Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Summer 2013 • Issue 7 Síol Newsletter The very best wishes to all our schools That is what is so pleasing for me, from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. and to all readers of this issue, and Green Flag Thank you so much for sending us previous issues of Síol. Not only are Raising Ceremony photos and articles of your activities you discovering and developing your Scoil Iosagain, Aughavannagh since the start of this school year. many talents, but you are going the next Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 The response from our schools to Síol step and helping others, in so many continues to be excellent, and grows meaningful ways, just as the founder In late September Scoil Íosagáin’s with each new publication. We are of our schools, Edmund Rice, would pupils, staff, friends and neighbours greatly enthused that Síol is such a have wished. enjoyed a wonderful excitement success and that our schools are so Every single one of you has so much to filled day of celebration as they keen to be part of this publication. It offer. Real change and real hope starts came together to witness the raising truly is a wonderful forum for sharing with you. What you think really matters. of our first flag in the Green School’s all your achievements with your fellow initiative. Years of hard work and Edmund Rice schools in our Network Continue to get involved in projects to dedication by our pupils, staff and of 97 schools. help others, whether it’s in your school, the wider school community paved your community, your club, your parish, In many ways Síol represents what an the way to officially becoming a your team. As Mahatma Gandhi said “Be Edmund Rice school is all about. In its Green School. the change you wish to see in the world”. pages are so many examples of student You decide. You will continue to make a Continued over>> involvement in activities promoting positive difference. personal and social development. The Edmund Rice School not only encourages Every good wish, its students to become aware of, and Gerry Bennett develop their skills and abilities, but also Chief Executive asks you to use those same skills and strengths to help others, whether that is locally, nationally or internationally. The articles we receive are testament that you are doing just that. << Continued from front page With a focus on reducing, reusing and recycling, the pupils and staff supported by an enthusiastic Green School’s Committee, Ms O’Reilly our Co-ordinator and hugely supportive ancillary staff ensured that our school ticked all the boxes for the Litter and Waste theme. Our Green School code reminds us to “Pick it up, drop it in, don’t forget the bin. The day’s events began in the school hall where the Garda Band provided entertainment for the whole school community. Their energy and enthusiasm helped to make our celebration a memorable one. We continued our celebration by gathering in our school garden for the raising of the flag. Well done to 3rd and 6th classes for their terrific presentation. Our Principal, Ms. Máiread Fanning, thanked Ms. O’ Reilly, the Green School’s Committee and our ancillary staff for their huge efforts in helping to receive this prestigious award. Thank you also to those who supported us by sharing in our special day and especially to Mr Eric Byrne who kindly shared his fantastic photographs with us. Congratulations to all of our pupils for their hard work and dedication to environmental awareness and action. We are actively working towards our second green flag and look forward to the new challenges it will bring.

Síol Page 2 SEED (School Earth Education) Croke Park Hours

Many Primary teachers are familiar ffA 2 hour training session with a whole with Paddy Madden’s popular SESE staff after school would include the articles in teachers’ publications, his following components: work as lecturer with Marino College, 1. Soil analysis-constituents of soil, Heritage in Schools and the Blackrock main types, porosity, humus, NPK, Education Centre. Paddy has been soil creatures, rocks. responding to the needs of schools in regard to the ‘Croke Park hours’ 2. A yearly plan of work for the on service. His latest initiative for number of classes in the school. schools is called SEED (School Earth 3. Practical work: making Education). See www.sonairte.ie and biodegradable pots, making a follow the link for earthed.ie. wigwam, sprouting seeds, use of Paddy Madden lectures in SESE in the a light box, hardening-off, sowing Marino Institute of Education. He also peas in a gutter pipe, sowing gives short courses to whole staffs on carrots in a dustbin, sprouting school gardening. Paddy’s book, Go Wild potatoes, caring for growing at School, has recently been reprinted. potatoes and other crops, sowing Available for €15 plus €3 p&p at paddy. salads and sunflowers, making [email protected] beds, gardening without beds. For his podcast on teaching about 4. Composting: techniques for making spring see Programme 129 on good compost. www.insideed.com. 5. Protecting the crops from pests. ffSEED (School Earth Education) is Organic techniques. a new organisation for promoting 6. Fruit in the school garden. gardens in schools. 7. Open day. ffOne of our services is: Gardening skills training and supporting 8. Looking after the garden during the the curriculum. summer holidays. ffWe have implemented this in several 9. What to do in winter: green schools already this year. Your school manures, bulbs, scarecrows. may want to get involved. 10. Tools, Resources.

Reaching the Summit CBC Sidney Hill

Conor Durkan who achieved 9 A1s in his Leaving Cert and the boys who reached the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Spring 2013 Page 3 Giving back with Gaisce St. Declan’s Cabra

Gaisce or The President’s Award, has clubs, one young man is coaching young been up and running in St Declan’s swimmers for the Special Olympics College for the last 6 years. It is while others are helping coach first year Ireland’s National Challenge Award for teams in the school during their lunch young people and it is the country’s breaks. Thanks to our young volunteers’ most prestigious and respected enthusiasm St Declan’s College now has a individual Award programme. chess club, a music club and a table tennis Students participating in the Award set club. Some of them are even teaching themselves a challenge in four areas. English to fellow students for whom English isn’t their first language. Other They must learn a new skill or improve community activities include volunteering on an existing one, they must participate in community radio stations, working in a physical activity and they must in animal shelters, helping elderly become involved in some voluntary work neighbours, playing the organ for their within their community. They must also church choir, singing in the church choir undertake an adventure journey as part and doing a Drugs Awareness Course so of a team. Most of the boys who decide to that they can in turn educate our first set themselves the challenge of achieving year students about the perils of taking the Award are already involved in at least drugs. All in all it has to be said that their one or more of the activities required of participation in the Award programme them but there is always one section of is an enriching experience not only for the award which will stretch them and themselves but also for those people take them outside of their comfort zone. who are lucky enough to benefit from For many of them it is the voluntary their youthful enthusiasm and boundless work section of the Award which will energy. This year we have thirty six do this. This is also the section of the current and former students taking part award which they often find the most in the Award, eighteen are going for their rewarding personally. The voluntary Bronze Award, fourteen are doing Silver ffPhoto of Lloyd Lynch World Kick Boxing Champion activities undertaken this year include and four are going for Gold. We wish coaching younger children in their local them all every success.

Official Opening of Synge Street School Garden Synge Street, Dublin

The new Synge Street Primary School garden was officially opened by leading past pupil, and Member of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, Dr. Dáire Keogh. The beautiful garden, at the front of the school was planted with bulbs by parents and students. The emerging flowers this Spring symbolize the growth and beauty of Parent’s love and guidance. The schools will be celebrating 150 years of education in Synge Street in 2014.

Síol Page 4 Chairman and how he always sought, The creation of the robot was a team Deerpark CBS with the Board, to do his very best for effort and the students put in many hours Deerpark CBS Deerpark CBS. of extra work during lunch time and after school to produce a robot capable The guest speaker on the night was Dr of winning the tournament. During the Bill O’Sullivan who taught in Deerpark process the students were practically for many years and who still, even in applying what they were learning in retirement, gives sterling service to the the classroom and were also increasing school by his coming in daily to do drama their team-building, cooperation, rehearsals with the students for the communication and leadership skills. school’s Dramafest. In an entertaining The members of the team were; Captain address, Bill spoke of how the students and Manager - Jamie Minihane, Drive present on the night, and their parents, Team - Airidas Vaitkus, Luke O’Shea, Pit ought to be proud of their achievements Crew - Aaron Baron, Dane O’Shea, Daniel and that in life all that is reasonably O’Shea, Programmer - Richard Goulding, required is to do one’s best. Strategist - Alex Farkas, Photographer Celebrations at Awards Night in The students of Deerpark certainly give - Adam Duggan and Recon of other Deerpark CBS of their best and the school community teams - James Doolan and Richard Ford. One of the highlights of the year for the looks forward to another year whereby All members had input in the design, school community of Deerpark CBS is every student in the school strives building and testing of the robot and its annual awards night. This again was towards this and thus ensures that next were extremely proud of their win as was the case on October 25th when a large year’s awards will be equally deserving of school Principal Mr Aidan McNally who crowd filled the school hall to capacity to celebration. praised the students for their hard work, acknowledge and applaud the efforts and effort and dedication. achievements of the school’s students. Deerpark Students Engineer Win A range of awards were presented on In Robotics Competition Students Receive Talk On the night encompassing a number of Testicular Cancer areas such as; academic progress and performance, personal merit awards, In November, Mr Shane Hennessy from project awards, school community service the Mercy Hospital Foundation, visited awards, attendance awards, sports the school to make a presentation to our awards, science awards and the Edmund senior students on the topic of testicular Ignatius Rice Award. cancer. It was a very informative talk which outlined what testicular cancer The school was especially honoured involved and stressed the importance that the Lord Mayor, Councillor John of young men checking and being Buttimer, joined the school community vigilant for the warning signs of this on the night to praise the students and cancer which is 95% curable. One of the encourage them to continue to give of interesting things to emerge from Shane’s their best. He spoke of the proud history Deerpark CBS students were declared presentation was that, for reasons which of Deerpark CBS and how in the tradition tournament winners at the inaugural have yet to be discovered, Cork has a of Edmund Ignatius Rice the school had VEX Robotics Competition which was testicular cancer rate which is 27% higher a deserved reputation for its fundraising held in the City Hall during Discovery, than the national average, so men in Cork activities and its generosity. One of the Cork’s Science Festival. This competition, are at a much greater risk of developing awards the Lord Mayor presented on the which has an international dimension, testicular cancer than in any other part of night was the award for Best Leaving encourages students to build a remote- the country. Each student who attended Cert which went to Oliwier Mellon who controlled and programmed robots the talk received an information sheet achieved 585 points in his Leaving Cert which will do battle with each other in titled “BallGame” and the school would and is now studying in UCC. robot wars. like to thank Ms Kingston for organising A special award was presented on the EMC hosts the competition and provides the talk. night to Mr Terry McMahon who recently mentors to work with participating retired from his role as chairman of the schools and students to assist in building school’s Board of Management. Terry and programming their robot. Deerpark’s gave eleven years of service as Chairman students, under the guidance of their and his commitment and guidance during science teacher, Dr Tim Kerins and that time was gratefully acknowledged EMC mentors Ian Roche, a past-pupil of on the night by Mr Peter Hyde, on behalf Deerpark and Gavin King succeeded in of the school community, and by Michael putting together a formidable robot which Reynolds on behalf of the Edmund Rice the students named ‘Mean Machine’. Schools Trust. Both spoke of Terry’s care and professionalism in his role as

Spring 2013 Page 5 Drogheda Primary Learning Support Centre at St.Joseph’s C.B.S. St. Brendan’s Primary, Drogheda St. Brendan’s College, Bray Here in St.Joseph’s C.B.S.Primary, A new addition was added to the Drogheda,we are reflecting on facilities in St. Brendan’s over what has been a very busy period the summer with the complete since September. renovation of our old internal Two of our acts, Lennon Collins and changing rooms into a dedicated O.C.C., reached the final of the local Learning Support Centre. School Stars’ Talent Competition. In keeping with our ethos, St. They performed admirably and got the Brendan’s values all students equally chance to share the evening with none and operates an inclusive school other than Louis Walsh,who was part where students of all abilities are welcomed. Consequently, we wanted to provide the of the judging panel for the night! best possible education to those students who have special educational needs. With guidance from our excellent Learning Support Co-ordinator - Amy O’Neill, we designed Our overall winner from last year, a purpose built area comprising an office and storage area and two learning support Gareth Nomayo, was one of the guest classrooms. One room has been fitted with an interactive projector and PC while the performers on the night. other contains five PC’s for student use. There is also a storage area for those students The competition has really developed who have assisted technology as well as a full range of educational aids and games into a top class entertainment event, suitable for developing the education of students with diverse learning difficulties. We showcasing the great talent on offer. are grateful to the parents association for their financial support for this project as well as the Department of Education and Skills who partly grant-aided the project. Our Cookery Room is in constant use and we are currently delighted to have Marie McGuirk of I.C.A. Bootcamp Katie Taylor fame, doing some lessons. It’s proving to be a truly wonderful learning The whole school community at St. Brendan’s were delighted at the great experience for one and all. achievements of local girl, Katie Taylor in winning gold at the London Olympics in 2012. On behalf of everyone in the school, I would like to send heartiest One of the 4th. classes got to cook congratulations to Katie and all her team. their own Christmas Dinner-what a treat for all involved-even the On her return from London, a welcome home ceremony was organised by Bray Urban Principal got to indulge! Council. The event involved a open top bus journey through Bray town and a reception on the seafront. The organisers asked if St. Brendan’s could be used as the starting Marie will continue working with the point for the celebrations. The Board agreed and from about 4pm, family and friends rest of the school from Jan .2103,and of Katie as well as dignatories and Gardai began to arrive at the school. Katie and her will also hold Parent/Children team arrived at about 5pm for an emotional reunion with her family before boarding combined lessons here for the four the bus and beginning the slow journey through the streets of Bray where crowds local schools,under the Home/School waited to cheer her on and see the medal. Liaison Scheme. Our 3rd. classes will start with Yoga for children in March-not that they need any calming down! Presently we are participating in the Local Education committees yearly project. This year it’s aimed at promoting numeracy and is called Drogheda Counts. We hope to utilise the newly revamped Lourdes Athletic Stadium in the Spring, it will be a great addition to the sporting life of the school. Our after school clubs will continue as normal, with various activities to suit the needs of all the boys under our care. We hope that 2013 will be a productive one for all.

Síol Page 6 1 life Cycle Rice College Westport Bullyproof in Ballyroan Coláiste Éanna, Rathfarnham

Coláiste Éanna, Rathfarnham, were pleased to take part in the RTE programme ‘Bullyproof’ with David Coleman which was broadcast on Tuesday 30th October. Unfortunately, bullying is always topical, but the reality of the damage that bullying can do was brought home by the recent tragic deaths of young teenagers in Donegal and Leitrim. Perhaps because of this, Coláiste Éanna and our anti- ffFront L-R: Robert Moran, Pat Joe O’Connell, 1 Life Cycle; bullying programme was mentioned in various other Matthew O’Donnell, John Ryan, Sean McHale, Keith O’Connell, media. We were concerned that the impression was given 1 Life Cycle; Ms. Sinéad McManus, Deputy Principal. that we conduct anonymous surveys/ questionnaires if we ffBack L-R: Fergal Macken, Liam McNulty and Joe Chambers suspect that bullying might be taking place. The surveys which we carry out are not completed anonymously, surveys must be signed, although they are strictly Congratulations to the students, staff and teachers of Rice confidential and no identities are ever disclosed. The College who contributed to the 1 life Cycle, which involved a reason for the signature is to allow the student to take number of cyclists including Fergal Macken, teacher at Rice ownership of their statements in relation to behaviour College, cycling from Westport to Dublin and back again the which they have observed. It is a common misconception next day (500km round trip) in aid of 1life which is a charity that bullying involves only the direct participants. Rather, dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention. The it involves the bullies, the bullied and the bystanders. The amount raised within the school was €1,125. Well done to bystanders may unwittingly have created an environment all involved! in which bullying may flourish. However, they also possess the power within our programme to change an existing environment or to create a new one in which bullying is Beyond 250 appeal simply an unacceptable behaviour, not just to authority figures such as teachers and parents but more importantly The Edmund Rice 250 Appeal is a yearlong initiative to raise to the community of students. Ownership, of which awareness and funds for the poorest and most vulnerable the survey signature is a symbol, is a very important of the developing world, ensuring that the spirit of Edmund constituent of the whole process. We also spend a lot Rice lives on through this work well beyond the 250th of time in SPHE and RE class discussing the difference anniversary of his birth. between ‘ratting’ on someone just to get them into trouble Class 1B made this their CSPE project with great success. The and reporting behavior which is totally unacceptable and boys raised funds through the sale of commemorative wrist you want to stop. We have a ‘no-blame - reform element bands, selling at €2 each, and thereby created work for people to our anti-bullying programme which means that is the in a little village in Kenya. The students also raised funds bully admits to his inappropriate behavior and make a through a cake sale. Thanks to all the parents who donated solemn declaration that this behavior will stop, the matter cakes and ingredients. The projects raised a grand total of is concluded and no sanctions are imposed. €233.88. The destination of the fund, decided by a ballot, went to Development work in India, Brazil and Kenya. In the process the students learned much about team-work and cooperation, resulting in young people of the developing world being better off as a result. Well done!

Spring 2013 Page 7 Plastic Bottle Recycling Project 2012/2013 Crumlin - Scoil Choilm

WALK is a progressive organisation where people who have intellectual disabilities are supported to live self determined lives within socially inclusive communities. As part of its work WALK operate an inclusive community garden project in collaboration with Scoil Colm, Crumlin Dublin 12. The project invites school children, early school leavers and people with disabilities to grow plants and vegetables, undertake practical training and support environmental sustainability. One example of the endeavours is a project to build a greenhouse made from recycled materials including plastic bottles collected by the children attending Scoil Colm, as well as some bottles donated by C&C Group Ireland. The boys in Scoil Colm have been bringing two litre-plastic bottles into school since October 2012. They leave their bottles into large green bins which are located in the school. When the bins are full with plastic bottles, Hubert and Raymond from ‘WALK’ collect the bottles. Every day four or five boys from different classes go out to the polytunnel to help Hubert and Raymond to build the plastic bottle greenhouse. Firstly, they must remove the labels from the bottles and cut the base off each bottle. Next, they get a long bamboo stick and place the bottles onto it, one on top of the other. The bottles slide in easily and fit perfectly. Each bamboo stick is then fitted onto a wooden frame. The wooden frame for the plastic bottle house was built and painted with the help of boys from Scoil Colm. The boys are involved in every step of the plastic bottle house. This is a wonderful project and the pupils involved will have a real sense of ownership when it is finished. Their eyes have been opened to a simple, effective recycling opportunity and they are excited watching this project develop. Rachel Clarke, Teacher and Polytunnel Project Co-ordinator, Scoil Colm, Crumlin.

Annual Halloween Coffee Morning and Fancy Dress. The dalmations is of two of our teachers (Ms Rita Coady and Ms Rachel Clarke).

Síol Page 8 Nenagh

Nenagh CBS Primary

On Wednesday 27th June 2012, the April, when Tralee CBS happened to The football games themselves were two 5th classes in Nenagh CBS Primary become Nenagh CBS’s 100th follower well-contested, played in a fine spirit and travelled to Kerry on their annual led to the arrangement of this fixture, a crucially everybody enjoyed themselves. school tour. They were taking in Crag unique inter-county exhibition of Gaelic The Tralee boys showed the skills that Cave in Castleisland, visiting the football at primary level, not linked to the we have all come to expect from the famous ‘South Pole Inn’ once owned Munster GAA’s ‘Primary Game’. Kingdom but the Nenagh boys acquitted by legendary Antarctic explorer Tom themselves well and it was a wonderful Naturally the Nenagh boys were very Crean (whom they had read about in experience for them. Tipperary and Kerry excited about the prospect of testing their Micheal Smith’s novel ‘Iceman’) and have had some great football tussles at all football skills against other CBS boys from later in the day finishing with a splash levels in recent years and the boys from ‘the home of football’. Tralee CBS couldn’t about in the Aqua Dome, Tralee. both schools can be proud that they have have been more accommodating. They left their own little mark on that history. In between the visit to Annascaul and the arranged for the use of the excellent John indoor water park, they had some very Mitchel’s GAA grounds with whom they Nenagh CBS would like to thank Mr important business to attend to. It had have strong community links and they Coleman, Mr Costello, Ms Lynch and been arranged a few months previously laid on more than enough sandwiches, all at Tralee CBS for their hospitality. It that since the boys were going to Kerry crisps and drinks for the entire Nenagh was fantastic for two ERST schools to be on their tour, they would play two Gaelic entourage. They didn’t even give out to able to forge a link through the unlikely football challenge matches against their the Tipperary visitors after they were medium of Twitter and for that link to namesakes in Tralee CBS Primary. A late trying to find the field! They truly be demonstrated through sport. Go raibh chance encounter on Twitter back in extended the ‘céad mile fáilte’. mile maith agaibh gach duine!

Movember in St. David’s… Artane - St. David’s

On our return after the mid-term break there were a few hairy looking male teachers in the staff room…Well, it was the 5th of Movember and they had being growing moustaches for 5 days already. A few of the senior pupils also took on the challenge to raise awareness of men’s health. It was all very quiet until the last week when we were trying to decide how to collect a little money to donate to Action Prostate Cancer. It was decided that we would give everyone in the school the chance to wear a Mo and join in the fun. So on Friday 30th of Movember, we had many Mo Bro’s and Mo Sista’s, the official names according the the website, in all classes from 1st year to 6th year. Congratulations to everyone for their great efforts but particularly to the female members of staff who joined in the fun, which added hugely to the occasion and particularly to Ms. Mullins, who painted a Mo on everyone she met ! We collected over €180 on the day. Go raibh céad míle maith agaibh uilig

Spring 2013 Page 9 Oliver a Big Hit in New Ross New Ross, CBS Secondary

CBS Secondary joined forces with Our Lady of Lourdes by Liam O’Neill who slew the villain Bill Sykes. Sykes was an Secondary in New Ross from 28th November to Saturday ominous presence on stage and accompanied by his real live dog 1st December in St. Michael’s Theatre New Ross for their Bullseye (Floyd) conveyed menace throughout. biannual school musical. Michael Barcoe and Aaron Doyle played the parts of Messers Previous musicals had been Calamity Jane, Godspell, Seussical Brownlow and Grimwig with aplomb. Angie Mc Grath portrayed the Musical, High school Musical and Hello Dolly. great conviction in the role of Bet and was a hit with Fagin’s Gang. Gabrielle Herbert took on the character of Little and Old Auditions were held in September and it became obvious at a Sally and belied her theatrical inexperience. very early stage that a well balanced and talented cast could put on a vibrant and very convincing production of Lionel No production of Oliver would be complete without Fagin. We Bart’s creation. were particularly fortunate to have a student in our midst who would have given Ron Moody a run for his money. Fagin’s Den Twelve weeks of rehearsals, three times per week for two and a sequence was a highlight of the show every night. half hours was a demanding schedule for the cast of eighty two. A strong chorus was driven hard to devise routines for the key There were in fact five performances in total of the show, musical numbers from the show; Food Glorious Food, Consider including a Friday morning Primary School Special. Yourself, Oom Pa Pa and Who Will Buy. Catherine Ronan inspired A full orchestra under the baton of former student Kevin the chorus and ensured everyone had their moment of glory. Kennedy added a beautiful and professional backdrop. The stage Live wire Anthony Moran featured prominently. manager was another past pupil Lizzie Heffernan. Most of the cast were performing for their first time on stage. Four full houses and a final night standing ovation finished off Zach Cullen filled the title role, and he was ably assisted by a very challenging, rewarding, and happy twelve weeks. The Jack Ryan as the Artful Dodger and David Lawal as Charley cooperation and positive attitude from both schools over the Bates. The rotund beadle Mr. Bumble was performed by John rehearsal and show time was an inspiration. Buckley, while the undertaker Mr. Sowerberry was leant strong credibility by Jake Flynn. The show has sold out on DVD and a shortened version is now Waterford bound for the International Musical Festival in April. James Browne was the mischievous and obnoxious Noah Claypole. Eoin Malone took on the role of Percy Snodgrass and The cast and chorus would like to thank all who volunteered in Ben Morley exuded great confidence in the role of the Landlord the background, their teachers and particularly their parents for and a Bow Street Runner. Ben was joined in the latter role their support.

Síol Page 10 St. Aidan’s and The Waterboys Whitehall - St. Aidans

I saw The Waterboys in the Grand The Waterboys had broken down the would take place on December 5th 2012. Canal Theatre last year where they barrier which had existed in their minds The weeks leading up to the event were played songs from their recent album against poetry. filled with excitement. Mike Scott along ‘An Appointment With Mr. Yeats’. Mike with his fellow Waterboy, Steve Wickham, We then wrote to Mike Scott to tell him Scott, lead singer and songwriter, came to the school, to the English of this success. The students each wrote a announced to great cheers from the classroom and spent over two hours letter telling him how much they enjoyed audience: “If you studied your Leaving chatting with the students and playing the album, how much they loved studying Cert in this country, you’ll know this songs. RTE filmed it for the news. It was a poetry in this way and thanking him for song”, and launched into a rousing truly unique and special event which the recording the album. We were really not rendition of ‘September 1913’. The students and I will never forget. expecting the response we received. Mike Waterboys had transformed this poem wrote a postcard back to every student Laura O’Flanagan into a song which captured the spirit in the class with a letter suggesting that of Yeats’ classic work and captured the he come to the school to meet the boys imagination of the crowd. This sparked in person. It was arranged that the visit an idea in my mind. I decided to do a unit of Yeats’ poetry Studying poetry in class wasn’t fun last year. This year it was amazing. We first with my second years and to play them started by studying written poetry by WB Yeats. When our teacher told us that there the songs of ‘An Appointment With Mr. are musical versions of the poems sung by The Waterboys, we all said that we would Yeats’. Students very often do not share like to hear the album. After a while we covered nearly all the songs. Our teacher my passion for poetry. The majority of told us to write letters to Mike Scott as an exercise saying why we like this album the students in this second year class and she actually sent them! We weren’t expecting he would write back. What really saw poetry as a shadowy, difficult, shocked us was that he wrote back to every single one of us. The whole class was inaccessible and irrelevant form of excited. Our teacher told us that he also sent her a letter saying that he would like literature which must be endured as part to come in to the school and play a few songs just for the class. of their English class. When he was finally in the school the whole class got so excited that they couldn’t The Waterboys’ album was a resounding wait to meet him. At the start we just asked him a few questions. He then played us success in the classroom. The students “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”. Hearing it played live was even better than on the CD. were singing along with the songs, they Mike even played us a song that isn’t even recorded yet. It was such an experience were having a real connection with the having Mike Scott and Steve Wickham in our English class. It is a moment that I work of Yeats, and were writing excellent won’t forget in my lifetime. responses to the poems. I was delighted with this success, which transferred into Maciek Uzlis our study of other poems and poets.

Spring 2013 Page 11 Children at CBS Primary Tralee bring news to life in their own full newspaper Tralee Primary

CHILDREN at CBS Primary Tralee have He said that the temptation to over-edit Denis Coleman thanked the children made the news – literally – after they some of the articles written by the boys and staff who contributed articles to produced and published a 16 page and girls was resisted because, while the the newspaper and the businesses newspaper “The Goss from the ‘Cross” stories may not be grammatically perfect who paid for its production with their complete with interesting stories in every way, they belong to the children advertisements and the professionals & photos. who wrote them and they will enjoy from the local media industry who looking back at them in years to come. gave the benefit of their expertise It is the first edition of the newspaper and knowledge. which has been designed to act as a There are 520 boys and girls in CBS literacy aid for children and to show the Clounalour and all aspects of life are “One of our parents, Bríd Bradshaw, came wider community just how much is going represented from cover to cover with first up with the idea of a school newspaper on in one of Tralee’s most famous schools. term reviews from the Junior Infants, and she put in many hours of her own reflections on life in primary school from time to make the idea become a reality”, The articles in the school newspaper, past pupils who are now in First Year and said Denis. which was given its title by Cillian everything in between. Keating and Garry Clifford from 6th Edition One of “Goss from the ‘Cross” Class, reflect the variety of activities that Readers will learn much about new covers the various school activities from take place on a daily basis during and approaches to teaching within and September until December but work is after school. beyond the classroom and they will already underway to produce the next see many of the opportunities the edition in March. The Principal of CBS Primary Tralee, children encounter to find and develop Denis Coleman, said: “Our school is full Anyone who wishes to contribute their talents during their time at CBS of activity and one of the challenges to future editions with stories or Primary Tralee. facing Scoil Mhuire na mBráithre is to advertisements can send their articles to connect with the large school community Every family at the school will receive [email protected]. that it serves. Our newspaper is designed a free copy of the newspaper while a to highlight all the wonderful activities limited number will be available free of taking place in the school, so rather charge from Caball Toymaster on Bridge than hiding our light under a bush, we Street, AppleGreen at Fairies Cross intend to share the news and gossip from and Hennebery’s Sports Shop on Ashe Fairies Cross.” Street Tralee.

Síol Page 12 FAI Chief Executive John Delaney a Special Guest at CBS Secondary School in Carrick Carrick On Suir Secondary

Senior students at CBS Secondary Friend, Secretary of Carrick United, FC has the right to play at their highest level” School in Carrick-on-Suir were treated John Delaney praised the local Club, its he told the students and commended the to a visit by FAI Chief Executive John development and notable achievements achievements of their school’s past pupils, Delaney on September 14th, when he over the years, “Carrick United is one of professional footballers Stephen and kindly accepted an invitation by the the best clubs in Ireland” he stated. Noel Hunt. Students Consultative Council, to speak He had many tales to tell of teams and John praised Irish Olympic Gold medal on his career and life experiences. players, past and present some witty some winner Katie Taylor who he said has Following a warm welcome and poignant but all showed his undying proved she is the best in her profession in introduction by Chairperson of the passion for the game of soccer and for the world. He had met her in the Olympic Students Council James Dunne, John those who trained, played, coached and village and said she was a ‘charming Delaney thanked him saying it was supported the sport. His role in the FAI is and wonderful lady and a role model for always a pleasure to visit schools. He never dull. It is challenging, unpredictable people in Ireland’. recalled the value of his own education and full of surprises and one he loves. John also spoke of the success of the at the CBS in Waterford where he “As long as I have the support of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin completed in was born, which equipped him with grassroots and the drive and energy to do 2010, which is currently controlled by the a strong foundation to build on under the job, I will continue” he said. Decisions IRFU and the FAI ‘who work brilliantly the guidance of good teachers and his to be made should be issue based not together’ and stated it had the best good parents who always supported and personality based he added speaking of medical care and dressing rooms in the encouraged him from a young age. his role and said his career into the future world with nearly every seat being a will always have something to do with His studies led him to a successful career good seat. sport. John answered questions from the in accountancy which he enjoyed and students and commented on the skills Principal Billy O’Farrell thanked John one in which he worked meticulously and positions played in soccer praising Delaney for visiting the school and with different companies and in 2001 Republic of Ireland National Team praised the Students Consultative Council he became the youngest treasurer in Manager, Giovanni Trapattoni. which he said has always remained the history of the FAI. He then took up very strong with members attentive and the post of acting Chief Executive of the In answer to questions by the students active in their role each year and who FAI in December 2004 following the he named his favourite player as Liam all worked hard to organise interesting departure of Fran Rooney and became Brady, former Irish Association football events for the school. The invitation Chief Executive in March 2005 a position player (midfield) who he described of John Delaney was organised by the he currently holds. as an ‘exceptional footballer’ with Student Council Speaker Forum as part Paul McGrath, retired Irish footballer “Now I get paid to do a job I love to do, of a series of high profile speakers from (defender), following close behind and he working with professional footballers all walks of life who have been invited spoke of the ‘smashing’ talent and style and this gives me 110% job satisfaction,” to the school over the years to include of Damien Duff who played International he beamed. John spoke passionately Bill Cullen, Brian Crowley MEP, Charlie football for Ireland for 14 years and now on encouraging children and young Bird, David Norris and past pupil Dr. John plays for English Premier League team people to become involved with sport as Nolan. Fulham. He noted the importance of the discipline and the benefits of training goalkeeper’s role in a team who is the John Delaney was presented with a piece from a young age not only helps achieve last in the line of defence - if a mistake of Tipperary Crystal by Chairperson of a healthy balance of mind and body, is made – it is criminal! Shay Givan he the Students Consultative Council, James but also develops keen skills for the hailed as one of the ‘best goalkeepers Dunne. A soccer themed cake baked by game and nurtures lifelong friendships. Ireland has ever had’. Soccer is the parent Mrs Comerford was on display to He emphasised the importance of biggest game in the world with huge mark the occasion and all were treated communication at all times, “talk to your money involved said John, with the to slice of it. John Delaney took time to parents, talk to your peers, you are not on Champions League always attracting the mix with the students, sign autographs your own in life and whatever challenges bigger players and how only 13 teams and junior classes were invited in to meet you face - work through them with people from Europe can qualify for the World him. Local schools had been invited and around you”. John spoke of the ‘scourge’ Cup which means few spaces. He spoke of pupils and teachers from the Gaelscoil of drugs today and praised the initiative his dismay when Ireland was eliminated and Rathgormack NS attended. taken by the sports clubs nationwide to in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying address any such issues with the launch game in a playoff against France when a of policy documents, strict guidelines goal was scored by Thierry Henry who and a strong network of support in the had handballed the ball. “While not communities. Nodding over to Richie everyone can play for Ireland, everyone Edmund Rice 250 Years Celebration

Edmund Rice 250 Event

On 20th October, 2012, just under 1,000 members of the Irish and UK Edmund Rice community gathered in the Convention Centre Dublin. They came together for Edmund Rice 250 – an event organised by past pupils and friends of Christian Brothers and Edmund Rice schools across the island of Ireland. The theme of the evening was to reunite, reconcile, give thanks and look to the future in this, the 250th anniversary year of Blessed Edmund’s birth. Joining keynote speaker, former President Mary McAleese on the night was RTE presenter, Damien O’Reilly, President of St, Patrick’s College and John Hope Prize winning academic, Dr. Dáire Keogh, and noted activist and author, Fr. Peter McVerry. The evening’s programme also featured musical performances from the Artane Band, Naas CBS, a joint group from Coláiste Íosagáin and Coláiste Eoin, the Artane Senior Band and a special video guest appearance by Brendan Grace. Presentations and videos relating to the education in Ireland and in the missions were also presented on the night.

Síol Page 14 Spring 2013 Page 15 Kikenny CBS Secondary Kikenny CBS Secondary

On Thursday the 4th of October we Brothers in Mufulira, northern Zambia. area. All the first years were delighted to were blessed in Kilkenny CBS by We are already preparing for our return get their hands on the trophy, for a few the visit of Br. Kieran Loughran and Immersion trip to Zambia in Easter 2014. seconds at least. And who knows, there Br. Tom Costello who spoke to our may be a future Heineken Cup winner We left the presentations feeling a students about the Edmund Rice amongst them!!! Irish Under 18s Rugby part of a bigger, special and dynamic Beyond 250 Appeal. star and CBS student Sean Moran is group where the necessity was less one best placed at the moment as his career Their day began at 8:45am as they spoke of “keeping the spirit of Edmund Rice continues to rise.Sean is training with to our entire fifth year group in the GP alive”- as it is very much alive, but more this squad for 2 matches in February next room and it continued in that vein, a one of taking our place and playing our year against Scotland ( Away) and France class group at a time, until they finished part in an existing, living and vibrant at home. We will watch his progress with with the first years at 3:45pm. The fact organisation working on the world stage. great eagerness. that their audience exceeded 100 pupils Thursday the 4th of October was the each time did not deter these fine men feast day of St Vincent De Paul and many in the least. They were as passionate and references were made to the truism ”in CBS Rugby convincing in the finish as they were giving we receive”. when they had begun that morning. CBS Kilkenny has a proud tradition in The “giving“ began in earnest the rugby, winning the Leinster Development We were enthused, educated and following day with a non-uniform Cup in 2003 and reaching two Leinster enlightened by both their use of video fundraiser. Our students raised €906.20 Shield Finals, winning in 2008 and presentation and their accounts of their with contributions from staff members narrowly losing 8-6 in 2006. Many own experiences, not only of Immersion bringing this figure above the €1000 players who have passed through the CBS throughout the world, but their lives mark. This generosity follows a similar Rugby Team have gone on to represent in the Christian Brothers community. fundraiser in May when €1050.75 was Leinster and Ireland at schools level and One very quickly got a sense of what it raised by the endeavours of our young beyond. Our most famous past rugby meant to be a Christian Brothers School men to aid the famine relief in Niger in player being Ian Dowling who played for and the global nature of the good work West Africa. Munster from 2005 to 2011 as well as being done on many continents following gaining Caps for his country. directly in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice. Brendan with the Heineken Cup The Brother’s presentations were all the Barry Daly, the Local Development Officer more relevant and realistic following our for Leinster Rugby, brought the Heineken own recent Immersion Project in Zambia Cup to the school on November 12th, for on the 25th of March 2011. Eleven a quick visit to the first years and Senior students and five teachers embarked Rugby team. The trophy, which Leinster on our inaugural Immersion Project. won last season for the second year in We spent two weeks in the company of a row after defeating Ulster 42-14, is on Br. Mick O’Donoghue and the Christian a whistle-stop tour of the schools in the

KILKENNY C.B.S. STUDENT COUNCIL 2012/2013

ffFRONT ROW ; Conor Murphy, Jamie Kirwan-Malone, Conor Heary, John Connick, Kevin Barrett, Vincent Morton.

ffBACK ROW ; Jason O’Brien, Buki Bhatti, James Murphy, Luke Leydon, John Curtin, Ciaran Denieffe.

Síol Page 16 ffThe boys of the C.B.S. Kilkenny Choir with Julie Feeney, Music teacher Mandy Dowling and Lorraine Maher during their recent Choral Workshop in the C.B.S.

Julie Feeney Teams Up With Kilkenny C.B.S. Choir For Concert.

Kilkenny C.B.S. Secondary School Choir joined with Galway- CBS is the only male choir that Julie had organised to work born singer/songwriter Julie Feeney for a concert in the with during her nationwide tour to promote her new album Watergate on November 22nd 2012. “Clocks”. She was lavish in her praise of the students’ work and performance. The students were very professional and Julie arranged seven of her songs for a male voice choir, enthusiastic throughout the training in recent months and especially for the budding C.B.S. choristers. These songs, which excelled at the performance itself. Julie herself provides a include “Love is a Tricky Thing” and “Impossibly Beautiful” unique night of entertainment and her pieces are very creative all come from Julie’s album “Pages”. All of the rehearsal hours and technically difficult. Under the excellent guidance of paid off, however, when Julie visited the school and was very music teacher Mandy Dowling, assisted by Lorraine Maher, impressed with the enthusiasm and high standard achieved by these young men did themselves and the school community the C.B.S. boys! proud. The packed house were thoroughly entertained by She gave an outline for her nationwide tour, wherein she visited the internationally-renowned artist’s eclectic musical talents 10 venues with 10 respective local school and community choirs. which fused imaginatively with the School’s newest collection of young male voices. Well done to all who participated so “We had to select 10 of the best choirs we could find, and that enthusiastically on the night. involved research into what they had done before, because this is definitely not a community music project, which would have “I adore the sound of a-capella voices and I wanted the quality had a totally different focus. of that for the shows. The essence is that it’s my show, so I had to fuse my take on things with them. But it’s worked so well – I “Basically, I wanted to get choirs that are as professional as see it as another colour added to my music and work.” possible – they may not be run on a professional basis, and they may not actually be professional, but the idea is that I wanted Julie has always stretched the bounds of convention and to get them to sound as professional as possible. I picked 10 of innovation. She came to public prominence on the mid-2000s my songs – all from “Pages” – and scored them for choir. It’s a with her debut album ’13 Songs’. This album was released on monstrous undertaking, but the choirs are just great. her cottage-industry label, Mittens. Her second album ‘pages’ had a brief alignment with a major label but she resorted to Mittens for the release of her third album ‘Clocks’.

Spring 2013 Page 17 JIM LANGTON HURLING TOURNAMENT 2012. On Wednesday December 5th 2012 the third renewal of the Jim Langton Under 14 Hurling Tournament took place in Palmerstown and James’s Park. Eight schools took part in what was another highly successful blitz organized by Kilkenny CBS to commemorate Kilkenny Hurling legend and former Kilkenny CBS student, Jim Langton. In Palmerstown four teams went into battle ; Kilkenny CBS 1, Callan CBS, Clonmel CBS (High School) and Dungarvan CBS while Kilkenny CBS 2, Thurles CBS, Charleville CBS and Blackwater CC (formerly Lismore CBS) locked horns in the second group. Thankfully conditions were dry though quite cold as both quartets of teams swung into action at 10 O’clock. By lunchtime the top 2 teams from each group, Kilkenny CBS 1 and Dungarvan CBS from Group 1, and Thurles CBS and Charleville CBS from Group 2 provided the pairings for both the Shield and Cup Finals. Despite the toll the efforts throughout the day had taken on all 4 teams both Finals were extremely well-contested and provided high quality entertainment and plenty of tension for those present. In the Langton Shield Final Dungarvan CBS pipped Charleville CBS by a single point in a thriller. The minimum one point margin again proved just enough in the Langton Cup Final as host school Kilkenny CBS 1 edged Tipperary rivals Thurles CBS in a tough and uncompromising affair. Principal Tom Clarke presented Glen Watters of Dungarvan CBS with the Shield and later Kilkenny CBS Captain Conor Flynn with the Jim Langton Cup for the first time. Well done to all who participated in the tournament. Kilkenny CBS would like to thank all participating players and teachers, Kilkenny Co. Board, the two referees on the day, Paschal Connolly and Eamon Mansfield and the Dicksboro GAA Club for the use of their pitches. We look forward to defending this title in 2014 in this ever-increasingly popular Juvenile Hurling Tournament.

SciFest@Intel 2012 Awards number of home control products on the market, Simon’s approach was to design Kilkenny C.B.S student Simon Bluett a product that could be retrofitted to an won the top prize at the SciFest@ existing electrical system. Intel 2012 Awards, securing a trip to the Intel International Science and With this in mind he designed ‘Easyflick’ Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona, using the advanced equipment in the where he will represent Ireland. This Technology Room and producing a full year 4,300 students took part with size prototype of a small flick unit that almost 1,900 projects exhibited. clips onto the circuit breaker switches on home switchboards. The unit is controlled Simon is a fifth year student in Kilkenny via an app or online via a website, C.B.S. where he has being studying allowing you to control the circuits in Technology as a subject since first year ffCaption For Photo; Left To Right; your home, wherever you are. This means which has allowed him to develop a Mr. Tom Clarke (Principal), that if you are on the way to work and Simon Bluett And Mr. Pj passion for designing and innovation. forgot to turn off the light in the kitchen, McCormack (Technology Teacher) Simon scooped the top award for his you can do so from the app. project ‘Easyflick’ – a system that can Simon’s ever-helpful Technology remotely control electrical circuits in the teacher P.J.McCormack is also invited is immensely proud of this wonderful home from an app or online to accompany Simon to Arizona in 2013 achievement of both teacher and pupil. The aim of Simon’s project was to to the Intel International Science and We commend them on their successful design a system that could remotely Engineering Fair. Mr. McCormack will collaboration and wish them well as they control electrical circuits in the home. also receive the ‘Teacher of Excellence represent both school and country in the Recognising that there are already a Award’ at this event. Kilkenny C.B.S. United States.

Síol Page 18 Kilkenny Primary Kilkenny CBS Primary

3rd and 4th Class visit to the Theatre 4th Class Indoor Hurling On Monday November 26th the boys from Rooms 2, 5 and 8 went to the Eight of our 4th Class hurling stars Watergate Theatre see a play called travelled to the Wallslough Arena ‘The House that Jack Filled’ . It was on a very frosty 6th of December a one man show. The characters in morning to take part in the annual the show were Jake, Jack, Melanie 4th Class indoor hurling blitz. Woodcott, Harrison the Cat, Norma The organizors emphasize skill, and Dorma, Brenda and Michael and participation and enjoyment. The Mrs. Chelsea. The story is about two boys learned new skills and showed brothers who hate each other, their great teamwork throughout all parents’ hotel called McNallys’ and four games. what happens when one brother leaves to build his own hotel which he They lost their first game to St. Canices on a scoreline of 6 – 4, but they really eventually calls McNally’s by the Mud. got into their stride thereafter beating St. Johns, Comer and St. Patricks in great My favourite part of the show was style. Their favourite game was against St. Patricks because it was so close and when Jake sat on the toilet seat. I liked both teams fought so well. Afterwards they got drinks and chocolate bars from the show because it was so funny. Briain Ryan, chief organizor. Michael Ibraham Room 5 In their own words they felt happy, tired, excited and sore when it was all over. Adam Walsh liked the Rock Star who had Team a broom for a guitar. Evan Dowling (Goalkeeper), Harry Bland and Jake Nolan (Defenders), Joseph Leydon and Michael Kennedy (Mid-field) and Cillian White-Lawrence, Diarmuid Jack Sinnott’s favourite part of the show Henderson and Seán O’Connor (Forwards). Cillian and Diarmuid scored 8 and was when Jack was singing I’m from 6 goals respectively. Harry Bland and Michael Kennedy scored 3 goals each. Spain and Conor Hayes loved the part Joseph scored 2 and Jake Nolan and Seán O’Connor each scored 1 goal. where Jake was sitting on the toilet. Our 3rd and 4th class boys are already looking forward to their next visit to the theatre.

Athletics 2012

We congratulate our athletes who Our athletes would like to thank Mr. represented the school so well in the Bergin and Mr. Cunniffe for organising Kilkenny City Harriers Annual Cross- the trials for the Cross-Country races and Country Challenge which was held for looking after them so well on the day as usual in the Castle Park, Kilkenny of the competition. this October. Our 6th Class boys Our 4th Class boys did not take home any came fourth in the “Best Overall Boys medals this year but they ran very well Team” event. and did their best on the day. 6th Class Team 4th Class Team Declan Coffey, Jamie Ryan, Oisín Murphy, John McKinley, Paul Tynan-Kiely, Joe Murphy, Fiachra O’Callaghan, Oscar Tadhg Harrison, Michael Kennedy, Jake Bennett, Cian Holden and Leon Hayes. Nolan, Cillian White-Lawrence and Our 5th Class Team won Silver for the Declan Murphy. school, coming second in the 5th Class Team Event. 5th Class Team Colm O’Hara, Dylan Campion, Matteuz Karzinski, Niall McEvoy, Ben O’Shaughnessy, Daragh Quinlan, Michat Dudek, Maciek Dudek and Padraig Hally.

Spring 2013 Page 19 Authors Visit Our School On Friday 19th October author Gerry Boland visited our classroom to talk to us about his books. He is an Irish author of childrens’ books. Liz Walsh, the owner of Stonehouse Books came with him. It was such fun and we asked him lots of questions about his ‘Marco’ books. His books are called, Marco Moves In, Marco Master of Disguise and Marco Moon Walker. His illustrator is a lady called Áine McGuinness. Marco is a bear who ffRight: Sam McKenna, like Dylan, is also a big fan of the Havishams. He is proudly escaped from the zoo. Marco has holding his signed copy of The Havishams. all kinds of adventures like joining a band and hiding from people who come to his house. We asked Gerry lots of questios about his books. His On Wednesday 24th October our not out in the shops til next Wednesday own favourite book is ‘Marco Moves class had a visit from Martin Brennan but I was able to buy one in our school. In’. He likes it so much because it is his aka Edward Crane. Martin is a past The good news is I got it cheaper and I first story and it touched him a lot. He pupil of our school and is author of didn’t have to wait a week. So far I prefer asked us if any of us wanted to be a The Havishams Trilogy, The Hive of the second book. When the third book writer. A lot of boys said yes. Nightmares, The Minions of Mace and comes out I’ll probably prefer that one. The Rise of Valarik. By Michael Ibraham Room 5 and Dylan By Dylan Campion Room 6 Deegan Room 2 I read the first book and I’m half way through the second one. The third book will be out next year. The second book is

CBS Boys Choir The senior choir boys took part in a number of performances in the run up to Christmas last year. On 13th December they sang in St. Canice’s Cathedral at the annual Lion’s Club Hamper Appeal concert. They also performed at the Black Abbey Carol Service, the Christmas Concert and the Christmas Bazaar.

Futsal (Indoor Soccer) Tournament

Today we had a soccer blitz in the Declan Murphy each scored one goal.. Watershed. There were eight teams Paul Kiely got ‘Man of the Match’. Some of in the tournament. Mr. Cunniffe was the parents came to support us today. our Manager and Mrs. Malone was Team - Mateusz Zych, Michael Kennedy, our Physio. Out of the four games we Tommy Docherty, Paul Kiely, Daniel played we won one, drew one and Oglesby, John Mc Kinley, Diarmuid lost two games. We played against Henderson, Seán O’Connor, Declan Murphy Ballyragget, Dunnamaggin, St. and Vinny Roberts. Patrick’s and Lisnafunchin. By Declan Murphy Room We had a great time. Mateusz scored four goals, Paul and Seán O’Connor scored two goals each and Jon McKinley and

Síol Page 20 Gaelic Football 2012

Our Gaelic Football Team finished 3rd We enjoyed training very much as it The Gaelic Football Panel for 2012 on the table this year, just missing was something to do at lunch time Jamie Ryan, Declan Coffey, Joe Murphy, out on a semi-final place. We had and after school. We had lots of fun at Oisín Murphy, Leon Hayes, Fiachra victories over Kilmanagh, Tullogher our training sessions but the matches O’Callaghan, Seán Dowling, Colm Rosbercon, Inistiogue and Callan were a much more serious business. O’Hara, Jamie Phelan, Niall McEvoy, CBS but unfortunately we lost out to We liked representing our school. Our Oscar Bennett, Paul Kiely, Charlie St. Canice’s and An Gaelscoil. Many most memorable match was the match Maher, Kyle Abubu, Jack Walsh, Ben thanks to our trainers Mr. Bergin and we played agai nst Tullogher Rosbercon O’Shaughnessy, Chris O’Connor, Pacey Mc Mr. Cunniffe and to Mrs Larkin who because it was the most competitive and Farlane, Niall Flanagan, Daragh Quinlan, helped with the trials at the beginning because of the really long journey we had Dylan campion, Cormac Kennedy and of the season. to make to get there. Adam Doyle. By Declan Coffey and Colm O’Hara

CBS Christmas Card Competition Christmas Bizaar 2012 The CBS held their first Christmas Bazaar on Sunday December 2nd. It was great fun. We had a brilliant performance by the CBS Boys Choir. The ffLeft-Right, Luke chocolate fountain was a great Gannon, Chase Leefar, hit and tasted so nice. There was Kyle Abubo, Adam also a Christmas decoration shop, Walsh, Filip Kowalski and Conor McCarthy a candle shop, Hennessy Sports, in front. Santa’s Grotto, which included Conor McCarthy, Fiachra O’Callaghan, Dean Kiely and Ronan MacMorrow as elves. We had great games at our Christmas Bazaar. They were called ‘Bash the Rat’ and golf putting. Other games included ‘Guess the Weight of the Cake’, which was won by Bobby Schneider who actually guessed the exact weight, We congratulate the above boys on building a snowman in his front garden and ‘Guess the Name of the Dog’. winning the 2012 CBS Christmas two years ago when school was closed Zak Dwyer from Room 2 won that Card Competition. All six winners had due to the seasonal weather. competition by guessing ‘Ruphus’. their cards professionally printed and In another game you had to guess Each winner will receive a €20 voucher packaged for sale. Most of the cards how many sweets were in a jar. which will be presented by Mr. O’Reilly. are now on their way to Australia, Aoibh Gannon won by guessing U.S.A., England and Canada to mention It must be said that there was a very 379. The freshly baked buns and but a few. There was both suspense high standard of art in the Christmas cakes were enjoyed by all. and excitement in each classroom as card competition this year so it took the Thanks to Martin Gaffney who sold the winners were announced over the judges a long time to finally choose the CBS Beanie Hats, to Khans Book intercom. Many of the winners said eventual winners. Shop and to Sharon Hayden who they couldn’t believe it when they The following boys’ cards received helped by cutting hair. A very big heard their names called out. All were ‘highly commended’ and were awarded thank you to the Parents’ Council, extremely happy with the good news. a selection box each. They are Oscar Principal, Teachers, Tom and Luke Gannon decided to use the reindeer Bennett, Declan Coffey, Liam Dowling parents and friends who helped names on his card because he reckoned and Cathal Maguire Room 10, Jack Wise, make our first Christmas Bazaar most people would put ‘Happy Christmas’ Room 9, Jack Moylan-Hughes Room 8, happen. The total raised for our on theirs, and he wanted something a bit Sushan Lama, Paul Hayes and Sam Kirby school was €3,400. different. He got the idea for the red nose Room 7 and finally David Baginski Room By Conor McCarthy and Luke when he visited Santa with his younger 6. The money raised from the sale of the Gannon Room 10 brother. Conor McCarthy’s inspiration cards will go towards school funds. came to him when he remembered Congratulations and thank you boys.

Spring 2013 Page 21 Christmas Concert 2012 broke down, but after some arguments Fagin while Jamie Dalton was Mr. Bumble and banter they manage to get the bus and Declan Murphy was Mr. Snoweberry. Room 10 performed ‘Scrooge, Primary working again and most importantly they We sang ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Where is Teacher’ for the Christmas Concert this discover the real meaning of Christmas. Love’, ‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘Be Back year. Cathal Maguire was Scrooge and Soon’. We really enjoyed preparing the he was great. It is based on the Charles By Ronan McMorrow Room 7 play for concert night. Dickens story of Scrooge except in Room 6 performed a play about ‘The our play, Scrooge is a teacher. Three By Tadhg Harrison Room 9 Great Escape’. It was about eight pupils ghosts visit Teacher Scrooge during who despised their teacher and came up Our Class joined up with Room 1 for the night. The ghosts were played by with a plan to escape. They dug a hole our Christmas Show. We did a Merry Tom Quinlan, Kyle O’Brien and Conor and sneaked out when teacher wasn’t Christmas poem, a Santa Claus poem and McCarthy who showed Scrooge himself looking. During our play some of the class a play called ‘Stable Manners’. The play is as a kid, what he was like in the performed a Haka. all about the Baby Jesus and being kind present and his future. It was funny to each other. We also sang three songs and good for all ages. We enjoyed By Eoin Maguire Room 6 which were great fun and got a great doing it very much. In Room 9, 4th Class put on some scenes reaction from the audience. We loved By Oscar Bennett Room 10 from ‘Oliver’ for our Christmas Concert. doing all the actions. John Comerford played the part of Oliver Room 7 did a play called The Christmas By Jack West Room 3 and Tommy Docherty played the Artful crises. It was about a group of people on Dodger. Cian Ryan was a very credible a bus from Dublin to Kilkenny. The bus

November Creative Writing Maths Trail During November in particular, we remember our loved For Maths week, this year, our class made a Maths Trail ones who have died. This can include our pets whom we can for Mrs. Larkin’s 2nd Class. There were twenty questions grow very fond of. The following was written by one of our laid out in the yardunder cones. The boys got into groups 2nd Class boys from Room 2. of two and we went around with them to help them. We Brandy gave them some tough questions like, ‘ If you add up the Brandy was a cute dog. Every day I played with her. If I was sad numbers on Mr. O’Reilly’s car’ and ‘How long has the she made me happy. I loved her because she was a lovely pet and school been open’. All the second class boys had a great never hurt you. She never heard me when she had a bone in her time and so had we. mouth. She always ran upstairs at night and licked me. By Oscar Bennett 6th Class By Zak Dwyer Room 2

Síol Page 22 Drugs Awareness Programme Our 6th Class teachers facilitated the ‘Drugs Awareness Programme’ last November. During the programme the boys had an opportunity to discuss the dangers of drug abuse and learn how to stay safe. The programme involved lessons, discussion groups and a workshop for parents and guardians presented by John Leahy and Joan O’Meara. It also involved some competitions and project work. The boys completed their poster so John Leahy, Drugs Education Officer, John O’Shea, Knights of Columbanus and Joan O’Meara from the Aislinn Treatment Centre visited the school on December 10th to touch base with the boys and to commend them and their teachers on their beautiful posters.

ISPCC Christmas Card Competition Hallowe’en Party 2012 We congratulate Luc Granier and Darragh Butler from Room 3 on winning this year’s ISPCC Christmas Top – Prize Winners Room 1 - 9 Card Competition. They were two of six winners, all Above – Prize Winners Room 10 of whom had their cards professionally printed and packaged for sale. They each received their entry card On Friday October 26th all classes were allowed to dress up framed and a complimentary packet of the cards.+ in costumes for our Hallowe’en Party 2012. The boys got to watch a film, play games and eat lots of party treats which provided by the school. The winners of “Best Dressed” pupil in each class were were rewarded with lovely prizes also provided by Mr. O’Reilly. Each boy brought in €2 which went towards much needed school funds.

Spring 2013 Page 23 Literacy Our writing themes and ideas for October varied from writing a postcard or letter, composing a witches recipe, writing a scary Hallowe’en story and writing a Hallowe’en limerick to a Hallowe’en acrostic poem. All boys in all classes did excellent work. Samples of the work done in each class is currently on display on our literacy notice board. The following are some examples of the work on display; There once was a witch called Winnie. Who married a Warlock called Vinnie. She flew through the skies, With her beady green eyes And her little pet mouse called Minnie. I think you’ll agree that the following A drop of your blood, boy that By Joseph Leydon 4th Class recipe written by Daniel O’Grady, smells good. Leg of a cat, eye of a rat. a 5th Class boy from Room 10 is An old man’s leg and a dragon’s leg. Tongue of a zombie, brain of a spider. exceptionally good. Mouldy old bread with fifty fish heads. Droppings of a dog, heart of a troll. And the wings of a moth, Rat brain, gizzard and guts. Stir til it pops and frizzes. Gives you BANSHEE BROTH. Stale old coconuts. In the cauldron, boil and bake. An eagle’s only white feather, To conclude we would like to complement Soon a dragon you shall make. And the bones of a cat boiled together. Finn Desmond on his short story about By Luke Brennan 3rd Class. Skin of a fly, dead man’s eye. killing witches, monsters and vampires Sea horse’s tail, the head of a nail. with his magic hurl.

Room 7 Tour of St. Mary’s Cathedral Science in 6th Class Room 7 Project Room 7. Science On Wednesday 3rd October last the boys from Room 7 went on Project, with some an historical walking tour of St. Mary’s Cathedral. It was built in Hallowe’en Art. famine times. It has been renovated many times and is under- going more improvements at the moment. We really enjoyed The boys from Room the walking. Before we went on our tour we did a project on St. 7 did a science- Mary’s Cathedral with our teacher Mr. Browne. You can see a electronic project. photograph of our project just above my article. Every body got a sheet with “Top Ten” By Ronan McMurrow Room of something, for example the most popular cars, Largest Islands in the World and Moon Walking . We then made a small poster of our own Top Ten with questions on one side of the page and the answers on the other side. We stuck this poster on to cardboard. We added pins, wire, a small light bulb and a battery. When you join the wires for the matching question and answer the bulb lights up. You must guess the answer first, and if the answer is correct the bulb lights up. I really enjoyed doing this project with Mr. Browne. By Jan Room 7

Síol Page 24 CIMA Business Quiz 2012 Fairview - St. Joseph’s Secondary

1st Place: Ms Mc Cormick (Teacher), Alex Fay, Manolito Aviles, Matas of schools there, both boys & girls. Our 1. It is the study of trees. Galinis, Eric Hyland & Mr Martin Nolan group of eight was split into two teams 2. PAYE, PRSI & USC. (Head of Accountancy & Professional of four. Then the questions began. There Studies IT Tallaght) were ten rounds of eight questions: Forty 3. Argon Per Cent Business Questions & Sixty Per On Thursday 15th November we met at During the interval, they announced who Cent General Knowledge. Examples of the school in Fairview to go to the quiz. was in the lead. Guess who it was? That’s some are: After hanging around in the foyer for a right! St. Joseph’s Fairview. Ms McCormick few minutes, we set off on our journey by 1. What is Dendrology the study of? was delighted. Our fellow teams were bus. We arrived at Connolly Station where not. Another five rounds later, the results 2. Name the three statutory deductions a Luas was already waiting for us. Now were announced. We had fallen back to in wages. for the tickets... Those ticket machines third place. Then they announced who are harder to use than you’d think! Due to 3. What is number Eighteen of the was first: the other Joey’s team! We were the chaos of rush hour, the Luas got more Periodic Table? all delighted – Joey’s came 1st & 3rd. & more packed. Eventually the swarm Ms McCormick sent text messages to all thinned out & we finally managed to get other teachers to let them know the good seats. We disembarked near the campus news. We travelled back to the school of Tallaght IT. We had arrived. tired but happy. The next day everybody congratulated us. 3rd Place: Ms Mc Cormick (Teacher), Sean Lynam, Conor O Reilly, Darren O Rourke, James Morgan & Mr Martin Nolan (Head ffRobert McCann from St. Josephs CBS, Fairview, of Accountancy & Professional Studies IT Dublin 3 who was recently awarded 3rd place for Credit Union Art Competition in the North Tallaght) We signed in & then proceeded Dublin Regional Final. to the cantina where we settled our ffRobert is a 2nd year art student at Joeys nerves. Ms McCormick wished us good and designed a poster entitled “Celebrate luck. We headed upstairs & took our Community Colours”. seats. A photographer came around to take our photos. There seemed to be a lot

Ian Mc Keever

by his presentation and commitment to many achievements are his 2007 world the schools in the Trust. Ian, along with record time for climbing the world’s seven Professor Mick Molloy (UCC), Dr. Padraig highest peaks and his various national Sheerin (Crumlin Children’s Hospital) fund raising campaigns for charities. and the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, Ian’s’ legacy attests to man’s ability to was developing a pioneering national triumph in the face of great odds. His health survey, located in the Edmund generosity of spirit was evident in his Rice Network of schools, with the aim of deep desire to help others realise the enhancing the physical and emotional potential within themselves, which well-being of young people in Ireland. He was the catalyst for the Kilimanjaro had also commenced working with some It was with deep sorrow that the expeditions he led. We were extremely of our schools before his sudden passing. Edmund Rice Schools Trust learned fortunately to have known Ian. of the sudden death of Ian Mc Keever Ian was a proud past pupil of Clonkeen To all who knew Ian and had the privilege on Mt Kilimanjaro on January 2nd, College and gave selflessly of his time of working with him we offer our 2013. Ian was a national treasure, a to their school community; they are heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts and hero of our times and someone who particularly mourning his loss. prayers are particularly with his family, had an extraordinary place in the By consistently aspiring to summits friends and those who accompanied him national psyche. that may deemed unrealisable, Ian on his final journey. Ian addressed the Principals at our ultimately achieved targets and records May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go Principal’s Conference in Naas on the of which we are in awe and will serve raibh a anam dílis. 27th September last. We were inspired as an inspiration for us all. Among his

Spring 2013 Page 25 Brother Philip Pinto and Trócaire Br. Philip recently visited Ireland at the invitation of Trócaire. He delivered the keynote address in Maynooth on March 5th to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the foundation of Trócaire. WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? Building a ‘Civilisation of Love’ in an unequal world Immersion students from St. Aidan’s, Whitehall and their teacher Sinead Walshe were invited guests to Maynooth where there met with Br. Pinto and engaged in the open forum with Br. Philip. In an inspiring and thought provoking key note address Br. Philip challenged

Jim Mooney Remembered at Awards Night

Drogheda Secondary Another past pupil Ciaran Murphy Tullyallen, while Rosemary and Michael presented the Br. Hunt Sports Star of the Seaman accepted the PPU President’s Tributes were paid to the late Jim Year award to Mark Rogers for his atheltic Award on behalf of Brendan Sheils, Mooney, the former Deputy Principal prowess, while Ronan Levins was the Beaulieu View, from St. Joseph’s CBS Past of St. Joseph’s Secondary School, proud recipient of the Paddy Hallinan Pupils’ Union President, Seán Ó Briain. Drogheda when the inaugural Jim Cup as the most promising young Gaelic School Principal, David Madden, paid Mooney Memorial Medal for English was football player in the school. tribute to all the students and parents presented to Aaron Condra from Forest Vera Hanlon from Meadowview presented present and commended the student body Park, Drogheda by Jim’s wife Bernie and the Jim Hanlon award for Civic and on their magnificent achievements in all his brother, John Mooney, at the recent Community Spirit to Aaron Lynch from areas of school life. Student Awards night in the school. Among the other award winners for the Creative and Performing Arts were the up and coming Carolan Brothers band, five members of whom are pupils or past pupils of St. Joseph’s, who received their award from teacher Kevin Magee. Dr. Vincent Kelly, an associate professor at TCD and past pupil of St. Joseph’s, presented the Peadar Mc Cann Awards for academic excellence to Leaving Cert Students, Shane Cunningham, James Morgan and Colm Stringer. It was a very successful week for Shane who also received a JP Mc Manus Scholarship and for James who was awarded an Entrance Scholarship at TCD. At Junior Cert level the honours went to Andrew Forembski, Conor Gradwell and Ciaran Conway.

ffJim’s wife, Bernie and his brother, John, present the Jim Mooney Memorial Medal for English to Aaron Condra from Forest Park, Drogheda.

Síol Page 26 Our annual Religious Education and While Annette’s was on the new junior Religious Ethos conference took place in Killashee certificate and its introduction of a new House, Naas. Despite it been a very wet style of teaching and methodology, Dáire Education and day our two speakers, Dr. Dáire Keogh presented to teachers the reasons why we (St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra) are teaching in an Edmund Rice School, Ethos Conference and Annette Honan (NCCA) both emphasising that our students are our delivered thought provoking content. future ambassadors.

Spring 2013 Page 27 Green-Schools Naas CBS

The Green-Schools initiative started The Green-Schools programme will in Naas CBS in November of 2012 and not only benefit the individuals on the we aim to attain our first green flag by committee but will also educate the May 2014. The programme went off to students in the school regarding the a flying start with the setting up of a holistic care of their environment both school committee. This consists of over inside and outside of the school. This 35 students and 10 staff members. The will be achieved through the integration committee have been very enthusiastic of certain steps into the curriculum in carrying out the first few steps of e.g. in subjects like CSPE, geography, the programme so far. They have been science, music and art to name but a working closely with the AES; the few. There are 7 steps to completing the company which handles the disposal programme in attaining the first flag of our waste. and the committee are certainly looking forward to the challenge ahead. The committee will also look forward to a visit to the AES recycling plant in Tullamore in the near future where they will be shown exactly how all waste is broken down and processed.

Turning the Sod Tramore

Sr. Marie Carroll, Sisters of Charity, Tony McCann of ERST and students of Stella Maris and CBS Tramore turning the sod on Ard Scoil na Mara.

Published at Editorial Team Áras Éamainn Rís Tony McCann Meadow Vale Siobhan O’Toole Clonkeen Road Natasha Kearns Blackrock Co. Dublin t 01 289 7511 f 01 289 7540 e [email protected] www.erst.ie Síol Page 28