Belvedere College SJ

The Belvedere News

June 2020

The first of two this summer Contents

Where To Find… What!

Recent News & Notices – Pages 1 to 11

Traditional Newsletter Stories & Articles – Pages 12 to 31

Page 1 Letter From The Headmaster Page 3 Junior Cycle Update Page 4 Q&A With Dr Eoin Feeney (Video) Page 5 Pastoral Page 8 From The Library Page 10 New Classroom Block Page 12 Parents’ Association Page 15 School At Home Page 16 News & Achievements Page 18 Guidance Page 19 Music Page 20 Sport Page 22 Trips Page 24 Faith & Service Page 28 Transition Year Page 29 Theatre News Letter From The Headmaster

Dear students, parents, Old Belvederians and friends of the College,

After what has been an unusual and, in a number of very significant ways, challenging academic year, it feels particularly poignant to sit down to write to the whole College community. I am sure that I speak for us all when I say that I am enormously proud of how the country, community, and especially students, teachers and their families have navigated the difficult and unchartered waters of isolation, social distancing, transitioning to learning from home, and refraining from social and sporting activities for so many months.

As we approach the final phases of the easing of restrictions, I would encourage everyone to mix the understandable excitement and enthusiasm with the same caution that you have shown to date. We cannot be complacent and assume that as the lockdown eases, there will not be spikes of infection.

We are busy preparing for the next term and plans for student and staff induction are well underway. We have a “COVID-19 return to school team”, who are developing detailed plans to address the various scenarios which we are likely to face in September. This includes full return of all students, partial return with increased online learning, and a comprehensive provision in co-curricular programmes. Staff are undertaking training in online learning and all are preparing for the next term enthusiastically and with a confidence built on the positive feedback from students and parents from last term.

Please see how the building development is also progressing on Page 12 of this newsletter. During lockdown, the standstill cranes were symbols of how our world froze overnight. Their renewed movement is like small green shoots making their way through the winter snow, heralding hope and confidence that we will make our way back. The College has lived through many world changing events and as a community we are determined to learn from this experience as well.

After a period where the pandemic dominated the news cycle, and as images of suffering and violence across the world dominate our screens, it was particularly harrowing to witness the events that led to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Jesuits have not been silent and you may wish to read more on the topic (link). We also extend our condolences to the family and Garda community on the tragic death of Garda Colm Horkan. Words of condolence seem inadequate in the face of such grief and anguish. Yet it is important to take the time to speak out against injustice, to take time to convey condolences and reach out to see what if anything we can do to make a change for the better. Our children learn from example and therefore we have a huge responsibility to model positive behaviour. We must act on the belief that everyone has the power to make a difference and every action counts. In an age where so many flee in terror to seek refuge, you may wish to make a difference (link).

1 Letter From The Headmaster

As part of our strategy for supporting students and their families during the lockdown, we transitioned to a weekly electronic newsletter and found it to be a very effective way of communicating, especially with all of the various changes and updates received on an almost daily basis in regards to COVID-19. I encourage you to have a look at the resources provided in the previous weekly electronic newsletters (link). Summer is a time for students to do many things, particularly reading, and to that end there are excellent resources provided there for all our students. Please encourage your child to read as much as possible over the coming weeks.

Similarly and in place of our usual printed College Newsletter, we will have two electronic editions for you this summer – this being the first. This new format has been divided into two sections. The first provides the most current information for students, families and indeed past pupils and others in the community. We are delighted to feature a video Q&A with Dr Eoin Feeney (link), OB 1996, and a leading consultant in the field of infectious diseases. We are very grateful to Dr Feeney for taking the time to share his thoughts and insights with the Belvedere community. The second section shares the vast array of student achievements, trips and highlights that took place during the academic year. I hope that you enjoy it.

We are always interested in your news. The achievements of our students, past and present have the potential to inspire others. So please take the time to let us know of anything you think is of interest to the College Community.

Finally, I wish you and all of those dear to you a very enjoyable summer and we look forward to a safe return to the ‘new normal’ as we continue to exit the lockdown.

With warmest regards,

Gerry Foley Headmaster

2 Junior Cycle Update

Junior Cycle - Revised arrangements for Classroom Based Assessments for students in Second Year in 2019/20

Dear Principal,

This is to let you know that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has posted details on its website here of revised arrangements for the completion of Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) for the cohort of students currently coming to the end of their 2nd Year (2019/20). These revised arrangements are on foot of the disruption to their learning caused for these students by the Covid-19 pandemic and the desire to avoid an excessive assessment burden in 2020/21. A summary of the revised arrangements include:

1. Extension of the deadline for completion of CBA 1s into the first term of the school year 2020/21, while also allowing for the possibility that some teachers and schools may wish to, and be able to, complete them before the end of the current term.

2. Removal of the requirement for students currently in second year of Junior Cycle to complete two CBAs in each subject, to a requirement to complete just one CBA in each subject. Students will be required to complete an Assessment Task in respect of whatever CBA they complete.

3. The school management and its teachers, in discussion where feasible with students, will choose the one CBA to complete for each subject. However, there will be some exceptions to this choice: • To ensure assessment of oral communications skills, students must complete CBA 2: Communicative Task in Irish, and CBA 1: Oral Communication in Modern Foreign Languages. • As they are linked in each case with the final examination in the subject, students studying Visual Art, Home Economics, and Music must complete CBA 2.

These arrangements will also be set out in the Junior Cycle circular for 2020/21 which will be published during the summer.

An tAonad Polasaí Curaclaim agus Measúnaithe Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit __ An Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna Department of Education and Skills

3 BCSJ Community

Dr Eoin Feeney OB 1996 Medical Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Hot on the heels of his recent interview with Newstalk, Dr Eoin Feeney kindly agreed to a brief video Q&A with a focus on his crucial work in battling COVID-19; what we might expect in the coming months as we come out of the lockdown; some advice for young people considering and/or studying for a career in medicine; and, how we can prepare as a community for the winter months.

Please click here to access the video.

Professional Profile

Dr Eoin Feeney is a consultant in infectious diseases at St Vincent’s University Hospital. Over the past few months, Dr Feeney has worked on the diagnosis and management of COVID patients.

Dr Feeney graduated from Belvedere College SJ in 1996. He went on to study medicine at Trinity College Dublin where he graduated in 2002. Through the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital training scheme he completed his basic specialist training, spending six months as a resident at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

He completed his Higher Specialist Training in 2012 in Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine through the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. He was awarded a PhD from the University College Dublin the same year. He undertook a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston from 2012-2014. He was an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School from 2013-2014. He was awarded the Massachusetts Infectious Diseases Society Edward H. Kass Award for Clinical Excellence in 2014.

In 2014 Dr Feeney returned to Ireland as a Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases and established the Infectious Diseases department at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and St. Vincent’s Private Hospital.

4 Pastoral

“2020 has been an unprecedented year—like nothing I have seen before. I believe we are seeing humanity awaken to a new level of awareness of systemic injustice in the world, the suffering it causes, and of the role each of us play in perpetuating these systems—predominantly by those of us with privilege and power. We would do well to remember that evil can only be substantially overcome by collective good. When one part is hurt, we all share in that pain, and if one part is liberated, we all share in the joy”.

Fr Richard Rohr, OFM

Some Thoughts On Racism & Black Lives Matter

As a College community committed to an education that promotes social justice as a key component, we are reminded about many issues of injustice in our world and especially in our local environment. The Black Lives Matter protests and the senseless killing of black people is in stark contrast to the values we stand for of respecting life and promoting peace and nonviolence. It is incumbent on us that we ensure we inform our students about the value of life and especially the protection of minorities and those on the margins.

We offer some reading about the issue of racism and Black Lives Matter from reliable Jesuit and Catholic sources that might help us as individuals and as a community to examine our own prejudices and hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to standing up against racism or other issues of injustice that we encounter.

• Pope Francis on racism • Fr James Martin SJ writes that the Holy Spirit calls us to move against racism • A very insightful video from Fr Bryan Massingale on Racial Justice and how we live the Jesuit value of The Magis (the More) • The National Catholic Reporter have a fascinating article written by Fr Bryan Massingale entitled ‘the assumptions of white privilege and what we can do about it’ • Does Racism exist in Ireland? Here is an account from an Irish person of colour about her direct experience of racism

5 Pastoral

Life After The Virus Weekly Liturgy Pope Francis gives us something to reflect on about life after the virus. He states that life under lock-down from the virus has reminded us of the pandemic of poverty which In the absence of exists in our world (link). our weekly mass in the College chapel during the school closure, the Pastoral Remembering Garda Department Colm Horkan offered an online prayer liturgy The killing of Detective Garda each week. Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co Roscommon affects all law You can visit this abiding people in Ireland. As link to watch any much as we may be distressed or all of the about the killing of George prayer liturgies. Floyd in Minneapolis, USA, we should be equally anguished at the killing of an innocent Garda doing his duty on an Irish street.

May Colm Rest In Peace and may his family be supported in their grief.

6 Pastoral

Mission Statement Review

Belvedere College SJ is in the process of developing a new strategic plan to follow the current 2016-2022 plan. As part of this process, a review of the Mission of the College was undertaken. The Board entrusted the Jesuit Identity Committee (JIC), a Sub-Committee of the Board, with this task.

The review process involved consulting all members of the College community - staff, parents, pupils, past pupils, and Board members. The JIC proposed that the current mission be re-structured to provide greater clarity. Thus, a proposed new guiding document would take the form of a Vision, Mission, and a Values Statement (VMV). This is in line with many other Jesuit Colleges around the world.

Additionally, members of the JIC agreed that any new VMV statements should be short and memorable - a binding document rooted in Jesuit education.

This consultation process began with a number of focus groups with staff members and students to get feedback on the current mission statement and the proposal to restructure them into separate statements on Vision, Mission and Values. This feedback helped shape the draft Vision, Mission and Values statements and the questions used in an online survey which were considered by the wider consultative groups.

The summary results of the survey consultation are:

A wide representation of the College community engaged (46 students, 42 staff, 121 parents, 93 OBs, 17 Board members and others) • 90% agreed that we should shorten the current text • 94% agreed that we should separate it into Vision, Mission and Values • 86% agreed with the proposed Vision Statement (with suggestions for consideration) • 82% agreed with the proposed Mission Statement (with suggestions for consideration) • 90% agreed with the proposed Values Statement (with suggestions for consideration)

The feedback was distilled by a JIC working group and a final draft was presented to the Board of Management for their consideration. With such a wide consultation, there were always going to be different views on what should or should not be in any final text. A genuine effort was made to best represent as many views as possible in one form or another.

The JIC wish to sincerely thank all those that took the time to share their views. It is very encouraging to know that so many people are so passionate about what the College stands for.

7 From The Library

From The Library – Reading List About The Black Lives Matter Movement As much as Covid-19, racism, intolerance in all its forms and inequality in any form is a pandemic – one that has been around since the beginning of time. Many people react because they often don’t understand and appreciate the differences of those around us, and often have never had the opportunity to slip on somebody else’s shoes or to experience life from their perspective.

Reading is the ultimate tool at our disposal to take on the mantle of others and grow our capacity for empathy. It gives us a safe space to think about the lives and feelings of those that are often in the firing line for no reason other than their skin colour, their gender, their sexual orientation or their religious beliefs. When we read about a situation or feeling being experienced by one of the characters, it can seem almost as if we are feeling it ourselves.

Interestingly, for those of us who prefer fiction - using fiction to explore ideas of change, complex emotions and the unknown, will generally lead to reading a lot more fact. We can’t fix everything, but we can at least try to boost our ability to understand and that is often half the battle. Reading gives us a whole new language to express our understanding and open us up to more inclusivity.

“It is always the right time to do the right thing” - Martin Luther Ling

A Reading List

• New Kid – Jerry Craft • The Hate You Give – Angie Thomas • Straight Outta Crongton – Alex Wheatle • Dear Martin – Nic Stone • And the Stars were Burning Bright - Danielle Jawondo • I am Alfonso Jones – Tony Medina • The Boxer – Nikesh Shukla • Stamped: Racsim, Anti-Racism and You – Jason Reynolds & Ibram Kendi • Tyler Johnson Was Here – Jay Coles • Orangeboy – Patrice Lawrence

8 From The Library

From The Library – Continued

• Once – Maurice Gleitzman • Blended – Sharon Draper • The Star Outside my Window - Onjali Q Raúf • The Twelfth Day of July – Joan Lingard • Ghost Boys – Jewell Parker Rhodes • The Poet X – Elizabeth Agewedo • Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry – Mildred Taylor • On the Come Up – Angie Thomas • All the Things We Never Said – Yasmin Rahmin • The Colours that Blind - Rutendo Tavengerwei • Ghost - Jason Reynolds • Monday’s not coming – Tiffany Jackson • The Black Flamingo – Dean Atta • How it Went Down – Kekla Magoon • Pet - Akwaeke Emezi • I am Thunder – Muhammad Khan • Catching Teller Crow - Ambelin Kwaymullina & Ezekiel Kwaymullina

A Few Links To Check Out

Author, Sharna Jackson, discusses bringing diversity into YA books

No reader is too young to start: Anti-Racism book list for children and teens

Pope Francis on the death of George Floyd (link)

9 New Classroom Block

Temple Street Classroom Block Construction

We are delighted to be back on track with the construction of our new Classroom Block on Temple Street. The cranes were moved into place earlier this month and construction is well under way! The additional space was already critically needed, and will be of even greater importance now with a much greater focus on social distancing in our schools both now and in the future.

Thanks to all of you who continue to support the College and have made this vital new development possible!

10 New Classroom Block

Estimated 2021 Completion: Summer

11 Parents’ Association ethos central to Belvedere College President, Mr at the PA the In I early to represent was November, honoured of commitment from our aup team ofto set parents delighted We were andreps and was success a great socialWe had our Elements evening in Board newlytwo of Sharon elected Management reps newly Graham been have O’Byrne Fiona and Denise Dillon Secretary. worked who joined members new by some were We enjoyed working a such thoroughly with dedicated team. Egan, Brennan,Orla Mark Rutledge, us outgoing by thanking the Sharon to start Farrell The as without It PA of role the the It is important to highlight By: Karin Ennis, PA Chairperson environment. in schoolwork atheir home learning positive through got students the that ensure learningwith andfromto grips home. get family of The role had the to switch more become importanthas even as students education’. students’ for responsibility the the shares school, commitmentof the values to the (PA) of COVID 2020 supports our the during her term. I would also like to thank the outgoing members of the PA ofoutgoing I members the would term. also like the duringto thank her current accentuates will alwayshad to facewe knownyear be that as the primary parent volunteers who volunteers parent interference parent volunteers who helped to run the event so successfully. so event to run the helped who volunteers parent - Donal Walsh is the 19 and PA was elected at the AGM in September and have worked hard all hard manyand year worked AGM into deliver have at the September new and Iwas elected PA wo existing projects. together. look John educators initiates part of after Lost after organise Darby. I am continuously impressed by the tireless work that the UnionThey continuumare a does. the true work that Darby. I of amthe tireless continuouslyby the impressed in parent body who gave their time enthusiastically. so body their parent gave who The mission statement of the Parents’ Association Parents’ The missionof the statement or was activities this message of elected with their also attended by Gerry Foley and Paul Bryce who gave a talk to the Elements parents. Manyby Foley Gerry andalso attended parents. Paul thanks BryceElements a gave who to the talk the Rhetoric GraduationRhetoric the and Found with the help of the GAP students. Breda Broderick helps students. GAP of the andhelp Found the with help out help Treasurer, the children. and which SJ. process Donal - all with with many school activities. ‘The family, as the primary educator, through its ‘The family,its primary as through the educator, October which was a advance have actively helped with manywith actively projects. PA have helped different Claire Burke is the ClaireVice is Burke the Chair Parents of Birthistle in accordance constitution. PA the with governance to do Chair for her commitment to the PA and the enthusiasm with which she inspired a Chair commitmentwhich she with enthusiasm for andher PA the to the the worked closely with teachers to closely worked with teachers library supervision every day libraryevery supervision alongside some of the team from last year. Esther Hoban team alongside fromhas some of year. Esther the last aims Photo and Margaret Flanagan. Margaret and Farell and and overcome and and Presentation. Tom and Suzanne wonderful management Annual Belvedere Union U Annual Dinnerby Belvedere inthe Mansion hosted the House, objectives and opportunity for new parents to get to know each other. The e to know each other. to get for opportunity new parents the challenges of O’Rahilly also Ann of the the I from 2018/2019, Loomes College, was liaises with the Student Council. Student Ann the liaises with Marie before the College closed. College the before gear College. . honoured to joinhonoured Committee the Carmody is continuing to It also It was also great to have the suppo the to have It was also great Bairbre runs promotes Tom Doyle, Claire Burke, Karin Ennis Burke, Karin TomClaire and Doyle, to arrange the PA talks. France this very efficientlyvery this and serve, Higgins, Ann Higgins, Gerry Foley presenting new Student presenting new Student Foley Gerry the This shows wonderfu This shows Council ties to Council members. Sean Bowes and Karen role done of last Marie - parents Marie great work as year and have have and year Car Birthistle coordi an mody and and mody to l d rt of rt our s Keegan our PA our PA guardians ll ll of Jesuit Jesuit uld uld like nates vening nion , Dan all all 12 Parents’ Association

PA Talks

Each year the PA organises three PA talks. One of the most requested talks was on the subject of Drug Awareness. We were delighted to host our first one of 2020 in February when Garda Greg McGovern gave a talk in the O’Reilly Theatre. We had very high numbers in attendance which reflects the deep concerns parents have on this topic. Greg gave a very informed talk outlining the various types of drugs, along with their makeup, origins, side effects and the physical signs of using them. Many expressed their shock about the young age at which our children are exposed to drugs and how readily available they are on the streets of our city. There was a huge amount of information on the night with the overriding theme being the importance of communication between parents and their sons, which includes checking in with them regularly to make sure that they are okay. It was a very informative session and the talk was followed by a very frank and open discussion with parents.

We hosted our second talk of the year at the beginning of March. Professor John Sharry who is a social worker and family psychotherapist presented the topic ‘Positive Mental Health for Teenagers’. Again this is a topic which is a continuous worry for parents as students struggle with many pressures in an age where they are constantly faced with the challenges of peer pressure, exam stress, drug and alcohol abuse. John spoke about building an ‘emotional piggy bank’ with deposits and withdrawals. As parents, the largest element that we can control is to build a warm relationship with our children, but we also need to be a person of authority in their lives. Many thanks to Breda Broderick and Ann Marie Carmody for organising the two talks and to the other PA reps for helping at the events. Unfortunately due to current circumstances we could not hold our Spiritual talk in April but the PA will host three new talks during the Academic year 2020/2021.

The PA have also compiled a lot of information relevant to the talks held during the year. There are links to the various sites on the PA section of the website where you will find information on Mental Health Awareness, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and many other topics.

PA Unveil New Piano

One of our highlights of the year was launching the new piano which was donated by the PA in December. This was an idea which was initiated last year but we were delighted to be able to make it happen this year. Special thanks to Fiona O’Byrne for her help sourcing the piano. It was wonderful to see the boys playing away during break times in the foyer with no inhibitions, happy to sing, play and bring the spirit of community and wellbeing to life in the College. We look forward to hearing the piano being played again when school life gets back to normal and the foyer is full of loud, chattering students once again! New Piano unveiled in the foyer with Dan Dunne, Click here to listen to the hustle and bustle of a busy foyer and the boys singing Karin Ennis, Aisling Bridgeman, Fr Paddy Greene, along to a student playing Bohemian Rhapsody. Esther Hoban, Claire Burke and Music students from the College.

13 By: Karin Ennis, PA Chairperson

Finally, I would like to thank our Headmaster Gerry Foley and our Deputy Headmaster Tom Doyle who both actively participated in different PA projects. Our thanks also to Colin McCarthy and Paul Bryce for their continued help, support and enthusiasm. We have a great working relationship with School Management which is evident in the way that our PA initiatives are always fully supported by the entire College Community. Thank you to the PA and Board of Management PA reps for all the support and guidance they have given me this year. It has been a privilege to serve in this role for the College and I wish the new Parents’ Association every success next year.

PA Committee 2019-2020

PA Chairperson / Syntax Karin Ennis [email protected] Elements Breda Broderick Elements / Treasurer Donal Walsh [email protected] Rudiments / Secretary Esther Hoban [email protected] Rudiments Tom Loomes Grammar Denise Dillon Grammar Karen Graham

Syntax Annmarie Carmody

Poetry Seán Bowes Poetry / Vice Claire Burke Chairperson Parents’Association Rhetoric Frances Keegan Rhetoric Fiona O'Byrne BOM Sharon Farrell [email protected] BOM Suzanne O'Rahilly [email protected]

Please contact [email protected] should you have any PA related enquiries.

14 School At Home

Virtual Art Gallery Virtual Home The Art Department put together a Virtual Art Gallery that showcased work completed by students Economics over the last term while working at home. The Art Department are very proud of their imaginative, creative and innovative students! Please visit this link to view Home To view the full virtual gallery, please click here. Economics assignments that took place during the COVID-19 School Closures.

Weekly PE Challenges

Please visit this link to watch a couple of Mr Doyle’s virtual Weekly PE Challenges for students.

15 News & Achievements

Spanish All Ireland Debating Plate Gael Linn Irish Debating Leinster Winners! Champions!

A massive congratulations to the Senior Spanish Debating Over 50 schools participated in the Gael Linn Irish Team who were victorious in their final of the plate in the Debating Leinster Final. For the second year in a Spanish debating competition against St Michael's in the row, our Junior Irish Debate Team are Leinster Instituto de Cervantes. Champions!

The team debated with great flair, conviction and Mr Broderick was assisted in preparing the team by determination on the topic – ‘The house believes we Mr O Donovan and Maria Dillon Kelly. The help of should ban all animal testing.’ The team on the night were Liz Ò Droma is also greatly appreciated. Zander Hayden (PX), Theo Dempsey (RF & captain), Adam El Shamy (RF) and Eoghan Conway (RA). The team, consited of Fionn Special thanks to Ms O'Sullivan, Ms Keelan and Ms Keating MacDermott (GS), García for organising the team and for all of their hard Oliver MacLochlainn (GX) and Odhrán Dillon Kelly work. (GL).

16 News & Achievements

Belvedere Hosts the Boards of Jesuit Schools in French Debating Ireland Félicitations to the équipe des débats français who won in Over 60 delegates from the Boards of Management of all eight Jesuit the semi- schools in Ireland gathered for their annual conference in Belvedere final of the College SJ. on Friday, February 7th 2020. Alliance The theme of the Conference was ‘Tradition and Innovation’’. Delegates Française heard from speakers Johnny Go SJ (Jesuit Far East Education Delegate), Joûtes Isle Dekker (Jesuit Education Europe) and Kate Liffey (Irish Episcopal Oratoires Conference Education Office). competiton against St Before and during the conference, the delegates were treated to some Andrews. wonderful music, compliments of members of the Belvedere Chamber Orchestra, the Jazz band, and the Belvedere Chamber Choir.

After the conference, the delegates were brought on a guided tour of the College by a group of Poetry prefects. The groups visited four areas where aspects of life in Belvedere were showcased, linked to the theme of Green Schools tradition and innovation: The Urban Farm, Teaching & Learning, Co- Curricular and Faith & Service. Congratulations to the student Green-Schools group who passed their inspection from Dublin City Council. Green-Schools is an international environmental education programme that promotes whole school action towards a sustainable environment.

17 Guidance

Stand Up Week 2019 College and Further Education Fair In November, the College held a Stand Up Awareness Week against LGBTI+ Bullying. This week is aimed to reach out to our LGBTI+ community and The Guidance Department hosted their annual show them that they are equally valued, respected and supported. College & Further Education Fair in November. Senior cycle students and their parents had the The week began with Whole School Assembly where Headmaster, Mr Foley opportunity to meet and chat with representatives talked about the importance of inclusion and the language we use. and faculty staff from a wide range of higher Adam O'Donoghue (Rhetoric Scully) thanked everyone who helped with education institutions Stand Up Week and the Belvo Pride Society. We were also joined by Maria and colleges. Walsh MEP to help raise the rainbow flag. The Guidance At lunchtime we had a wonderful talk from Fr James Martin SJ, author of Department would like Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can to sincerely thank all Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity. Fr James who supported the spoke to a packed Lecture Theatre via Skype in a live link from the US about event. his Ministry with the LGBTI+ community and his recent meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican. During the week we also welcomed Rugby International, Hannah Tyrrell, Past Pupil Ishan Banik (OB 2019) and GAA Study Skills Awareness Week referee David Gough to celebrate Stand Up In September, the third annual Study Skills Awareness Week Awareness Week was held at the College. with us. Throughout the week, the Elements, Rudiments It was a fantastic and Grammar students were able to attend three week at the College. different lunchtime talks to learn more about the fundamentals of studying.

Thank you to On Monday, Mr Liam Hennelly gave a talk the Stand on Nutrition & Fitness for Studying. On Tuesday, Up Committee and Mr John Broderick discussed how students can Ms McArdle for prepare for exams effectively. The week organising. concluded on Thursday with Mr Kriz Vekic and Ms Angela Curran discussing the topic, Time Management & Motivation.

18 Music

The Annual Carol Service – Parent Review By: Michelle Lynch, Elements Parent

The Annual Carol Service took place Saturday, 7th December in the College Chapel. This is an event I’ve attended on a number of occasions, but this year was extra special as I had a son singing in the Junior Choir.

It’s always a magical evening combining the spirituality of Christmas with the beautiful music and the inevitable sense of excitement that this time of year brings. And this year, once again, the boys excelled. There were some technical hitches with microphones deciding not to work, but rather than throw the boys off their stride, they responded by singing a little bit louder, a little bit clearer, and a little bit more focused and determined. The result – every word was audible, clear and melodious.

The mix of music was quite special and the three choir groups: the Junior Choir, the Senior Choir and the Chamber Choir, each contributed in a very unique way. From the gentle strains of “Angel’s Carol” to the full force of “Run Shepherds,” each and every boy gave their all. The congregation even willingly participated.

Fr Paddy Greene SJ led the prayers and the boys chosen to do the solos and readings did so with confidence and reverence, all of which resulted in a beautiful service. The final rendition of “O Holy Night” was breath taking. A wonderful carol, sung in a beautiful chapel by a choir who quite obviously enjoyed what they were doing.

Although I’ve attended the Carol Service previously, I never appreciated the commitment of all those involved. The dedication of the teachers who take part in this production is without question. Fran and Ruaidhri give a huge amount of their time and commitment to ensuring the boys are word and note perfect. The music group and instrumentalists were utterly brilliant and added so much to the evening. In the manic run up to Christmas, the Annual Carol Service is an opportunity to stop for an hour and remember what it is we’re celebrating. The dedication of all those involved and the very real passion and commitment of the three choirs. Fran and Ruaidhri make this an annual event not to be missed.

19 Sport Ireland to 1st place. It was his first international cap. international first his was It place. 1st to Ireland Cross Country on 11th January 2020. Daniel was the second Irish man home and led Congratulations to Daniel (RA)Stone finished who Celticin 2nd Games International Cross Country Games International Celtic the aiding for Belvedere at all to and years the throughout coaching and support their for McCarthy Colin and Doyle Michael Conway, Phil O'Shea, Brendan Duggan, Ronan to Thanks 16th,(PX) ThisChampionships. is the team’s first senior title. The four scorers were: Daniel (RA)Stone Fanning 4th, John Congratulations to the Senior Team who were victorious at the All All 2020 Eoin - Ireland Senior Champions! Richards 18th and(PK) Stephen Fay (RF) 30th. - Ireland Senior Schools Cross Country Country Cross Schools Senior Ireland programme . 20 Sport

Leinster Swimming Success By Ms Jenny Bourke

We had huge success in the National Aquatic Centre for the Leinster Senior Schools Swimming Competition.

Our biggest wins were GOLD in the Intermediate freestyle team: David Corcoran (GL), David Coyle (GL), Oisín Ó Seachnasaigh (RDL) and Darragh Lynch (SX), GOLD for Darragh Lynch in his individual 100 fly and BRONZE in his individual 100 free.

We were short a swimmer for the Senior relay team due to an illness so Jamie O'Keeffe from Elements Finlay stepped in their place and the team came THIRD! The team was: Ciaran Cope (PF), Jamie O'Keeffe, John Cleary (RX) and James Evans (RA). There were some outstanding individual swims too with most swimmers achieving significant PBs. Thanks to my assistant coaches Ms Edel NiBhriainand Ms Niamh O'Donoghue for their dedication, organisation and photography. Thanks also to the PE team - Mr Andy Woods and Mr Colin McCarthy in particular - for their support.

Thursday Football By Cian Russell, Syntax Kenney

Every Thursday at 1.35 pm, a group of 15 lads go up to the roof of Belvedere to take part in Football Skills. We had a great coach, Gerry Genocky, and really looked forward to the coaching sessions. We got changed into our kits and put our boots on, ready to play. As we walked out onto the pitch, Gerry would tell us to warm up and stretch. We would do a few warm up drills, which included running and stretching our legs. We then went into drills like passing, to improve our pass accuracy. These were followed by a few warm up games with strict rules such as two touch football. We then would go into a tournament of 5 v 5 games, where we would all play each other twice to see who would go to the final. I played in goal and really enjoyed it. Not everyone enjoys being a goalkeeper, but it is a really specific skill. I hope to keep up my football now. We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Gerry. 21 Trips of snow. Once at the top, we were given our andski began. gear were we our classes top, of Once at snow. the of views all most spectacular given time. oneMountains of were masked we each the canpeak eye as far as the where see, top and hopped our ski got passes we glacier. Once there, The following early up to the up inday, bus were we to make order the many at arrived we Hotel After hours, nights. and was packed, bus our long journey the smallA began. town to Kaprun farafter, away city,was our from home for this t the city ofgorgeous Vienna. to the goodbye inmorningschool We all to sayat arrived the the our with suitcases final goodb came it October around. meant22 for because timeall, A us ofit Tuesday, was the sadness time to say to our goodbye exchang der famouspark, Viennese theme on visited we our places trip agency. ofOther the Atomicresponsibilities about Energythe learned we Agency building where Nations United was visitingtrip offices the inof to acce the fortunate extremely Vienna. were highlights we Here of One the below. Vienna The long ofclimb top the Cathedral). to the Stephen’s Vienna as Wiener such of aactivities famoushas or wealth sightseeing. sites, enhanced our greatly GermanEach took place in itself morning day,experience language skills. classes the afternoonsand the not German study inup moved around Keeping was class a in school. fromcontributingc to class, class classes to English the Monday, Germanday began ofour while we study first who Those inus stayed in school. our with exchange class partners, the and next whom week staying awould introducedSoon we be for to our arriving,with the half. exchange were partners after we city and a border into would coachSlovakia,we get Austria. the fromacross bus where inWe all congregated Dublinon Airport a chilly morning all looking We were in middleforward to arriving of the October. in Rory By Exchange Vienna Ich Wien remember. always was an incredible experience and one I will our was knew it, over. trip finalThose days by, andwe flew before würde centre ist sicherlich diese of Vienna. famil building,imperial Habsburg which was is formerly impressive The school of a the summer the residence large, O’Dunlaing Reise eine sehr Reise Overall, the trip empfehlen and Wert. Prater, Prater, and Cuán ! Fullam Vier Schönbrunn Jahreszeiten , Syntax Kenney Syntax , Stephansdom Palace and Gardens. in Kaprun. was soon forgotten as we took in the breathtaking view of the city view of the ofas took in breathtaking we was soon forgotten the Staatsoper The coach took us to the school, the school, The coach to the took us (Vienna State Opera) and the (Viennaand Opera) the State Stephansdom Theresianum yes ss on hal he by Br inc a tour of the a of tour the e p . Not long we tho The atislava in atislava the lift to the lift to the the lenge but the the but lenge a thick layer layer thick a two next lude: alude: artners, and and artners, re for re se who do following (St (St , in the y. 22 Lyon Exchange By: Paddy McIntyre, Syntax Loyola

The Lyon experience started in Third Year when we were all given a list of different trips available to go on in Fourth Year. As I glanced down the list, a few of the big trips, such as Boston and China, jumped out at me. However, I saw Lyon as a good opportunity to improve my French and learn more about France’s culture. When Fourth Year rolled around, and I stood there waiting for my Form Tutor to read out which trip I got, I was in two minds. Whilst I wanted to go to China, a few of my friends had said that they put down Lyon first, so I was also hopeful that my name would be called out for Lyon. When my name was called out for Lyon, I was happy because I knew that it would be a great opportunity to learn French and that I would be going with a few of my mates.

The architecture in Lyon is breath-taking. Walking through the streets gives you a taste of both old Lyon (Le Vieux Lyon) with its untouched Renaissance architecture, and modern Lyon, with its original and contemporary architecture. I especially enjoyed the Basilique de Fourvière. It is a beautiful structure that has an amazing 180 degree view of both old and new Lyon.

Being with my host family was a culture shock at first. I was staying in a small apartment in the suburbs of Lyon. One thing I noticed is that their dinners are very ritualistic. Before dinner we would have an apéritif. I would have my choice of Coke or Orangina while the parents would sip on their wine and beer as we would all watch TV, usually XGames sports or something of the sort. Trips Dinner is a very important time for the family where they all get together, crack jokes and talk about their day. Of course, I had plenty of Aces up my sleeve, as I told the family all about interesting Irish things such as Hurling and Gaelic. It is very funny how little the French know about us compared to how much we know about them. They were very surprised I knew what pesto was, as they assumed Irish people ate potatoes all day!

When applying for Lyon, one of the main attractions is the opportunity to go skiing in les Alpes du Grande Serre. And, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was easily one of the highlights of the whole trip. We departed from Place Bellecour at 07:45, and travelled on a bus for two and a half hours. Once we arrived, they wasted no time getting us kitted up with ski boots, skis and poles (depending on your level). They then split everyone up into three groups: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The group you were in decided whether you went to the other side of the mountain, or had to stick to the green and blue slopes.

The trip to Paris was magnificent. I may sound like a broken record player, but it is definitely one of the highlights of this trip. While there, we visited all the main attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and we visited the reconstruction site of Notre Dame. I feel as though my French has improved, especially my spoken French. I thoroughly enjoyed my two weeks in France. It gave me a great insight into the French people and their culture. The group really enjoyed the trip, spending time with old pals and making new ones.

I would like to thank the French teachers and families for hosting us, and a special thanks to all the accompanying teachers on the trip: Mr Murphy, Mr Rogan, Mr Maloney, Ms Bridgeman and Ms Curtin. Amicalement!

23 Faith & Service

Camino De Santiago By: Jake Dimond, Syntax Aylmer

In the summer term of Third Year the trips were announced and I was thrilled to see that I had a place on the Camino. We were then tasked with the most important part of our trip, fundraising for the Belvedere Youth Club. Many of the common ways we fundraised were bag-packing at supermarkets, bucket shaking at different events and church collections.

On the morning of the 12th of October, we met in Dublin Airport, excited for what the next week would have to offer. When we arrived, we were put on a bus which would take us east to Léon, where we would begin our pilgrimage.

We began our 400km journey at 8:00am the next morning, hoping that the first and ‘easiest’ day wouldn’t tire us out too much. Over the next six days, we were challenged to our physical limits. At certain points, stopping to get off the bike seemed like the best thing to do, however the struggle was worth it for a good lunch and usually a fun downhill at the end of the day.

It rained very often throughout the week, certainly not the weather you would expect of Spain, however we were still able to enjoy lots of beautiful scenery during our cycle.

In order to receive a Camino certificate, we had to fill up a booklet with stamps that could be collected at the various shops in the towns that we cycled through along the way. Another great experience from the Camino was meeting and talking to other pilgrims, usually on foot, who had decided to go on this journey for their own personal reasons.

After a week of cycling, we finally arrived in Santiago in the pouring rain. The following morning we visited the magnificent tomb of Saint James. Soon after, we packed our bags and left for the airport, all having had an extremely enjoyable week.

The satisfying feeling of reaching our destination was one of the highlights of the trip. I am thankful that I picked the Camino back in Third Year, something I would very highly recommend.

24 Faith & Service

SleepOut 2019 Ember Faith Team

Thank you to all who took part, helped The Ember Faith Team hosted a talk with former out or donated to the 36th Belvederian and Under 20 Leinster Rugby player Annual SleepOut. David Hawkshaw (OB 2018) who talked about his faith journey and how it helped him to grow The final figure for this year’s Sleepout and develop as a 'man for others'. was €162,518.03.

Well done to the SleepOut Team for all of their hard work and dedication!

Cheque Presentation to Belvedere Youth Club

In January, we welcomed Gillian Collins and Jonathan Dowling from Belvedere Youth Club (BYC) to the College for a cheque presentation.

€29,000 was presented to BYC on behalf of a representative group of students who participated in the October 2019 Camino cycle. Thank you to Gillian and Jonathan for attending and for all of the great work BYC does supporting inner city children.

The presentation was led by Ms Martina Leddy and supported by Ms Ciara Flynn, Mr Joe MacGabhann and Mr Matthew Murchin. Mr Colin McCarthy has a long tradition with the Camino and was part of the ceremony in his role as Deputy Principal.

We are very grateful to all the staff and students who took part in the programme.

25 Faith & Service

Oblate Pilgrimage to Lourdes By: Jonathan Wang, Rhetoric Loyola

After weeks of wondering what was so special and life changing about the Lourdes Pilgrimage, ten Rhetoric students were given the full experience with the Annual Oblate Pilgrimage.

After a flight into Bordeaux, a three hour coach journey and two training days, the nerves had reached their peak as the guests were arriving and ready to be helped/wheeled/directed to their rooms in the Accueil (the hospital).

If there were three main verbs to describe the time spent with the guests, they would be; chatting, laughing and listening. To talk with the guests and share countless number of laughs was important, but to be able to listen to the guests is probably the most fundamental aspect of "work", or as I would call it, social time, in Lourdes.

Time passed oddly in Lourdes as we were up early every morning and had long days of work, however time seemed to stand still in the moments we shared with the guests. None of us had any clue what time of day it was and that's a sure sign that we were fully caught up in the action. The week flew by and the quality time spent with guests at meals, before and after services, or on the Day Out, made it feel like we had known them for a long time rather than just a few days. To me, that was one of the most valuable, most special things about the pilgrimage.

Lourdes is a place of inclusion, hope, joy and happiness that brings out the best in everyone. It was an immensely tiring week, both physically and emotionally, but it formed great friendships. The general consensus after the week, was that we would all do anything to be back in Lourdes.

Finally, I would like to say a massive thanks to Mr Ger O'Sullivan and Mr Rob Altman for their limitless encouragement, support, good humour and jokes. Also, a very special thanks to Aidan, Cillian, Chris, Joe, Pauric, Jack, Gavin, Anthony and Josh who all put in an extremely respectable hustle, showed their utmost dedication to the guests.

26 Faith & Service

Meath Diocese Pilgrimage By: Michael O’Hora, Rhetoric Loyola

Lourdes was simply an unforgettable experience. It’s hard to encapsulate my own personal experience of Lourdes into suitable words. It’s just one of those things that you need to experience first-hand in order to actually understand why and how this small town in the foothills of the Pyrénées of France is so special.

Our aim or purpose in Lourdes had nothing to do with self-gratification. Our goal was to ensure that the pilgrims had the best possible experience. It’s essentially what the essence of Lourdes is.… making the guests happy.

On the 8th September 2019 along with nine other Belvedere students and two teachers, Ms O’Donoghue and Mr Keogh, we embarked on the fourth official Belvedere pilgrimage with the Meath Diocese. After a three hour journey by bus from Bordeaux Airport we arrived in Lourdes. The next day, before the guests arrived, nerves began to kick in and no one had any idea of what to expect. As the convoy of buses pulled into the bay, pandemonium ensued. There was 10 of us lads and a multitude of guests. We immediately jumped to action. All nerves melted away and we were soon in auto pilot, swiftly transporting guests to their rooms and delivering their respective luggage.

To say the week went by fast would be an understatement. The typical day would begin with an early start and a trip down to the Accueil (hospital) where we would help set up the place for breakfast and then sit down with the guests and just chat with them as they ate. The pilgrims would attend numerous religious services daily. In order for this to be possible the brancardiers, nurses and ourselves would provide a sort of taxi service with Lourdes’ famous blue chariots.

Some of my favourite memories of Lourdes consisted of the trips out of town with the pilgrims. I formed a particularly strong bond and friendship with two pilgrims, Bernie and Tommy over the course of the week. We went out for a coffee in the town numerous times throughout the week. We were always in stitches laughing at one another's jokes and stories.

The true impact we have in Lourdes only really struck me when Tommy said “this is the best day of my life” mid laughter as we were walking back down from the town. I still reflect on this moment and still find it hard to believe how a simple thing, like going for a coffee with someone you’ve never met before can have such a positive impact on their life.

To any students reading this, I urge you to apply for this pilgrimage. It really is one of the best opportunities presented to you in Belvedere. You discover a lot about yourself. Your character, kindness and mental toughness are all tested throughout this experience. In the end you come out knowing that you have been part of something special.

A huge thank you goes out to Ms O’Donoghue and Mr Keogh for their care and support during the pilgrimage. It really was an unbelievable experience filled with fantastic memories. 27 Transition Year

My Time In The Little Flower Centre By Max Kaye, Syntax Loyola

Earlier on in the year I completed a two week long community care slot in the Little Flower Centre. It’s a place that serves hot meals twice a day to the homeless, less fortunate and elderly people of the area. My own grandmother goes down most days for her dinner.

It is primarily a place where people can get food, but from what I could see it was so much more. It was the beating heart of a community. I’m not talking about everyone who lives in the area but specifically those who benefit from its services. The bonds that you could see every day as the same people came in and sat next to their friends that they had made there were incredible. With the exception of the elderly in the area, the Little Flower serves an enclosed community generally outcast by society. In there, there was no judgment. There was no ridicule because of who you are.

I hope to be back volunteering there very soon.

Social Psychology in DCU By: Ciaran McGrath, Syntax Kenney

I applied for an Early University Entrance Psychology course at the end of Third Year that would take place during my Transition Year. I started going to the Psychology course in DCU in January. We had classes every Thursday and it lasted for 14 weeks. People came from all over the country, even from Cavan and Cork. We learned about Social Psychology and Biological Psychology. I learned about addiction and it was very interesting to see that there was so much of a physical side to this mental health disorder.

We had to do two assignments for our lecturers. We had to use the APA style and it was a fantastic opportunity to see how different the work that you do in college is than in school. My first essay was on alcohol addiction, how it was portrayed in the media and the effects that it has on people, their bodies and their relationships with other people. The next one I did was on conflict. I chose to talk about the conflict between older and younger generations over their views, focusing in on their differing views on homosexuality.

The entire experience really opened my eyes because we weren’t isolated from the other students. We were on the DCU campus, ate in the canteen, went to the library and spoke to students there. The atmosphere was also very different in the classes, and it was a nice experience to be in a class where the work ethic was so strong but didn’t stop everyone from having fun and making friends. I am so grateful to have had that experience and it was a great way to dip my foot into college life so I know what to expect after the Leaving Cert.

28 Theatre News

The O’Reilly Theatre 2019 - 2020

The end of the 2019-2020 year has been tough for the whole Belvedere community. We look forward to welcoming you all again as soon as possible to the O’Reilly Theatre. Until then, let us look back at some of the highlights of the past year. The O’Reilly has staged exciting performances this year, from international debuts to Belvedere’s own show stopping performances.

In August, while the students were getting ready for the new school year, the theatre was getting ready for a new theatre season. The O’Reilly began the year co-producing the arts council funded project, Gym Swim Party. During the summer, audiences were given a sneak peak of the production during a talk in Belvedere House, with writers Jan Carson and Emilie Pine. Gym Swim Party brought together a wealth of theatre talent. Louise Lowe (Director) Gavin Kostick & Danielle Galligan (Writers) Denis Clohessy (Composer) Aedín Cosgrove (Lighting Design) and many more. Gym Swim Party opened during the Dublin Fringe Festival. The ORT was delighted to be part of the expansive, modern telling of a Greek tragedy.

Next up was Dublin Theatre Festival. The O’Reilly hosted two productions for the 2019 festival. First on the stage was MÁM, the brand-new production from Teac Damsa and Michael Keegan Dolan. It was the sold out hit of the festival. Teac Damsa previously created ‘Loch Na hEala - Swan Lake’ which featured at the O’Reilly Theatre in 2016. MÁM mixed traditional Irish Music with contemporary dance to create a dark and beautiful piece. MÁM received standing ovations every night and was nominated for an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Dance Production’. The second Dublin Theatre Festival programmed performance was ‘SOPRO’. SOPRO focused on the perspective of the theatre prompter from Teatro Nacional D Maria II, a background figure who is then thrust, with great reluctance, into the foreground. This Portuguese production deeply moved audiences and capped another successful year for Dublin Theatre Festival at the ORT.

Belvedere Drama Department then took to the stage with the Junior Musical in late October. This year ‘High School Musical JR’ was the production for the junior students. A fun week was had by the cast, crew, and audiences alike.

The theatre continued to be busy in November; the ORT hosted another year of ‘Show Choir Ireland’. Show Choir Ireland welcomes young performers from all over the country to the live final at the O’Reilly Theatre. The teams perform for judges with one group being crowned the winner. We love having the glitz and glamour return each year.

Next up was a talk with the International Literature Festival. The writer Marian Keyes interviewed chef and author, Nigel Slater. Nigel Slater was promoting his hotly anticipated new book “Greenfeast: Autumn, Winter”. Marian Keyes had the entire audience in hysterics and even presented Nigel Slater with a multi-pack of Tayto to remember his trip to Ireland.

In the same week, we also hosted Elizabeth Day in conversation with Amy Huberman. The conversation was recorded for Day’s widely applauded podcast ‘How to Fail’. The podcast is named after her bestselling book of the same name. The podcast and book focus on the…

29 30 Theatre News

The O’Reilly Theatre 2019 - 2020

… many ways in which we fail and become stronger for it. Next up was the Senior Musical. The drama department went all out with their production of ‘Sweeney Todd’. The students even got a master class from David Shannon and Cathal Synnott. Both were a part of the Sweeney Todd production that premiered at the Gate Theatre and won ‘Best Opera Production’ at the Irish Time Theatre Awards in 2007. The Belvedere cast took to the stage for 4 marvellous, sold out shows. At the start of December, the auditorium seating got a re-vamp. 500 new seats for audience members to enjoy. They were put to good use right away, with the second year of Causeway Productions Pantomime at the O’Reilly. This year saw the production of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. After each show, the audience got to meet the cast - lots of smiling faces after each performance. January saw the ORT stage and No.3 used for preparations and rehearsals of the 24-Hour Plays. 24 Hour Plays are all created from start to finish in 24 Hours, they are then performed at the Abbey Theatre in aid of ‘Dublin Youth Theatre’. Next up was Pat Kinevane and Fishamble with ‘Silent’. This Olivier award winning play was on the ORT stage for one night only, all proceeds were in aid of ‘Mental Health Reform Ireland’. The night was a massive success with a full auditorium both laughing and crying throughout the performance.

In February we welcomed back Trinity VDP for another year of pantomime fun. This year's adventure was ‘Hercules’. Trinity VDP work with numerous groups around Dublin and we look forward to their uplifting performance every year. Right on the heels of Trinity VDP was the return of the Metropolitan Ballet - this year they created a beautiful production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Jay Rayner took to the stage in late February. The MasterChef judge was at the O’Reilly to launch his new book ‘My Last Supper’ a book all about hypothetical choices for last meals. The audience got to ask plenty of questions and left with a few recipes as well as a signed book.

In March we had the second year of ‘Class Acts’ – four productions lead by students, with the help of a staff mentor. This year the productions contained zombies, a desert island, a mystery at an airport and a dramatic piece about living in difficult circumstances.

Alongside the theatre, No.3 Studios continues to grow as a creative hub in Dublin. Many productions have used the rehearsal space in No.3 including: ‘Trad’ by Livin’ Dred (Abbey Theatre 2019), ‘Asking For It’ by Landmark Productions (Gaiety Theatre), Smashing Times and many more. The No.3 tenants are also continuing their fantastic work at the national and international arts scene.

Thank you to all the audience’s members and to the Belvedere community for your support over the last year! For further updates, please follow the O’Reilly Theatre on the below social media platforms.

Facebook - Instagram - Twitter or sign up to receive the ORT newsletter through the O’Reilly website.

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Editor: Amy Purvis, Development Office