MERCY KILBEGGAN
NEWS AND VIEWS
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
WELCOME WEBSITE Welcome to the December issue of Mercy Kilbeggan Please consult our school website at “News and Views” which highlights some events and www.mercykilbeggan.ie for weekly event updates, activities that go on, and will go on, in our school both news in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, inside and outside of the classroom. and useful links.
SCHOOL NEWS
NEW FIRST YEARS AND MENTOR PROGRAMME
The 19/20 Sixth Year mentor cohort engaged in a day of training in preparation for their participation in our school's big brother/sister programme on August 22nd. Our Sixth Year mentors assist incoming First-Year students with the transition from primary to secondary school. The programme is coordinated by Ms. Glynn and has been highly successful so far this school year, enabling our new First Year students to settle in at Mercy Kilbeggan.
TRANSITION YEAR LILLIPUT TRIP
On September 5th all Transition Year students went to Lilliput Adventure Centre for an Outdoor Adventure bonding day. Our students were given the opportunity to partake in Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Bog Hopping and more. It was a great way for our Transition Year class of 19/20 to start off their year and it enabled our students, in a fun environment, to establish additional friendships within their relatively new class groups.
GAISCE PROGRAMME
Our 19/20 Transition Year students’ Gaisce Journey is progressing well with students having completed three activity sections to date; Community Involvement, Personal Skill and Physical Recreation. The culmination of their Gaisce Journey will consist of a two-night stay at Colaiste Uisce in Co. Mayo from April 1st to the 3rd and a Croagh Patrick Climb on May 19th.
FIRST YEAR TASTER PROGRAMME
The taster programme, which enabled First Year students to sample potential option subjects they would like to take for Junior Cycle, concluded on November 18th. Our First Year students commenced their subject choice options on November 19th. Each student selected one of the two languages French and German, one subject between History and Geography, and two additional subjects. The taster programme was a great success and enabled our First Years to make informed decisions on subject choice, providing them with a sense of comfort and assurance.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN
KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie Principal: Garrett Farrell • Deputy Principal: Bernadette Gallen MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
SCHOOL NEWS
TRANSITION YEAR SWIMMING
The final Swimming session of our 2019/2020 Transition Year Physical Education Swimming block, in which each student has four sessions at Clara swimming pool, will conclude on January 9th. Students are provided with the opportunity to partake in water-based activities led by their physical educators. Activities include water polo, team challenges, and lane Swimming.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Transition Year students had their first of two work experience weeks from October 21st to October 25th. The feedback has been very positive with students having the opportunity to gain real-life experience in potential and diversified career paths. Transition Year students will have a second work experience week later in the school year.
POPE JOHN PAUL II GOLD MEDAL AWARDS 2019
Congratulations to students Stephanie Scally, Aideen Teehan, Brian Walsh, Kevin Walsh, Lorraine Egan, Mairead Corcoran and Joanne Whaley. who were awarded with seven Pope John Paul II Gold Medals for their voluntary work over a one-year time period on September 7th. These awards were presented to our students by Bishop Thomas Deenihan. This was a magnificent reflection on the kind and giving nature of these students, their teachers and their families. Full credit and thanks must go to Ms. Kelly and Mr. Prendergast of our
Religion Department for organising this programme within our school. The group also took a trip to Knock on September 27th to culminate their journey.
TRANSITION YEAR DRUMMING WORKSHOP
On September 11th all Transition Year students, within their respective class groups, engaged in a Drumming Workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Kieran Gallagher of Kada Ka Boom Arts. Students were exposed to several percussion instruments and had the opportunity to put together and perform different collective music pieces. A fun time was had by all.
ALL-IRELAND CAMOGIE SUCCESS
On September 12th three panel members from the victorious Westmeath team who recently won the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship paid our students a visit, bringing with them the cup that past pupil and captain Mairead McCormack lifted in Croke Park. Congratulations to the Intermediate team and thanks for the visit. It will inspire the students in our school.
SIXTH YEAR HIGHER OPTIONS AT RDS
On September 20th all Sixth Year students attended the Higher Options expo at the RDS. The Higher Options expo is held each year by The Irish Times and gives educational and career advice to anyone who's searching for it. Our Leaving Cert students were presented with the opportunity to get the low down on everything from college courses to the CAO, and other aspects such as the Debs. The event has been a must for students over the last number of years.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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WESTMEATH CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019
The Mercy Kilbeggan Athletics Team had an excellent day out at Belvedere House for the 2019 Westmeath Cross-Country Running Championships on September 25th. Our students performed extremely well, and it was our best team display at the meet in years. Well done to the entire team on the great display in tough conditions.
FIRST YEAR AND MENTOR COURTLOUGH TRIP
On September 26th all First Year students, accompanied by their Sixth Year Mentors and guiding teachers visited Courtlough Adventure Centre for a day of fun-filled activity. Our First Years thoroughly enjoyed the day on their first trip as a Mercy Kilbeggan student.
SECOND YEAR ART TRIP On October 2nd the Second Year Art class visited the National Gallery on a class trip. The purpose of the trip was to inspire creativity within their practical work by engaging with real-life Art. The students gained some valuable insights which they can draw on when working on future tasks and projects in Art class.
JUNIOR CERT RESULTS DAY
There was great excitement on the morning of October 4th as Junior Cert results day had finally arrived. Students received their results at 9.30am from Mr. Farrell and all students were pleased with what they received. The hard work has paid off. Congratulations to all, and thank you to all teachers for their continued dedication and support of this group of students.
EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES
To celebrate the European Day of Languages on September 26th, the MFL Department held an afternoon of language themed tasks. TY students led 1st Years in a range of fun language activities including memory games, fun fact finding, learning to write 'hello' in different languages and a quiz. Overall it was a great success in promoting the importance of language learning and we all look forward to it being even bigger and better next year!
SIXTH YEAR BURREN TRIP
Our Sixth Year Geography class visited the Burren on a Geography class field trip on October 8th. The trip has provided some valuable insights on key curricular areas for our students as they prepare themselves for the Leaving Certificate Geography examination.
GERMAN DEBATING
Congratulations to our German Debating team of Lauryn McDonnell, Alex Gorsa, Max Mohan, Ciara Gately, Brian McMahon, Orna Kelly, Lara Henshaw, Emma Foyle and Brian Egan for their victory away to Presentation College Tuam on October 14th. Our team were then eliminated on November 29th. Thanks to Ms. Corcoran for her guidance and her huge effort with the team.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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TRANSITION YEAR LOUGH BOORA PARKLANDS TRIP
On October 16th all TY students travelled to Lough Boora Parklands on a Physical Education trip. The weather was perfect for occasion and each student engaged in Cycling and Orienteering. Students cycled the 15.8 km Turraun Trail and engaged in 'Selfie Orienteering' on Lough Boora Grounds. A great day was had by all. Thanks to Pat Barrett and his team at Lough Boora for their hospitality.
WELLBEING WEEK
From Monday October 14th to Friday October 18th was Wellbeing week at Mercy Kilbeggan. Events organised by our schools Wellbeing committee were conducted throughout the week to support the holistic Wellbeing of our students. Examples of which include; Sixth Year Yoga, Hot Chocolate, First Year Movie, In-Class Meditations, and our TY 'Cyclothon'.
TRANSITION YEAR BAKE-OFF
On October 18th our TY students participated in a Bake-Off competition organised by our school Home Economics Department. Well done to all on their culinary creations and thanks to Ms. Relihan and Ms. Stenson of our Home Economics Department.
BT YOUNG SCIENTIST 2020
Three projects have qualified from our school for the 2020 BT Young Scientist Exhibition, taking place at the RDS from January 8th to 11th 2020. Best of luck to each group and their respective teacher in their preparations.
Students: Lisa Ennis & Erin Heeney
Project Title: NCCA vs Students: Where is the Change?
Teacher: Ms. Daly
Student: Orna Kelly
Project Title: Goodbye Documentation, Hello Dramatisation
Teacher: Ms. S. Clarke
Students: Tiarnan Clarke MacMahon, Luke Seery & Owen Bagnall
Project Title: Fighting for Breath; Is the School Drop off Harmful to Student Health?
Teacher: Ms. S. Clarke
SIXTH YEAR HAMLET TRIP
On October 22nd our Sixth Years visited Athlone, accompanied by their English teachers, to view the play Hamlet. Hamlet is the chosen single text which our students are studying for their Leaving Certificate examination. The trip will help to inform and inspire their writing and scaffold their responses within single text questions. Our students also visited Athlone Town Centre for some shopping.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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FREAKY FRIDAY FANCY DRESS
On October 25th there was a 'Freaky Friday' fancy dress day organised by our school's Student Council. Each student was encouraged to express their creativity in their chosen costume. All funds generated will be going to Temple Street Children's Hospital. Well done to the Student Council and all our students.
SPEECH AND DRAMA
Speech and Drama is still on-going for some of our Transition Year students. Students engage within Speech and Drama classes for one-third of the school year. The Speech and Drama rotation concludes with an oral presentation examination. Each Transition Year student receives a grade and a certificate of participation at the end. TY 3 have completed their Speech and Drama module and made their presentations on November 5th.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT INSPECTION
On November 4th and 5th there was an English Department inspection conducted in our school by the Department of Education and Skills. Both teachers and students performed well, and practice within our English Department received praise. Well done to all involved.
TRANSITION YEAR FIRST AID WORKSHOP
A huge thank you must be extended to Frankie Wright and his team from Lilliput Adventure
Centre for delivering a First Aid Workshop to our TY students on November 6th. The students are thankful for receiving this potentially life-saving information.
FIFTH YEAR A.G SCIENCE TRIP
On November 7th the Fifth Year A.g Science class visited Kiernan Milling in Granard for a tour of the mill. It is one of the biggest mills in Ireland and our group got an insight into the labs, animal nutrition, and the manufacturing and packing process. A great day was had by all.
TEAM HOPE SHOE BOX APPEAL
Mercy Kilbeggan is supporting Team Hope's Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. The Christmas Shoe Box Appeal sends thousands of gift-filled shoe boxes to children in Africa and Eastern Europe. The children who will receive our shoe boxes are affected by poverty in different ways. Many come from families with very little income, others live on the margins of society or in areas affected by conflict. These shoe boxes can bring joy and excitement to children living in often very difficult situations. Well done to our students, our Religion Department and thanks to all who donated to this great cause.
OPEN NIGHT 2019
Our Open Night held on November 14th was a huge success. It was great to see all the Sixth Class students and their families exploring our school and meeting our students. There was a family-like atmosphere on the night and that truly reflects what school-life is like at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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CARLOW IT OPEN DAY SCHOOL DEBATING COMPETITION
Well done to Orna Kelly and Aoibhe Cusack who represented our school at the Carlow IT Open Day Debating Competition on November 14th.
SOROPTOMISTS PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Marianna Kalocsai, Rosemary Midonga, and Michaela Cox participated in the local heat of the Soroptomists Public Speaking Competition in Mullingar on November 19th. The girls are pictured below with their certificates and gifts from Soroptomists International Mullingar. Our very own Michaela Cox was the winner on the night. Michaela has qualified to represent the school at the regional final in Drogheda in January. She spoke on the subject of Education: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Well done to Michaela, Marianna, Rosemary, and their guiding teacher Ms. Glynn.
WRAFTER FAMILY BAND SCHOOL FUNDRAISING CONCERT
On Wednesday November 21st and Thursday November 22nd, The Wrafter Family Band and Friends of Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan performed at two sold- out fundraising concerts in the Tuar Árd in Moate. All proceeds from both concerts are going towards the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan New School Fund. The level of musical talent on show was truly remarkable and the audience were treated to memorable musical entertainment. The concert was headlined by the Wrafter Family Band, and also featured performances from current and
past pupils of our school. A huge thank you must be extended to the Wrafter Family Band, all additional performers, all at the Tuar Árd in Moate, the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Parents association, and to all members of the audience for their support. Also thank you to our school Music Department teachers for their great work in developing such musical talent. The contributions of the aforementioned are greatly appreciated by our school.
ALBHA OMAN REPUNZEL FOUNDATION DONATION AND IRISH CANCER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER
A message from our Sixth Year Student Albha Oman:
"On Saturday November 23rd I cut 18 inches off my hair and I donated it to the Repunzel Foundation. They make wigs for people who unfortunately cannot grow their hair because of cancer treatment or other medical reasons. My hair has given me great confidence over the years and it was time to pass that confidence on to some else. Hopefully my hair will make it a little easier for someone to smile through the tough times. The money I raised is being given to the Irish Cancer Society who are continuously researching cancer and cancer treatments."
All at Mercy Kilbeggan would like to commend Albha for this incredible gesture, which typifies the spirit, character and good nature she has exhibited throughout her six years here with us.
6th YEAR A.g SCIENCE
Our 6th Year A.g Science class visited Coorevin Farm, Borrisokane on December 5th. Farmer Pádraig Moran showed the students around his farm and talked to them about farm enterprise. Thanks to Pádraig for a great tour and an informative talk which will help our students complete their 25% project.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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THIRD YEAR ART TRIP
On December 4th the Third Year Art class visited the National Gallery on a class trip. The purpose of the trip was to inform and inspire our students’ practical and project work for their Junior Certificate examination,
NIKOLAUSTA G
Our German students celebrated German feast day 'Nikolaustag' on th December 6 . A range of Germany-inspired treats and activities were arranged for our students on the day.
TRANSITION YEAR BOYS GAA COACHING WORKSHOP
Our December 6th 27 TY boys engaged in a Gaa Coaching Workshop organised by Westmeath Gaa. Within the workshop, which had both theoretical and practical elements, our students were presented with the opportunity to both create and deliver focused drills using various principles of coaching.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
On December 11th and 12th our Music students, accompanied by our Music teachers, got in the Christmas spirit and visited Tyrrellspass nursing home and Golden Island Shopping
Centre respectively to perform Christmas carols. Our talented group impressed at both locations and contributed to the festive atmosphere. Well done to all involved.
TRANSITION YEAR SKIING AND ICE SKATING
On December 12th our TY students engaged in Winter sport as they travelled to Kiltiernan for some skiing and also to Dundrum Town Centre for some Ice Skating. Our students really enjoyed both activities. The activities provided great fun and memorable bonding moments with for our students and their friends. There was also time for our students to explore Dundrum Town Centre for some festive shopping.
THIRD YEAR ICE SKATING
On December 13th our Third Year students travelled to Blanchardstown for some Ice Skating. Our students really enjoyed the trip as it provided them with a well-deserved break from their studies. Our Third Year students have worked hard this
term in preparation for their mock examinations and beyond, so this trip came at a great time for them. Our students also got the opportunity to shop in Blanchardstown shopping centre.
AIT INDOOR ATHLETICS
On December 17th our Junior Athletics team attended the indoor Athletics event held in AIT. Events on the day included the 60M, 200M, 800M, 4X200M Relay, Shot Put, and Long Jump for both boys and girls. Our team collected a huge medal haul and done our school proud. A fun- filled day was had by our team.
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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SIXTH YEAR CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST
On December 18th our Sixth Year students were treated to a festive Christmas Breakfast. Each student brought in an item to contribute. It proved a thoroughly enjoyable morning, and a well-deserved one for our students. Well done to the Sixth Year committee that facilitated the event and to teachers Ms. Daly and Ms. E. Clarke for their organisation, contribution, and assistance.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXHIBITION
On December 19th our International students held an exhibit in our school canteen. Our First Year students were invited to the exhibition where they were presented with the opportunity to develop their cultural knowledge. Seventeen nationalities were represented at the event and it was well organised by our student council.
ASD CHRISTMAS CLASS TRIP
On December 19th the students in our ASD Class visited Rock ‘N’ Bowl in Mullingar for their
end of term trip. Our students were accompanied by Department Coordinator Mr. Donnelly , ASD Class teachers, and our school SNA’s. This was very much an action- packed and fun-filled day for our students. Our students engaged in bowling and in various ot her arcade games and activities that Rock ‘N’ Bowl has to offer.
SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM UPDATE
• Our Senior Girls Football Team have been eliminated from the C championship after two defeats • Our Junior Girls Football Team have won their first two C championship game and await their North Leinster final • Our Senior Boys Football Team, with a win in their next game, progress to the North Leinster B championship semi-finals • Our Senior Boys Football Team made the Senior A league final • Our Junior Boys Football Team have been eliminated from the North Leinster C championship after two defeats and one win from their three group games • Our Second Year Boys Football Team made the quarter-finals of their championship • Our First Year Boys Football Team have done well at blitz days so far this school year • Our Senior and Junior Camogie teams have been eliminated from the championship after decent campaigns • Our Senior Boys Hurling Team, after three wins, were eliminated from the C1 championship at the district final phase • Our Junior Boys Hurling Team are in the North Leinster C1 championship final • Our U19 and U16 Girls Basketball Teams didn’t progress from their league group • Our U19 Boys Basketball Team made the Leinster District league semi-final • Our U16 Boys Basketball Team made the Leinster District league final • Our U16 and U19 Girls Rugby Teams performed well at blitz days so far this school year • Our U16 Boys Rugby Team made the semi-finals of their cup competition • Our First Year and U15 Girls Soccer Teams have played well in a few friendly matches so far this school year • Our U15, U17, and Senior Boys Soccer Teams have begun their league campaigns and are shaping up well. Our U17 Team is in the semi-final. We had no success this year in cup competition
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3
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SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM GALLERY
MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie