BelvoSummer19.qxp_Layout 1 25/06/2019 10:23 Page 1 Belvedere Summer Edition 2019 | AMDG NEWS A WORD FROM THE HEADMASTER “If we destroy Creation, Creation will destroy us.” – Pope Francis

Dear Parents and Guardians, phones and smart watches in the is now strictly forbidden, apart from Rhetoric Hopefully this newsletter will add to the students in specific classes where the teacher and brighten your day. Each is using IT and requires students to access the page is the tip of an iceberg of ability, material with their phones. Thanks to the commitment and a generosity of spirit which support of the PA, the lockers have been helps create a culture where students discover refurbished to provide safe storage for mobile their talents. I want to thank all, particularly phones in order to accommodate this change. the staff who give so generously of their time The reduction of single use plastic is also a and expertise, for empowering so many welcome development, which the PA students to contribute to a culture which sponsored by providing stainless steel water (RL) & Dylan Diamond (RK). Many celebrates achievement and recognises hard bottles to all students. We have achieved a lot congratulations to the incoming College work in pursuit of excellence. I hope you find in Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, but there is so Officers: Captain Cathal Butler (PS) and time at some stage to have a look at Pope much more we need to do in a world facing a Officers Eoghan Conway (PA), Aidan Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si (Source: Full Text crisis caused by our neglect of the McCullough (PX), Eimhin O’Neill (PF) & Cathal and Guidance Map for Pope Francis' Encyclical environment. Smith (PA). 'Laudato Si' found online at National Catholic I also want to thank all those who have On the pages which follow you will see Register). It’s easy to become so engrossed in supported the fundraising programme for some, not all, of the achievements of so many life’s daily challenges that we forget the big better classroom facilities. The current facilities students. While celebrating their success and picture. The Pope’s Encyclical challenges us to recognising their commitment, part of the were provided by the generosity of previous act rather than just reflect. Hopefully the objective of publicising their achievements, parents, and many who appreciate this have achievements of the students in this edition including displaying them on the website and enabled us to proceed with Cabra, Temple reflect young men who are prepared to be big screen in the foyer, is to encourage other Street and the Art Facility development, which “Men for Others” as Fr Pedro Arrupe S.J. called students to become involved. While it’s will hopefully commence in December 2019. for in his address to Jesuit alumni in Valencia in neither feasible nor desirable to force students I hope you are tempted to visit our website 1973. to be involved, encouragement is sometimes as it has much more up to date information. Each year brings changes and as we bid all a student needs to step outside of their The state exams are going well so far and I farewell to a number of staff, we welcome new comfort zone and engage in a new co- hope all our students have an enjoyable, safe people who will enrich our students’ education curricular activity. and productive summer. If you think of what by sharing their experience and talent over the I want to thank the Parents’ Association (PA) you can achieve in 85 days, it opens the years to come. Ms Angela Dempsey, Mrs for all their work in supporting the students possibilities for so much reading, going over Deirdre Melvin, Ms Rachel Keogh, Mr Stuart and staff over the year. We reviewed the notes, engaging in community work, Wheeler and Mr Conor Doherty have given Behaviour for Learning Code of Conduct and a volunteering with environmental projects and great service to the College and we wish them number of changes need to be noted. These so much more. Some students will make the a long and happy retirement. Mr Peter Downey will be clarified in the Journal, on the website most of the summer opportunity and on the maintenance staff will also be retiring and at School Assemblies with the students. hopefully all will mature and develop in their and we wish him well. The new Deputy The objective is to improve the learning sense of ownership for their learning and their Principals will be announced after the Board environment for all our students. I am grateful achievements. Meeting on June 20th. to the review group, which included Enjoy the Newsletter and thank you to the I would also like to share my appreciation for consultation with the PA and Student Council, team who put it together and all who the outgoing College Officers: Captain Luke who considered all aspects of the use of contributed to this edition. McCaffrey (RF) and Officers David Boylan (RX), mobile phones, including its impact on social Robert Anthony Clery (RK), Aaron Coleman interaction by students. The use of mobile Gerry Foley. A.M.D.G. In this issue:

News & Faith & Belvedere Sports Music Achievements Services Union p2 p8 p12 p14 p18

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News & Achievements

Belvedere College SJ Debating

Excellence in Junior Certificate Business Studies Awards

Belvedere College SJ was represented by Oxford Union Finals Day Derry De Yang (SS) at the Excellence in Junior Certificate Business Studies Awards. Three Belvedere debating teams qualified for The award was in recognition of Oxford Union Finals Day, the biggest debating Belvedere’s contribution to teaching and Congratulations and well done to all the ‘A’ competition in the UK. 32 teams tried out and promotion of excellence in the discipline, grade students and to all of the teachers only four teams made the break, three of while also acknowledging all students who from the Business Department: Ms Sinead which were from Belvedere. The teams were: achieved an ‘A’ grade in their 2018 higher McGouran, Ms Helen Stack, Mr Noel Dylan Diamond (RK) and Tom Hegarty (RS); level Business Studies Junior Certificate McKenna, Ms Norma Shanahan and Ms David Boylan (RX) and Fiachra Nolan (RS); exam. Clodagh Culligan. Darragh Schmidt (PX) and Cillian O’Neill (PX). Well done to all and to their coach, Mr Philip 2019 BT Young Scientist Hogan. & Technology Exhibition

Congratulations to Garret Molloy (RX) who came first in his category - Biological Science Junior Individual at the 2019 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. His project was titled, Amplified Renewable Bioelectrical Energy in Reduced Carbon Footprint Livestock Waste Treatment System. Well done Garret and thank you to Mr Tom Morris, his co-operating teacher.

French Debating Garret Molloy with BT Chief Congratulations to the French Debating Team Innovation on their success against St Michael's College in Officer, Conor the final of the Alliance Française Joûtes Patterson and Oratoires. The winning team consisted of John French Kirwan (RA), Andrew Bermingham (RF), Ciarán Ambassador, Murphy (RF), Dónal Heelan (RA) and Ishan H.E. Stéphane Banik (RL). The team was magnificently Crouzat coached by Ms Louise Curtin.

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News & Achievements

Senior Applied Maths Quiz Regional Round

Gael Linn Irish Debating Leinster Champions!

Well done to the team and to their A special congratulations to Andrew Bermingham (RF), Kome Agbanobi (RF) and coach Mr John Broderick, and a sincere Ben McDonald (PX) who placed second, and to Jack Twomey (RL), Ethan Osbourne thank you to their Irish teachers for (RL) and Gareth Healy (PL) who placed third. instilling a 'grá' for the Gaeilge in them. Team: Fionn Keating MacDermott (RS), Rory O'Dunlaing (GK) and Odhrán Dillon Kelly (RL) Substitutes: Daniel Moran (GS) and Conor Flanagan (GK).

Webwise Ambassadors Congratulations to Ziyad Ayad (GA) and Eoin Regan (RX) who became Webwise Leinster Senior Ambassadors. Webwise is an internet safety initiative focused on raising awareness of School Debating online safety issues and good practice among students, parents and teachers. Competition Finalists Congratulations to Mr Philip Hogan and to the students who qualified for the All- Schools Debating Competition. Senior Team: Darragh Schmidt (PX) and Cillian O'Neill (PX) Individual: Eoghan Conway (PA), Tom McGinnity (PK) Junior Team: Vincent Lin (RF) and James Egan (RA)

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News & Achievements Home Economics

Poetry Field Trip to Elements working away at their textiles! Junior Certificate Practicals Ballyknocken Cookery School Chinese Cookery

Chinese New Year celebrations in the Home Economics Department with our Chinese Language & Culture Teacher, Ms Juan Gao.

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News & Achievements Student Enterprise Programme Strictly Come Dancing

Congratulations to Ms Caoimhe McCormack and the TY Young Entrepreneurs who participated in the Student Enterprise Awards. They won the Innovation Category in the City Final held in Croke Park. This group were one of two that reached the final from Belvedere. An Gaisce

Belvedere’s first Strictly Come Dancing was a resounding success. Thank you to all the staff who participated – competition was fierce and the entertainment factor high! And many congratulations to the very deserving winners Scott Bastow (RL) and Freya Hunt Sheridan. From concept to delivery this was a wonderful event with over €10,000 raised for the St. Vincent de Paul – so thank you to: Mr David O’Hanlon (Judge “Magnifico”), Ms Laura MacNaughton & Ms Aisling Bridgman (Hosts & Dancers), Jazz Band (interval entertainment) – Dancers extraordinaire: Mr Dan Dunne & Ms Martina Leddy, Mr Richard Wilson & Ms Megan Oliver, Mr Eoghan Keogh & Ms Roisin O’Donohoe, Ms Louise Curtin & Mr Shane Moloney, Mr Thomas Morris & Ms Katie Judge and Mr Stephen Carey & Ms Aileen Ivory. Huge congratulations to 10 Poetry students were presented with their Bronze Gaisce Awards by Mr Gerry Foley. Charlie MacNeice (RK) and all the Five members of the group have already actively begun their journey towards the Silver students who took part to make it the Award. Well done to all and special thanks to their coordinating teacher, Mr Simon “event of the year”. Murphy.

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News & Achievements

Western Europe Region Model

Ten Belvedere Poetry students visited Germany to represent Ireland in the Western Europe Region Model European Parliament. A job well done and many thanks to Ms Aileen Ivory and Mr Philip Hogan for attending and supporting the students in Koblenz. Chinese Bridge

Congratulations to Congratulations to Cillín Forrester (PK) Cillín Forrester (PK) who placed second who placed second in the 2019 Chinese in the 2019 Chinese Bridge (Chinese Bridge (Chinese Proficiency Proficiency Competition) for Competition) for Secondary School Secondary School Students in Ireland. Students in Ireland. Special thanks to Special thanks to our Chinese our Chinese Language & Culture Language & Culture Teacher, Ms Juan Teacher, Ms Juan Gao. Gao.

Malahide Young Musician of the Year 2019

Congratulations to Matthew Nolan (RX) who not only won the U21 piano competition but was also awarded Malahide Young Musician of the Year 2019.

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News & Achievements Student Council 2019-2020

Each year students are voted onto the Student Council by their fellow students and teachers. They are given the chance to be the link between the pupils and teachers, and to allow of the students be heard. This year the Student Council is co-ordinated by Mr Moran and led by Poetry students Robert Grendon and Cillian O’Neill.

Our job is to bring back ideas or If you have any queries or questions for Oisin Keating Mac Dermott (SF), suggestions to the table from students the council, or anything of interest for the Robert Grendon (PK), Tim Puszczewicz throughout the school. With these College enhancement, please contact any (PS), Cillian O’Neill (PX), Ryan Keogh (PK) suggestions, we work with the teachers of the following students: We will endeavour to respond to you as and the Parents’ Association to try our Niall O’Meara (EK), Oscar Smyth (EA), best as possible, working on your behalf. best to implement or improve the life of Tony Martin (RL), Seán Corry (RS), the students during their years in the Roy Richardson (GX), Barry O’Sullivan Seán Brady College. (GA), Seán Brady (SA), Syntax Aylmer

The AILO

Well done to Eoin Boushel (GK) and Donal Heelan (RA) who competed in The All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad (AILO) at DCU this year. Only the top 100 problem solvers from secondary schools all over Ireland make it through to the final and both placed in the top quartile.

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Sports

Cross Country

Castleknock College Invitational West Leinster Cross Country people’s eyes were the favourites. In the first term, 76 Elements and The West Leinster Cross Country Belvedere came into the race high on Rudiments students competed in a Cross Championships took place Thursday, 25th confidence after winning Leinster. It was a Country invitational hosted by of January in the Phoenix Park. Almost 100 great battle and the teams were separated College. The Elements team students from Belvedere competed across in the end by 11 points, with St Colman's finished strong with 3rd place in a big field different age groups. In the team College coming out on top. of 140 athletes. Matthew McEntee (EX) standings Belvedere placed in every age The rankings are as follows: John who placed 7th and Conor O'Brien (EK) group: Minor (U13) placed 1st, Junior (U15) Fanning (SX) placed 11th, Ben Guiden (RA) who placed 9th were the standout placed 3rd, Intermediate (U17) placed 2nd, placed 20th, Daniel Stone (PA) placed performers on the day. Rudiments also Senior (U19) placed 1st and 2nd. 22nd, Barney Kelly (PK) placed 35th, finished 3rd, but lost out on medals due Stephen Fay (PF) placed 41st, Sam Kelly All Ireland Schools Cross Country (RX) placed 50th, Eoghan Conway (PA) to a tiebreak countback. Christopher Championships placed 67th and Gavin Farrell (PK) placed Hamill (RX) and Sam Gillick-Friel (RS) in This year’s All Ireland Schools Cross 73rd. 10th and 13th respectively, were the Country Championships took place in Belvedere’s second place win was our best performers at second year on Saturday, 9th best ever result at this level. While the level. March 2019. It was a blustery cold day in boys were understandably disappointed, Clane, but second year athlete James they should be commended for the way DCU Invitational Bolon (RK) started the day well with a 31st they raced and also the commitment they Belvedere competed at the DCU place finish in the Junior boys. Up next was showed to training and racing over the last invitational on the 16th of January. Five Ruairí Walsh (SL) who had a storming run six months. Their disappointment shows teams from Belvedere took part, with the to finish 24th after finishing 15th at how high of a standard they hold Senior Team placing third in their Leinster. themselves to and this will hopefully fuel category. The Senior Team consisted of Our Senior boys stepped up next their hunger for next year’s challenge. John Fanning (SX) placed 5th, Daniel looking to win the team title, the Blue A huge thank you to coach Ronan Stone (PA) placed 7th, Gavin Farrell (PK) Ribbon. This year, there were four schools Duggan as the team could not have placed 26th and Aidan McCullough (PX) hotly tipped to take top honours. reached this milestone without his placed 30th. St Colman’s College, Newry, in many support and commitment.

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Sports

Leinster Schools Indoor Championships Our athletes performed with distinction at the Leinster Schools Indoor Championships for first and second year students. Congratulations to Louis Gaughan (RF) who won the long jump out of a huge field of 120 athletes with a jump of 5 m and 21 cm, and to Evan Lynch (RF) who finished in second place with a personal best leap of 5 m and 1 cm. Well done to all who participated and special thanks to Pascal Ryan (OB 2018), Nick Redford (Gap Student) and Syntax Xavier students Darragh Doran and Scot Meaney who helped out on the day. Belvedere Lifesaving 2018/2019 By Eoghan Kennedy McPartlan (Rhetoric Xavier)

Lifesaving had tremendous success this medal in the Juniors. 2016), for stepping in for Brother Davis year. James Evans (PA) and Eoghan I would personally like to thank Brother when he unfortunately fell ill during the Kennedy McPartlan (RX) won the All- Eamonn Davis SJ for his continued support year. Finally, I would like to thank all the Ireland Senior Championship last and knowledge throughout the year. We Belvedere students who give up their September, and James Evans won the are truly honoured to have someone of his afternoon to teach Lifesaving; being able All-Ireland Schools’ Championship, with experience and integrity as our coach. I to teach is a great skill which will benefit David Corcoran (RL) winning a gold would also like to thank Adam Powell (OB you greatly in the future.

Irish Senior Schools By Ms Jenny Bourke Relay Swimming Competition

Belvedere had more success in the pool on Sunday, 14th April 2019. Three Belvedere teams were entered into the competition and the Junior and Senior squads made it onto the podium. Our Junior team, made up of David Corcoran (RL), David Coyle (RL), Oisín Ó Seachnasaigh (EL) and Marcus Wearen (RS) came second in the freestyle relay, exceeding our expectations. Likewise, our Senior team, made up of Hugh O'Gara (RF), Simon Barrett (GL), Ciaran Cope (SF) and Darragh Lynch (GX), came in third place for their medley relay in a very competitive race. Dublin Inter-College Swim Meet final event. Unfortunately, we were We also had a saw a great performance by the Intermediate relay team - Bailey Scanlan (RDX), Belvedere proudly hosted the first pipped at the post in the Senior medley Alex Kelly (RDF), Zachary Gavin (GS) and Simon official swimming gala between relay by Blackrock. Barrett (GL) - but unfortunately they didn't quite Clongowes, Blackrock and Belvedere The event raised €935 for the St medal. The Senior team also put in a Friday, 5th April 2019. It was really well- Vincent de Paul and will present the competitive performance in the freestyle relay attended,????? with over 70 swimmers with some breath-taking times, but were competing for the inaugural trophy of cheque to Brother Eamon Davis. We penalised for an early takeover. All of these the 'Dublin Inter-College Swim Meet look forward to hosting the gala again swims suggest a very promising future for 2019.' Belvedere and Blackrock were next year, and of course, winning back Belvedere swimming in the coming years. Well divided by only one point going into the that trophy! done boys!

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Sports

Well done to the Belvedere SCT team on their hard-fought who were selected for the Schools Top 15. The campaign this year. Despite the disappointment of the one team is made up of the 15 best players, based on their point loss to St Michael’s in the semi-final, we are proud to performances throughout the Cup competition. announce that five members of the team were named in Irish Andrew was selected as the stand-out hooker of the Camps. Ireland U19: Conor Cagney (RK), Ireland U18 Schools: competition. His offensive footwork, defensive prowess, and Alex Soroka (RA), Ireland U18 Clubs: Aaron Coleman (RL), lineout throwing was second to none. And for the second year Justin Leonard (RS) and Matt Grogan (RA). In addition, running, Matt Grogan was selected for the team. Well done to congratulations to Andrew Synnott (RL) and Matt Grogan (RA) you both!

Justin Leonard, Aaron Coleman and Matt Grogan pictured at the first match against England U-18 Counties where they had a 30-17 win at Energia Park.

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Sports

JCT Rugby Elements

By Cian Russell (Grammar Kenney) Rugby

JCT began in July with our pre-season training with our strength and conditioning By Patrick McGrath, coach, Mr Hennelly. Our busy training schedule then started in August where we Elements Kenney spent many days training on the pitch at Distillery Road with Head Coach, Mr Wood and Mr McKenna, Jonny Butler, Adam Foy and Ruadhan Byron. We also had a gym session with Mr Hennelly every Monday after school and every Thursday I had an amazing time playing on Panel 1 before school. this year. Panel 1 really gave me a greater love for rugby as I had the opportunity to play with my friends and have fun. My panel We then began our road to the Cup, which started with a draw to Castleknock. and I worked extremely hard at training Along the road, we played many games with noticeable wins against a few every Wednesday and Saturday. Training Munster teams. J2, J2.5 and J3 had some great wins against Terenure and was amazing as our coaches worked to keep . J2.5 made it to the Final in Donnybrook in their Cup. us fit and prepared for our opponents. On match days, we strived to leave everything Our Cup Campaign began against Blackrock College. We took the lead early with a on the pitch and truly give our best. great try by Odhrán Dillon Kelly (RL). Blackrock came back, and at half time it was 12-5. After a hard fight, Blackrock eventually won. It was a great feeling to get this Panel 1 Rugby is amazing as everyone has far and to realise that this was only a step on our journey towards TY and SCT the chance to get on the first team. With Panel 1, it’s not the same team playing each Rugby. match as we switch up in order to allow all players the chance to show their abilities. We would like to thank our head coach, Mr Wood and all of our coaches, Mr Overall, I found Panel 1 Rugby to be a great McKenna, Jonny Butler, Adam Foy, Ruadhan Byron and Mr Hennelly for a fantastic experience. season of rugby.

Rudiments By Jamie O’Brien, Rudiments Loyola

The campaign started off strong with Ciaran Evans (RX) then took the court for wins against St Fintan's High School and the fourth quarter and changed the Ardscoil Rís. We then received quite the momentum of the game to Belvedere’s hammering when we played Malahide favour. Oatlands ended up coming out on Community School in our third game. We top and won the plate, final score 21-20. were then off to the semi-finals where we came up against Coláiste Chiaráin. We I would like to thank our coach, “Merch” won the game by quite a margin and and Mr Wood in the Games Department were put into the final against Oatlands for their support of the team. Thank you College. also to everyone who took part in basketball this year and for always Throughout the game, Oatlands showing up to training. It was a tough flourished as we struggled in the first year, but we powered through it and three quarters. Ronan Wilson (RX) and made it to the final. Well done Belvedere!

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Music Wesley Feis Choir Competition

Belvedere was extremely well represented at competing in the Junior Chamber Groups. successfully as it had begun. David O’Hanlon the Wesley Interschools Music Festival with Belvedere was also well represented in the Trad Group gave an outstanding performance in over 100 students involved between choral Senior Chamber Group Competition which their afternoon competition. This was followed and instrumental competitions. featured the Senior String Ensemble (2nd), Brass by the Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, both On Friday, the choirs under the direction of Ensemble (3rd) and Saxophone Ensemble. The under the direction of Dan Dunne, who went Ms Frances Stoker Phelan and Mr Ruaidhrí Clarinet Quartet consisting of Nicolas Day, Ben head to head in the Orchestral Band O'Dálaigh sang a number of times throughout O’Brien, Tim Puszczewicz and Eoin Sherlock Competition and came joint second place. The the evening with highly varied repertoire were awarded first place and took home the Chamber Orchestra featured the Jazz Orchestra presented in each competition. The notable cup. performing Shostakovich Jazz Waltz No. 1 while success of the evening came in the Many Belvedere students performed in solo Ms Curtin’s Chamber Orchestra gave an Unaccompanied Vocal Ensemble Competition in competitions with great success; notably, there extremely polished performance of ‘Idatarod’ to which the Chamber Choir were awarded first were medals in second place for Cathal Ahern secure first place in this competition. In the last place and the cup for their outstanding (U16 Woodwind), third place for Oisin Keating competition of the day the full Orchestra, under performance of ‘Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel’. MacDermott (O16 Strings) and Aritro De (O16 the direction of Ms Louise Curtin were awarded The boys arrived at Wesley bright and early Piano) while Ben O’Brien (O16 Woodwind) and first place and the trophy against tough on Saturday morning raring to go and had a Daniel Roddy (O16 Classical Guitar) both took opposition from the High School, Blackrock great start to the day with the Ms Bridgeman’s home the cup in their competitions. College. Junior String Ensemble and Euphonium Duet The weekend was rounded off just as

Belvedere Annual Musical Evening 2019 By Bláth McDonnell, Rhetoric Parent

What a great evening! The audience was The instrumental ensembles (Symphonic involved is astonishing. They are so seduced from the start with the wonderful Wind Band, Orchestra, Trad Band, Jazz Band generous with their time, energy, chamber choir singing a preview of what and Chamber groups) all wowed with their commitment and enthusiasm, and the was in store (together with sung safety impressive performances ranging from funk resulting performances are such a credit to announcements and banter!). These boys to jigs to concertos, and the enjoyment was everyone involved. set the scene beautifully for what was to written all over their faces. The soloists I write this with some sadness as the come - an eclectic mix of music and song, were also amazing. These are the elite Musical Evening this weekend marks showcasing the finest of talent from the athletes of the Musical Evening. The level another ‘last’ for our family as our son does Belvedere boys. The three MCs did a of excellence displayed is the product of the Leaving Cert in June, and his Belvedere wonderful job, managing to link all of the much solitary hard work and grind. These journey is almost over. He came to the different acts while also playing boys work hard at what they love and it was school in 2013 with no particular interest in instruments themselves. pure pleasure to listen to them. music but the spark that was ignited in first The various choirs (Junior, Senior and The commitment shown by the boys and year with the Wind Band Programme has Chamber) treated us to a great mix of staff really produces some sort of alchemy become a flame that has burned brightly music, ranging from an Ave Maria to a rap and the magic kept us all enthralled for the throughout his time here and will hopefully song and just about everything in between. evening. The leadership shown by the staff continue to do so in the future.

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Exchange

Lyon Exchange 2019 By Ed McEntee (Syntax Loyola)

It was recommended to me that I go on the Lyon Exchange so that I could see France from a different perspective and also have the opportunity to improve my French. It was truly a fantastic learning experience and I would highly recommend doing the exchange to anyone. After a 2.5 hour long flight we arrived in Lyon and were all looking forward to the two weeks ahead. When meeting our host families, some of us were surprised to get “une bise” (a cheek kiss) from some, whereas for others a hand shake sufficed. We all went back to our host family homes, looking forward to our first weekend in Lyon. A lot happened over the weekend which included some having a close encounter with the Gilet Jaune and others watching the Olympique Lyonnais beat Paris Saint- Germain in the Lyon Olympic Stadium (OL Stadium). Some of us went ice-skating, skateboarding, visited local markets filled like La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc with cheeses and meats, and two of us taking in the magnificent view of Lyon de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the even went with exchanges on Scout Trips. from its roof, and got a full tour of the OL Louvre Museum and the Champs-Élysées, We were also treated to French/Lyon Stadium, even catching a glimpse of a Lyon taking many photos at each spot. We did specialities such as Praline Lyonnaise, player. We visited museums like the CHRD the Bateaux Mouches on the Friday Saucisson de Lyon and Madeleines. de Lyon, which showed us first hand evening and saw Paris from a completely We were all spread around Lyon, some experiences of people living in Lyon during different perspective. We then walked were in easy walking distance to the school, World War II, and the Lumiére Museum, around to a few local shops and while others had to take a bus or metro. I which taught us about the creation of restaurants, and a few people bought found ticket fares in Lyon to be a bit videos and movies. souvenirs to bring home. cheaper than fares in Dublin. The school Throughout the two weeks we all had The exchange was a complete success itself, Lycée Saint-Marc, is in the heart of croissants, pain au chocolats and and I would like to thank Mr Murphy, Lyon near the square, Place Bellecour. macaroons, which were always delicious Ms Curtin, Mr Rogan, Ms McCormack, We did so much over the two weeks in and were never too hard to find. We went Ms Bridgeman and everyone else Lyon. We went skiing at the Autrans Ski inside some amazing shops which sold involved in making Lyon Exchange 2019 Resort, where for most it was our first time clothes and various items at great prices. as enjoyable as it was for the group. skiing. We were lucky enough to have We got the TGV up to Paris for our last France was an amazing place to visit and great weather and snow which made the two days in France, arriving in the late I would highly recommend doing the experience all the better. We visited places morning. We visited all of the famous exchange. by Samuel Lynch, Syntax Scully

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Faith & Services Camino By Cathal Ahern, Syntax Loyola

Lollipop Day

Belvedere students out supporting the Oesophageal Cancer Fund for Lollipop Day.

One of the main features of the Camino is the fundraising aspect. Money raised from this trip goes to the Belvedere Youth Club (BYC). In the months preceding the trip, we all fundraised vigorously, doing anything to raise money from washing cars, hosting coffee mornings and mowing lawns. To begin our trip, we met at Terminal 2 in Ember Faith Team Dublin Airport. We checked in our luggage, said goodbye to our families and boarded the plane to Santiago de Compostela in Play with Heart: Faith, Family and Football Northern Spain. On most of our seven days of cycling, we would wake up at 7:30 A.M., and although it may seem monotonous, every day brought something new. There wasn't necessarily a so-called 'easy' day of cycling, but some days were certainly more challenging than others. One of the main draws of the Camino, as many will tell you, is the beautiful scenery, and this certainly did not disappoint. We were often surrounded by towering wheat fields, picturesque country Spanish villages or looking down upon sheets of white cloud. The satisfaction and sense of achievement at reaching our final destination, Santiago de Compostela, was unparalleled in my opinion, and it was amazing to eventually get there after a week of cycling. As the Camino drew to a close I was very glad I had picked this trip as The Ember Faith Team hosted the event, Play with Heart: Faith, Family and Football it was great fun and a great experience. I with guest speaker, former Dublin player Ger Brennan (OB 2004). He discussed life in was a little sad that the trip was over, but I Belvedere, prayer, the Jesuit Ethos: Social Justice, Cura Personalis, sport and finding left with many amazing memories from my God in everything. time.

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Faith & Services

Ladies Lunch 2019 Drop The annual Ladies Lunch in kindly donated. Once more support of the Social the Belvedere Community Everything Diversity Programme (SDP) proved itself to be most was held in the generous. InterContinental Hotel on We also had a fashion show, And Read! Friday, March 22nd. with clothes from Shamon As always, it proved to be Boutique being expertly one of the most popular modelled by ‘Belvo Mums’. Each events in the Belvedere model was greeted with a huge calendar with all tickets being round of applause and given sold within two days. As a great encouragement as they departure from the norm, we paraded through the room and decided to use an online across the stage. Many thanks ticketing system as designed to Sharon and Monica of by Mr Kamil Che of Shamon and of course all our takeyourseats.ie which was very successful. models. Mr Foley introduced our guest speaker, The Ladies Committee recognise the Steven Collins (OB 2018) who shared with us importance of the Social Diversity his experience of being an SDP student in Programme within the college and are very Belvedere College S.J. and what it meant to happy to support it - we are delighted to say him and his family. His words made a huge €16,700 was raised overall. Bernie Millar, impact, as was evident not only from the President of the Ladies Committee, presented standing ovation he received, but also from the cheque to Headmaster, Mr Gerry Foley. Belvedere hosted a Drop Everything and the number of guests who lined up to speak We would like to thank all who attended Read event where they raised €1,060 for with him afterwards. We are extremely the lunch – without your continued support the No Mossies in March Campaign, run by grateful to Steven and wish him every success we could not host the lunch and we are the Jesuit Missions Office. This campaign will give long lasting mosquito nets to in the future. extremely grateful to each of you. those in the refugee population in Following on from Steven, there was of We look forward to welcoming you again Northern Uganda. course a raffle for which all prizes were very next year. Belvedere Parents Ignatian Group Glendalough Pilgrimage: By Barbara Fitzgerald, Grammar and Elements Parent

On Sunday, 28th April a wonderful pilgrimage led along The Pilgrim Path, weaving our way us to the lakeside and to the water to again took place to Glendalough where we had the through the majestic beauty that is take the time to pause and reflect and be opportunity to travel to a quiet place and rest encompassed in Glendalough. Part of this renewed. We meandered through the awhile. journey, we walked in silence to heighten our monastic city and had a final blessing at the Based out of the Tearmann Spirituality senses to the wonders of creation around us- Sanctuary Cross. We left the Pilgrim path with Centre, with a day led by Fr Pat Murphy, the the soothing sounds of nature enveloping us renewed inner peace, contentment and joy. group experienced a day of joy, peace, at every step. Ignatian Spirituality invites us to find God in creativity, connectedness, and of course lots Following that, we climbed through more all things. My experience of being involved in of laughs! The Easter message of Joy, Hope barren (uphill!) terrains to reflect the this wonderful group brings that to life with a and New Life was evident throughout the trip. challenges that life presents. We were then sense of community and connectedness and Our Glendalough experience began with ready to focus on creativity within and around lifegiving presence. There is an open time for focused reflective prayer followed by us which brought us down to pause and invitation extended to all who would like to a prayerful participative Mass overlooking the reflect at St Kevin's Bed View. We were then join the group- for any queries please email beautiful scenery of the valley. We were then led along the path of transformation bringing [email protected].

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Theatre News Theatre News

The O’Reilly Theatre had an exciting pantomime production of the ‘Lion King’. see the duo. Next up was Ballet Ireland 2018/2019 year! We welcomed an array Full houses enjoyed all the magical songs with their ‘Bold Moves’ production. It was of acts from theatre, literature, comedy and dance. Next up was Trinity Musical a compilation of contemporary dance and dance. The O’Reilly stage has been Society with their production of ‘Chicago’. that also included some audience graced by many future stars from our The show was a roaring success as always. interaction! The show was the talk of the own Belvedere Community as well. With no time to spare we moved town. We had a busy first term with acts such straight into ‘Class Acts’, the fifth year April and May saw back to back talks as the Irish National Opera’s production of play competition. The competition took take place in the O’Reilly. These included ‘The Tales of Hoffman’, the comedic the format of three 1 act plays. There was an architect talk with Sou Fujimoto, group Foil, Arms and Hog, THEATREclub’s plenty for the judges and the audience to Feminists Don’t Wear Pink podcast acclaimed piece ‘Heroin’, the European vote on. The winning team got to take recording with Saoirse Ronan and an premier of ‘Everyone’s fine with Virginia part in a fantastic improv class.Next up International Literature Festival full Woolf’ – and so much more! was the Belvedere St. Vincent de Paul programme. There is always a mix of As we approached the second term, Society production of ‘Strictly Belvedere’. events happening at the O’Reilly Theatre. there was no slowing down for the It was a full dance show mirrored on the We are going from strength to strength theatre. Causeway Productions brought Strictly Come Dancing TV show. Teachers, and it has been great to have the support their Snow White Pantomime to the staff and students alike took part in the of staff, students and parents alike! O’Reilly for Christmas and the start of dancing and hosting parts of the show. January. After each show the excited The judges included Clelia Murphy, Vitali Keep an eye on our website and social audience got to meet and talk to the Kozmin and Valeria Milova, all stars of the media for more exciting news. entire cast! Plenty of happy faces leaving current Irish Strictly Come Dancing. the O’Reilly Theatre. We then welcomed Vonda Shepard and Facebook: In February we then welcomed our Sharon Corr to the O’Reilly. They https://www.facebook.com/oreillytheatre/ annual Trinity shows. First up was Trinity performed a back to back show. Audience Instagram: Vincent de Paul Society with their members even travelled from Holland to https://www.instagram.com/oreillytheatre/

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Development News Development News

Transformational New Classroom Block, Temple Street

Refurbished & Redesigned Art Rooms, Finlay Building

New Changing Room Annex, Cabra

Dear All,

It gives me great pleasure to update you on our progress. In the previous edition of the newsletter, I shared the considerable work that we recently completed on the refurbishment of the Old Ref, new IT Suite and the renovation of the Cabra Pavilion. The impact of these three projects upon school life has already been profound and we are delighted with the feedback from students, parents and teachers alike. As many of you know, in January we commenced construction of the new changing room annex at Cabra. As you can see from the architects’ graphic, the annex is a considerable building and will provide 320 sqm of much needed additional space for our students. In addition to this, I am delighted to announce that we recently finalised plans for two projects to address the need for additional learning space on our main campus. The first is the complete refurbishment of our Art facilities in the Finlay building. The second is perhaps the most ambitious project that we have undertaken since the opening of the Science & Technology Block – a transformational, new classroom block on Temple Street. The new building on Temple Street will provide an outstanding learning environment. We need new classrooms due to the changing methodology in teaching and the limitations of many of our existing classrooms. We will provide superb facilities for music and drama, and will also use the additional space to further enhance our Urban Farm, which will contribute to facilities for certificate subjects at Junior and Senior certificate level. The new building will also enable us to provide improved access to the O’Reilly Theatre and green room, and additional bicycle parking for students and staff. We are very excited about this landmark project and the transformational impact that it will have on the College. Our ambition is to complete construction by 2021. With all of the above in mind, I would like to just say a sincere “thank you” to everyone who has contributed to the campaign for the College over the last six years in particular. Without your goodwill, generosity and support, we would not be in a position to continue to strive to provide the best possible academic, sporting and personal opportunities for our students. We look forward to sharing more information with you in due course, however, if you would like more information about any of the above, please contact Jonathan Harvey at [email protected]

With warm regards,

Gerry Foley Headmaster

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Belvedere Union A Note From the President

- Peter Birthistle (OB 1983)

he first half of the year for Belvedere recent OBs. In April, the Junior Union held a November 2019. TUnion proved to be quite busy. Events very successful event called An Evening The Union is for the benefit of all that took place include: The annual AGM in with Belvedere Sportmen. Three former Belvederians and attempts to connect them early September, the Union Dinner and pupils were invited to speak on their with the school and each other through Annual in Memorial Mass for deceased successful sporting careers. These included various societies and clubs, which are members of the Belvedere Community in Ger Brennan (OB 2004), (OB always open to new members. I would November and Sleep Out 2018 in 2006) and (OB 2006). advise recent school leavers to get involved December. We also remember fondly Brian Merry particularly with the Junior Union. I would The first half of the year also brought us (OB 1954), former Union President 1994- like to take this opportunity to thank all the annual debate between the Past and 1995 who died in April 2019. We as a Union those who serve on a voluntary basis on the Present. The debate proved to be a lively had only enjoyed Brian’s company a few various committees of societies and clubs event with the present students coming out days prior to his death at the annual Past for both the benefit of the Union and past victorious. Presidents Dinner in the school. Our pupils. thoughts are with his family, and also with Belvedere College Union AGM is due to In January, once again the Belvedere all families of the wider Belvedere be held in the school on Monday, College Union Ball was a fantastic night Community who lost loved ones during the September 2nd and we would welcome all with a large number of attendees from year. They will all be remembered in the Belvedere past pupils to attend. Rhetoric 2018 in the Aviva stadium. special Annual Memoriam Mass on the first The sold out Belvedere Business Lunch Sunday in November 2019 in Belvedere The Union can be contacted through the took place on 10th May and was a great Chapel. following social media links: success. Well done to all concerned. I know plans are already well advanced by Twitter: @BelvedereUnion The Belvedere Junior Union continued to President Elect John Darby (OB 1996) for Facebook: @belvedereunion be active the second half of the year where next year’s Union activities, which include LinkedIn: Belvedere College SJ Alumni they set their focus on engaging more the Union Dinner on the first Friday in Email: [email protected] Reunions 2019

We are always delighted to welcome past pupils back to the school for their milestone reunions. Please check our website www.belvedereunion.com to see if there are any reunions planned for your year. All of our reunions are held in the beautiful surroundings of Belvedere House. The evening begins with guided tours of the school led by our current prefects. Afterwards, you can enjoy drinks and a light supper while viewing a slideshow of photos Class of 1979 from your school years and chatting with old school friends. The first of the reunions for 2019 was held on the 6th February for the class of ’79 who celebrated their 40 year reunion. It was great to welcome back the class of '09 for their 10 year reunion in February where over 80 lads showed up. The Class of ’99 showed up in equal measure on 6th March for their 20 year reunion. On 6th September we will welcome back the class of ’89 for their 30 year reunion and on the 13th of September we will welcome back the class of ’69 to celebrate their 50 year reunion. If you would like to plan a reunion for your year we would be delighted to help you organise. Please contact Ciara Banks at Class of 1999 [email protected] for details.

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Belvedere Union

Annual Belvedere Business Lunch: Belvedere Business On 10th May 2019, over 210 guests Forum attended the Annual Belvedere Business Lunch in Fire Restaurant in aid of the The Belvedere Business Forum is a business Belvedere Youth Club, sponsored by networking forum founded in 2011. Clinch Wealth Management and Throughout the year, a wide range of supported by numerous regular table business, educational and networking focused hosts. It was a terrific afternoon where events are held to promote and encourage Old Belvederians and their guests were greater connectivity amongst the OB treated to excellent fare from the staff community — old friendships are rekindled; at Fire Restaurant. new connections are made and even the odd Union President Peter Birthistle and new business idea has been kick-started over Senior VP Darragh Lynch provided an an early morning coffee and croissant. update on the Union and BYC activities Wealth Management and our other corporate sponsors and regular table including the youth club’s critical Events are well attended and we are always hosts. A special thank you goes to Ciara fundraising needs. The College was looking for new members to join us. Banks (Union Secretary), the Belvedere represented by Headmaster Gerry Foley, Membership is free and open to all Old Australian Gap Students, Andrew Fr Paddy Greene and Ms Mary Brady. Belvederians and parents of current students. Traynor (OB 1998) (Chair of the BBF Lunch was followed by an engaging and So if you feel like helping your company or Committee) and the BBF committee for inspirational fireside chat with Caroline firm grow and want to connect with a wide all their work in putting the event Keeling, CEO & MD of Keelings Group, range of businesses, do come along to our together. and Brendan O’Brien (OB 1998), Head of next Business Forum event. All details are on Next Event: The next scheduled BBF Corporate at Walkers and member of the Union website. Simply register by emailing event will be a breakfast session in the the BYC Fundraising Committee. The [email protected] two covered a wide range of topics from offices of Grant Thornton on 18th personal challenges and development, September 2019. Details will be business agility, market disruption, available on the Union website in due Selected persistence and effective leadership of a course. The event is free of charge. 2,000+ workforce across multiple There is limited availability on a first countries. We are grateful to Caroline come, first served basis so registration Alumni News for sharing her thoughts and insights is essential. Former Justice John Hedigan (OB 1967) has and wish Caroline, her brothers and If you have any questions or feedback been appointed as Chairman of the new Irish family — who have a long standing in relation to the Forum or any other Banking Culture Board. connection with the College — every queries, please do not hesitate to continued success. contact Andrew Traynor Tom Kinsella (OB 1987) was appointed as The Annual Belvedere Business Forum ([email protected]) or Managing Director at AIB Homes. (BBF) Lunch could not be a success Ciara Banks ([email protected]) Gerry Stone (OB 1987) was awarded an without the continued support of Clinch honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by the University of Westminster at a ceremony in on November 26, 2018 in recognition of his business achievements in Society financial services over the past 25 years and his pursuit of equality and inclusion in the In April, the Golf Society hosted the golfers scored 18 points or higher, workplace and beyond. Captain’s Prize at Milltown Golf Club. continuing the high scoring run we’ve Our Captain, Tom Shanahan (OB 1975), had in our recent outings. Our Colin Teevan (OB 1987) is the creator, writer welcomed 40 golfers on the day in what champion on the day was former and director of the drama series Resistance must have been some of the worst Captain John McGoldrick (OB 1965) who which broadcast on RTE1 last spring. weather condition we have ever faced scored a fantastic 22 points, a Patrick Drury Byrne (OB 1992) has been on an organised outing. testament to his fine efforts during the appointed Senior Director at Standard & The first two groups got started in dry deluge. Poor’s Global Ratings, Ireland. windy conditions and had just passed The highlight of the day without the Clubhouse to the third tee when the question was relaxing afterwards while Jeff Greene (OB 1998) was appointed Partner rain started. Thereafter it rained without the rain hammered on the windows in the Employment & Benefits Group in relief for the rest of the day with both outside. Many thanks to Robert Hoban William Fry Solicitors. the wind rising and the temperature and Offr for their generous sponsorship Jack Horgan Jones (OB 2005) has joined the falling in equal measure. on the day, which was greatly Irish Times as a business reporter. By nine holes the course became appreciated. unplayable with water pooling on the Our next outing is Peter Birthistle’s Great to see Hughie O’Sullivan (OB 2017) on greens and a very relieved Captain President’s Prize which will be played in the Leinster bench with Cian Healy (OB 2006) agreed to shorten the day to nine holes The Royal Dublin Golf Club on Thursday, and Dave Shanahan (OB 2011) starting at and retire to the bar. Amazingly, four 29th August 2019. scrum half for Ulster.

Certainly we may have missed significant achievements because we are unaware. Please help us by providing information so that we can celebrate the achievments of past pupils – not to boast – but to inspire current students to reach for the stars.

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Parents’ Association

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association (PA) of Belvedere work closely with the school on a number of initiatives throughout the academic year.

Each year we host three talks which are spread out over the academic year. We liaise with the Social, Personal and Health and Education (SPHE) Department on current topics being discussed in the College. All three talks were held in the Lecture Theatre and were very well attended. Our first talk of the year was held on 12th November 2018. We invited John Lonergan, who served as Governor of Mountjoy Prison for 22 years, to speak to the group on his parenting philosophy. The next talk was held on 11th February 2019. Elaine Byrnes, a Doctoral Researcher at the School of Psychology, NUI, , joined us to discuss the topic of consent. Our final talk of the year took place 8th April, 2019. Fr Donal Neary who is Editor of the Sacred Heart Messenger, spoke to us on religion and spirituality. Each year the PA is allocated a budget, which we use to run new initiatives in the College. This year in an effort to reduce the use of plastic water bottles in the College, system on the Fifth and Sixth Year lockers to Society meet every Thursday after school in we purchased 2,000 aluminium bottles, one give the students a more secure storage the Library.

for each student. We also installed a new space. This will allow for the proposed It has been a privilege to serve as the water fountain right outside of the Old Ref introduction of a ban on the use of mobile Chairperson of the Parents’ Association for to provide fresh filtered water for the phones during school hours. This update the last year and I would like to take this students to drink. Both initiatives have will be completed over the summer opportunity to thank all of my fellow proved to be extremely successful and we months. members of the PA for all of their help and now have enough bottles for the next three The PA invites fund requests from students support. I wish the incoming committee the years of students entering the College. The through the Student Council to support best of luck next year. PA hope to provide many more water their activities and ideas. This year, we fountains to the College, at Distillery Road donated funds to the Belvedere Role-Playing Kind Regards, and at Cabra in the coming years. Society to purchase role books for Sharon Farrell, Chairperson The PA are also working to update the lock Dungeons and Dragons. The Role-Playing Belvedere College SJ Parents’ Association

Editor:

Belvedere College Parents’ Association Committee 2018-2019 Amy Purvis

Secretary Elements Thomas Loomes [email protected] With Support From: Aileen I vory Elements Esther Hoban [email protected]

Treasurer Rudiments Bairbre Higgins [email protected] Design & Print:

Rudiments Dan Egan [email protected] Anna Hughes, 087 648 22 44 Chairperson Grammar Sharon Farrell [email protected] Photography: Grammar Karin Ennis [email protected] Kindly contributed by Seamus Fearon,

Vice Chairperson Syntax Claire Burke [email protected] Fionán O’Connell and various staff

Syntax Orla Brennan [email protected] and students

Poetry Fiona Byrne [email protected] A sincere thank you from the Newsletter Team to all who submitted articles and ph otography for this Poetry Frances Keegan [email protected] Summer Edition of the newsletter. Rhetoric Mark Rutledge [email protected] If you h ave any feedback, or would like to update your Rhetoric Ann-Marie Birthistle [email protected] details or include an article in our next edition please Board of Management Rep Donal Birthistle [email protected] contact Amy Purvis in the Development Office on

Board of Management Rep Margaret Flanagan [email protected] 01-8586633 or email [email protected]. The Belvedere Ne ws is also av ailable to read online at www.belvederecollege.ie.