ffEdmund Rice students promoting the “Save our Seas” campaign outside the Dail.

Síol Newsletter Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Spring 2019 • Issue 17

Networking to and secondary schools makes us the focus on areas such as climate justice, largest network of schools with a similar direct provision and homelessness, to our strengths ethos in Ireland. Within our schools here, name but a few, as they relate to people’s we are teaching and guiding over 37,000 lives here in Ireland but also as these Over the past few weeks I have had the students and young people. And further issues relate to the lives of our fellow honour of visiting quite a number of afield, when we link into our Edmund students and teachers across the globe. your schools. As I was travelling to Cork, Rice Schools across the globe as part of We can choose to speak out and take Wexford and Ennis, to name a few of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders, actions on these issues as individuals, or those locations, it really struck me just we, collectively are reaching over as individual schools as many of you are how diverse, innovative and strong our 170,000 pupils. already doing. However, I think, that as a network of schools is. That’s two Croke Parks filled to strong and vibrant network we can have In my travels I had the opportunity to capacity every day, with another 10,000 even more impact when we work together. meet students in some of our very oldest people watching outside on a big screen! That’s why I am so excited about network- schools – many with histories spanning But perhaps what makes us stand out wide initiatives like our Walk in My Shoes over 200 years. I also got to meet and see as a network beyond just our numbers Days and our Ecology Project to decrease the wonderful art and project work of is our collective focus on social justice our use of single use plastics for example. those attending our very newest school in and equality. As a network of 96 schools As we move forward, I urge you all Carpenterstown-Castleknock, in Dublin, here in Ireland, and as a network of to get to know more about the Edmund which was established just over two 279 schools globally, we can be a strong Rice Schools with whom you share years ago. and committed voice for positive social a connection. Try to get involved in And while each of you is very much change on key issues of our time. our network activities if you can. And tied to your own school activities, Our Charter tells us that “Major remember to tell us what you are doing your own school friends and your own challenges face humanity, including to make a difference in your own communities, it also struck me as we environmental degradation, limits communities so that we can share your travelled around the country, that to material resources, and threats to news with others. Together we really each one of you is also part of a much bio-diversity. The Edmund Rice School can be much greater than the sum of bigger school community – that is the encourages the whole school community our parts. community or network of Edmund Rice to work for social and ecological justice in Schools that is thriving both here in the school and in society generally”. This Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive Ireland and across the world. year, as Edmund Rice Schools, we will Let’s just think about the statistics for be working on network-wide positions a moment. Our network of 96 primary on ecological and social justice. We will CBC Cork Harty Cup Hurling

We were immensely proud of our Senior A hurlers who made history when they reached their first Dr Harty Cup final in 101 years. We applaud the effort, commitment and talent of all students involved and the dedication of our trainers, in particular Mr Tony Wall and Mr Donal O’ Mahony, without whose vision such an achievement would not have been possible.

Social Justice and Advocacy

In January, three senior representatives of the CBC Green Schools committee (David Walsh, Niall Hannigan, Luke Galligan) travelled to the Edmund Rice International office in Geneva, Switzerland with teacher Ms Lorna Mulvaney as part CBS Montevideo of a Social Justice and Advocacy event. They met with other students from ERST schools Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore, and Uruguay visit CBC Ard Scoil Ris, Limerick, and attended a session at the United Nations Assembly. The students who lead the new Social Justice Students and staff from Stella Maris College, Montevideo, group in CBC travelled with other ERST schools to Dublin at the Uruguay paid a visit to CBC in February, joining the weekly First invitation of Senator Grace O’ Sullivan where they learned about Year Heritage class on a visit to St Anne’s Church in Shandon. the Save our Seas initiative. CBC Cork

Past Pupils Dinner

170 CBC past pupils joined Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn and invited guests for the 88th annual Past Pupils Union dinner. Four current and recent past pupils (Eoin Monahan, Tommy Downes, Mark Donnelly, Scott Buckley) received caps from the union to mark their involvement in representing Ireland in rugby at various age divisions.

First Year trip to The Road to Success

Edmund Rice Centre, As part of CBC students’ fundraising efforts for this year’s Zambia Immersion Project, a very special event was held in the Waterford college in February. In The Road to Success, three inter-county hurling managers, Limerick’s John Kiely, Waterford’s Derek All students from First Year visited the Edmund Rice McGrath and Cork’s John Meyler, came together for a lively Centre in Waterford over two days in February in what and entertaining evening on the highs and lows of hurling life is an important annual tradition in CBC. The trip gave and offered unique insights into the stories behind inter-county students the opportunity to learn about the enduring and All-Ireland glory. Ten Fifth Year students will travel with legacy of our founder and the values that inspire schools teachers Mr David O’ Connell, Ms Ciara McCormack and Mr in the Edmund Rice tradition today. Robert Bevan to Zambia in June, supported by the humanitarian organisation Serve. Coláiste Rís Dundalk

Under 19 Team wins North East Leinster League:

ffUnder 19 North Leinster winning team (and supporters)

On Friday 25/01/19, our school Senior In early January, we defeated our went forward to represent the North- (U19) Soccer team was presented with Semi-Final opponents, Balbriggan East Region in the Leinster Champions the Dave Colgan Memorial Cup as Community School, with a resounding Senior League Quarter-Final. We played winners of the North-East (Leinster) 6-1 (away) victory. Mícheál Begley, our fellow ERST School and Metro Region League Division One. The Abdul Abubakhar, Ebuka Kwelele (2) South winners, Coláiste Éanna CBS, campaign began in October with an and Seán Hill (2) were our goalscorers Rathfarnham. Coláiste Éanna came out emphatic 5-0 Home win over our in this game. We now qualified for the on top on a scoreline of 3 goals to 2; neighbours, Marist College, Dundalk. N.E.Leinster Final against De La Salle Ebuka Kwelele scored the goals this time. Mícheál Begley, Sean Hill, Seán College, Dundalk - the only team to have We wish Coláiste Éanna every success in Murden and Abdul Abubakhar (2) beaten us during the group stages of the the competition; no doubt you can read were our goalscorers on the day. After competition. On this occasion, however, about their progress elsewhere in Siol. a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Boyne the result was very different as Coláiste We have had a great season and it was Community School, Trim in November Rís romped home to a 5-1 victory. Seán a fitting tribute to a dedicated group – we suffered a set-back in our final group Hill, led by example scoring a hat-trick many of whom are in Leaving Cert and game, losing 4-3 at home to De la Salle in this game with Ebuka Kwelele and will progress to the next stage of their College, Dundalk. Once again Abdul Abdul Abubakhar also getting on the lives with great memories of their school Abubakhar (2) and Seán Hill were our score-sheet. This was the fifth time team involvement. We cannot let this pass goalscorers. We still qualified for the that Coláiste Rís has won this trophy at without expressing a big thank you to Mr semi-finals as runners-up in the group Senior level since its inception in 1987 MacEachaidh and Mr Holland for all their thanks to our superior goal difference. and the first win since 2009. We then hard work with this group.

Leaving Cert Physics Trip to CERN

At the end of February twenty-eight senior students travelled With Mr Markey and Mr Moloney to Geneva for a trip to Europe’s headquarters for Nuclear Research CERN. This was the school’s third trip to visit the world’s largest particle accelerator. The group met with members of the Nobel Prize winning team that discovered the Higgs Boson and were given a guided tour of the facility. This was the first time that a group from the school got the opportunity to travel 100m under the ground to see the Large Hardon collider and the famous detector CMS which stands for Compact Muon Solenoid (the largest magnet in the world); this was the site of the Higgs Boson discovery. It was a fabulous experience for ffCormac Ryan getting to grips with the whole group. the particle accelerator Coláiste Rís Dundalk

ffLouth Enterprise winners 2019 ffJunk Kouture National Finalist 2019

Junk Kouture & Louth Enterprise

For the third year running Coláiste Rís will have a listening equipment the damage we are doing with the representative group in the National Finals of Junk Kouture in volume of sounds that we are listening to. the 3 Arena in early May. Motivate by the great enthusiasm of The school also has a very strong tradition in the local Ms McCaughey the students made their way through the local and national Finals of the Enterprise competition. This event of Trashion Fashion and went forward to the Regional year’s entry – a securing bungee for wheelie bins – will Final of Junk Kouture in the Helix. The entry going forward represent the school in the National Finals of the Enterprise is titled “Hear I am - Can you hear me” and the outfit was Competition in Croke Park. The students under the guidance designed and made by three of the boys, Leon Duffy, Sean of Mr Campbell are Fausta Razmaite, Ciara Sharkey, McGuinness and Paddy O Rourke and is modelled by Leah Alanna Tinnelly, Amy Ward and Sarah White. They are Conway. The theme of the entry is very thought provoking pictured here receiving their award for winning the overall as it highlights through hearing aids, earphones and other Louth competition.

Gaisce Trip to the Mournes

A group of Transition Year students Their first hike started early in the Major Celebrations headed, with Ms Lawless and Mr day in the coastal town of Dundrum, Co. in Dundalk McCarthy, to the Mourne Mountains early Down and continued along the scenic on February 28th to undertake their path of Murlough Nature Reserve. They Adventure Journey for Gaisce. Known as walked towards Newcastle, against the 11th May 2019 marks 150 years The President’s Award, Gaisce is a self- backdrop of the Mournes and continued since the first student enrolled in development programme that encourages up through Donard Forest, along the Dundalk CBS. The celebrations young people aged between 15 and 25 White Plains to reach Tollymore centre, are well under way with two fine to fulfil their potential. Volunteering just in time for dinner! The second day’s banners flying on both the Primary in the community, learning a personal hike was an opportunity to put their and Secondary Schools. On May skill, taking part in physical activity and navigation skills into practice as the 10th Archbishop Eamon Martin will the Adventure Journey are the four key students led the walk from Tollymore celebrate a mass for both schools challenge areas. The Coláiste Rís TY Forest to Ott car park. They returned in St Patrick’s Cathedral. Other cohort is working towards Bronze level to Coláiste Rís with possibly a few activities planned include a football and their Adventure Journey consisted of blisters and aching feet but with some match and fun day in the local Gaels hiking approximately 28 kilometres over very happy memories of their time in Field (long associated with the CBS) two days in the Mournes. the Mournes. on May 11th, a commemorative book to mark the 150th, guest speakers on a variety of topics, a ff4Y Class at Tollymore Centre in the Mournes concert to celebrate past and current school musicians and a dinner dance in November for past pupils and all in the schools community. It promises to be a great year for the schools and a fitting tribute to the fabulous work started by Brother Yorke and the first community of brothers 150 years ago. Doon CBS Primary School

We Are Writers all her staff. “She is a shared teacher William Kinane, fifth class; Cian Tierney, who teaches creative writing to the fifth class and Padraig Hanley, third pupils along with the class teachers class. “Paul commended Padraig Crowe’s School pupils generally read and learn in a team - teaching setting. It will story very highly. He set it in Carrigmore from books, but Doon CBS Primary be a lovely memory for the pupils of in Doon. It is about a post office closing School has written their own. Every their time in the CBS,” said Ms Breen. and how they ran a cake sale to save single one of their 63 boys penned a short Everything in the book is the work of the it. It is one people could really identify story for the paperback publication called 63 boys in the school. Cian Hanrahan, with,” said Ms Breen. And especially We Are Writers. Joanne Breen, Principal fourth class, even designed the in the context of Dromkeen Post Office of Doon CBS said she was “immensely illustration on the front cover. We Are closing last month. proud” of all her pupils. “We were Writers was launched by former pupil The book is celebration of the boys’ planning to hold a book fair. and PhD student in Mary Immaculate imagination and talent and gives the Scholastic, the company that organise College, Paul McNamara, last week. It reader a glimpse of their passion and them, asked us would we like to write a was attended by parents, teachers and interests. Ms Breen says they only have 10 book under the title We Are Writers and the young authors. “He spoke to all the copies left but they hope to reprint more. to sell the book at the book fair. From pupils and impressed upon them that September to mid-December every boy while Doon is renowned for sport it is in the school wrote their own story. It is nice to show that we have the creative very inclusive. I’m extremely proud of arts here as well. He got five boys to their imagination and talent,” said Ms read out their stories - Padraig Crowe, Breen, who praised Nano McMahon and sixth class; Cathal Quinlan, sixth class;

ffAbove: 5 pupils from Doon CBS, Cathal Quinlan, Cian Tierney, Padraig Hanley, Padraig Crowe, William ffJo Crowe with her sons Cormac and Diamuid at Kinane with Paul Mc Namara, who launched our book with school principal Joanne Breen. the Book Launch of We are Writers at Doon Shoebox Appeal

ffPupils from Doon C.B.S. Primary School display their shoeboxes as part of the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal for children in third world countries. Doon CBS Primary School Confirmation Day

ffDenis Barry, School Principal, Scoil Iosagain C.B.S., Sexton St. Limerick ffPupils from Scoil Iosagain C.B.S., Sexton St., Limerick, who were confirmed pictured with Bishop Breandan Leahy at the confirmation ceremony in St. by Bishop Breandan Leahy on Thursday 14th March at St. Michaels Church, Michael’s Church, Denmark St., Limerick. Denmark St., Limerick pictured with Mr. Denis Barry, School Principal and teachers Mary Claire Hayes and Clodagh Walsh

Grandparents Day

ffAt the Grandparents Day Mass for Catholic Schools Week in Doon Parish ffCaimin Lynch, Doon C.B.S., pictured with his grandmother, Nora Lynch Church are members of the Ryan family: (Left to Right) Grandmother of Cappamore, and Breda Dervan, Deputy Principal Doon Convent Lena Mc Namara, Sean Ryan, Micheal Ryan, Judith Ryan and Joanne N.S. at the Grandparents Day Mass in Doon Parish Church for Catholic O’Connell, School Principal Doon C.B.S. Schools Week

Druids Glen ffPictured at the E.R.S.T. School Principals conference at the Druids Glen Hotel, Co. Wicklow, Joanne O’Connell, principal of Doon C.B.S. Primary School, Co. Limerick and John Kiely, principal of Abbey C.B.S. Secondary School, Tipperary Town. John is also manager of the successful Limerick hurling team that won the All-Ireland senior title in 2018. Rice College Ennis Off To A Great Start In 2019

2019 has gotten off to a great start at Rice College Ennis. The end of January marked the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. While the theme focused on the Work of Our Local Catholic Schools that is exactly what we did. Along with a guest speaker from Bóthar the students got involved in a Bake Sale and with the help pf Ms. Ronan and Fr. Tom Ryan. The First Years, with the consent of their parents, took a pledge of total abstinence from alcoholic drink until an agreed age, typically 18. They were presented with certificates to mark their Pledge. In an effort to keep active and learn more about our local community Fr. Ryan brought a group of First Years on a ‘Camino’ around Ennis and gave them a very informative history lesson in the process. We rounded up Catholic Schools Week by making beautiful St. Brigid’s Crosses and displaying them throughout the school. In February a group of Transition Year girls entered the ‘Junkkouture’ competition. Their creation was made from repurposed and upcycled material such as aluminium cans, copper coins and electricity cables. The stunning creation received a Golden ticket to the Southern regional finals in the university Concert Hall Limerick and we wish them and their teacher Ms. Hogan the very best of luck. Over the mid-term break the school had its annual ski trip. This year the group went to the Blue Mountain Resort in Canada where they enjoyed great days of skiing, evenings of fun and ice- hockey and a trip to Niagara Falls. They are already planning a return trip!

ffSt. Brigid’s Day activity in Rice College, Ennis Rice College Ennis

Gaelbhratach

Rice College, Ennis are hoping to be awarded their fourth Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag) at the end of this academic year (2018/2019) and a committee of motivated and enthusiastic students was formed to promote activities Going For Gold as Gaeilge around the school in order to help achieve this aim. The ‘Gaelbhratach’ programme is a relatively new Rhys Williams, a 3rd Year student at Rice College, Ennis was scheme in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn announced as the Junior Irish Showjumper of the Year at a and Conradh na Gaeilge, which encourages schools to ceremony at The K Club on February 11th. He follows in the promote Irish in all aspects of school life. A committee footsteps of such household names and Jessica Chesney and consisting of students was put together facilitated by the Bertram Allen. members of the Irish department, composing an action In July of last year Rhys claimed the Gold Medal in the Under plan to organize events throughout the year. Such events 14 Longines FEI European Youth Championships in France, included poster competitions, cake sales, fundraising the only competitor to jump clear in all three rounds. He was activities for local charities, a flash mob, and visits to also named as The Irish Field ‘Star of the Month’ following a CBS primary where the committee performed a sketch as public vote. Gaeilge (Fionn agus an Dragún) to second class students Considering the hours that Rhys has to spend training and and they even taught the students how to sing “Baby caring for his horses, it’s a wonder he has any time for school, Shark/ Babaí Siorc” as Gaeilge! The committee are also but his diligence, perseverance and resilience are second to hoping to visit a local daycare centre to showcase aspects none. The staff and students of Rice College, Ennis truly value of Irish culture, linking in with the Community Awareness these qualities, and facilitate Rhys whenever possible in the programme currently being undertaken by TY students. balancing act his life has become, now that he is a famous The Gaelbhratach committee would like to take this sportsperson! He even sat two of his recent mock exams in the opportunity to thank Mr Louis Mulqueen and Mr. John evening after school, rather than miss out on the opportunity to Burns for their support throughout the year, and also ‘train’ for the other important upcoming event – the JC! Mr. Dara Glynn (principal of CBS Primary School) who Blessed Edmund Rice would be very proud of this ‘all- facilitated our visits to their school. rounder’! Tá an Gaelbhratach ar foluain sa scoil agus is We wish Rhys, and his younger brother Coen, a First -Year cúis onóra í dúinn go léir. Mar a deirtear, is linne í student in Rice College, Ennis, the very best of luck on the show an Ghaeilge! jumping circuit in the coming season. CBS Roscommon CBS Edmund Rice Centre Shortlisted for National Inclusion Award

The CBS Roscommon Edmund Rice Autism Centre was recently shortlisted ffPictured: Edmund Rice Centre staff who recently received a nomination for a National for a National Inclusion Award. A CARA Inclusion Award. Here they are pictured with the 1,555 metres of fabric required to break the award is a major national accolade, Guinness World record for the longest ever Autism Awareness Blue Ribbon recognising the success of schools and other community organisations in enhancing opportunities to participate on a daily basis. To encourage and mentor atmosphere within the CBS, which sees in Sport and Physical Activity, in students, a ‘Buddy System’ has been set students of all abilities work together in particular for those with special needs. up which sees them work in conjunction improving sports and physical skills.’ The Centre was one of three schools with Transition Year students. Many thanks to the CBS Roscommon across the country nominated for According to Orla O’Connor of the Edmund Rice Centre staff, the Transition increasing physical activity amongst Edmund Rice Centre, being shortlisted for Year mentors and the local community students on an on-going, fun and the award was a wonderful recognition who have helped to create an atmosphere inclusive way. Although it did not win of the Centre’s on-going emphasis on focused on ability and inclusion. the overall prize, it was honoured to be physical activity as a key life skill. ‘The As part of the Edmund Rice Centre’s acknowledged for the work it carries out. Edmund Rice Centre aims to equip each autism awareness programme this The staff and management understand student with the knowledge, competence year, they are going to attempt to break and appreciate the positive impact and skills necessary to participate sport Guinness World Record by creating the participation in sport has on the lives of and physical activity on an on-going basis. longest ever Blue Autism Awareness its students, and they have developed It is a testament to the work carried out Ribbon. 1,555 metres of fabric was a programme to reflect this. Students within the school, and also the support delivered to the school and everyone is visit the swimming pool, go to the gym provided by the wider community in working hard to set a new world record and learn how to use the equipment and allowing our students to enjoy facilities on April 5th of this year. It looks set to participate in PE regularly. They also use such the gym and the pool on a regular be a day of fun, entertainment and a sea the outdoor gym equipment in the centre basis. It reflects also on the inclusive of blue!

CBS Student Wins Prestigious Naughton Scholarship

Past CBS pupil and Trinity College Dublin undergraduate, Oisin Stephens, has won a prestigious four year scholarship from the Naughton Foundation, an organisation which promotes the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland. Oisin was awarded with this accolade for achieving the highest grades in his Leaving Certificate in the county. Oisin, currently a student of Physical Sciences in Trinity College, Dublin received his award from Minister Richard Bruton at a reception recently in the Science Gallery, Trinity College. Also at the awards ceremony was Oisin’s teacher Ms Breege Grennan, who received a cheque for €1000 towards the school’s science facilities. At the event, the organisers commented that competition for scholarships in 2018 was particularly high, and the standard of applications received was outstanding. The ffPictured Oisin Stephens - past pupil of the CBS Roscommon receiving his scholarship from Minister Richard Bruton. Also pictured are CBS school is very proud of Oisin’s achievements, and wish to teacher Ms Breege Grennan, and Carmel and Martin Naughton of the congratulate both him and his family. Naughton Foundation. CBS Roscommon CBS Roscommon 80th Celebrations CBS Roscommon Win All Ireland The school’s official 80th anniversary celebrations were a huge success last year, attracting a large gathering of members of Golf Championship the CBS Roscommon community to honour all that has been achieved over the past eight decades. The CBS Roscommon Golf team went down in sporting As part of the weekend’s celebration, the school welcomed folklore last year, achieving the greatest accolade in past pupils, staff members and parents to an informal and schools’ golf by winning the All-Ireland U-19 Senior entertaining afternoon which involved reminiscing, catching Golf Championship. up with old friends, browsing through old photos and touring This remarkable team consisted of: Allan Hill, Thomas the school. The Parents’ Association served teas, coffees and Higgins, Simon Walker, Fionn Hoare, Cian O’Connor, Alan refreshments to the many guests who joined us on the beautiful Connaughton, Michael Corcoran and Kevin Connaughton. Saturday afternoon. They browsed through old copies of Rosc The entire school and indeed the wider community are Chomain, the school magazine which has been published immensely proud of the young sportsmen, and they were since 1967. Some of them brought items such as old textbooks, named Junior Sportstars of the Year by the Roscommon prayer books, letters and copy books which they had preserved Herald in February of this year. They were also honoured from their time in the CBS, and all of them spoke of their fond at the annual Champions Dinner held by the Golf Union memories and how they education they had received had stood of Ireland in Carton House, Maynooth last month. Their them in good stead in their future careers. dedication and discipline have proven to be blue print for A highlight of the day was the opening of the Christy sporting success. They have shown that hard work and Hannon library, which was carried out by Christy’s brother, Billy perseverance equates to achievement in all aspects of life. Hannon. It was an honour to have his family in attendance, and Everyone at CBS Roscommon would like to pay tribute to hear tributes paid to his dedication to the school, its students to all parents involved because without their time, effort and in particular his love of literature. and support this victory would not have been possible. Former Principal, Brother Michael Heffernan gave a warm CBS Roscommon would also like to thank Roscommon and entertaining keynote speech, complimenting the school Golf Club in the development of these incredible young on the many improvements that have taken place in the CBS men. In addition, a huge thanks must go to Michael in recent years, in particular the development of the Edmund Connaughton, Liam McNeill, the CBS Roscommon Past Rice Autism Centre. Principal Fiona Gallagher spoke about the Pupils Golf Society and Michael McIntyre who contributed great contribution that the CBS has made to educating the men significantly to the CBS golfing team. And finally, many of Roscommon since 1937, and paid tribute to the calibre of thanks to CBS teacher, Mr. Mark Hodgins who coached students and teachers who have passed through the school over the team. Congratulations to all! the years. A special Vigil Mass was held Saturday evening in the Sacred Heart church, with members of the school community participating in the liturgical service. The choir and music were all performed by CBS students under the guidance of their teacher and organist Ms. Rosie Reale. Many thanks also to those who read Prayers of the faithful and participated in the offertory procession. We are hugely grateful to all staff members who helped make the day such a success, as well as all those who travelled from near and far to celebrate with us.

ffPictured: CBS Roscommon All Ireland Golf Champions and their teacher Mr Mark Hodgins receiving an award from the Golf Union of Ireland at Carton House in February of this Year (picture courtesy of ffStudents Cian O’Grady and Jack O’Gara with Principal Ms Fiona Gallagher Golf File) and Brother Michael Heffernan CBS Roscommon CBS Roscommon Win Connacht Rugby Senior Cup Semi-Final

ffCBS Senior Rugby team who beat the Jes, Galway and have made history by making it through to the Senior Rugby Cup for the first time ever

For the first time ever in the school’s history, the CBS Roscommon have made it through to the Connacht Schools Senior Cup final, securing their place in the decider with a 16-8 win over Coláiste Iognáid (the Jes), Galway. The CBS will now play Garbally College, 46-time winners of the competition, on Wednesday 13th March in The Sportsground, Galway. Their epic victory was achieved at Creggs rugby club, as they held firm in the face of strong pressure from the ffRoscommon CBS: Michael Dunne; Ryan O’Keeffe, Cian Glennon, Mark Purcell, Colin Walsh; Galway city school while playing into Tim Lambe, Aodha Hession; Tom Farrell, Roddie McGuinness, Jack Tucker; Lorcán Maher, Conor the wind in the first half, then tacked on Rohan; John McDonnell, John Martin, Jack Keegan. the scores after half time, all 16 points coming from inside centre Mark Purcell. Dry conditions and an immaculate ffMark Purcell celebrates scoring a try. new 4G surface suggested that an expansive game was in store between two schools that had scored freely in their games so far, but instead defences were very much on top with little by way of line breaks, offloading or even forward momentum in the tight exchanges for either side. Roscommon CBS had an early chance after out-half Tim Lambe opened up the defence with a quick reverse pass off a scrum move, but neither side will be happy with their performance on their own line-out today and after the CBS kicked a penalty to the corner, they failed to retain the ball and their chance was lost. CBS Roscommon CBS Ennistymon

Ireland U-18 international Cathal Forde kicked the Jes into the lead on 16 minutes but they needed more of a cushion to take into the second half, and they didn’t get it as Roscommon CBS produced two huge goal-line stands in the latter stages of the first half to get to the interval just 3-0 down. A glorious take from Niall Hanahoe off the second half restart put the Jes right back on the attack, but again they failed to convert good possession inside the Roscommon CBS ’22 into points. At the other end, the CBS side were better able to take their chance when it came. Mark Purcell chipped in behind the Jes’ defensive line to set up play on the opposition ’22, and after they disrupted the Galway side’s line-out, two barnstorming runs from props Tom Farrell and Jack Tucker brought the ball to the goal line, from where a quick pass from Aodha Hession set up Purcell for the score. Purcell tacked on another penalty shortly afterwards but the Jes regrouped and when Jack Power beat two tacklers to give them a good foothold deep inside Roscommon CBS territory, they were able to work through the phases and eventually set up Forde for a step and finish from around 10 metres out. As had been the case in the first half however, the Roscommon CBS defence held up well when it was most needed, and they forced three crucial turnovers in the last 10 minutes, turning two of them into breakaway points through the boot of Purcell. Well done to the CBS coaching team of CBS teacher Mr. Eimhin Griffith and Patrick O’Farrell who can be extremely proud of their team’s performance.

ffCBS Student John Martin celebrates as they CBS Ennistymon Leaving Certs make it through to the school’s first ever Senior Cup final on tour in Austria

A trip to Vienna is always an adventure especially when you include sixteen young men from CBS Ennistymon! Accompanied by teachers Esther Campbell and Margaret Molloy every day was jam-packed with opportunities to see and experience the beauties of this city. The strong connection with The Wiedner Gymnasium continues with a morning spent in the school and a Tour of the Ringstrasse with retired English and History teacher Gerda Scholz. Highlights of the trip were many and included Schloss Schönbrunn and the Musical evening in The Raimund Theater. However what really made this trip special was having our former Language Assistant “Jana Kilx” join us from Germany. Danke Jana. Coláiste Choilm, CBS, Swords Titanic Trip for Coláiste Choilm

ffThe TY students sit around observing it all in a carbon copy of the drawing ffStudents scale up and down the Climbit wall in the W5 – request in for one of room at Harland and Wolfe circa 1910 these in the school!

ffAkash Kumar, Gary Broughall, and Lee Clarke ffStaff and students of Colaiste Choilm, Swords on a school trip to Titanic and W5 in Belfast in early 20th century costume in the dining room of the Nomadic

On the 15th February 2019, pupils from Transition Year in fun and creativity!” TY student Alex Coyle echoed some of these Coláiste Choilm, Swords, Co. Dublin. enjoyed a trip to the words and added: “it was a very interactive tour, and we all felt Titanic Museum and the W5 Science Museum in Belfast. They involved in the history of the City”. were joined by the Principal of the school Mr. David Neville; The students then visited the Nomadic Ship which is in dry dock teachers Mr. Fergal Coen, and Ms. Sinead Hynes; and SNAs Ms. in the Titanic Quarter. The Nomadic was also build in Belfast in Martina O’Brien, and Ms. Rachel Beggy. 1911, and operated at the port of Cherbourg in France. She ferried Around 40 students travelled to Belfast, with the first port passengers to and from the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage, of call been the Titanic Museum, and its nine interpretive and because the Titanic was too large to dock in the harbour itself. interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and The students also visited the W5 Science Museum where they stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. took part in a workshop on building their own K’nex car. Filip The coordinator of the Crannóg ASD Centre in the school, Rudisteanu, and Callum Murray won the student competition Mr. Fergal Coen said, “The pupils had a great day at Titanic for building the fastest car. The students had fun climbing the Belfast – they loved the historic significance of being on the W5s Climbit, and viewing the exhibits in the Spacebase, and exact location where Titanic was built!” MED‑Lab. TY student Kyle Carlin said: “it is hard to believe the Titanic The school’s new Tranistion Year coordinator Ms. Sinead sunk; it had sixteen watertight compartments with doors that Hynes said, “as a science teacher I really liked the interactive were designed to close automatically it the water level rose side to the exhibits in W5; the students got to discover the above a certain height”. fascinating world of pharmaceutical and biomedical science Siobhán McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach which is a great learning experience”. Manager, commented, “At Titanic Belfast we are passionate TY students Sean Mullally and Calum Murray both said about sharing our enthusiasm for RMS Titanic as well as Belfast that one of the highlights was the Climbit maze; with Sean and its maritime history –it was a privilege to share this with commenting: “the Principal should get a Climbit installed in the Coláiste Choilm CBS who clearly shared our excitement, sense of school, it would be great to relieve the stress!” Coláiste Choilm, CBS, Swords Midleton CBS Historic Senior Treble for Midleton CBS

Midleton CBS won a historic senior treble in hurling, ffChristian Crosbie on the desk of the Nomadic soccer and athletics this year. The hurlers were successful in the Harty Cup final beating a talented CBC side 2-12 to 0-14 in front of over 7,000 spectators at Páirc Uí Rinn. Midleton’s two goals proved crucial as the school ended a 13 year wait since its last Harty Cup title. The U19 soccer team also won their Munster final with a 1 – 0 victory over PBC. The game was originally set for Cork’s Turner’s Cross stadium but after adverse weather conditions the game was moved to the all – weather pitch in Douglas Hall. Midleton were undeterred by the change in venue and produced an impressive display to win the first soccer trophy in the school’s history. ffJamie Hickey, Caelem McGlynn, Matthew Holbrock Lynch, and Christian The school are also Munster Senior Cross Country Crosbie building the K’nex cars at a workshop in the W5 champions. This victory was characterised by a great team performance which was reflected in the school also winning the overall Boys’ Schools’ Cup. The school would like to thank the students and coaches involved for all their hard work and dedication. Many of students in this talented group are in sixth year and we would like to wish them every success in their future sporting careers.

ffThe front of the Titanic Museum

The Principal Mr. David Neville said: “I would like to congratulate the students on their good behavior; and enthusiasm to learn about the history of the former Harland and Wolfe shipyard. I would also like to thank all the school staff for making this an enjoyable experience. As a former science ffPhoto: (L to R) Dylan Hogan – Harty Cup Captain, Frank O’ Brien – Senior Cross Country Captain and Arthur Nganou – Senior teacher I thoroughly enjoyed the W5 and in particular building Soccer Captain. the cars with the students; I felt like I was back in the classroom once again” CBS, Charleville First Year Trip To Callan

On February 5th 2019 the First Year students of CBS Charleville students and very successful 6th year, 5th year and TY made the journey to Callan to the birthplace of Edmund Rice. retreats have been held with Fr Luke Demasi, Fr Rene This visit is part of the First Year RE curriculum which opens Zambrana, Brother Benjamin Gurries and Brother Kristian the hearts of our students to the founding vision of Edmund Espejon. They have also visited our school to meet our students Rice. The students were accompanied by their Year Head and share their experiences as members of a religious order. Ms Ann Meaney, their RE teachers Mr Shane Hogan and Our first years were delighted to have them accompany them Mr Fergal Mackey and the brothers from the Servants of the on the trip to Callan. There was great entertainment and Home of the Mother. discussion on the bus to Callan and the four religious also The Servants of the Home of the Mother was founded by learned a great deal about Blessed Edmund Rice and what it Spanish priest Fr Rafael Alonso Reymundo in 1982. The group means to us in CBS Charleville to be part of this community comprises of priests, brothers, religious sisters and lay people. of schools. The Servants of the Home of the Mother have established a On the return journey, the group stopped off at Patrick’s Well base in the Diocese of Cloyne. A community of two priests and in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, the largest of the wells associated two brothers have taken up residence in Mallow with a view to with St Patrick in all of Ireland. There was an opportunity to ministering and working with young people in the Diocese, in eat, stretch the legs, and offer a decade of the Rosary, through schools and supporting their families in sharing faith and life. the intercession of St Patrick, for our country. A very positive, CBS Charleville has been able to avail of this support for our prayerful and uplifting day was had by all. CBS, Charleville Sraith Party!

Bíonn daltaí na hArdteiste faoi bhrú i gconaí (ná habair faic faoi na múinteoirí bocht!) agus is minic a bhíonn deis acu céiliúradh. Ach i Mí na Nollag bhí deis iontach ag rang Iníon Ní Shúilleabháin mar bhí eacht mhór déanta acu – gach ceann dos na sraith don Scrúdú Cainte réidh acu. Bhíodar go léir lán sásta go raibh tuiscint, foclóir agus cleachtadh déanta acu chun deileáil leis an gcuid seo don Scrúdú Cainte. Cad eile le déanamh ach ‘Céiliúradh’?! Múineadh agus Foghlaim chun tosaigh sa rang trí mheán na Gaeilge. Maith sibh a bhuachaillí!

TY Links years, TYs must express their interest, be with the TYs at break time and around interviewed and undergo training. This the locker area. When they meet on the year 18 of the TY students signed up for corridor there is always a smile and a Being a Transition Year in CBS Charleville the programme. Remembering what it nod. It means that the transition into gives you many privileges, going up town was like as First Years coming in, these secondary school is not such a daunting at lunchtime being one of the major ones! Link students are part of the Induction journey. The TY Links and the first years However, one of the most important Support Programme for 1st years. This had a bonding day with a trip to UL for privileges and one the students enjoy is programme adds to the sense of being the Film Festival followed by a fun and the role of a TY LINK student. To be part part of a caring school community for our competitive bowling session! Community of this mentoring programme with 1st first years. The first years enjoy the chat spirit is strong in Charleville CBS. St Fintan’s Sutton St. Fintan’s High School celebrates its 75th anniversary

Life in Ireland, and in particular in Dublin, in 1943 was dominated by World War II and ‘The Emergency’. Fianna Fáil and De Valera were in government and ‘look out post number 6’ was strategically located at Howth Head watching out for enemy aircraft and submarine activity. Over the road, at ‘The Royal Dublin’ golf course, a fire had razed and destroyed the famous clubhouse. But, against all the odds, and after a period of extensive lobbying and canvassing, the local clergy received the go-ahead from the Archbishop of Dublin to set up a preparatory ff75th anniversary cake which was the centrepiece for a party for students school for boys at Burrow Road, Sutton. And thus was born St. following the Mass on 13th December. Fintan’s High School. Forty-eight boys were enrolled that first year and Brother PJ Walsh was the first ever principal! The school day ran from 9-4 with an hour and a half for lunch. There were also classes from 9-1 on Saturday. The subject of Irish figured prominently on the curriculum, and the school quickly developed a reputation for quality education and teaching. The atmosphere was relaxed and the students were reportedly well behaved. Beyond the school walls the local hero of the day was a racehorse called Caughoo who was owned by local Sutton resident Jack Mc Dowall. And when Caughoo won the Aintree Grand National in the fog in 1947 at 100/1, a lot of people from Sutton made a lot of money! ffA photo of some of the 230 past pupils and their partners who attended the 75th anniversary Gala Ball in Clontarf Castle on 10th November. Back in the school, the only sport of note was Gaelic football with home matches played at Deerpark on the Howth demesne. Music as an extracurricular activity featured large and original shows, such as ‘Treasure Trove’ and ‘Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves’ were staged to packed houses at the Old Parochial Hall in Howth. These shows were written and choreographed by Brother Walsh and all costumes were handmade by the Christian Brothers! To round off the school year, a Sports Day and Drill Day took place on the Christian Brothers’ grounds in Baldoyle, invariably with a large crowd in attendance. The steady increase in numbers meant that the property adjoining the school premises was acquired in 1958. The removal of the adjacent wall provided facilities for tennis, a sport that was ffA photo of the 75th anniversary Mass celebrated at St. Fintan’s parish church on 13th December, attended by all students and teachers. to become synonymous with St. Fintan’s and Brother Mc Closkey. Further proof of the expansion and growth of St. Fintan’s was the purchase of the Warren House site on the Dublin Road in 1959. Br. Purcell retired in 1980, but not before he had acquired Enrolment continued to increase through the 60s and the first computer for the school. Brother John Bourke followed September 1972 saw the unofficial opening of St. Fintan’s as a Br. Purcell as principal in that same year and this led to two Post Primary School on the Dublin Road site. A contemporary notable developments in the history of the school. One was account of the occasion went as follows: ‘The spacious and the introduction of a school uniform and the other was the well equipped Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories, beginning of St. Fintan’s High School as a powerhouse in well lighted art room, geography and language rooms offered basketball, ultimately winning 8 senior All Ireland titles over much needed accommodation’. The school was built at a cost the next decade or so. of £175,000, raised entirely by donations and the fundraising St. Fintan’s High School continued to flourish over the efforts of parents and friends. following decades. Enrolment outgrew the available space This was followed by the construction of the school gym, and the school is currently earmarked by the Department orchestrated by the then principal, Brother Purcell. Not only of Education and Skills for major development. At its core, was it equipped with the all the necessary gym equipment, but teaching and learning remain the priority, as they have always it was also fitted with a stage and lighting effects, showing the been. However, the school is strong and thriving in so many foresight and shrewdness of said Br. Purcell. And, again, all other areas – sport, music and culture, social justice to mention from local fundraising efforts! but some. St Fintan’s Sutton

Synonymous with sport, St. Fintan’s has produced notable athletes and sportsmen over the years and has won many Young Social awards, culminating in Herald Sports School of the Year in 2016. Today, the school caters for 14 different sports, allowing Innovators Project students of all different interests and abilities to participate. But the school is nothing if not versatile and has more than Touch Farming app — The core idea behind the project just one string to its bow. In more recent times it has developed is to invent a device/app that measures the soil precisely a serious reputation for music also. The annual Transition for the water, pH etc. so that the farmer knows when Year musical is one of the most important events in the school to water and when to add lime or fertiliser. The team calendar, and has won two major awards at the Bord Gáis decided to add a temperature/humidity sensor and a light Student Theatre Awards in recent years. There is a strong trad intensity sensor. music group as well as a school band/orchestra and a growing The group pitched to YSI Den and received an award of choir, thus ensuring the important place of music in the holistic €500 to assist in the development of their project. They will development of the students. present the final product at YSI Speak Out and finals in May. There are over 700 students in St. Fintan’s High School The YSI team in St. Fintan’s High School is coordinated by today. We hope that the modern day St. Fintan’s does justice to Maths and Science teacher, Wissam Abdel Samad. the founding fathers, the Christian Brothers of the 40s, and in particular to the first Principal and visionary that was Brother Walsh. The school, which was founded to provide an education for the boys of the local area, remains to this day a school which is firmly rooted in the Sutton and surrounding areas. It is defined by the surrounding community and it has played a very significant part in developing that community. We look forward to bringing St. Fintan’s High School on its next significant stage of its development towards its centenary in 2043!

ffStudents involved include Kieron Broderick, Peter Haan, Pavel Iilin, Barry Penrose, Donal O Byrne, Miracle Oshafi, JJ McCarthy. Also in the photo are Mary Fox, Principal and Gerard Ennis, Deputy Principal.

ffAnother Dublin GAA star, Philly Mac Mahon, visited the school in December and delivered a powerful speech on the dangers of drugs and the choices we take in life.

Musical

ffThis is a photo of this year’s musical, All Shook Up, featuring the music of Elvis Presley. This is an annual event involving seventy TY students from St. Fintan’s High School, along with their counterparts from the local girls’ school, Santa Sabina. The musical is produced ffAnother photo shows past pupils and current members of the Dublin Senior entirely in-house by teachers from St. Fintan’s. It is being performed Gaelic football team, Brian Fenton and Brian Howard, bringing the Sam to sold out audiences in the school gymnasium over three nights, 7th, Maguire cup back to their alma mater last October. Pictured with a group of 8th and 9th March. first year students. Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar Wellbeing Week In Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar

ffJoan Crawford, HSE Health Promotion officer, Christopher Lynn, Cian O’Fiaich, Rian Caffrey, Daniel Byrne, Ciarán Luby, Ms. Shine, Ms. Harrington and Mr. Quinn

Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar’s Wellbeing Week ran from Monday, have been an integral part of the organising and running of the the 21st of January to Friday, the 25th of January and was event. Both students and teachers have been enjoying a stroll an astounding success. In summing up the week, Siobhan and a chat at lunchtimes, and we have all felt the benefits of Farry, guidance counsellor, said “Wellbeing Week gave us the taking time out of our busy days to catch up with each other. opportunity to connect with each other in different ways, while It is an opportunity for us all to clear our heads and to build also having fun and promoting our philosophy of positivity and relationships outside the classroom”. These lunchtime walks will kindness in our school”. continue each week leading to the Darkness Into Light walk in The week opened with John Connell, author of the best- May which will leave from the school grounds and will spread selling “The Cow Book”, arriving to speak to the boys about his the message of wellbeing from the gates of our school into the accomplishments despite facing difficulties in his life. This was wider Mullingar community. followed by a presentation of the Health Promoting Schools Wednesday was just as busy in Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar flag made to the school by HSE Health Promotion Officer, Joan with the launch of the “Good Message Tree”. Students were Crawford.The flag was awarded after months of work put in given the opportunity to reflect on one person in their lives to the initiative to raise awareness of healthy eating, physical whom they were thankful for and to acknowledge them by activity and mental health. Student representatives of the placing their name on a “leaf” to be displayed on the tree. This Health Promotion committee along with their Home Economics teachers proudly received the flag. Lunchtime on Monday then consisted of a much anticipated teachers vs. students basketball match as well an art competition for both staff and students both of which were supported by many students and lauded a success. Speakers from SHOUTOUT came Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar on the Tuesday to talk to all second year students to promote LGBTQI+ awareness and promote inclusivity and wellbeing throughout the student body. 3rd years had a coffee morning that same day to allow for “downtime” in the run-up to their mock exams. Also, that day the Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar World Cup semi-finals were held, this proved very popular with students across the year groups and promoted integration. A lunchtime bi-weekly walk for all was also organised by Ms. Cathy McEnerney. Ms. McEnerney used the walk to promote the positive benefits of walking to both physical and mental ffStudents from different years across the school promote their culture at the wellbeing, “From the beginning, our fantastic senior prefects Malaysian food stall. Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar Mount Sion Secondary was complemented by lunchtime activities including teacher vs. students football and chess matches which were again Mount Sion leads very well attended. 1st year students also cooked Shepherd’s pie which was donated to T.E.A.M (Temporary Emergency Choirs for Cancer Accommodation Midlands) in recognition of the importance of connecting with our local communities as part of wellbeing. A unison of choirs singing together to mark World Staff and students also donated unwanted Christmas gifts to Cancer Day — We are the first Edmund Rice school in the T.E.A.M for sale their shop in Mount street. world and we consider it an honour to walk in the shadow of Thursday allowed 6th years a welcome break from exam Edmund. Our school choir was set up to encourage pupils to pressure to have a coffee morning in the canteen. 6th year stay on in school and to aim for the stars, no matter where their student, Eoin Kane said “The coffee morning was such a positive feet are planted. It has completely transformed the lives of our break from, what can be, a stressful year”. This was followed by members, and indeed, of the teachers involved. We have been one of the most popular events of the week, the Coláiste Mhuire raising funds and highlighting cancer awareness over the past Mullingar Masterchef championships. Students paired with a six months. member of staff and in teams of two competed to be crowned While on this incredible journey we met Irish singer and the “Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar Masterchef champions”. songwriter, Don Mescall. In September, we recorded Don’s song Participants were given a box of mystery ingredients and had Your Love Carries Me in the Metropolis Studios in London. This just 30 minutes to make a winning meal. song is a charity single for three Irish cancer charities, Can Teen, The Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar World Cup final was held on Can Care 4 Living and The Solas Centre. We believe the lyrics of Friday along with the International Food stalls where students the song truly resonate with people who are battling cancer and of different nationalities within the school were encouraged to who are being cared and supported by their loved ones. share their culture and cuisine with their peers. This proved ‘You are the hope on my horizon, hugely successful and promoted inclusivity and wellbeing You are the light so I can see, across the student cohort. Paddy Rafferty, a 5th year student, And in the darkest hour when I have fallen, praised the event saying, “This allowed me to see an insight into You are the love that carries me.’ different cultures”. Throughout the week class groups were also We believe it to be an anthem which inspires people to educated on the importance of internet awareness and work was keep on going and to lean on others to guide them through the carried out by the IT teachers to promote online wellbeing. dark times. Overall, Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar’s Wellbeing Week was Here is a link to the song https://youtu.be/FGg7C8YpCls greatly valued by students and staff with many expressing We reached out to choirs and singers across the world, their appreciation for the effort involved in making it happen. including many Edmund Rice schools to sing “Your Love Staff member, Mr. Damien Lawlor spoke of the success of the Carries Me”on the weekend of February 1st. We asked that Wellbeing Week stating “Schools can be very formal places with singers record a clip or the full song and share it on social rules in relation to behaviour, uniform and homework, etc. The media on World Cancer Day, February 4th, with the hashtags Wellbeing Week set out to create an atmosphere in the school #choirsforcancer2019 #yourlovecarriesme #worldcancerday which, in an organised manner, set aside this focus on rules and We believe this has sent a powerful and inspiring message to instead fun events were organised which brought students and people across the world who have been affected by cancer. This teachers together”. This co-operation between students as staff is not about raising money, it’s just about raising awareness and was affirmed by 1st year student, Manzar Nazir Soomro “The linking us all together for World Cancer Day on February 4th. teachers were so nice and I found out more about them. I really enjoyed the week”.

ffMs. Connolly and Mr. Rafferty, along with other staff, compete against students in chess and draughts Ardscoil Rís Dublin

very excited but at the same time, none the local people. While we were there Zambian of us knew what to expect. When we we visited the arable and pastoral farms arrived in Lusaka on the first night, we run by Sr. Molly and played the locals Immersion stayed in a hostel run by the Comboni in a game of football. We also visited a order of nuns. We went out for dinner sustainable farm run by Sr Anez. Some of Project, with Gesimba, a young girl who faced her projects included biogas, compost and much trauma in her childhood but free range chickens. February 2019 determinedly she has pushed through and While here we also made a journey is currently training to be a doctor. to the town of Kabanga, a town of no After a three year break Ardscoil took The next day we were greeted from electricity and minimal facilities. We got part in the Zambian Immersion project our 6 hour bus journey to Kaoma by the warmest of welcomes before going again this year. Ten students and four Sr. Molly, a Presentation sister from out on home visits to families. This was teacher travelled to Zambia for 17 days Tipperary and Progress, head of the the most evident poverty on the whole and immersed themselves fully in the Friends of Nano organisation. We were trip and we were all very moved by what lives of the people over there. Here is an immediately struck by the stark poverty we saw in our short time here. After a account by Eoin Caverly of the trip. constantly surrounding us. Children and generous meal and dance that night we Four teachers and ten students adults in dirty or ragged clothing was set out the next day on more home visits including myself arrived in Dublin airport no strange sight. The lack of food and and on a visit to the local secondary at 1.30 p.m. on Friday 1st February, all nutrition was evident in the build of all school. Here we saw the clear lack of educational materials and also the lack of opportunities post secondary education. New Pitch On the Thursday we moved onto Mongu, capital of the western province. While here we worked with Sr Cathy After many years of fundraising work has begun on our new playing pitch. Crawford and Sr Stella Bourke in the The old pitch, which served generations faithfully, had reached the end of its Cheshire home for disabled kids. We useful life and the diggers are currently hard at work levelling the ground and helped in their classes in the mornings preparing it for grass laying and growth. We hope to be playing games on it and and helped entertain them in the using it for PE and other activities by April 2020. afternoons and evenings. We all got very Ardscoil Rís Dublin Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan attached to all the kids in the home and Soccer Blitz found it very hard to say goodbye. A lot of our other time here was spent A 5-a-side soccer blitz was held in the school over a few days in early December in a village north of Mongu, Limalunga. 2018 to raise funds for the school. There was enormous interest as expected and Here we were working with 4/5 year olds once the teams were put up on display, much discussion and debate could be from poor families under the innovative heard in the corridors as to who had the best team and who would be crowned tutilage of Sr Peggy O’Flaherty, one of Blitz Champions 2018! First up was the senior blitz and after 40 hard fought and the kindest and most inspiring people exciting matches, ED FC emerged victorious with Henry Keogh grabbing both I have ever met. As well as helping in goals in the final. Daniel Emerson’s team were beaten in the final but at least he the classrooms we visited some of the had the consolation of winning a football for the Player of the Tournament. ED children in their homes where we saw FC then had the privilege of playing the teachers and in an intriguing and feisty more extreme poverty. encounter, the teachers managed to put the students in their place with a 5-4 Finally we spent some time with Sr victory!In the 3rd yr Blitz, Barcelona Juniors emerged victorious after defeating Omaira, a young Columbian nun who ran Liversmule 3-0 in the final with Adam Russell, Glen Mahady and Cian Foley the youth club in St Aghata’s parish. We scoring the goals. Reece Webb won the Player of the Tournament. played the youth club in a football match, Ballyowen FC won the 1st yr blitz after winning all 10 of their games. walked around their local community; They defeated Bandy Bananas 5-1 in the final with Cory O’ Sullivan (2), Tyler one of the poorest in Mongu and visited a Cole Doherty (2) and Sheriff Akanbi scoring the goals while Michael Donohue commercial venture run by the nuns. won a football for being the Player of the Tournament. The 1st yr All Stars Soon after we left Livingstone, where then competed in the 2nd yr tournament and actually won this outright as we spent a few days at the end of the trip. well! They played every game with a player extra but it was still a magnificent We were back in the hostel in Lusaka. We achievement defeating Mikey D. FC 2-1 in the final with Cory O’ Sullivan gave our last 2 suitcases and made our winning Player of the Tournament. final monetary donations to Sr. Paolo and The 6th yr prefects did a fantastic job helping out with the running of the Sr. Albertina who ran a school in Lusaka. Blitz by referring the games, keeping score and keeping the peace when some On returning home and reflecting, rows broke out! The competitions would not have run as smoothly without I have come to realise how lucky we them and they displayed great initiative, leadership and organisational are here in Ireland. Even the poorest skills throughout. of people here live nothing like the life The students are already looking forward to Blitz 2019! in those in Zambia do. I no longer take anything for granted and I appreciate ff2nd Year Blitz Winners 2018 everything I have so uch more. I am content knowing we helped those people we briefly knew in the best way we could, whether we donated clothes, money or simply our time. We all knew we were going to have minimal effect on their lives but I would like to think we made a difference, however small.

Teacher Based Classrooms

This year, after several years of discussion and planning, Ardscoil moved to teacher based classrooms. After an initial month of getting used to the idea both staff and students have settled in well to this new way of doing things and from an educational point of view it has had enormous benefits. CBC Monkstown 2019 Arts Week in CBC Monkstown – Celebrating Student Creativity, Innovation and Diversity

CBC Arts Week 2019 took place from from the Irish Department; an inspiring on the workings of the music business February 4th to February 8th in our glass-engraving workshop; a fantastic worldwide. Renowned playwright and school in Monkstown. The theme this one hour concert by the musical students former CBC student Bernard Farrell gave year centred on the creative, innovative and staff in CBC; an informative student- a great talk entitled “A Conversation on and diverse talents of our students and led class in Origami; a hilarious improv Drama” while a “Narrative 4 – Empathy staff in CBC. Our school was transformed drama workshop for students and an Story Exchange” was led excellently for the week with wonderful artwork, awesomely popular workshop about by Bernadine Carroll. A Creativity and echoes of poetry readings and many Blackout Poetry. This is when a person Innovation Workshop was facilitated by visitors from the arts world. takes a document, traditionally a print Josephine O’Donnell and CBC’s own Art Assembly time each morning took newspaper and crosses out a majority of teacher, Mr Brian O’Farrell presented a place against the soothing backdrop of the existing text, leaving visible only the fabulous talk about his original art work eclectic musical sounds that were selected words that comprise his or her poem, based on his recent travels in China. by the students. Our daily student thereby revealing an entirely new work Another former CBC student Rory Nolan announcements became inspirational of literature birthed from an existing (stage star of the Ross O’Carroll-Kelly daily quotes in English, Irish, French, one. The striking imagery of the redacted novels) enthralled the students and staff German and Latin. On the first day, text — eliminated via the liberal use of a with his stories about the acting industry students in our Art Department spent black marker (hence: “blackout” poetry) at home and abroad. some time on “Creative Canvass” — and the remaining readable text work Thanks to all the staff and students whereby an original 2019 piece of together to form a new piece of visual in CBC for making our 2019 Arts Week artwork was created and prominently poetry. Pretty cool! such a great success. Thanks especially displayed in the school’s main corridor A number of highly entertaining to Mr Fitzmaurice and Mr Rooney for - a type of mascot for Arts Week! In and informative talks took place planning and co-ordinating the entire addition, an exhibition of staff and during Arts Week as well. Dr Michael event. Here’s to Arts Week 2020! Beir Bua student artwork and photography was Murphy from IADT gave a masterclass agus Beannacht! launched on the walls of the school corridors and teachers reviewed their ffCBC Band Caveat Emptor in full flow during Arts Week favourite books and displayed them on their classroom doors. A Celebration of Countries and Cultures in CBC involved a food tasting display and a collage of artefacts from our international staff and students. A particular highlight here was a most enjoyable presentation on Moroccan culture from staff member Mr Ali Serkouh. Other events that took place in the school included the fabulous Scéal T-Rex

ffAndy Warhol visiting CBC during Arts Week Edmund Rice Heritage Centre Farewell to Edmund Rice Heritage Centre Ltd

All roads led to Mount Sion on the morning of Saturday, Burchell, Catherine Donovan, Phil & Elaine Brennan and Ms February 16th, 2019. Nicola Keogh (L&P) who had steered us through the many It was a bitter-sweet occasion on which we celebrated the twists and turns involved in setting up the Company initially, its work of all those involved, while saying our last farewell to all smooth running as well as directing us in the winding down of those who brought it through thirteen years of ministry since the Company. Meeting people like that is so exciting that we can it was founded by the Congregation Leadership Teams of the be assured that the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice is alive and Presentation and Christian Brothers in 2006. well in the city of his adoption. As we gathered in the beautiful Edmund Rice Chapel I The ceremony itself was very well planned and laid out recalled those who had brought their dream to reality and who by Ms Monica Leech, Ms Nuala Colfer and Ms Dawn O’Brien. were not here to share this occasion with us: – Bro Philip Pinto, As we entered the Edmund Rice Chapel the musicians of Bro Michael Godfrey, Bro Declan Power as well as Mr Barry Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann played haunting Celtic airs to O’Brien, Mr Andy and Kylie. Kupe Nor should we forget Brothers establish a prayerful atmosphere in that sacred space. After from around the world who came let their light shine on the a formal welcome by Bro Liam Deasy, Nuala introduced and sacred Mount Sion: Brothers Sean Whitty, Ian Robertson, Dan proclaimed the Scripture Reading for the day (Lk 4:16-21). This Herron, Peter Hardiman, Peter Clinch and Steve Hale. was followed by reflective music before Bro John Burke read On the other hand we were blessed with the presence of an extract from the original poem, “tÁr sa Mhainistir” by our Brothers Martin Kenneally fpm, Peter Dowling and John Casey own Johnny Carroll and Dawn followed up with reading the from the present CLT and Bro Edmund Garvey, Province Leader English translation of the piece. Ms Bríd dePaor then sang “A of the European Province. Also present with us were Bro Mhuire Máthair” and Nuala read the poem “Begin” by Brendan Séamus Whelan, Bro Kevin Mascarenhas fpm and Bro Phil Ryan, Kenneally, followed by more Celtic airs. all of whom had done Trojan work at the Centre over the years Brothers Edmund Garvey and Martin Kenneally then and who had now moved on to other ministries. Brothers Peadar addressed the gathering. Martin reflected on the journey of Gleeson, John Hearne and Addie Pinto who form the ‘bridging the Centre to date and Edmund looked forward to where community’ between the past and the future were also present. we may be led by God’s Spirit into the future. And then, to It was so inspiring to meet people from Waterford and the strains of uilleann pipes, accordians and violins we were beyond who have consistently supported everything we wafted up the stairs to the Ship Room which was laid out for dreamed of and undertook over the years: Bro Michael Murray a sumptuous meal. As all the speeches had been completed in (Chair of Directors), Bro John Burke, Bro Paddy Fitzgibbon, the Chapel earlier we could all relax and enjoy a typical Irish Bro Denis Minehane, Bro John Hunt, Bro Damien Brennan, Bro meal of vegetable soup, spare ribs, colcannon and vegetables, Walter Hurley, Fr Michael Mullins (PP), Frank O’Regan (Chair washed down strategically by “white or red?” and dessert before BoM), Gerard Deegan, Tomás Ó’Cinnéide, Miriam McGrath, heading back to the roads of Ireland. Nuala Colfer, Bill Doherty, John McArdle, Michael Walsh, Lorna It was a very full and inspiring couple of hours and I’m sure Kearney, Tony Power, Jim Ryan, Tracy O’Connor, Stephanie Edmund Rice would have approved. Ardscoil na Mara Trip to Geneva

We, Mairéad Butler and Emily Cronin, were chosen as Edmund Rice International Youth Ambassadors for Ardscoil na Mara 2018/2019. As part of this role, we organise our school Peace and Justice committee and we were chosen to travel to Geneva to discover the work of Edmund Rice International and the UN first-hand. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We travelled to Dublin on Monday 21 January with Ms Denton, Mr Cawley and Mr McLaughlin. We stayed overnight in the Clayton Hotel and met the students, Adam Stapleton and Ciarán Foster and teachers Mr. Leyden and Ms Buckley ffIrish Edmund Rice Youth ambassadors outside the Redcross museum in Geneva from Ardscoil Rís in Limerick. Adam and Ciarán were lovely, and we got on really around the world over the years. At the Following this we were given a tour well from the get-go. It was fantastic museum we met with the students and of the UN, we were well looked after to meet other young people who were teachers from the English schools, and and gained a lot of new knowledge on equally as interested in advocacy. afterwards went to dinner with them. the history of the UN and events that After an early start on Tuesday, and It was unfortunate that we had so little occurred that lead to the UN in today’s meeting with Cormac Mc Cart from the time with them. The Irish schools as a society. For instance we were informed Westcourt Centre in Belfast, we arrived group got on extremely well, and it was about the League Of Nations, Palais in Geneva. Upon arriving in Geneva, incredible to talk with other like-minded des Nations, the history behind general we met with Tom Murray from Edmund young people. assembly and to finish the library all of Rice England, and who brought us to our Wednesday morning, we made our which was so informative and inspired us hotel. To begin, we attended a meeting way to the United Nations alongside to work hard as a group of students and with Brian Bond at the ERI offices. There, students from Cork and Limerick. in our local advocacy groups, in hope that we met the teacher Ms. Mulvaney the We began by listening to Uruguay’s in the future we can all come together to students, David Walsh, Niall Hannigan Universal Periodic Review, which was make a difference in our local areas and and Luke Galligan, from Christian very interesting to hear what other Ireland as a whole, as this trip was once Brothers College in Cork. We also had countries suggested to Uruguay in order in a lifetime opportunity and to use our a very interesting and informative talk to make improvements to the lives of new knowledge to inform other students from Brian about the work of ERI, and their civilians. Each country had different and to help those who are less fortunate also some shocking statistics and facts things to suggest and Uruguay seemed than ourselves, following the footsteps of regarding climate change. It was an eye- interested in what they had to say and Blessed Edmund Rice. Overall our visit to opening experience. took their suggestions on board. the United Nations was truly astonishing. From there, we travelled to the Broken Chair monument and the Red Cross museum. On the way, we discussed our campaigns and advocacy work within our respective schools. It was fascinating to see how other schools went about their campaigns, and it gave us new and fresh ideas for our own Peace and Justice Group. At the Broken Chair, we witnessed a protest by people from South Vietnam against police brutality in their country. It opened our minds to the plight of people around the news that does not even make it onto our news. The Red Cross Museum was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Its layout was very cleverly done and it was very informative. Everywhere you looked, there was something interesting. It was amazing to see the work of the Red Cross ffUN picture with Brian Bond , left to right: Brian Bond , ERI, Niall Hannigan, Luke Galligan, David Walsh, CBC Cork, Ciaran Foster, Adam Stapleton, Ardscoil Rís, Limerick and Mairead Butler and Emily Cronin, Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Ardscoil na Mara

To conclude, our visit to Geneva was phenomenal; to be surrounded by like-minded people who want to create change even if it makes the smallest of impact was inspiring. We have gained new knowledge and experiences that we will bring with us into the future and we wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to do it if wasn’t for the work of Edmund Rice Schools Trust and the members of staff who accompanied us. To be involved with a group of both students and adults and to be introduced to people who have dedicated their lives in hope of change and to improve the lives of others was remarkable. It was an experience that we will never forget.

ffArdscoil Teachers and Students: Left to right: Padraig Cawley, Emily Cronin, Aoife Denton, Máiread Butler and Kealan McLaughlin.

Engineering Awards in Ardscoil na Mara

Congratulations to the students who have being given an award for their hard work in their Engineering classes.

ffea14 - Awards sponsors with teachers L to R (Mr. Cawley, Mr. Cahill, Declan Walsh-Keltech, Shane Kelly- Total Precision, Anna Dowling-Errigal, David Marchant-Marchant Engineering, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Mansfield.)

Art & History Trip

6th year students from Ardscoil na Mara Tramore on an Art History and Appreciation trip to Dublin. The students had a very informative guided tour of the Hugh Lane Gallery with emphasis on the work of the Impressionist artists and the Francis Bacon studio. They also visited the National Museum where they got to view all the Artifacts from the bronze age, Iron age and the Early Christian Period that they have been studying in their art history class. It was a great opportunity for students to see the actual paintings and artifacts and will be a great help to them in their leaving cert. A great day was had by all involved Ardscoil na Mara

ffPictured at the Department of Agriculture in Johnstown Castle, Wexford where presentations BT Young Scientist & were made to student achievement at the Young Scientist and Technology Competition 2019. Pictured is Caoimhin O’ Leary from Ardscoil na Technology Exhibition Mara, Tramore, Co Waterford with his project “A Light Meal: An Investigation of Variable Light Levels on Plant Growth for Sustainable Ardscoil na Mara students Roisin Ni Cadhla and Jovana Gajic meeting the Minister Vertical Farming”. for Health Simon Harris at the young Scientist and Technology Exhibition where they were highly commended by judges of the social and behavioural sciences category. Pictured also is Ms Shannon, Science Teacher. News from the Art Dept.

Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore were delighted to be involved in the new Arts in Junior cycle initiative Design SKILLS. Design SKILLS is a unique collaboration between junior cycle teachers and the Design and Crafts council of Ireland. The Design SKILLS programme provides an ffpictured are first year students from Ardscoil na Mara Tramore, Ceramic Artist Adele Stanley, School Principal Mr Padraig Cawley and Art opportunity for teachers of visual art, with their students, Teacher Ms Sinead Driver. to work directly with a designer/maker. The emphasis in Design SKILLS is on investigating initial ideas, researching, experimenting and developing students own ideas through a range of hands - on practical methodologies and approaches, including using sketchpads. Ardscoil na Mara was delighted to welcome Ceramic Artist Adele Stanley into the classroom to work with first year students where they explored the theme “my place” through Drawing, experimenting and drawing with clay, learning techniques of the craft and documenting and developing their own ideas. Golf Champions

The ASNM golf team were among the honoured guests at the Golfing Union of Ireland’s Champions Dinner held at Carton House. They won the Irish Schools Junior Championship in 2018. CBC Cork Prep School CBC Cork Preparatory School

The second term has been another busy one in CBC Preparatory School. In January the boys of 5th and 6th Class attended the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin, accompanied by Ms. O’ Donovan, Mrs. FitzPatrick and Mrs. Bradley. Students from Junior Infants to 2nd Class welcomed past pupil David Synnott back to the Prep, along with his classmates from the UCC Surgeon Noonan Society who ran a fantastic “Teddy Bear’s Hospital”. Mr. Lynch arranged some fantastic STEM activities for all classes in the shape of Beebot and Lego WeDo workshops. Students from Junior Infants to 2nd Class took part in a very enjoyable “Sustainable Energy” workshop delivered by the Lifetime Lab. Students and teachers of 4th , 5th and week: GAA Skills, Circuits, a Nutrition They also put together an Internet Safety 6th Class abandoned their PE lesson Talk and a Mental Health Workshop Workshop in the lunchroom for the on Wednesday 30th January and made for 5th and 6th Class. The boys also younger classes. Students had to answer snowmen on the Astro instead! Once completed active homework all week questions at every station before receiving again, Ms. O’ Donovan organized a highly whilst some of the teachers held a “Steps a completion certificate to show that enjoyable Active Schools’ Week. The Challenge” which saw them pacing the they had participated in the workshop. lunchroom was hopping every morning corridors, yard and classrooms in a bid to The boys in 2nd Class made their First at 8.15am as the students and teachers win the title of “Most Active Teacher”!! Confession on the 12th February and participated in a “Wake Up Shake Up” The boys in th Class kicked off Safer were a credit to the school on the night. routine. We had a host of visitors leading Internet Day by performing a rap about They continue their preparations for their a variety of activities throughout the Cyberbullying at the morning assembly. First Holy Communion.

Scoil Iognáid Rís,Daingean Uí Chúis

ffArd mholadh don mháistir a dhein an traenáil leo

ffBuachaillí Scoil Iognáid Rís,Daingean Uí Chúis a tháinig sa tarna háit i ffBuachaillí Scoil Iognáid Rís ag canadh carúl na Nollag le Camphill gcomórtas lúthchleasaíochta. Nollaig 2019 CBS Kilkenny

TY Trip To Bavaria

The annual trip to Bavaria took place over the mid-term break. Our TY students thoroughly enjoyed a packed itinerary around Munich and beyond. Many thanks to all of the staff who travelled with the group and made it a very memorable experience for our students. St Vincent de Paul Concern Fast Hamper Collection Thank you to our 140 young fasters who raised an incredible €3220 for Concern to support their amazing Sincere thanks to our 5th Year LCVP students who work work worldwide. Ms Evison’s trojan work and enthusiasm very hard at this time every year, organising and overseeing continues to increase the funds raised and the number of a massive hamper appeal to support the work of St Vincent participants every year. de Paul. We are always amazed at the thoughtfulness and generosity of CBS Kilkenny students, and this makes a very significant difference to Christmas for several families.

Concern Debating Google HQ Visit The nationwide Concern Debates league phase is now complete, and we are delighted to be in the top 5 from 140 Four of our TY students, our School Digital Champions, schools. The boys have worked extremely hard and are thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Google HQ in Dublin. It was looking forward to the next phase. Well done to the team a fascinating day for Cathal, Eamonn, Philip and Chase. Many and to their mentors, Mr O’Brien and Ms Maher. thanks to Ms Lennon for her mentoring and guidance. CBS Kilkenny

Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB)

In February, ERST Ireland hosted a very engaging, enlightening and stimulating EREBB gathering in Dublin, and CBS Kilkenny was delighted to be part of it. Since then, our TY students have been preparing for International Earth Hour 2019, contacting local businesses asking them to take part on March 30th, spreading the message of the importance of Eco-Justice. Our ERI ambassadors also enjoyed a very engaging discussion in Dáil Eireann on Save the Seas, where they met Minister David Stanton and Senator Grace O’Sullivan. R.I.P. Br Micheál Ó’Donnchú

It is with deep regret that we learned of the passing of Br Mick, who served as Principal at CBS Kilkenny from 1984 until 1990. Br O’Donnchú was a very caring man who devoted much of his life to helping the underprivileged in society. For CBS Kilkenny, he was the essential link person in Zambia for many years. As a result of our long relationship with Br Mick, we were in a position to arrange two very successful trips to Zambia to work with his community there. Br Mick led a very fulfilled life and lived his gospel values every day through his care of others. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

CBS Kilkenny Catholic Schools Week Joins Instagram In January we celebrated our ethos and identity as an Edmund Rice school during CSW2019. As #anedmundriceschool part of our week, our chaplain Fr Jim celebrated the reopening of our beautiful Prayer Room - a To add to our growing online presence, we opened an Instagram quiet contemplative space for students and staff. A account in January! Instagram lets the photos do the talking and wonderful job of repair and restoration was carried keeps text to a minimum. So if you like the Instagram platform out by our facilities staff, Ken and James, and interior and would like to follow what happens in CBS Kilkenny, you can designer, Fiona Fennelly. find us by searching for CBS KILKENNY in the Instagram app. CBS Kilkenny

UCC Scholarship

We are delighted to congratulate former student John (Johnny) Collins who was awarded a major scholarship to UCC where he is now studying Medicine. The UCC Quercus scholarship is a very prestigious scholarship which is awarded to top applicants to the University. Johnny received the maximum 625 points in his Leaving Certificate, achieving 7 H1s and 1 H2.

Christmas UCD Jumper Day We enjoyed a very colourful and festive Christmas Jumper Day on December 6th. Unsurprisingly, CBS Scholarships Kilkenny students and staff were extremely generous in their support of those who are less well off, raising an We are very proud of five of our LC2018 Class, Bobby, Stuart, incredible €2130. All funds raised were divided between Mark, James and Sean, who received Entrance Scholarship three fantastic local charities who do amazing work in Awards from UCD. These are awarded on the basis of the Kilkenny Carlow area - Simon Community, Focus outstanding Leaving Certificate results. The students are Ireland and the Samaritans. currently pursuing a range of courses in UCD. Senior Maths Success

Congratulations to our Senior Maths Team who won the regional round of Team Maths Quiz in January. CBS Kilkenny teams have a very good record in this competition and went in as reigning champions. This year’s team comprises: Oisin, Cathal, Jan and Ben. They will compete in the national final in Spring 2019.

Tráth na gCeist

Well done to our Gaeilge Quiz champions who came 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the SE regional round of the Irish quiz competition in late November! Two teams from CBS Kilkenny go forward to the national final. Coláiste Íosagáin

Dea-Scéalta ó Cuairt ó ambasadóir Choláiste Íosagáin, na Gearmáine

Co. Bhaile Bhí lá an-speisialta sa scoil nuair a tháinig Frau Potzel, ambasadóir na Gearmáine, ar cuairt. Toisc gur PartnerSchule muid le 10 bliain anuas bhí Herr Hauke Átha Cliath ón Goethe-Institut i dteannta an ambasadóra. Cabhraíonn an Goethe-Institut go mór linn an Ghearmáinis a chur Bhí cailíní Choláiste Íosagáin an-ghnóthach agus an-rathúil leis chun cinn sa scoil, trí cheardlanna a eagrú, scoláireachtaí an iliomad gníomhaíochtaí i rith na bliana. a bhronnadh ar dhaltaí agus áiseanna Gearmáinise a Tá comhdháil na scoile den Chumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól chur ar fáil don scoil. Theastaigh ó Frau Potzel foghlaim ag dul ó neart go neart. Bhí sraith de cheardlanna an-suimiúil faoin scoileanna na tíre agus labhairt leis na scoláirí a agus an-tairbheach ag scoláirí Bhliain 5 a spreag iad chun dhéanann Gearmáinis sa scoil. Bhuail an t-ambasadóir gníomhú ar son an chirt agus chun cabhrú le daoine nach le gach cailín a dhéanann Gearmáinis sa scoil. Chuir bhfuil chomh maith as is atá siad féin. Eagraíodh díolachán cístí na daltaí siamsaíocht ar fáil do na cuairteoirí, damhsa agus an Crann Fial ag an Nollaig, nuair a bailíodh na céadta comhaimseartha, damhsa Gaelach agus ceol traidisiúnta. bronntanas le dáileadh ar dhaoine ar fud na cathrach a mbíonn Bronnadh sliotar agus camáin ar Frau Potzel agus ar Herr an Cumann ag cabhrú leo. Hauke thar cheann an dá scoil, bronntanas a thaitin go mór leis an mbeirt.

Bhain beirt dár scoláirí éacht amach i gcúrsaí aistriúcháin. Bhuaigh Cáit Paircéir as Bliain 5 an comórtas aistriúcháin Juvenes Translatores, comórtas a eagraíonn Coimisiún na hEorpa chun gairm an aistriúcháin a chur chun cinn agus a spreagadh i measc scoláirí an Aontais. Bíonn an comórtas ar siúl i ngach ballstáit i mí na Samhna agus d’éirigh le Cáit an comórtas a bhuachan agus turas don Bhruiséil lena máthair chun freastal ar an searmanas bronnta mar dhuais aici. Bhuaigh Rachel Ní Ghruagáin, scoláire as Bliain 5 freisin, comórtas Aistritheoirí Óga do Chúige Laighean. Tá an comórtas seo, atá oscailte do scoláirí as na Gaelscoileanna, eagraithe ag Coimisiún ffCoiste an Chumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól le bronntanais na Nollag a na hEorpa freisin. Ipad a bhuaigh Rachel. Comhghairdeachas bailíodh sa scoil leis an mbeirt acu.

ffAn Cór Sóisearach ag glacadh páirt sa chórfhéile i Luimneach ffEve Nic Suibhne agus Emma de Róiste, beirt de na sinsir a ghlac páirt sa chórfhéile i Luimneach Bhain na cóir scoile éacht amach sa chomórtas córfhéile a bhí ar siúl i Luimneach le déanaí. Tháinig cór na sóisear sa dara háit agus cór measctha na sinsear sa chéad áit. Tá an-bhuíochas ag dul dá múinteoir cóir, Iníon Uí Earúin a rinne an-obair leo. St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise Zambian Immersion Project 2019

On the 8th of February 16 students from and a half hours, filled with music, we weren’t thrown into classes alone and both Transition Year and 5th Year, and singing and dancing, a new priest being were working in pairs, with makeshift 5 teachers travelled to Zambia as part ordained, and even people being brought teaching plans that we had to totally of our schools long running Zambian up from the crowd during the homily. We adapt or scrap as we received classes Immersion Project. After over a year later met Sr. Mary, a nun originally from with a broad range of ages and abilities. of fundraising which included many Cavan who devoted her life to helping the The first day was tough, tiring, and a enjoyable nights spent at table quizzes, poor in Livingstone and organising the bit awkward as we got to know all the we were finally finished packing shopping local clinic. students, most of us had class sizes of bags in the shopping centre and ready to On Monday morning we all got up between 40-60. I don’t think any of us pack our suitcases. at 6am for our first proper day of the will forget the first break time in school, On Friday morning the scenes in the Immersion Project. All 16 of us piled into we were all swarmed by crowds of GPA included suitcases being sat on as John’s bus (it wouldn’t exactly pass the children eager to talk to us, high five, fist more bandages and plastic gloves were NCT) and headed off for our first day of bump, feel our hair, or swing out of our squeezed into bags, guitars being wrapped teaching. With our matching Cúl Camp arms. You’d never find yourself walking in cling film, anxious parents, and 21 very bags (which we’d later donate) filled with alone anywhere around the school, a excited faces. Fr. Paddy and Fr. David stickers, posters and colours, we were child would always run over to chat, blessed us all and we were finally on dropped off at three different schools: hold your hand or offer help carrying the road. After a minor reorganising of Linda, Lubuyu, and Ngwenya. Fortunately your bag. bags in Dublin airport (some of our 35kg bags were slightly over the 23kg limit) we boarded our first flight. A delay in Dublin Airport meant we had to flat out sprint threw Heathrow, but 16 hours and a stopover in Johannesburg later we all arrived safely in Livingstone, Zambia. 10 suitcases went missing somewhere along the way, the 4 days of coping without them was an experience. We only had one day to recover from our travels before we started working. Being a Sunday we decided to immerse ourselves in Livingstone and go to the local mass. After 4 decades of the rosary to start, mass then proceeded for three St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise

We finished in the schools at around 12 or 1 depending on whenever the bus arrived. In the evenings we went to Lubasi Home for orphans and vulnerable children. Although we had a touch of awkwardness earlier in the schools, as soon as we got to the orphanage we were welcomed with songs, children that couldn’t wait to play, and a really homely atmosphere. We brought out the hurls and footballs and everyone started playing. We pushed them on the swings, gave piggy-backs, sat down to chat with them, the teachers got their hair braided and the small ones couldn’t wait to get up on our shoulders to pick fruit from the trees. Every day two students got to go to Sr. Mary’s clinic, not a hospital building of any sort, think more along the lines of everyone in an area gathering in a designated persons garden. When we entered the clinic we were welcomed with a lively song and dance with everyone joining in no matter how sick. We helped to take and record blood pressure and temperature of all the patients and some of us got to go on house visits to people too sick to travel to the clinic. For those of us who got to go on them, these house visits were incredibly eye-opening experiences where we met very sick people who still remained positive, happy and welcoming despite their difficulties. As the days moved on in school everyone began to settle in, we had such good fun in class and made friendships with the students that we’ll never forget. Two guitars were brought and a tin whistle, and we played everywhere from the clinics to the orphanage, I’m sure there’s a few Zambians who think N17 by the Saw Doctors is our national anthem Laois recipient of Athletics at this stage. We all became friends with everyone in the orphanage, and Ireland Juvenile Award naturally we all made really strong bonds with a few different children. Eighteen year Eoin Keenan was the Laois recipient of Athletics Ireland Juvenile It was tough to leave on the last day, Award for 2018.Eoin received his award at a formal presentation in the Bridge we said our sad goodbyes and left our House Hotel Tullamore on Saturday, February 16. hats, sunglasses and bags to people who The award was in recognition of his athletics achievements at National Level appreciated them much more than us, in 2018, where he won gold medals in long jump and triple jump. and for the first time we had a silent Eoin is currently studying for his Leaving Certificate at St. Marys bus drive home. Although we travelled CBS Portlaoise. to Zambia to teach, Zambia taught us Last month he represented his school in the Diversity Games in Athlone and much more than we could ever teach in recorded a new pb of 6.31m in the long jump. two weeks in a class room about being His achievement in triple jump last year was all the more impressive as he happy and grateful with what we have only took up the event last year. His aim for 2019 is to fine tune his technique and to appreciate and love life the way and hopefully put in some good summer performances. they do. St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise

Shane Casey and John McCarthy

On Tuesday, 27th November, Shane Casey and John McCarthy visited our school for a Transition Year workshop on resilience and wellbeing. Our guests were visiting from the Graffiti Theatre Company. They incorporated a piece of drama into their workshop. Casey is best known for his role as Billy Murphy in “The Young Offenders”. The character is a notorious gangster, known for stealing phones. Despite being a famous actor, we were all amazed at how down-to-earth and unassuming he was. He really John Paul ll awards came across as just another one of the lads. Fortunately, no phones were stolen!The workshop focused on a difficult On Wednesday the 14th and Thursday the 15th of November moment in Shane’s life and how he struggled to overcome over 300 students from the Kildare and Leighlin diocese it. Though it happened to him in secondary school, he received their John Paul ll awards from Bishop Denis Nulty in believes it shaped his future. Students were then called St. Clare’s church, Graiguecullen,Carlow. Pictured below are up to act out scenes following this very personal moment Thomas Dunne, Nathan Harrison, Cian MacGearailt, Nebojsa Shane had shared with us. Kukic and Sean Lewis from St. Marys CBS Portlaoise who John also discussed the importance of feeling confident received their gold award. The Pope John Paul II Award enables in oneself. He explained to us the meaning of resilience, participants to take an active part in the life of their Church - in likening it to getting back on the horse after you fall off. the life of their community and society. The boys undertook To help with his explanation, he used the famous Rocky a number of activities which included: becoming Eucharistic Balboa quote; “It ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s Ministers, travelling to Lourdes with our local parish, playing about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. music and collecting the offertory collection at mass. We are That’s what winning is made of!” now going on to work towards our Papal Cross award. The workshop concluded with an exercise in which Shane and John read out a number of statements and we as individuals decided whether we agreed with them or not. Throughout the school there was a real sense of excitement as students murmured to each other, “Well lad, d’ya hear Billy Murphy’s in the school”. All in all, our workshop with Shane Casey and John McCarthy was a great and memorable experience that will stand out as a highlight of the year.

P.A.T.H

Portlaoise Action Towards Homelessness is a volunteer organisation that travel to Dublin every Saturday to provide donated clothes, food, sleeping bags etc. to homeless people sleeping on the streets of Dublin. The six-person crew of volunteers travel to Dublin in a van fully packed with these “care-packages” and only leave once the supplies have been given out and the van is empty. St. Mary’s CBS’ Portlaoise Student’s Council have advocated to help in the fight against homelessness on both a local and national scale. They saw the amazing work that PATH do to aid these unfortunate souls and decided to hold a fundraiser to help this organisations. In total they raised €888.80 that will go towards funding these supplies and the fuelling of the volunteer’s van. Advocacy Students Visit To Dail

ffStudents and teachers from Edmund Rice Advocacy schools outside Dail Eireann with Senator Grace O Sullivan and Minister David Stanton Journeying Together for Change

Our Advocacy Pilot schools continue to advance along the advocacy road together. Each of our Eleven pilot schools have established an Edmund Rice Advocacy group in their school. These groups are involved in advocating for different causes. When they met in Callan in October 2018 they agreed that having one central theme to focus their efforts on would allow them to join their ffEdmund Rice students promoting the “Save our Seas” campaign outside the Dail. voices together for change. The idea of harnessing the voices from all the They were invited to visit Leinster impressed those we met with their schools together to advocate for change House as guests of Senator Grace passion and commitment to advocate on a topic was one that the students felt O’Sullivan who is very interested in their for change. passionately about. The issue that became campaign as she is a passionate advocate Going forward the group will continue the focus of the pilot schools was based for climate action herself. She spoke with the campaign in their own schools around reducing the use of single use the group and gave them some food for and communities and they will come plastics. Each school was free to take thought for the campaign as it develops. back together at an advocacy rally in on the campaign in whatever way they David Stanton, Minister of state for Ardscoil na Mara in Tramore. Here they chose and have been busy sharing ideas Equality, Immigration and Integration will display their projects and have the and strategies by e-mail and on their also addressed the group and relayed opportunity to share their actions for Facebook page Edmund Rice Ireland. stories of his state trips to islands abroad change as well as listening to guest On the 28th February 9 of the Pilot where residents are very concerned that speakers Senator Grace O’Sullivan, schools came together in Dublin. Schools their homes would be underwater in the Marine Biologist Cian Luck and view a involved include Ardscoil Ris, Limerick, very near future. The group were also visiting art exhibition called “Plastics: Middleton CBS, Kilkenny CBS, Carrick on treated to a tour of Leinster House. It was The Good The Bad and The Ugly”. Sir CBS, St David’s CBS, Colaiste Eanna, a very inspiring trip for all involved and We wish all 11 schools the very best of CBC Cork, Drogheda CBS, ArdScoil na one where our very own leaders of the luck with the campaign and look forward Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford future, our Edmund Rice Ambassadors, to the rally on the 8th May. Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, An Mhainistir Thuaidh, Corcaigh.

ffVex Robotics ffCamógaíocht — Daltaí ag traenáil sa sneachta!

An nuacht as Gaelcholáiste Mhuire ffFoireann cispheile a bhuaigh craobh na hÉireann!

Bhi an-rath ar Ghaelcholáiste Mhuire AG thug bus lán le daltaí aghaidh ar Bhaile cinn. Chomh maith leis sin, tháinig Eva le déanaí i réimsí éagsúla, go háirithe Átha Cliath ar an 30ú Eanáir chun páirt Corbett ó Techspace chuig an scoil chun spórt, ceol, eolaíocht agus teicneolaíocht! a ghlacadh sa chomórtas tallainne Scléip, bosca eolaíochta inspioráide a thabhairt Ar an dara lá is fiche de mhí Eanáir, eagraithe ag Gael Linn. Comhghairdeas do na daltaí don chomórtas Techféile sa bhuaigh na buachaillí faoi 19A Craobh le Sam Ó Briain a tháinig sa dara háit sa Ghaillimh i mí na Márta. na hÉireann i mBaile Átha Cliath i cheol aonair sinsir. Ar an séú lá is fiche de mhí Feabhra, gcoinne Meánscoil na Trócaire, Cnoc Ar an gcúigiú lá déag de mhí Feabhra, bhuaigh na cailíní camógaíochta craobh an tSeabhaic. An uair dheireanach a chuaigh grúpa ón idirbhliain go dtí an lá Chorcaí i gcoinne Ceann Toirc. Bhí na bhuaigh ár scoil an comórtas seo ná CITscience for life chun páirt a ghlacadh cailíní seo chomh díograiseach go raibh 2002, mar sin bhíomar an-bhródúil as sa chomórtas VEXRobotics. Chuaigh siad ag traenáil go dian sa pháirc scoile na buachaillí agus bhí an-cheiliúradh grúpa ón idirbhliain go dtí IWish i halla sna seachtainí roimh ré, fiú agus stoirm againn. Bronnadh ‘laoch na himeartha’ na cathrach ar an seachtú lá Feabhra shneachta ag titim anuas orthu! B’fhiú ar Shéamas Ó hAnnagáin 6AG! chun teicneolaíocht, eolaíocht agus go mór a n-iarrachtaí agus táimid fíor- Cé go raibh an aimsir go dona ar an lá, ceannaireacht idir mná a chur chun bhródúil astu! Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, An Mhainistir Thuaidh, Corcaigh.

ffAn fhoireann camógaíochta a bhuaigh Craobh Chorcaí

ffDaltaí le Eva Corbett ó Techspace a thug bosca eolaíochta inspioráide don scoil.

ffSéamas Ó hAnnagáin, 6AG – Laoch na himeartha ffScléip 2019 Naas CBS Carol Service concert for Zambian Immersion Project

On the 13th of December, The Naas CBS choir hosted a Carol Service concert in aid of The Naas CBS Zambian Immersion Project. Three teachers and nine students were heading on their journey to Mazabuka, Zambia in February of 2019 to experience the culture and way of life. The students had to raise a large sum of money in order to make their dream of a trip to Africa possible. The concert was a great success with many staff, students, parents and people of the community coming to join us. The renowned Island of Ireland Peace Choir supported the concert. The Island of Ireland Peace Choir were formed in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing of 1998. Their message is simply one of peace, justice and harmony through the medium of song and spirituality. The choir includes the newly crowned Rose of Tralee – Kirsten Mate Maher who joined us on the night. Kirsten herself is of Zambian descent and this signified a very strong message for all at the event. Both choirs joined together for the second half and Kirsten Mate Maher performed Snow Patrol’s - ‘Run’ with our very own 6th year student Conor McNamee. It was a very special evening in our school calendar and we would like to thank everyone that joined us or helped in the planning leading up to the event – Especially Phil and Elaine Brennan of The Island of Ireland Peace Choir and Declan Kelly (Tenor).

Published at Áras Éamainn Rís Meadow Vale Blackrock Tel: 01 289 7511 Co. Dublin Fax: 01 289 7540 A94 YN96 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01 289 7511 web: www.erst.ie