Charter Implementation Update 2 / Student Guide to Schools’ Charter 3 / Talking for Ireland St Declan’s College, Cabra 3 / Roscommon Students in Belarus Roscommon CBS 3 / Exciting Literacy Initiative North Monastery Primary School, Cork 5 / 6th Successive Earl of Cork Scholarship CBS Secondary School, Dungarvan 6 / Intercultural Schools Tournament Mount Sion Secondary School, Waterford 6 / Calcutta Project Gathers Momentum St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow CBS 8 / Indian Visit Changed Our View of Life Ardscoil Rís, Limerick 9 / World Book Day Events Kilkenny Cbs 11 / Portlaoise Students Experience Zambia Portlaoise CBS 12
‘The Seed will Grow’ Blessed Edmund Rice
Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter / Issue 1 / Summer 2009
During a period of reflection and Greetings from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust discernment prior to the establishment Fáilte of the Trust, key elements that characterise the Edmund Rice School were identified. These are: Edmund Rice founded his first school in Waterford in 1802, and Christian Brothers’ education -- Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality has since been provided for over two hundred years in schools in Ireland and abroad. At the and Gospel-based values; start of this century the Christian Brothers, through an act of generosity, decided to hand on -- Promoting partnership in the school responsibility for their schools to a group of lay people. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust was community; established on the 1st September 2008 to ensure that the schools in the former Christian -- Excelling in teaching and learning; Brother Network would continue to provide a Catholic education into the future, in the -- Creating a caring school community; spirit and tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice, for the people of Ireland. There are currently -- Inspiring transformational leadership. 97 schools in The Edmund Rice Schools Trust. The school communities have identified these elements as the essential ways in which the founding vision of Blessed Edmund Rice is realised in practice in each school. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust will support and assist our schools in promoting the principles in our Charter.
The Edmund Rice Schools Trust office is located in Blackrock in Dublin. There are seven members of the team based in the office: Gerry Bennett (Chief Executive); Tony McCann (Coordinator of Ethos Development); Helen O’Brien (Coordinator of Governance Support Services); Louise Callaghan (Finance/Property Officer); Br. Seán Breartún (Finance); Natasha Kearns (Senior Administrative Assistant) and Brenda Walsh (Administrative Assistant).
(continued on page 2)
Back row, left to right: Br. Seán Breartún, Gerry Bennett and Tony McCann. Front row, left to right: Brenda Walsh, Helen O’Brien, Louise Callaghan and Natasha Kearns. 2 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Fáilte (continued) We ask you to always be mindful, and to take care of, those less fortunate It is a tremendous pleasure for us all to read than yourselves. about the very many positive contributions and outstanding achievements of our Following on from a very successful students during this school year. The stories Principals’ Conference last year, we are and the articles represent the academic and currently making arrangements for the sporting achievements, drama, debating, 2nd Annual Conference during term 1 musicals, competitions, the myriad of of 2009/2010. Details and arrangements societies and clubs in our schools and will be posted out to Principals in the the excellent community work in which coming weeks. our students are involved. The activities depicted in this Newsletter are at the very In the past six months we have enjoyed heart of the work of our schools and we visiting the schools and witnessing at first congratulate our teachers who provide hand the Edmund Rice spirit that is evident opportunities for the social and personal in the school communities. By the end of development that such activities facilitate this year we will have visited all of the for our students. schools in our Network. These visits will greatly help us to plan for the coming year. For those students sitting exams this summer we send our heartfelt good We would like to take this opportunity wishes and prayers at this time. To all to sincerely thank all the members of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate educational community in our schools who Students, may the exams bring the desired contribute to the quality of education for results. From all of us at the Edmund our students. We thank the teachers, the Rice Schools Trust, we wish especially the special needs assistants, the secretaries, Leaving Certificate Students well as they the caretakers, the parents, the Parents’ bid farewell to their schools after what Councils and the Boards of Management. will be, for many, the end of 5 or 6 years We thank also the Members and Directors of attendance. We wish them all every of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust who success for the future. We hope that as past give so generously of their time to ensure students they will keep in touch with the the continuance of Catholic Education many friends that they have made at school in the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice into and that they will treasure the values that the future. have been passed on to them. We urge the students in the Edmund Rice schools to use Gerry Bennett their many talents for the benefit of their Chief Executive local community and for society in general. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust.
Beannacht ar Chách
Beannacht ar chách Nara tiugha féar ag fás Ná gaineamh ar thrá Ná drúcht ar bhán Ná na beannachtaí ó Rí na ngrás Blessed Edmund Rice Ar gach anam a bhí, a bheidh ná atá. Feast Day 5th May Not more generous the growing blades of grass He opened his heart to Christ present in Nor the grains of sand on the shore those oppressed by poverty and injustice. Nor the dewdrops on the pasture Be the blessings of the King of grace Blessed Edmund lives on in the noble On every soul that was, that will be or that is. band of Christian workers to whom he has bequeathed his spirit and his work. The Glenstal Book of Prayer
The gatherings were facilitated by the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter Implementation Office. During these sessions the school representatives engaged in a further exploration of the Charter. Central to the process was the living out of the key element, Excelling in Teaching and Learning. During the day representatives from the schools were invited to reflect on what inspires them as teachers. They were also invited to focus on Jesus as the inspiring teacher and role-model. As part of the process schools representatives were asked to explore what challenges them as Charter Implementation teachers and what their concerns are. Update The day continued by exploring what is working well in the schools of the Trust with regard to teaching and learning. They were invited to share what current structures they have in place with regard The implementation of the Edmund to reviewing teaching and learning in their Rice Schools Trust Charter to the school individual schools. communities has continued during the current academic year. A number of From an analysis of the feedback and cluster gatherings took place throughout evaluation of the participants the cluster the country during October. There were days seem to have been a great success. two gatherings in Dublin, one in Clonmel, The Charter implementation team of Limerick, Cork and Belfast. These were well Séamus and Kevin are currently making attended by representatives of the various individual visits to the schools to support school communities. the implementation of the Charter. Issue 1 / Summer 2009 / 3
Student Guide to Schools’ Charter Activity Sheet for the Student Guide
The Student Guide to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter should To assist with the utilising of the Student Guide to the Charter we have put together have arrived in your school at this stage. In a true spirit of school this activity document. There are questions and activities ranging from simple partnership, as espoused by the five key elements of the Charter, comprehension to deeper research and analysis. Project and research ideas are the students can continue to play a conscious, committed and included, as are questions that focus specifically on the living out of the five key enthusiastic contribution to the school community in the new elements in the school. reality of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. The Student Guide The activity sheets will accompany the guides. to the Edmund Over a year, we met with student council representatives as part Rice Schools Trust of their training days with Br Chris Glavey. The students looked We hope that you will find this a great resource as you use the Student Guide Charter at the Charter, its five key elements, the life of Blessed Edmund to the Edmund Rice Schools Charter in your school. and his vision and Charism. Following on from this, a focus group was formed who made final suggestions and recommendations for the student guide. With these, we in the Charter Implementation office along with Br Chris, edited and finally agreed on the guide as it is now.
It is very important that students see the guide as a document for them to utilise in realising the mission and the vision of their school and as part of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. Its contents cover information on Blessed Edmund, the establishment of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, an exploration of the Charter and a reflection on the icon of Blessed Edmund. In a true spirit of school partnership, It is hoped that the Student Guide to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust as espoused by the five key elements of Charter will be used and reflected upon as all school communities move forward within the new Trust. We encourage teachers to use it the Charter, the students can continue with classes across the years and to allow them, in turn, to engage with it. To assist with this process, an activity sheet accompanies the sets of guides so that students can study, work and research the to play a conscious, committed and guide for themselves. The Student Guide would also be an essential part of documentation and resources for your student council. enthusiastic contribution to the school
We hope that you will find the Student Guide useful with your community in the new reality of the students and that it will contribute to a greater understanding of the Charter and the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. Edmund Rice Schools Trust
Talking for Ireland Roscommon Students in Belarus
St Declan’s College, Cabra Youth in Action Project
5th year students, Alex Nolan and Michael As part of an EU Youth In Action Copernicus Project, a group of students from Brennan from St. Declan’s, Cabra proudly Roscommon CBS travelled to the city of Minsk in Belarus for a week, between 22nd represented Ireland in March at the Oxford and 29th of September 2008. University Debating Competition for 2nd level students. This is a most prestigious The Copernicus Project seeks to promote a better Europe in a better world by creating international Debating Competition. opportunities for young people from different parts of Europe to meet for educational experiences, constructive dialogue and for the sharing of cultures. As a non-profit, Being just one of four Irish secondary The English method of debate lends great non-political and non-sectarian organisation it strives to promote peace and mutual schools taking part in the competition emphasis to content and analysis and understanding especially among communities that experience repression, conflict and enhances St. Declan’s growing reputation in very little to style or the expression of wit. deprivation. It is supported by the EU under its Youth in Action Programme. the area of public speaking and debating. The entertainment factor is decidedly not In the last decade alone the school has at a premium, leaving the Irish teams at The seven CBS students included Declan Kelly, Niall Hunt, Kenneth Kelly, Kevin O’Malley, reached the final of the famous ‘Leinsters’ a disadvantage. Carlo Morelli, James Mc Loughlin and Eoin Murray. They were accompanied by their three times, taking first place in the Geography teacher, Ms. Eileen Parker. individual competition in 2006. It all proved part of a learning curve and the experience gained was priceless! Here A number of our fifth year students from the school are making a follow-up visit to The lads were accompanied by their we were reminded by plaque, bust, and Belarus in April this year and the school will host students from the Belarus region later parents and two teachers, Ms Sarah Barry painting that some of Britain’s Revered in July to create ongoing links with these schools. and Mr Gerry O’Hara. Statesmen cut their teeth in the cut and thrust of argument right here. A virtual The competition was run according to role call of honour with names such as Parliamentary Rules, where the speakers Gladstone, Salisbury, Randolph Churchill, are given the motion for debate 15 minutes and Asquith, all made their maiden before it commences. In a contest that speeches in this hallowed hall. rewards quick thinking, organizational ability, a great command of general Appropriately it was four English teams knowledge and current affairs plus fluency that ultimately competed in the grand final, of tongue, it was definitely not for the which was won by the home team St. Paul’s fainthearted! Oxford. At last an interesting motion was hotly debated ‘That this house believes that Sad to say we needed more than luck since governments should lie to their people in none of the Irish teams made the final but times of war’. when you consider that out of some 800 second level schools throughout the U.K. The Oxford experience was definitely and Ireland, only 88 teams including our unique, a roller coaster of emotional ups own gathered to compete in the famed and downs in what ultimately proved to Oxford Union debating chamber on be an exhilarating, never to be forgotten, Saturday 14th March, you might say we occasion which was shared by parents, were all winners. teachers and students alike. 4 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Young Scientist certainly put him to the pin of his collar Moments of Celebration in our School Congratulations to Stephen Lehane who however as staff and students pitched in did so well at the BT Young Scientist & with some difficult questions which he Clonkeen College, Dublin Technology competition. did well to field.
An interesting premise to his study, Student Council Do Gender and Age of a Teacher Change The new Student Council is now up and Students’ Willingness to Learn, certainly running, thanks to the hard work of Mr Congratulations to the Clonkeen College Mental Health Public Speaking Team of Colin caught the eye of the judges and his hard Noonan and Mr Daly. They are without O’ Shaughnessy, Niall Murphy, Barry Lenihan and Colin Egan who won through to the work under the watchful eye of teacher, doubt a competent and ambitious Council All-Ireland Semi-Finals of the competition held in Kildare in February. We were narrowly Ms Duffy, ensured success! Well done also and we are looking forward to working defeated by Coláiste Eoin, Mullingar. to Jacob Brennan and Darragh Cullen for with them in incorporating change and reaching the finals of the competition and maintaining tradition. The students did themselves proud. Well done to you and your mentors, Ms. Lester and representing the school with distinction. Mr. McMenamy! We are sure that your skills of public speaking have already transferred Visit to Kenya on to the other members of the recently formed Clonkeen College Debating Society, given Drama Festival The two school project teams, under the recent success of David Nolan in the Trinity College Dublin Phil Speaks competition. Congratulations also to the actors, helpers the guidance and care of Ms McQuaid, and mentors involved in the recent St. Mr Barry and Mr McGauley, travelled to Andrew’s One Act Drama Festival. Their Kenya over Easter. They are continuing a performance on the night was magnificent fine humanitarian tradition in the school and hugely entertaining! which owes so much to the ongoing efforts of Mr McGauley and others. Gaelic Football Commiserations to our talented U-18 Tour to Krakow in Poland Gaelic Football team who were so unlucky We would also like to wish the Transition to lose after extra-time in the Dublin final. Year students all the best on their Well done to all involved, from panel to International Tour to Krakow, Poland. mentors Mr Sheehy and Mr O’Reilly. Mr McBride and his team of teachers will, no doubt, have their hands full Talk on European Affairs looking after forty five students! It was great to have Mr. Eoin Ryan MEP to talk to the Clonkeen College Senior school School Secretary RIP Clonkeen College Mental Health Public Stephane Lehane (4th Year) celebrates with about European politics, history, education Finally, we would like to end on a poignant Speaking Team meets Mr Eoin Ryan MEP teacher Ms Maire Duffy on coming third and the economy. note. Clonkeen College has lost a great friend Pictured above (left to right): Mr Dom in the Intermediate Social & Behavioural in the recent bereavement of former school Twomey (Principal), Niall Murphy, Colin section of the BT Young Scientist & Mr Ryan spoke with eloquent sincerity secretary Ms Deirdre O’Malley. Her service to Egan, Mr Eoin Ryan MEP, Barry Lenihan, Technology Competition. about the historical and ongoing need the school was immense. We wish her family, Colin O’ Shaughnessy, Mr Kevin Barry for a united and cooperative Europe. The and the families of all who have recently (Deputy Principal). question and answer session afterwards been bereaved, our sincere condolences.
New Computers laboured selflessly to promote Catholic Scoil Iognáid Rís News We are very grateful to our Parents’ Education in the city. Consequently, we Council for spending €4,000 in providing have two excellent schools and staffs in the Scoil Iognáid Rís, Primary School, Kilkenny new computers for every classroom. The Edmund Rice tradition, that will continue computers are connected to the school to promote a caring Christian ethos and network with the following advantages: provide a quality education to their pupils. network printing, classroom connection to the internet and individual teacher e-mail. We had been privileged to be associated The money was raised through a “bag with this fine tradition and value our packing fundraiser” in SuperValu before friendship with the Brothers over the Christmas, The amount raised was €2,384. years. Our own experiences of the Brothers, particularly the men who Extra-Curricular Activities taught in the primary school, have Our broad range of extra-curricular been hugely positive and we regard activities are progressing well. They include many of them as friends to this day. piano, guitar, performing arts, chess, art classes, tag rugby, soccer, basketball, Irish Legacy of Positive Staff Relations dancing, French for Fun and homework Our own Brother Murphy has left an club. Our 4th Class swimmers were excellent school and a huge legacy delighted to receive their certificates to of positive staff relations and deep mark their achievements. friendships. He has been an example to all of us as Principal and as a retired Brother. It Hurling is hard to believe that he has given, in post- During the early days of December the retirement, an extra 25 years service to the annual Indoor Hurling Blitz took place at school. Through his selfless dedication to O’Loughlin Gaels indoor facility. This blitz the school for 40 years he has gained the was organised by Kilkenny GAA and was respect and friendship of the staff and his under the care of Brian Ryan. daily contact with us will be sadly missed.
Our school senior hurling panel have been Edmund Rice Schools Trust training since before Christmas. The League As part of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust begins after Easter. We thank Mr Bergin for we will endeavour to maintain and pass his commitment to the boys and we look on the fine traditions and high standards forward to an enjoyable and a successful of those brothers and teachers who have 2009 on the hurling fields. laboured in Kilkenny before us.
Our Boys’ Choir Christian Brothers Departure While there will be no community of We are very proud of our school choir It is with sadness we learn of the departure Brothers in Kilkenny City we will keep and choirmaster, Mr Seamus Brennan, of the Christian Brothers Community from alive the strong ties and friendships that who are this year celebrating their Silver Kilkenny City. It brings an end to a long unite us. Jubilee. We are marking this very special history (149 years) of dedicated service occasion by holding various events by the Brothers to the youth of Kilkenny. May God bless the work of the Brothers throughout the year. Many Brothers, over the years, have in Ireland, and throughout the world. Issue 1 / Summer 2009 / 5
Gaisce Awards
CBS Carrick-on-Suir
Sixth Year Students who recently received their bronze and silver Gaisce Awards at CBS Carrick-on-Suir, Co.Tipperary from Mr Sean Kelly (Ex GAA President). Also included in the photo are Mr B O’Farrell (School Principal) and Ms Gleeson (President’s Award Leader).
What started out as the brainchild of the Home/School/Community People were invited to take part in activities such as: art, Exciting Literacy Liaison teachers of the North Cathedral, Shandon, Blackpool drama, song, quizzes, crafts etc and a grand celebration was Initiative Education Network and spearheaded by John Daly of the North held on April 1st in the Firkin Crane as part of the Lifelong Monastery Primary School, has quickly spread to 24 schools, Learning Festival. North Monastery Primary School, Cork and also to Adult Education Resource Centres and Youth Centres throughout the area. We had the privilege of having the author, Michael Smith, with us at that time to give workshops on the book. The book, ‘Tom Crean, Ice Man’ is being read in fourth, fifth and sixth classes in the primary schools and by first years in the secondary There are many obvious benefits from this initiative. Many people This is a very exciting literacy initiative schools. The parents of these children are also invited to read the are reading and enjoying the book, the numbers of people going that has captured the attention of the book in the home. Essentially, it is a parent/child activity where to the local library and seeking further information on Antarctic community on the northside of Cork City. they share and enjoy some time and activity together. expeditions has increased dramatically and community groups have embraced the opportunity to develop skills and techniques The selection of book was very apt considering that in the northside to further their educational experiences. area, Pat Falvey and Dr Claire O’Leary followed in Tom Crean’s footsteps last year and gave daily reports, via the internet, which I would urge other groups and communities to use this literacy many schools used as cross-curricular exercises. initiative or a similar one to generate a new enthusiasm about reading and you will be surprised at the benefits that will be Expedition to the South Pole gained from it. This was followed up by two students, Dominick Leahy and Michael Dalton from Terence Mac Sweeney Community School in Tom Crean Knocknaheeney, joining Pat on a subsequent expedition to the South He was born in Annascaul, Co. Kerry in 1877 and enlisted in Pole. These two lads gave an exciting account of their sojourn and the Royal Navy in 1893. In 1901 he went to Antarctica for the showed fascinating photographs of the flora and fauna there. first time on the Discovery Expedition, led by Captain Scott. He joined the Terra Nova expedition in 1910, again led by Scott. Another boy named Oliver Drugan showed a silver €5 coin depicting In 1912 Scott and four companions died on the return journey Shackleton and Crean, which was given to his grandfather who in from the South Pole. Crean was part of the last support party turn passed it on to him. for Scott. Tom Crean served in World War One and retired from the Navy in 1920. The launch was further embellished by a fall of snow which was one of the few days we had snow in Cork. He returned home to Annascaul, and opened a public house, which he called ‘The South Pole Inn’. He spent the remainder of Extension Activities his days enjoying family life and eschewed the many attempts Since the launch, a lot of extension activities have taken place in by visitors to engage him in tales of his exploits in the Antarctic. the area. The library has teamed up with Cork Community Art Link to construct an igloo made from recyclable material, namely, plastic He died in 1938 and his funeral was the largest ever witnessed milk drums which will accommodate 6/10 children at a time and it in Annascaul. This seemingly indestructible man was finally laid is hoped to create a South Pole atmosphere with background sounds to rest in the tiny cemetery in Ballynacourty, in a tomb he built of the penguins and the wind. This will be constructed in a way himself, overlooking the hills of Kerry. which will permit it’s transportation to other areas.
The Adult Education Resource Centres have collaborated with the Home School Liaison Coordinators to produce a bookmark celebrating the reading of the book.
Wexford High School Musical Coláiste Éamonn Rís News The CBS and Presentation secondary schools in Wexford joined forces with Oyster Lane Theatre Group to stage Disney’s hugely popular ‘High School Musical’. Auditions for the Coláiste Éamonn Rís, Wexford musical took place back in October.
There was a dedicated production team of Alan Corcoran (director), Patrick Clancy (Musical director), Paul Doyle (Choreographer) and Eanna McKenna (chorus master). The cast and crew put in hours of effort, over a number of months to produce a truly memorable show. The show ran from the 31st January, for eight performances, concluding on the 7th February.
All Ireland Team Math Final 2009 Coláiste Éamon Rís students, Mark Sills, Stephen McGuire, Johnny Fitzpatrick and Justin McGuinness qualified for the fifth All Ireland Team Math Final.
They were winners in the regional competition held in Enniscorthy with a 100% correct score on the night. The final was held in U.C.C. on Saturday March 7th. They came joint 4th in the All-Ireland Final. 6 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
6th Successive Earl of Cork Scholarship
CBS Secondary School, Dungarvan
Kevin Phelan, a 5th Year student at CBS Secondary School, Dungarvan has recently been awarded the Earl of Cork Scholarship for the highest results for boys in Co. Waterford and East Cork in the 2008 Junior Certificate examination.
This is the sixth successive year that a student from CBS Dungarvan has won the Earl of Cork Scholarship.
-- 2007 - Brian Hughes -- 2006 - Leo Kavanagh -- 2005 - Derek Barry -- 2004 - Sean O’Hare -- 2003 - Kevin Stack
As well as being an outstanding student, Kevin also excelled on the playing fields, at midfield on the CBS hurling teams. Kevin is son of Michéal and Ann Phelan of Cappagh. Kevin’s father, Michéal, played hurling for Waterford and hopefully, Kevin will follow in Pictured above: Mr John Murphy (Acting Principal) presenting Kevin Phelan with his his footsteps later on. Scholarship 2008. Included are Kevin’s parents, Michéal and Ann Phelan.
News from Mount Sion Secondary School, Waterford
Declaration of Human Rights
The 10th December 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. To mark this wonderful event the Junior Certificate students from Mount Sion Secondary School organised a reading of the thirty articles and raised the U.N. flag at the school on Barrack Street in Waterford City.
Historic Breakthrough for Ardscoil Rís
Ardscoil Rís, Limerick
November 27th will go down as the day on which Ardscoil Rís, Limerick made the breakthrough in Munster Colleges Hurling.
After wins over St. Caimins (Shannon) and Blackwater College, Lismore, they faced the Kings of Munster Colleges hurling, St. Flannans of Ennis in the final of the Dean Ryan Cup. A crowd of 2,000 were treated Left to right: Kevin McGrath, Stephen Power, David Stephens, Dylan Left to right: Mr Tomás Breathnach, teacher at Mount Sion and Mayor to an absorbing contest in Clarecastle, Roche, Daniel Roche and Anthony Clooney. of Kilkenny with Mr Bill Doherty, teacher and organiser.Pupils: Walter which ebbed and flowed many times Croke, Jack McGrath and Lee Halligan. but ultimately the better hurling team won. Ardscoil Rís emerged as Munster Champions defeating St. Flannans by 1 - 9 to 1 - 7. Well done and congratulations to this top class panel of players and to their Mount Sion Intercultural Schools Tournament trainers Mr Moran and Mr Kennedy. All were heroes. This Intercultural Soccer tournament was organised by two students, Lee Nugent and Ben Duggan. It was about bringing together different nationalities through Sport.
The tournament for the Rice Cup took place in Mount Sion GAA Grounds in Waterford in late March and was part of the Edmund National Model United Rice Awards. Nations Conference Through the Edmund Rice Awards students come to realise that Ardscoil Rís, Marino, Dublin Edmund Rice’s life included a Spirit-inspiried move to change the very structures of his society. To be included for an Edmund Rice Award, students must engage in social justice activity within their local community and spend time reflecting on this activity.
In late January, ten students under the care The Tournament brought together 5 CBS Schools in the South East, We also want to say special thanks to Mr Pat Kelly Waterford School of Ms. Markey attended the National Model New Ross, Waterpark and Dungarvan and 2 from Mount Sion. Each Boys Soccer, Gary Power, Development Officer FAI Waterford, Br United Nations Conference in Cork. The team had to have at least 3 foreign nationals. Mount Sion were Kevin Mascarenhas, Director Information and Support Unit for Ardscoil Rís delegation, made up of Ciarán winners with Dungarvan as runners-up. The Rice Cup was presented New Communities in Waterford and Ms Anne Reilly Edmund Rice Cronin, Eoghan Cooke, Ronan Richardson, by Mr John McArdle the Principal of Mount Sion Secondary School. Awards, Dublin for helping organise the tournament and support Graham Murtagh, Darren Wade, Luke Lee and Ben in this great undertaking. Thanks also to the Order of Maycock, Peter McDunphy, Daniel Elliot, Each school had to bring a poster on Racism. A special Malta and to our sponsors Lucozade. Gary O’Donoghue and Shane Folan were congratulation to the Waterpark Secondary for the beautiful poster awarded the prize for Best Delegation of they presented. The tournament really brought out the changing Congratulation to Lee Nugent and Ben Duggan for taking on and the weekend. face of our schools in Waterford and Ireland. running this project very successfully. Issue 1 / Summer 2009 / 7
Harty Cup for Thurles CBS
Thurles CBS, Tipperary THURLES CBS Team: P Ryan; S Harty, R O’Shea, M Doyle; P Molloy, D Maher, J Meagher; M Russell, M Bracken; K Morris, J O’Neill, A McCormack; M O’Brien, D Butler, D Fogarty. Subs: P Greene, P Looby, J Barry.
THURLES CBS ended a 53-year famine when they captured the Harty Cup, the Munster Colleges Senior Hurling title at Nenagh on Sunday March 8th, with a 15-point victory over first-time finalists St Caimin’s of Shannon.
Beaten semi-finalists in 2000, 2001, 2006 and 2007, Thurles fell at the final hurdle in 2005 and last year, after knocking on the door for so long, it finally swung open in emphatic fashion.
In the process, Thurles became the first Clare’s St Caimin’s elected to play against Butler gave them a 2-11 to 0-2 interval of strength at centre-back for Thurles CBS Tipperary team since Templemore CBS in a stiff wind, but paid the price as Thurles lead. Thurles oozed class as former All- and team captain James Barry made a late 1978 to capture the title, with a fine first- opened up a 15-point half-time lead en Ireland minor medallist John O’Neill led appearance as a substitute and lifted the half performance paving the way for this route to a seventh Harty Cup success. First the charge with three classy points from trophy as he continues his recovery from comfortable victory. half goals from Michael O’Brien and David play. Denis Maher was once again a tower a wrist injury.
3rd Year CSPE students who recently held a Pictured here are our present Transition Year Keep-Up Competition to raise money for the Cohort, all of whom are trained and certified Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. in the use of an A.E.D.
News from New School Website Students Helping the Local Hospice Defibrillator Training Roscommon CBS Its with great pleasure that our school CSPE stands for Civic, Social and Political The Roscommon CBS school community welcomes the development and Education. It aims to prepare students has recently taken a huge step forward in introduction of our school website which to become active citizens who can relation to health and safety training and went live at Easter 2009. In keeping with participate in society in a meaningful provision within the school. the changes in Information Technology way. Our 3rd Year CSPE students in in recent times, it is essential that a fine Roscommon CBS recently held a Keep-Up During the course of the 2008/2009 educational establishment like ours is at Competition to raise money for the Mayo/ school year, all students in the school were the interface in promoting these changes. Roscommon Hospice. afforded the opportunity of partaking in a sponsored charity walk with the expressed In recent years the expansion of our This fundraiser was part of their Junior aim of raising funds for the purchase of an computer facilities has provided and Certificate CSPE Action Project. The A.E.D. or Automated External Defibrillator. exposed our students to new learning competition was open to all 1st, 2nd, frontiers. The use of the internet as an 3rd, 5th Years and Transition Years. So good was the response to our agent in the learning and teaching process, The student with the highest score from fundraising efforts that it enabled the allows students to access and disseminate each year qualified for a final and the school community to purchase two information at the press of a button. competition was held during games classes defibrillators. These are now mounted at for one week. The four finalists were Colin two strategic points around the school. The many links on our website is a Gannon from 1st Year, Darren Donnelly welcome reminder of the huge impact and from 2nd Year, Mark Healy from 3rd Year In achieving this wonderful goal, contribution that our school has made over and Cillian Egan from 5th Year. Roscommon CBS has also become the the years in providing a quality education first building within the town to provide for the people of Roscommon Town and it’s Eventually Cillian Egan emerged victorious such life saving equipment and provide wider environs. We are extremely confident with a score of 584. His prize was two full access to this equipment on a 24 that this new website will allow us to tickets to the Ireland v France Six Nations hour basis, 365 days per year, along with live our mission statement in a real and game in Croke Park. This prize was kindly having over one third of the entire school meaningful way in the years ahead. donated to the class by Connacht Coach population trained in C.P.R. and the use of Pat McDonagh. an A.E.D. Visit us at: www.cbsroscommon.ie All students are thanked for taking part and contributing money for the cause. The competition proved most enjoyable for all but most importantly the students raised €312 for an extremely worthy cause. 8 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Calcutta Project Gathers Momentum in Carlow
St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow CBS
The St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow CBS Calcutta Immersion Project 2010 is now in full swing, with various events planned.
The students under the guidance of Mrs Theresa O’Neill plan to travel to Calcutta, India for about 2 weeks to work with the poor in that Indian city. This project will involve the students staying at Christian Brother locations and working in schools, hospitals and on the streets with people in need.
The trip will certainly not be a holiday. Rather it requires a group of students capable of working very closely together. This photograph shows a fund-raising group of students organising a Christmas Raffle.
It will be the school’s fourth trip to India and demonstrates the school’s commitment to furthering the work of the founder of the Christian Brothers, Blessed Edmund Rice.
Over the past two years St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow in conjunction with Portlaoise CBS have piloted a programme in Developmental Education for Transition Year students. It will be the school’s fourth trip to India and demonstrates the school’s commitment to furthering the work of the founder of the Christian Brothers, Blessed Edmund Rice.
CBC Turn on the Style for Historic Rugby Victory Medal Winner at Bowling Aaron Quinlan, a second year student in St. Mary’s Academy Carlow CBS was the Christian Brothers College, Cork St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow CBS toast of the school in January when he proudly wore 2 medals which he won while bowling in the Leinster Regional Special Olympics Competition. CBC 33 Rockwell College 19 Age 16, Aaron is an avid Eire Óg and Christian Brothers College in Cork produced a masterful display to claim a record 28th Carlow supporter. He was randomly Munster Schools Senior Cup title in the centenary showpiece at Musgrave Park on March selected for the competition. If selected 15th. It was their first title since 2003. next year, Aaron may have the opportunity of competing again for the Irish Special A hundred years after lifting the inaugural title against Rockwell, the Sidney Hill college Olympics which would give him a great brought perfect symmetry to the record books by producing a near-flawless display, the chance of competing in the World Special highlight of which was a power-packed 15-minute period in the second half that yielded Olympics. He is one of the most popular three converted tries. students at the CBS and is definitely the best known student in the school. Aaron The Cork college posted five tries in total in a performance built on the raw power and who is a past pupil of Bishop Foley School maturity of a superbly-drilled pack led by the irrepressible Willie Ryan, and coupled with would dearly love to compete in the Irish the precision and skill amongst their backline. Special Olympics. Rockwell, bidding for a first title since 2001, were in contention when level at the break, but on the resumption, and especially in the final 20 minutes, CBC turned on the style, scoring 21 unanswered points.
CBC Team: R Clune; E O’Donnell, B O’Leary, J Holland, G Mackessy; D Dunne, B Slater; C Corkery, K Stokes, D Attridge; B Hayes (capt), S Hanbridge; E Doyle, R Barry, W Ryan.
Dublin Football Champions
Ardscoil Rís, Marino
Ardscoil Rís, Marino, captured the Dublin Colleges under-14 “A” Gaelic Football title on December 10th last for the first time since 2002, defeating Coláiste Eoin by 4-07 to 1-10 at Parnell Park.
Despite an amazing 4-04 from Cormac Costello this was very much a team performance with the entire starting 15 and subs contributing on the day. As Dublin Champions they contested the Leinster Championship, reaching the final. They set out to win their first since 1977. However, St. Peters of Wexford captured the title winning by seven points. Well done to the boys of Ardscoil Rís, second best in Leinster. Gavin Burke in action for Ardscoil Rís Issue 1 / Summer 2009 / 9
Smashing and Spiking in Scoil Cholmcille
Scoil Cholmcille CBS, Blarney Street, Cork City
Spikeball is the latest craze to hit Scoil Cholmcille CBS, Blarney Street, in Cork City. The boys in the school have somehow managed to squash yet another activity in between the hurling, football, soccer, guitar classes, rock band and brass band!
Pupils from 5th and 6th class have been staying in after school to Record numbers continue to turn up for practice each week. The learn about Spikeball from teachers Eddie Kelliher and John Burke. boys are keen to learn more about the sport and can’t wait for another opportunity to represent their school in blitzes run by the Spikeball is similar to volleyball but with slight rule variations aimed Volleyball Association of Ireland, and also in tournaments which at increasing the amount of spiking (or smashing) in each game. will be run within the school. The boys are really enjoying the new sport. In January the school entered two teams in the Cork County competitions. This introduction to new sports is all part of the school’s philosophy – Learning through doing! Well done to all the boys – keep having Both teams made it to the semi- finals before being narrowly beaten. a smashing good time!
Background to this Programme Orphanages in Kolkata Indian Visit Changed Our View of Life The Indian Immersion Initiative has been We also had the chance to see the work of the Sisters in one of running since the year 2000 in Ardscoil Rís the orphanages in Kolkata called Shishu Bhavan. We embraced Ardscoil Rís, Limerick and to date four groups have travelled to the opportunity to interact with the beautiful and joyful children either Kolkata or Asansol. The aim of this with whom we all felt a real connection. Unfortunately these project is to inspire and encourage students children were simply abandoned and in the majority of cases quite to experience and embrace a new culture malnourished. However, we were delighted to see photographs By Aaron Barriscale and Adrian Breen and way of life, and rise to the challenge of showing elated parents just after adopting their child. coping with such an immersion. Ardscoil Rís Indian Immersion Team embarked on a truly life- During our visit to the Shanti Nagar Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre changing experience. While this was an inspiring journey, many Preparation we were introduced to Sister ‘Maria Rua’. She is originally from of our extraordinary encounters are simply too hard to convey When we were initially selected as part Spain and only returns home once every 10 years. She spoke with us in words. Throughout the course of the trip the emotions we felt of the team we were overjoyed with the about the lack of facilities and the extreme need for medical services were often a challenge to unravel. Over the two-week stint in India privilege and opportunity to experience the through doctors and surgeons. Although she is a doctor herself, during October 2008, we met some truly inspirational people and Indian way of life first hand. To be honest, there are certain procedures that she cannot perform and once a got a real taste of the selfless work that is carried out by visionaries I don’t believe that we understood just how year a surgeon comes to work there for a day. She spoke of the and missionaries. much work and effort was involved in this crushing disappointment when he cancelled his visits. Many patients programme. As we started meeting weekly, then had to wait for another six months in order to be operated on. our expectations were ever- growing and Despite her huge responsibility and the unreliable services she is our aspirations were high. We all had a such a positive and passionate worker, a true leader. fear of the unknown and although we had a relatively good idea of what to expect, Friendliness of the Indian Students nothing could have prepared us for what We also spent a period of time in Asansol, which is about two hours we were going to experience. Before train journey from Kolkata. Here we stayed with Christian Brothers departing on the trip we undertook in St. Vincent’s School and some of the people we met here will stay various fundraising initiatives to help in our hearts forever. The Brothers that we were staying with, here raise money for certain voluntary and in Kolkata, are the most welcoming, friendly and openhearted organisations in India. people you could ever meet. While in Asansol our biggest feat was painting two classrooms in Nai Disha Railway School. On the second Places Visited day of painting we were helped by a few of the students themselves Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute and the rooms turned out beautiful in the end. The happiness and and Dying in Kalighat was one of the friendliness of those students was just extraordinary. Even though places we visited and worked in during they have hardly anything at all, they are perfectly happy with what our immersion. Most of the students they do have. and teachers in the group found this encounter to be the most challenging and Never to be forgotton fulfilling as it involved hands-on work with I think it’s safe to say that every single one of the nine students and both mentally and physically disabled and three teachers benefited from the Indian Immersion experience. destitute patients, many of whom were All the people and missionaries whom we met will remain with us simply waiting to die. This institute was forever and none of us will ever forget the generosity and kindness the first home which Mother Teresa of all the Christian Brothers, both in Kolkata and Asansol. founded and the Missionaries of Charity Sisters consider it a privilege to work A lot of credit is owed to the teachers Ms Sheena Butterfield, Mr there. They sacrifice their families and Niall Crowe and Mr Michael Gleeson who accompanied us on the Pictured left to right: Aaron Barriscale, Bryan Treacy, Sam Kingston, give up their lives entirely in order to carry trip. Without their continuous hard work none of our amazing Adrian Breen, Eoghan Dillon, Sheena Butterfield, David Madigan, out God’s work - just as Mother Teresa experiences would have been possible. All of us will definitely view Niall Carmody, John Monaghan, Niall Crowe, Michael Gleeson. herself did. the world differently from now on. 10 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Coastal Clean-Up they do make a great difference in their local passion and detail about Canada. After News from St. Brendan’s A guest speaker was invited to address the community. Many students would not have the presentation, the students had a lot of College, Bray pupils and to give them a starting point for been to a nursing home, hospice or care questions for the Ambassador. They were their venture. A key figure from the Coastal centre before and this has been an important then given a taste of a long-held Canadian Clean-Up and Awareness Group visited learning experience for all involved. delicacy. Tim Horton’s, a multinational the school to provide the students with Canadian company, supplied the pupils information on: The work carried out involves the students with an array of their choice doughnuts. St. Brendan’s Transition Year group has in organising and contributing to activities The doughnuts were enjoyed by all! been involved in a number of Social -- the nature of our fragile coastline and games with the elderly such as bingo Outreach Programmes to date this Year. habitat or simply taking the sick or elderly on TY Students - Log On and Learn A number of students were concerned -- equipment that they would need to walks. A Computer Training Programme that although they were building a good help improve and safeguard it for the 65’s and over relationship with Hospices, Hospitals, -- and the ethos that should support Primary Schools Transition Year students at St. Brendan’s Care Homes and Schools, they were not the work. In the primary schools, the children have College are offering free one-to-one as involved with other important areas of the opportunity to take part in physical computer training for those aged 65 and local concern. They felt that they could The school applied successfully for a Local activities such as football and basketball, over. A total of 32 participants are being contribute to environmental issues in the Area Grant and was able to purchase a as well as being helped in homework clubs. coached by 32 Transition Year students. Bray and Shankill areas as well. number of litter pickers, storage equipment, In the Garden Centres the students help by These courses are being held on Wednesday high visibility vests, and needle awareness planting, weeding and by participating in from 11:15am to 12:45pm and on Friday packs with the funding it received. general gardening activities. evening between 2:00pm and 3:30pm. The course encompasses areas such as; The pupils have also decided to extend the Trip to Canadian Embassy how to book flights, surf the Internet, scope of their venture and to include local The purpose of this trip was to acquire a send e-mail to a friend, or even to litter hotspots such as Main Street, Castle better view and understanding of Canada’s purchase shopping online. Street and the Little Bray area. It is both historical, cultural and social traditions. enjoyable and practical. They were greeted and addressed by the This programme is currently being run Canadian Ambassador, Patrick G. Binns. in over 100 schools nationally and St. The Social Outreach Programme He was named Ambassador to the Republic Brendan’s College is delighted to offer Every Tuesday the students contribute to of Ireland in 2007. Born in Weyburn, this programme to local senior citizens. the local community in a variety of ways. Saskatchewan, he worked as a local St Brendan’s College strongly believes in They participate in a programme, which representative for many years before going integrating Transition Year education with involves them in building awareness of on to become Premier of Prince Edward the local community. This programme the roles which Nursing Homes, Primary Island. While holding office from 1996 to follows on from the Bray Clean-Up Project Schools and Garden Centres play in the local 2007, he became the leader of the Prince and their Social Outreach Programmes community and in realising the changes that Edward Island Progressive Conservative launched last September. These Programmes they can make as active members of the Party. The students felt it was a great involve the students from St Brendan’s community. The school has received very honour and privilege for the Ambassador working in Nursing Homes and Primary positive feedback and is proud to say that to spend over 90 mins talking with such Schools in the Bray Community.
A student participating in the Coastal Sean Kennedy, Eoghan Kennefick and John Ruadhan Stokes and Barry Kinsella participating in Clean-Up Armstrong taking residents for a walk. a spot of ‘Slam Dunk’.
Photograph shows Mrs Donavan, a local Senior Citizen working with Junior Madide, a TY Pictured above: Russell Ward, Sean O’Reilly Eoghan Kennefick, Eoin Tuohy, David Cromwell, Student at St. Brendan’s. Sean Kennedy, Adam Vallelly Farrell, Adam Garton, Hugh McDonnell, Shane Murphy, Ambasador Patrick G Binns, Michael O’Brien, Luke Blunden, Conan Sherlock. Issue 1 / Summer 2009 / 11
le Brenda Ni Chiaráin, Príomh Oide na Gaeilge agus Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Nuacht Gaeilge a bhronn an Fáinne ar na scoláirí Choláiste Feachtas na Gaeilge is mó iarrachta i leith na Gaeilge. Bhí Is í ceann de na dúshláin is mó a tá le sárú comórtas póstaeir againn. Taispeánadh Mhuire againn i gColáiste Mhuire ná ceist labhairt sraith scannáin agus fístéipeanna do na na Gaeilge. Is í príomh-aidhm na scoile ná scoláirí ar théama labhairt na Gaeilge. Choláiste Mhuire oideachas trí Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil do na Faoi láthair tá comórtas ranga ar siúil a Baile Átha Cliath scoláirí, ach chomh maith le sin grá, meas leanfaidh go deireadh na bliana. Bronntar agus suim sa teanga álainn saibhir seo a réalt ar ghrúpaí ranga nuair a dhéanann spreagadh agus a chothú sna scoláirí, ní gach duine sa ghrúpa sin iarracht. Go dtí amháin don achar ama nuair atá siad linn seo tá ag éirí go han-mhaith leis na grúpaí ach go mairfeadh agus go bhfásfadh an agus feabhas mór tagtha ar an gcaighdeán. gaol agus ceangailt seo leis an dteanga luachmhar seo nuair atá céimeanna na Fóin Póca & An Cumann Naomh Uinsionn scoile fágtha ina ndiaidh acu. de Pól Mar is eol dúinn ar fad, tá an-bhá ag Sa phictúir seo tá Brid Ní Ghríofa ó Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge Tar éis na Nollag bheartaíomar ar fheachtas gach duine anois lena fón póca. Is meán ag bronnadh an fáinne ar Lara Nic Pháidín, scoláire céad bliana. nua chun tabhairt faoin dúshlán seo i chumarsáide éifeachtach úsáideach í – ach mbealach spreagúil dearfach.D’eagraíomar tuigimid go léir na fadhbanna a chothaíonn seachtain d’imeachtaí éagsúla do na scoláirí siad ar scoil – torann, téacsanna, pictiúirí agus do na múinteoirí. Ina measc tugadh á thógáil agus mar sin de. Chun deireadh cuireadh do scoláirí ó mheán scoileanna a chur leis an úsáid seo, anuraidh – le lán-ghaelacha eile i mBaile Átha Cliath. Bhí tacaíocht ó na tuismitheoirí chuireamar ar na scoláirí seo cur i láthair a dhéanamh riail nua i bhfeidhm. Má bhíonn fón póca faoi labhairt na Gaeilge ina scoil féin, cén in úsáid, le feiceáil, le cloisteáil ar scoil, ní fáth go bhfuil an Ghaeilge tábhachtach amháin sna ranganna ach ag am sosanna dóibh siúd ina scoil féin. freisin, tá cead ag an múinteoir iad a thógáil agus caithfidh na scoláirí €10.00 Léirigh na scoláirí seo a suim agus bród a íoc ag an gCiste Naomh Uinsionn de Pól maidir leis an nGaeilge. Mhínigh múinteoirí chun iad a fháil ar ais. Tá pictiúr thíos de na scoile – iar-scoláirí beirt acu – mar atá bronnadh na seice seo ar an gcumanna grá acu don teanga agus an tábhacht a áitiúil ag an Nollaig. Beidh bronnadh bhaineann léi sa scoil. Bhí léachtaí agus eile againn ag Oíche na nDuaiseanna ag ceardlanna eagraithe againn le Conradh deireadh na bliana. Brid Ní Gríofa Ó Chomhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge ag bronnadh an fáinne ar Jordan Nic Mhathúna, scoláire cúigiú bliana. Is í príomh-aidhm na scoile ná oideachas trí Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil do na scoláirí, ach chomh maith le sin grá, meas agus suim sa teanga álainn saibhir seo a spreagadh agus Caoimhe Ní Dhubhlaoich ag bronnadh seice ar Liam Ó Neill ón a chothú sna scoláirí gcumann Naomh Uinsionn de Pól.
In his talk he outlined the inestimable benefits of reading and how reading regularly World Book Day Events contributed in an enormous way to a person’s self-development through the medium of literature. Jim’s talk was followed by a wide range of interesting and relevant questions Kilkenny Cbs from the assembly.
The second speaker Mr. Jackie Cahill is well-known nationwide as a freelance GAA journalist whose work regularly appears in The Examiner, The Irish Times, The Irish Independent. Jackie does match reports for these papers on both Hurling and Gaelic Football matches. He spoke Kilkenny CBS marked World Book Day to the boys about journalism as a career and how he ‘ghost wrote’ two sports biographies this year on Thursday 5th March by in his fledgling career thus far. Jackie’s first venture was “Pride and Passion…The Davy inviting two guest speakers to address Fitzgerald story” followed by “The Final Whistle” which recounts the refereeing career of student audiences in the school. well-known Tipperary whistler Paddy Russell. Both publications have sold extensively to Mr. Jim Fogarty, who recently retired date. Again at the end of Jackie’s talk there was a very lively and informative question and from his role as Kilkenny County Librarian answer session. Many students revealed a keen interest in the area of Sports Journalism. after many years of dedicated service, The school would like to thank both Jim and Jackie for devoting their time in what was an spoke to a group of First Years about enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all concerned. the history and development of the Co. Library service and its importance In addition to the guest speakers, World Book Day was initially celebrated by the school on to the local community. Wednesday March 4th with a visit to the Library in Loughboy.
The school would also like to thank the Management of the Library in Loughboy for inviting Jackie Cahill on left and Jim Fogarty on right. a class to their library for a workshop with Irish author Conor Kostik, who has written the childrens’ novels “Epic” and “Saga” to mention but two. Conor read sections from each novel to a very attentive Colmcille 1st year class. He also discussed how characters and storylines are created and he encouraged the boys to avail of library services and to engage in extracurricular reading as much as possible. The Colmcille boys were extremely engaged and bombarded Conor with a barrage of very interesting and sometimes unexpected questions to which the author gave more than satisfactory responses. 12 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
to use his special gifts and business talents to provide an education Biography of Blessed Edmund for the poor boys of Waterford. for School Journals He began to sell off his business interests and started a school for poor boys in a converted stable.
In 1802 he started his first school at a temporary site in the city. You may be in the process of reviewing your journals for the In 1804 he moved up the road to his newly built school at Mount students. Sion. Overhead this building was living accommodation for Following is a summarised version of Blessed Edmund’s life Edmund and the group of men who had joined him in his work. that might be useful to include: The school section contained two classrooms on the ground floor and, overhead, seven bedrooms. The school at Mount Sion was Edmund Rice was born into a farming family on June 1st 1762, built to accommodate about one hundred boys in each classroom. at Westcourt, Callan, County Kilkenny, He attended a commercial The boys brought books home to read them to their parents who school in Kilkenny City for about two years after attending at the were often unable to read. In this way their parents received some local ‘hedge school’ in Callan. education as well.
Edmund was apprenticed to his uncle, Michael Rice, in Waterford. At Mount Sion, Edmund built a bake-house and tailor’s shop. The business involved supplying all the needs of ships that plied On arrival at school each morning the boys were given freshly their trade across the Atlantic between Europe and the eastern coast baked bread. This gave them the energy necessary to do their of North America. By his late twenties he had earned enough money school work properly. The tradition of feeding and clothing the to make himself and his family comfortable for life. children was carried out in all of the Brothers’ schools.
He married Mary Elliot but after three short years of marriage, Mary In the early days, when Edmund first began to attract followers died and he was left to care for their baby daughter. Edmund was to his way of life, they formed themselves into a small group of devastated. He spent many years trying to decide what God wanted companions. In time, two religious orders would look to Edmund him to do. At first he thought God wanted him to become a priest. as their founder: the Congregation of Presentation Brothers and Then, with the help of his friends, he realized that God wanted him the Congregation of Christian Brothers.
Edmund sent Brothers to open schools Schools were also opened right across the globe. Today the Edmund died on Thursday, 29th August 1844. He was buried in many parts of Ireland. Brothers of Edmund Rice are working in 30 countries across at Mount Sion in the heart of Waterford city. His death led to five continents. widespread sorrow in Waterford. The people felt they had lost In someone who had really been on their side. In 1838 Edmund Rice retired as Superior General of the Order
and returned from Dublin to live in Waterford. He was then 76 On 6th October 1996, Pope John Paul II beatified Edmund Rice, years of age and suffering from painful arthritis. Edmund spent the founder of the Christian Brothers and the Presentation he founded our school in the last two years confined to his room suffering from periods Brothers. He was declared ‘Blessed’. We await his canonisation. of memory loss. In his lucid moments he loved to read the Bible
and to pray.
always welcomed with a wide eyed smile. because that is reality! We then visited the enjoyed our company and we enjoyed Portlaoise Students In my opinion it’s not a project of 15 people women’s ward followed by the men’s ward. theirs too. We were inspired by their Experience Zambia but rather a project involving the much Yet again it was quite tough to see. positive attitude in such difficult conditions. wider community of Portlaoise. CBS, Portlaoise In Lusaka we also had a brief visit to a During the two weeks members of the team Journey to Zambia compound called Kalingalinga. This is like would go out with the Franciscan nuns, to After a tiring 10 hour journey, we finally a housing estate in Ireland but much worse the field clinic. Here we would dispense by Paul O’Donoghue arrived at our destination, Lusaka. We off. The smell of raw sewage as we walked medication to the people who were sick would remain here for one night because through the compound was overbearing. and give them a bag of mealie-meal also. “Being with” and not just “Seeing and the drive down to Livingstone is roughly Drains on either side of the dirt track road passing through” is the motto of the Christian 9-10 hours. When we walked off the plane were full with raw sewage. After our brief On our weekend off we visited the famous Brothers’ Zambian Immersion Project. it was like an assault on our senses. After visit we left and headed back to the hostel Victoria Falls. Here we had time for Throughout our trip we tried to keep that collecting our baggage we went to our for the night. reflection. In Zambia we encountered a motto in mind. From the time we were hostel where we would remain for one very friendly Br. Mick Doyle. No matter selected last May it has been constant work. night. We didn’t have long to settle because Life in Livingstone what problems we encountered Br. Mick’s We have been influenced by what we have at 9.00 am that morning the immersion The following day we embarked on a 10 door was always opened to us. On more experienced and will continue with voluntary really began. hour journey to Livingstone. We arrived than one occasion he invited us to spend work within our local community in Laois. in one piece and this was our base for the an evening with him, where we were given Experiencing Zambian Culture remainder of our stay. the valuable opportunity to reflect on what During the intensive preparation for the trip, Our first experience of the Zambian culture was happening. we came in contact with Christian Brothers, was a visit to a hospice. It was called the The following day we visited the schools who live in Portlaoise. These men were very Mother Teresa Hospice. As we walked into where we would be teaching during our We Shall Return generous to us and opened their door to our the waiting area we were greeted by a stay. These schools were very poor and On our return to Ireland from a very tiring every need. On one enjoyable evening, they crowd of children singing to us. What was lacked in the very basic facilities such trip we began to reflect on our experience. recounted to us many of their awe inspiring quite astonishing to see was the fact that all as desks, chairs and stationery. All the We longed to let everyone know what we life stories. We left that house inspired to these children were happy to see us even teachers were voluntary in Libuyu and had experienced. We held an eye opening be there for the people we would meet on though they were HIV positive and not in Linda community schools. As a result of this night where each member of the team our journey, as the Christian Brothers had the best of health. They danced and sang many of them would not arrive in because presented his memories of the trip. We been for us, while we were preparing for for about 20 minutes. This was really nice they were not paid. We would teach these also visited the surrounding schools where our journey. to see, that they were so happy to escape students English, Maths, Geography and we gave our presentation. It is difficult to the reality of life for just those few minutes. other necessary subjects. express our feelings fully to others without Another key group, without whom, we From there we visited the babies ward. This them having to experience it themselves. would never have managed to undertake was very emotional. Young children no We spent many enjoyable evenings in We have concluded that we will just this journey is the local community of older than 2 years holding their hands out Lubasi orphanage. Here we would play have to encourage them to visit Zambia design_ www.reddog.ie Portlaoise. We became regular figures on wanting to be embraced by us. This was a with the children and talk to them also. themselves. Perhaps they might meet us street corners and shopping centres during very difficult moment and the images of The children were very welcoming and there because without a doubt we will our fundraising activities, but we were the hospice will always remain in my mind affectionate towards us. They really return again some day.
Published at Áras Éamainn Rís Editorial Team Meadow Vale Colm Griffey Blackrock Tony McCann Co. Dublin Brenda Walsh Tel: 01 289 7511 Natasha Kearns