fantastic on the catwalk as they in sales after such great modelling from the young men and showed off the latest fashions to cater for every age and taste. women from Coláiste Phádraig and St. Joseph’s!

The Feachtas Tráth na gCeist National Final was held in Dublin on Tuesday 13th Tráth na gCeist: March. The competition saw 26 regional qualifying teams from around the country compete for the coveted Micheál MacGréil Perpetual Trophy. Coláiste Phádraig’s team consisted of two 6th yrs, Calvin Davis and Dáire Byrne, as well as two 3rd yrs, Ciarán Ó Brien and Leo Finan. A score of 9/10 in the 1st round represented a good start (Tús maith leath na h-oibre!). Another 9/10 in the second round saw them among the leaders and a perfect 10/10 in Round 3 saw them climb to the top of the leader board. By the start of the final round (6) they were four clear which meant that a score of 7/10 in the music round would be enough to claim the prestigious title. Ciarán and Leo both have a keen interest in music so even though the questions were challenging, our team scored 8/10 to finish with a total of 54/60, four points clear of the second placed school. The team were then presented with the beautiful trophy as well as cheques for 150euro each. For Dáire and Calvin, this was their third success in this competition having claimed the trophy previously in 2015 and 2017 so a special congratulations to them. No other school in the country has won this competition ffTráth na gCeist Boird Feachtas National winners more than once. Comhghairdeas leo go léir. Gaisce stairiúil don scoil.

Síol Page 48 Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan Two prestigious titles for Coláiste Phádraig The senior footballers of Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan claimed two prestigious titles in the space of five days in March.

ffLucan captain Dáire Newcombe receives the ffColáiste Phádraig CBS Lucan celebrate lifting the Leinster Senior Football title Man of the match award

Dublin Final Leinster Final the target. Matt Dunne and Cian McHugh On Friday 16th March the team defeated The team then advanced straight to the added some further scores late on before St. Joseph’s Rush 3-7 to 0-13 in the Leinster Schools Senior “B”Final where Emmet Allen converted a stoppage time Dublin Schools Senior “B” League they faced the Offaly champions Gallen penalty to seal an historic 9 point win for Final held in Abbotstown. A fine goal by CS. Ferbane on Tuesday 20th March in the team, 5-10 to 2-10. Herkus Sviglinskas gave Lucan an early St. Loman’s GAA Mullingar. Gallen CS Lucan captain Dáire Newcombe was lead but Joseph’s recovered well to edge were quicker out of the blocks as they presented with the man-of-the-match in front with some well taken points. Matt raced into a 1-1 to 0-2 point lead early award in recognition of his magnificent Dunne knocked over some frees late on on but some well taken points from Matt all round display of leadership, skill in the half to leave the teams level at the Dunne restored parity mid-way through and determination. Dáire kept Gallen’s break, 1-04 to 0-7. St. Joseph’s started the the 1st half. Gallen’s influential inter- inter-county star quiet for most of the second half strongly but Henry Keogh in county forward Cian Johnson scored game and this provided the platform the Lucan goal was in inspired form as he a quick-fire 1-1 to open up a 2-2 to 0-4 for a famous and well deserved win for made a series of point blank saves to deny lead for the Offaly champions but a the team. This time there was a trophy the Rush forwards. Luke Walsh, who was superb Luke Walsh goal soon after keep presentation and the Lucan players outstanding throughout, scored Lucan’s Lucan in touch. erupted in joyous celebrations when 2nd goal with a powerful drive while By half-time Gallen led by 4 points but their captain and leader Dáire lifted the Cian McHugh, Evin Dowling and Evan Lucan were level once again just minutes prestigious Leinster trophy for the 1st Walshe also added invaluable points. into the 2nd half thanks to Emmet Allen time in the school since the mid-1990s. With the game entering stoppage time, who fired in a brilliant goal low to the Mr. Dunne and Mr. Chan deserve great St. Joseph’s edged in front and looked set right hand corner of the net before adding credit for preparing the team so well for victory until second half substitute a point from long range. Lucan went throughout the season. Colm Behan smashed in the winning ahead when Herkus Sviglinskas scored Well done to the players from Coláiste goal from close range with virtually two quick-fire goals but Gallen responded Phádraig on a phenomenal few days the last action in the match. It was a with 3 unanswered points in quick and they can take pride in being such dramatic conclusion to a hard-fought and succession to narrow the gap. They then wonderful ambassadors for the school. competitive game and the Lucan players had the opportunity to level the match didn’t let the lack of a trophy presentation from the penalty spot but their impressive their celebrations. half-forward Seán Flynn for once missed

Summer 2018 Page 49 Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan CBS James Street, Dublin

Science Table Quiz GPO history tour Three students from Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan were on the winning team in the ISTA Regional Senior Science Quiz held in NUI Maynooth as part of Science Week 2017 for Third Year which ran from 12th-19th November. The 6th yr students, Dáire Byrne, Calvin Davis and Clinton Adeyemi, scored an and Transition impressive 37/48 to advance to the National Final. The quiz involved eight tough rounds of six questions, covering the Leaving Certificate Biology, Chemistry and Year students Physics syllabi as well as general science knowledge. There were 44 teams in total taking part and the Lucan students had to recover from a poor 1st round to make up ground on the vast majority of teams. They gradually edged up the leader board and actually thrived when the questions got extremely tough. In the end, they had opened up a winning margin of four as other schools fell away to claim the beautiful Science Quiz trophy as well as 40euro book vouchers each. Coláiste Phádraig also had a 2nd team at the Regional round comprising of Ahmed Kalee, Adam Nashat and Rafael Caras. They performed very well in the early rounds but faded slightly in the later round to finish in a highly respectable 9th place. In total, 1,100 students from around the country took part in the Regional Finals with 150 making the National Final, the twenty fifth year of the event. The final was held in Trinity College Dublin on Saturday 25th November with 50 teams of Leaving ffThird Year students alongside Transition Year students at the GPO Certificate science students representing 22 counties history tour, remembering the 40 children who died during the 1916 from all around Ireland. Once again there were eight Easter Rising. rounds of six questions with topics from the Leaving Cert science subjects as well as questions on black holes, crystallography, galaxies and computer languages. Coláiste Phádraig’s team scored 36/48 which was enough for a joint 4th place with 4 other teams. After a series of sudden death questions, the students eventually finished in 5th place ovevrall, just 4 points behind the winners. The questions were all extremely challenging so the students can be very proud of representing Dublin as Regional Winners and performing so well in the Final.

Girls Badminton The Girls Badminton team competed in the city school’s league and braved many schools, to win some matches and an overall best performance medal in St Catherine’s ffCalvin Davis, Clinton Adeyemi and Dáire Byrne with the ISTA Senior Gym, trained by Ms D Ahearn Science Quiz trophy

Síol Page 50 CBS James Street, Dublin Gone Fishin’

It’s not every day a group of teenagers pike, all double figures from 18lb to 27lb The day was part of a 12-week project converge on one of the finest golf courses were brought it, quickly photographed which includes outings to coarse and trout in Europe. and returned. As John pointed out: fisheries, fly-tying and casting instruction. Well, that’s what happened in March “These fish were put in as jack pike and “Basically, the course is an introduction as 15 Transition-Year students from I’m convinced there are even bigger fish to angling made possible by the generous James’s Street CBS, Dublin 8, spent a most in there.” sponsorship of Eir,” said Olive Crowe, a enjoyable day fishing for pike within the Louise Shelvin (16) from Basin Street schoolteacher at James’s CBS. Palmer Course complex of the five-star K was first off the mark with a 20-pounder. The project is the brainchild of former Club in Straffan, Co Kildare. “This is the biggest fish I have ever caught. Eir employee, Ciarán Ward. Fishery manager John O’Neill invited We were fishing Lough Ramor recently “This is our second year working with the students to a day’s fishing, a day and I caught about 20 coarse fish, but the transition students and we’re off to which, I doubt, they will never forget. The nothing of this size,” she said. Annamoe fishery in two weeks’ time for event was touch and go as the lakes had Next up was Jason Brophy from some trout fishing,” he said. frozen over during the night, however, Tallaght with an 18lb recently-spawned Special mention is extended to fisheries this quickly cleared to give a glorious day pike. But the day belonged to Michael stalwarts Josie Mahon and Des Chew who of sunshine and a fishing experience ‘out Williams from Basin Lane who had the provided hands-on assistance on the day. of this world’. magic touch with three fish including Their help and advice was invaluable to The sink-and-draw method with frozen one lost in the reeds. His biggest pike the students. pollen proved the winning tactic although was estimated to weigh a staggering 27lb the float had its moments too. Six huge (almost as big as himself).

Summer 2018 Page 51 CBS James Street, Dublin James Street visit for Sam Back to our Celtic roots

ffSam Maguire visited Jamebo and the 5th years were glorifying that they have managed to see the Same Maguire for most of their Secondary school life, ffBack to our Celtic roots for St Brigid’s Day with Transition year and and hope that it returns next year too. Mr O’ Connor and Mr Doyle continue fifth year students making the traditional crosses from rushes, with to coach the Gaelic and soccer teams in the school and have returned with Ms K Hill. We also took a tour of Christ Church Cathedral and were more wins than losses this season. The long awaited Astro pitch has been allowed to ring the magnificent bells over the city of Dublin. welcomed by the Sam Maguire also, all the students and teachers have been enjoying the full astro pitch and the games area surrounding the school.

Dragon’s Den

ffFirst Year students planning for their Dragon’s Den presentations for their ffThird Year students continue their Career Guidance curriculum and College Awareness with visits to Business and Enterprise course, with the many colleges and universities, including Trinity College, DITs and Dublin City University, under the care help of Avolon of Ms Cremer.

Síol Page 52 CBS Charleville Senior Cycle In CBS Charleville Physical Education Physical Education is a central component of our students learning in senior cycle. Over the past year, our senior cycle students have been involved in the Senior Cycle Physical Education Exemplification Project. This project is run by the NCCA and is designed to gather examples of students leaning and assessment for the new Physical Education Framework which is being phased into a select number of schools in September 2018. Our students and PE teacher Mr Riordan have been involved in gathering work in two of these new and innovative curriculum models, Adventure Education and Health Related Physical Fitness. Our Transition year students participated in the Adventure Education module which centered around experiential learning. Adventure Education is about trust, choice, cooperation, self confidence, respect, discovery, problem solving, enjoyment, challenge and taking risks, each of which are consistent with the holistic development of the student. The use of technology was a huge part of this project and students took videos and pictures throughout while also using educational apps such as Showbie and Iorienteering. Since early February our fifth year students have been involved in gathering exemplifications in the Health Related Physical Fitness module. In the first two weeks of this module students carried out fitness tests which focused on both health related and performance related components of fitness. From this they set goals for themselves and then participated in a number of different training routines such as weight and circuit training. Students were then assessed on their learning in this module through the form of a skills demonstration in which they had to design, carry out and evaluate a circuit with first year students. The feedback from the students afterwards was that they thoroughly enjoyed participating in this project and they very much enjoyed the experiential nature of it. The depth of the learning possible in Physical Education cannot and should not be underestimated and we look forward to participating in further projects with the NCCA.

Summer 2018 Page 53 Coláiste Mhichíl, Sexton St Coláiste Mhichíl, Green Schools 2016/2017 and 2017/2018

The Student Council were discussing the Savings (CBS) This code was used in all Members of the committee contacted Green School initiative at a meeting in of our awareness campaigns. Greenstar to identify if there was a September 2016. They decided as a group The committee used creative ideas to reduction in school waste. There was a that they would like to work on recycling encourage students to recycle properly reduction in our waste going to landfill by in our school. They wanted to take part i.e. a loyalty card system. Students that 40% from Oct 2016 to October 2017. in trying to tackle the issue of climate recycled properly at lunch time received a The committee also contacted Mr change and global warming. The students stamp on the loyalty card. The class with Binman as they dispose of our recycling. registered the school for the Green Schools the most stamps won a trip to the cinema! Every student in the school was programme and they had to work on the This initiative worked very well. involved in the Green School initiative theme of Litter and waste for eight months The committee also used creative and students learned about climate before they could apply for the Green Flag. ideas to monitor and evaluate students’ change, global warming and recycling Firstly, they formed a Green progress in relation to litter. They used a in many classes i.e. CSPE, Geography, School committee which consisted of traffic light system to monitor reduction Science and PE. management, teachers, caretakers and in litter in the school. A red light was a First year students made Bar charts of students. The students then began an litter hotspot, amber was for an area of our waste reduction in maths class which environmental review of the school, they improvement and green was now an area were also displayed on the walls of our drew up a map and indicated areas in the free of litter. school corridor. Transition Year students school which needed recycling bins and also, extra general waste bins. Students also identified areas of ‘litter hotspots’. The Committee needed to make the students and staff in the school aware of the Green Schools programme. They also needed to make students and staff aware of the items that could be recycled and the items that would go in to the general waste bin. The committee made posters with images to indicate what went in to each bin and they hung them up next to the appropriate bins. The students worked on an awareness campaign which consisted of putting up posts on the schools Facebook page, conducting surveys, intercom announcements, writing articles for our school newsletter, they had a PowerPoint in the social area, they put up displays in the school corridors with pictures and evidence of the work they had done and finally, a Green school information desk. The students also worked on a green code. Our green code is Cleaner, Better,

Síol Page 54 Coláiste Mhichíl, Sexton St

Annual International Day

Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street, Limerick celebrated their annual International Day on January 25th 2018. It was a fantastic whole school celebration of cultural diversity. The International Day provided the school with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity. The school community came together and taught each other various aspects of their country and culture by presenting their food, dance, language, currency took part in Beat the Streets during and government. Coláiste Mhichíl hosts 34 nationalities and each had their own physical education class. stand and display on the day. International Day was enjoyed by all, showcasing Students also took part in Team our school’s diversity and bringing the school community together in celebration. Limerick Clean Up 2017 and 2018. The Clean Up took place on Good Friday, the 23rd March this year. The committee along with the TY students performed an environmental drama for first year students in November as part of their green school day of action. Fiona Quinn of Friars Gate Theatre came to the school to prepare the students for the drama. This was a very enjoyable experience for the students who took part in the drama and also for the first year students. Students also took part in Climate Action Week which took place in October. Our first and second year students took Climate Action Pledges. Our Art students made a Climate Action tree for display on the Green School corridor. The committee organised a documentary called ‘an inconvenient truth’ to be played that week at lunchtime. The Green Schools Committee worked on this whole school initiative for two academic years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018.Coláiste Mhichíl applied for the Green Flag on the 1st of December 2017. We had our inspection on Thursday, the 8th of February 2018. We will be attending The National Green Flag awards ceremony and the Green Flag will be presented to our school by An Taisce on the 3rd of May at the Radisson Blue, Little Island, Co. Cork.

Summer 2018 Page 55 Coláiste Mhichíl, Sexton St Pupils Feeling Positive about Their Mental Health

Coláiste Mhichíl held its first Positive Mental Health Awareness Week (PMHAW) in March. It was a week packed full of activities for students and staff alike and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. In today’s world of increased social media presence and exam stresses, it is important to take time out and look after our mental health and that is exactly what we did! The week began with a wonderful speech from John Lonergan. Afterwards, the school choir performed. Music was at the centre of PMHAW with the choir performing throughout the week and karaoke for all students at lunch time. Music was A healthy body is important for a healthy mind and so we also also played over the intercom during break times, this helped focused on the importance of nutrition. The students benefited to relax both students and teachers and gave us an opportunity from a Nutritional Talk, given by Limerick Sports Partnership, to take some time out to reflect on our mental health. While which gave them the information needed to develop a healthy, the music was playing, the students were given the opportunity balanced diet and lifestyle. As well as this, a smoothie stand was to participate in a fun photo booth that was set up in the Mary set up at break time for the students to enjoy a healthy treat. Ryan Centre, the photo booth was such a success that even some While it is important to eat healthy foods, we also of the teachers got involved! acknowledged that it is nice to have small treats every now and Physical health and mental health go hand- in-hand. then. For this reason we decided to end the week with a few There were many physical activities organised for students treats. An Ice Cream Truck came to the school and all students throughout the week. The Senior Students participated in soccer enjoyed their icy delights. We also had a Free Fries Friday so tournaments, while the Junior Students played Giant Games, everyone could begin the weekend with a tasty lunch. This such as Sumo Wrestling, Snakes and Ladders and Connect Four. lifted the spirits of the whole school. Rowing is of great interest to our students and so our Third Year The week was a fantastic success and the whole school Students participated in a Rowing Challenge. Circuit Training community really came together to enjoy it. We would like to was organised by Transition Year and LCA Students for First and thank all of our visiting speakers who came and spoke to both Second Years. There is a great culture of game playing in our students and parents. An unforgettable week was had by all and school and so we focused on the importance of board games and we are already counting down the days until PMHAW next year! game playing in general. We had board games such as Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering for First Year Students. While the mental health of the students was at the fore this week, we also found time to look after the mental health of the staff here in Coláiste Mhichíl by offering a Yoga class. This class was really enjoyable and very relaxing for the staff. It was not all about physical activity however, it was also an important week for students to take time out to appreciate life and to think about what they are grateful for. For this reason, we put together a One Good Adult Tree and displayed it in the Mary Ryan Centre. This tree gave an opportunity for students to think about the adults in their lives that they are thankful for and to write their names on the leaves of the tree to show their gratitude.

Síol Page 56 Coláiste Mhichíl, Sexton St One Good Idea is a competition by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)

Six Transition Year students at, CBS of turning on the heating while also aware of their project. They have used are taking part in a project called ‘One talking about wool, they wore clothes social media platforms such as Facebook, Good Idea’. This National competition such as Nike which are also known to Instagram and snapchat to make people is organised by the Sustainable Energy be environmentally friendly and then aware of making environmentally Authority of Ireland (SEAI). they used jewellery and accessories to conscious decisions when shopping for The six students involved are Hamed show students that they can recycle and and maintaining their clothes. They were Oyesola, Michael Quinn, Aaron Blackhall, reuse their clothes. This makes clothes also featured in the Limerick Leader. Benjamin O’Shaughnessy, Joshua Meehan look different and new. Theresa Ryan, a The students reached the students in our and Adam Ryan. Their team name is local business woman donated the bags school, parents, teachers and staff. They Rewind, Rewear, Remodel and the focus and scarves that she makes for use in also reached the general public. The of their project is greener fashion. The the fashion show. She buys her materials students have made flyers with their 5 student’s aim to get people to make simple local which reduces fashion miles but simple tips and they handed them out to changes to shop more environmentally she also makes bags and scarves out of shoppers in Limerick City. friendly and to make people aware of old clothes that are donated to her. She This was a very enjoyable project for where their clothes have come from. makes jewellery out of recycled items. The students. The students have worked very The students hosted a fashion show students modelled some fun costumes hard to get through stage one and stage for second year students. Two students on made out of recycled material to keep two. The team Rewind, Rewear, Remodel the team made costumes and dressed up our second year students interested. Spin are delighted that their team has been as the Fashion Police. This was to interest South West also attended the Fashion selected as one of the TOP 12 TEAMS students but also to create an awareness Show. They took pictures of the event and who will go on to the One Good Idea around the school. The Fashion Police they put them on their Instagram and National Final in the Printworks, Dublin educated the second year students prior snapchat account. Castle, on Tuesday 15th May 2018. to the fashion show about the materials The Transition year students have been used to make clothes, how far they have working very hard on making people travelled to get to our shops, how to care for our clothes and how much space they take up in landfill. Their aim was to advise students on the following steps to be more environmentally friendly; »» Avoid Fast Fashion, »» Learn about brands, »» Use a biodegradable bag when shopping, »» Wash your clothes on lower temperatures and use a clothes line instead of a dryer, »» Reuse your old clothes i.e. make them look different by adding new accessories.

When the Fashion show began, the Fashion Police introduced the models who were the other members of Rewind, Rewear, Remodel. They modelled clothes such as the Manchester United Jersey which is made from recycled polyester, a sheep onesie to show students that they can wear a warm onesie at home instead

Summer 2018 Page 57 Oatlands College Oatlands College Cultural Trip to Japan

Twenty four 5th year students in Oatlands College experienced an opportunity of a lifetime earlier this year, travelling to Japan with teachers in an Irish “first of its kind” educational trip to the country. Devised as an opportunity to experience the rich historical, geographical and cultural layers of the country, the trip took place over eight days during the Easter holidays. Some of the many highlights of the trip included extended time in Tokyo’s expansive mega-city, a trip to the dormant volcanic colossus that is Mount Fuji, and a day of reflection in Hiroshima, confronting the harsh and poignant story that is now attached to the city. Students also spent a half day in a High-School in Yokohama, getting valuable insight in to how the educational system applies to students of their equivalent age in Japan. Students gave a presentation on Oatlands and took part in educational collaborative activities that brought both the Irish and Japanese students closer together. Trips to the cultural hub that is Kyoto and the world famous Kobe – bookended what was an incredibly worthwhile and memorable trip for everyone involved.

Síol Page 58 Oatlands College Oatlands College Present: Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Following on from the success of last year’s South Pacifi c, the Transition Year students of Oatlands College returned to the stage in March for this year’s production – “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. A dark and calculating tale of redemption – Sweeney Todd represents one of the more emotionally charged stage choices Oatlands had ever undertaken. Tense and touching, Sweeney’s refl ective journey from convict to confl icted was wonderfully performed and dictated by the 150+ strong cast of students from Oatlands and the Dominican College Sion Hill for four sold out nights. Every year, the musical in Oatlands strives to give each of its participants an experience that transcends the traditional layers of Transition Year. The programme is driven by goodwill, respect, patience and a pattern of encouraged participation. It remains one of the more popular activities on the school calendar every year. Auditions and Rehearsals for the musical started back in October 2017, with some six months of rehearsal culminating in four incredible nights on the purpose built stage in the Oatlands Sports Hall in March. Congratulations must go out to each of the students involved in the production and everyone involved in its creative layers.

What is happening in Oatlands College Science Department?

We started the year with our Scifest Science Fair, boys displayed an array of science projects with titles as diverse as The effect of Medication on Acne, Organic versus Inorganic foods and Psychological Evaluation on Adrenal Release to name but a few. Science week was a time for fun in the science department with our very popular rocket launching competition which brought out both the competitive and scientifi c sides of the boys. See our twitter account for video of winning rocket! @OatlandsColl Our 1st and 2nd years have been very busy with the new junior cycle science program making models of 3-D plant and animal cells, rocket building and modelling energy conversion systems. As part of our Environmental Awareness Program the boys entered the Young Environmentalist Awards Competition, they approached the local businesses in Stillorgan Shopping Centre with a petition signed by the students in Oatlands asking for a reduction in the usage of plastic in the shopping centre. Open night at Oatlands is also a busy evening for the science department with demonstrations of walking on eggs and fl ames!!

Summer 2018 Page 59 Síol Newsletter Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Summer 2018 • Issue 15 Gné lárnachGné thraidisiún de na tíre seo Cainteoirí maithe iad buachaillí D’eagraigh an captaen scoile Des Ó Tháinig ardú croí sa scoil nuair a Scoil bheag muid ach léiríonn na Chomh maith leis sin tá rannpháirtíocht againn ar fhoirne mionúir agus faoi 21 Bhaile Átha Cliathsan iomáint agus sa pheil, agus muid ag súil samhradh le fada ag tacú leo. ná an ceol agus mar an gcéanna anseo i gColáiste Eoin. Bhí ár ngrúpa traidisiúnta ag bailiú airgid Chumainn do Naomh Uinsion ar Pól de an gCarraig Dhubh roimh Nollag.Chuir bliain 4 taispeántas den chéad scoth os ár gcomhair sa cheoldráma ‘Isteach an sa cór Choill’. Tá scoile ag éirí níos bine go laethúil. Ach gan tá dabhat éacht eisceachtúil bainte amach ag an scoil sa mhéid is go bhfuil dhá ghrúpa ag glacadh páirt i gCraobh Shiansa i mbliana. Choláiste Eoin agus léirítear a gcumas i gcónaí sa díospóireacht idir Fraincis, Gearmáinis agus Gaeilge. Ba hé buachphointe na bliana fhoireann don gaeilge gur éirigh leis an bhfoireann sinsearach Craobh na hÉireann a bhaint amach. Faraor ní raibh an lá ach leo, beidh lá eile ag an bpaorach. Dúgáin ócáid charthanachta airgead le a bhailiú rothaíocht do i gcoinne féinmharuithe. Bailíodh €1,220ach ba lá rathúil, eisceachtúil í,ina raibh spiorad na scoile bhlaisiú le bharr de gur ghlac formhór na ndaltaí páirt sa rothaíocht. d’fhógair an Máistir Poire de go bhfuil cead faighte ag an scoil páirc uile aimsire a chuir ar shuíomh na scoile. Táimid ag súil cheanna féin leis. himeachtaí thuasluaite gur dream muid croíle an-mhór. Go raibh fada buan Eoin. Coláiste Ach bunchloch an spóirt ná ár Tel: 01 289 7511 289 7511 01 Tel: 289 7540 Fax: 01 [email protected] e-mail: www.erst.ieweb: gceangal leis na cluichí náisiúnta. Ghlac foirne páirt i ngach leibhéal i gcomórtas na gcoláistí. Ba ábhar mórtais gur bhain foireann iomána na Céad Bliana Craobh Bhaile Átha Cliath i gcomórtas na céad bhliana chéad don uair riamh. Bhuaigh an fhoireann dhá Chraobh faoi 16 Bhaile Átha Cliath agus Craobh Laighean san iomáint. Don dara bwhliain as a chéile, d’ardaigh an fhoireann sinsearach iomána Craobh Bhaile Átha Cliath- ní beag sin. gailf anois agus é ag tabhairt an-aire dá fhoireann anseo sa choláiste. airde Tá sroichtenua ag Coláiste Eoin ó bunaíodh an cumann dreapadóireachtadhaltaí do os cá stopfaidh siad bhliana fi 1&2. Ní seo. Thug Sensai Alan Martin aghaidh ar Pháras dream le na hidirbhliana Júdó le páirt a ghlacadh I gcomórtas Eorpach, agus thaispeáin Darach Mac Giolla Bhríde agus Mac Mathúna Tomás chomh maith agus a bhí siad ar stáitse idir náisiúnta tar éis Craobh dóibh na hÉireann a bhuachan.

Croílár na scoile seo ná an spórt. Ónspórt, go ceol, go díospóireacht, Published at Áras Éamainn Rís Vale Meadow Blackrock Co. Dublin A94 YN96 289 7511 01 Tel:

an Máistir Máirtín ina bhainisteoir bhainisteoir ina Máirtín Máistir an sa rás treas tíre. ár iar-phríomhoide, Tá Craobh Laighean sa phuiteach a bhua D’éirigh leis an bhfoireann sóisearach le traidisiúnle láidir na scoile sa ghné seo. ár gcuid lúthchleasaí rathúil ag leanacht Bhaile Átha Cliath Dár ndóigh bhí faoi 16. a stiúradh chun bua a fháil i gCraobh chispheile na hÉireann) a fhoireann le hOscarle ar fhoireann Ó Laoide (atá againn ó bheagnach gach bliain. D’éirigh fi chill, dreapadóireachta, gailf fi agus júdó iomána, cispheile, lúthchleasaíochta, atá teacht. le I mbliana bhí foirne peile, agus iad cluichí ag plé a tharla cluichí nó i ndeisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath. sé ábharTugann cainte chuile do rang speisialta faoin ár nGaeltacht bheag bheo againn arís i mbliana. thaispeánamar arís go bhfuil rud éigin go raibh bliain thar bheith a gnóthach gColáiste Eoin ach ní féidir a shéanadh Ní minicNí a bhíonn bliain ciúin againn i

Bliain i gColáiste eile Eoin Ilghnéitheach, rathúil, eisceachtúil... Coláiste Eoin Síol Page 60 Síol