Double ‘Tops’ For Kilkenny CBS 2 / The Encounter Programme Ardscoil Rís, Limerick 2 / Sierra Leone 2009 St. Mary’s Enniscorthy 3 / National and International Glory St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow 4 / CBS Garden is a Winner CBS Primary, Kilkenny 5 / St. Laurence O’Toole’s CBS 5 / Na Braithre Criostai, Roscommon 6 / Ennistymon CBS 6 / Thurles CBS Zambian Immersion Project 7 / Two Christian Brothers’ Secondary School Mitchelstown Novels 8 / Scoil Ailbhe 9 / Cuairt an Aire ar an Main!!! Scoil Mhuire Fatima, North Mon, Cork 10 / Build a Bike St. Vincents Secondary School, Glasnevin 10 / St Kevin’s School Gym Opening 11 / CBC Monkstown Co. Dublin 11 / Synge Street CBS 12 / Sexton Street CBS 12 / Naas CBS 12
‘The Seed will Grow’ Blessed Edmund Rice
Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter / Issue 2 / Spring 2010
Greetings from the Fáilte Edmund Rice Schools Trust
Happy New Year to all!
When reading the news items that have come into us from our schools I am reminded of the words of Thomas Addis Edison who said “If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves”. Well, I can certainly say that I am delighted to see our students involved in so many projects, contributions and successes! Well done to each and every one of you for contributing to your schools and communities in such a positive life-giving way. Also, a very special word of thanks to the teachers, who encourage your involvement in all these activities and who give so generously of their time.
It is inspiring to read of the so many positive contributions of our schools to their wider community and in some cases the global community. There is so much each of us can do to make a difference, but we can achieve even more when we work together. According to an old Irish proverb, “Ní neart go cur le chéile – there is no strength without unity”.
Your school has a history. An essential part of that history is that it belongs to a network of many schools who share an approach to life; that every person reaches his or her full potential. As you benefit from this, you might look out across your community, the country and the world to see how you might share your good fortune. You might gather together friends to make one small difference for one part of our shared humanity. It is what we are about. All of us.
We have updated our website www.erst.ie. We hope you will visit the site regularly where we will continue to display these and other interesting news items from our schools on an ongoing basis.
My very best wishes for 2010.
Gerry Bennett Chief Executive The Edmund Rice Schools Trust
See page 5 for more details 2 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Double ‘Tops’ For Kilkenny CBS
Kilkenny CBS
It is an enviable and extremely noteworthy achievement when one of your Leaving Cert. students is selected as the top achiever in a Leaving Cert. exam in any given year. When two are chosen as kingpins in a subject-exam…. Well that becomes an achievement of extraordinary proportions. However, this is exactly what transpired for Kilkenny CBS in the Leaving Certificate Exams in 2008.
The first part of this unique and unprecedented double success story emerged in November last year when Harry Griffin received the Glenda Hurst Memorial Medal. This prestigious medal is awarded to the Leaving Cert Student who achieves the highest grade in the Leaving Cert Geography Exam each year. The jubilant Harry received his award at a ceremony in Trinity College Dublin accompanied by his proud parents Maura and Niall, and his Geography Teacher Ms. Catriona O’Brien.
Part two of this tremendous double achievement for the CBS arrived when another of our academic maestros Thomas Moore was informed that his Leaving Cert Business Studies exam had been selected as the National number one. For the past 20 years the Irish Banking Federation has hosted the Business Studies Teachers’ Association of Ireland (BSTAI) Student Achievement Awards, which recognizes the achievements of students in Accounting, Economics and Business at Leaving Certificate level and Business Studies at Junior Certificate level. Thomas received his award in Dublin from Tánaiste Mary Coughlan accompanied by his parents Richard and Brid from Thomastown and proud teacher Ms. Deirdre Roche. Left to Right; Ms.Deirdre Roche (Business Studies Teacher), Thomas Moore Congratulations to all concerned and particularly to the young men themselves who were (Best Business Studies Exam 2008), exemplary students throughout their Second Level careers in the James’s Street Academy. Mr. Dermot Curran ( Principal , Kilkenny Harry is currently pursuing an Engineering Degree in TCD and Thomas is in the throes C.B.S. 2008), Harry Griffen (Best Geography of Medical Studies in UCC. Their outstanding achievements serve to demonstrate that Exam 2008) and Ms.Catriona O’Brien lightening sometimes does strike twice! (Geography Teacher).
NB / Do you want your next fundraising news, school g.a.a. or football jersey picture to appear in our next news? Is there a teacher retiring? Has a student been awarded something that we would love to hear about? Submissions now being taken for the next newsletter. Email: [email protected]
The Encounter During the period Oct 15th – 17th, the Programme in Ardscoil comradery witnessed by 50 students was beyond belief. We went down to Ballyloughran Rís, Limerick House, Co Kerry as fifty individuals and came back on Monday morning as fifty friends.
This Encounter gave us a chance to experience The Encounter Programme began in a unique transformation where participants Ardscoil Rís, Limerick in 2006 when evolved and flourished in terms of self- a group of four teachers and six fifth awareness and an increased ability to empathise year students travelled to Vancouver to with others. The Encounter provides an experience the student led retreat first hand. Since then the school has undertaken environment through which participants six successful Encounters. The retreat develop confidence, maturity, responsibility and revolves around three relationship themes: companionship. We have never seen a group of -- relationship with self teenage boys of our age, act with such respect, -- relationship with significant others in sensitivity and emotion. We are certain that this your life will help in turning us from young lads into fine -- relationship with God. adults in years to come. Participants work together in a safe, caring and supportive atmosphere that is created This experience does not remain on Encounter by the student leaders and respected by all. rather it is carried forward by the students 6th Year Encounter Leaders A variety of activities contribute towards the “encounter” during the weekend; small into school and one can only hope into the group discussions around the three themes relationships we develop in the future. which are led by a student leader; large group discussions; morning prayer; Gospel To conclude in the words of one impressed sharing and Eucharist. participant “They say money can’t buy happiness The best way to truly describe the effect but the money I spent to come down here has “Encounter” has on our students is to hear definitely bought me some this week.” it first hand from the students themselves. (Sixth Year Students) Issue 2 / Spring 2010 / 3
Sierra Leone 2009
St. Mary’s Enniscorthy
Article written by Oisin Dunbar, a sixth year student in our school, who visited Bo in Sierra Leone with 5 other students and 4 teachers last February.
Before we departed for Sierra Leone, I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive about going. I had no idea about what I was going to be doing or facing. Upon arrival in Freetown, after getting on the bus after much difficulty and realising that we had six hours of a bus journey to our accommodation I began to wonder what the hell am I after letting myself into. I can safely say that was the only time I questioned the trip.
These 10 days were the best days of my life. It’s hard to put into words just how much I enjoyed it. The people were just so friendly and welcoming to us everywhere we went. When we arrived at QRS School I have never experienced anything like the reception we got. The students and teachers made us feel like celebrities or someone important but the only reason we were there was to experience their culture and learn from them. That is something I will never forget. Everywhere we went the people were so friendly towards us. I do not think I met one person who wasn’t being genuinely nice to us. Meeting Q.R.S. Teachers QRS BO, the greatest school in the world. What is being done over there and the chance given to those girls is incredible. The work done by the Sierra Leone teachers of QRS is some of the greatest work done. What I am trying to say is that these teachers have not been paid for months, maybe even a natives have this year and they still continue to devote their lives to the teaching of the students in QRS. They get up in the morning around 6 am, head off wonderful warmth to the school and teach all day and then when the school day is over the teachers remain behind to give extra lessons to the girls and some about them and even then head off to teach in other schools. These people should be canonised for the work that they do. they have a very
Outside the school, the general public in Sierra Leone were so kind upbeat and positive to us. Everywhere we went the local people prayed for us and for our families well being. This I found a little unnerving and I mean this with outlook on life no disrespect but it is us who should be praying for them. These people have not got much but yet they want to share their food, water and despite their lives possessions with us. I can tell you if roles were reversed Irish people as Role play with students from CBS and QRS good as they are would not adopt this incredible approach to life. Sierra being tough. Leone natives have this wonderful warmth about them and they have a very upbeat and positive outlook on life despite their lives being tough. We in the western world have a lot to learn from these people as we face into more difficult times. I can tell you that while we may be unsure of real values in life the Sierra Leone natives know without thinking where life’s real values lie. By this I mean family and friends. If I were to pick one thing I learned on my visit to Sierra Leone this would be it.
As I look back on the trip three months later, I still have the same desire to return one day as I did when I got on the plane in Lungi Airport in Freetown. I also have to admit that a big part of me would get on the next place back out to Sierra Leone and that is the case with all of us who travelled out there. Just to finish I would like to thank Mrs Sheila Waldron and the school for giving me this opportunity and the time of my life.
Student Oisin Dunbar and teacher Ciara Power with QRS students
NB / Student Council Workshops are now being organised in association with Br. Chris Glavey. For more information contact Edmund Rice Schools Trust on 01 289 7511.
QRS students at work 4 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Athletics at such a high paced, experienced level was Students from St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow bound Marcus Lawlor, a third year student in St. a victory in itself. Eoin also has next year for National and International Glory. Mary’s Academy, C.B.S., Carlow made on the Youths as he is still a year young history this summer when participating and is certain he can reinstate himself as a St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow in the All-Ireland Schools and Colleges member of the squad again next year. Athletics Championship. In addition to finishing in second place in the 100 metres Athletics event, Marcus also won the 200 metres. A burgeoning star in the athletic circuit, This victory was made all the more special Simon Doyle is another of our students The attached photograph is of those students in our school, who have excelled in their when it transpired that Marcus had broken to leave a blazing trail in his wake of chosen sporting discipline. Their dedication, skill and commitment to each of their the current record, which had been held for late. Simon was the recent victor of the sports have been recognized at both national and international level, where each of 33 years, with his time of 22.80 seconds. Leinster multi-events. Additionally, Simon these students have achieved a high level of acclaim. Included in this picture are: Finn recently won the All-Ireland multi-events Lynch, Eoin Stynes, Simon Doyle, Marcus Lawlor, Mark Furey, Seamus Harmon & Shaun Following this record-breaking to qualify for the International Athletic Hennessy. (Absent from the photo is Cathal Hennessy, member of the Irish Squash Team). accomplishment, Marcus was selected to Championships in Glasgow. Furthermore, run the 200 metres in the Tailteam Games, Simon came second in the team game, and where he competed in the U-17 event. This qualified for the Internationals in Antrim time, Marcus came in second and shaved a where he came fourth, despite a serious further .10 of his own record time, to finish injury two weeks previously. The talent of in a new personal best (PB) time of 22.70 this fifth year student is evident to all, and seconds. As a result of these performances, it is clear that Simon is on track for the Marcus was selected on the Schools Junior Olympics in multi-events and the International team to compete in Antrim. long jump in Moscow. He is now the A.A.I 100m and 200m champion at U-15 level, breaking records at Martial Arts both levels. Another student making some serious noise in the sporting world is 3rd year student In honour of his achievements, Marcus was Mark Furey, In October of this year, Mark selected to captain the Irish U-16 team at participated in the Carlow Martial Arts the Celtic games in Wales, where all will be Championship, where he came 2nd in the watching to see what this superstar athlete Kata Championship, 1st in the Fighting will do next. Championship, 2nd in the International Fighting Championship and 1st in the Squash Eoin Stynes – a rugby star in the making. team Kata Championship. In the same Congratulations are extended to Seamus Harmon (6th year), Cathal Hennessy (4th year) After gruelling year long trials since last month, Mark participated in National and Shaun Hennessy (2nd Year) who recently participated in the Nordic Squash Open in September, Eoin Stynes, a present fifth year Martial Arts Championship, where he Sweden. This tournament is an extremely significant one in the squash world, with teams C.B.S. student, has successfully secured came 1st in the Kata Championship, 1st in from all over the world participating in it. Each of the students performed excellently in their a place on the South East Leinster rugby the Kumite Championship and 1st in the individual age group as they represented Ireland. The commitment and talent of the Irish squad. Since joining the team, Eoin has team Kata Championship. On the basis of Team in this sport is not to be underestimated. managed to start every single match and is his supreme performance in the National blazing a trail of success in his wake. Championships, Mark has now qualified for Sailing the World Martial Arts Championship due The Irish and international sailing community had cause to sit up and take note, when it Also, at the start of the summer, Eoin was to take place next year. became clear that a new talent has emerged in the form of second year student, Finn Lynch. called up to the Leinster Youths squad and Finn was recently awarded second place in the Topper World Championships. This event took has trained with them since, surviving The level of dedication required to place in Lake Ebensee in Austria, over the course of six days, with nine nations participating numerous cuts in the team to retain his excel in these sports is immense and we in the competition. Despite having to sail during extreme weather conditions, Finn flew the much coveted position. After the squad’s congratulate all these students as their Irish flag, and was awarded second place on the basis of his performance over the entire win against Ulster, Eoin received his hard-work reaps dividends and we wish championship. A member of the Irish National Topper Squad since 2007, Finn is clearly a first cap in the unfortunate loss against them the best of luck in the future. talented sailor and one to watch for the future. Connaught. However, the thrill of playing
Once word of Paddy’s death emerged into People valued his opinion. They had absolute The North the public domain the sense of disbelief trust in him for they knew his knowledge Monastery, Cork was palpable. Paddy was always seen as came from long years of experience. Crucially indestructible to those of us who knew they knew he cared and wanted to help them A tribute to him. His passing was as unimaginable as it in any way he could. Paddy Mulcahy was unforeseen. Paddy’s life was about service. His George Bernard Shaw once said that dedication to his students was unrivalled. “reminiscences make one feel so deliciously The teaching staff in Deerpark where Paddy old and sad”. The opposite is the case taught for 30 years were devastated at his Sunday 13th September was a beautiful when we reminisce about Paddy. He was a passing. His term as Principal of the North Autumnal day. A perfect day for Paddy wonderful presence in our lives. His warmth Monastery ended prematurely. The staff Mulcahy to enjoy his favourite pastime of Hill and general bonhomie was immediately and students there were still getting to walking. He set off that morning with his wife apparent to all. It is ironic that his life was so know him. But they recognised his unique Terry, together with their friends Dolores and full that it could be said of him as the poet qualities and both staff and students were Ted. Their destination – Mushera Mountain Dickenson said; “because I could not stop for shattered at his untimely death. five miles from Macroom Co Cork, whose death, he kindly stopped for me”. rugged terrain attracts walkers from near and His service to his community as Chairman far. It is a spiritual place rich in history and Paddy was first and foremost a loving and of the Credit Union together with other affection of children; to earn the approbation tradition. Paddy and Terry had been there devoted husband to Terry. A kind and community organisations was deeply of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give many times. They enjoyed the sacred solitude committed father to Tomas, Seamus, Eoin appreciated by the people of Mayfield in of one’s self, to leave the world a bit better; and the beauty of the countryside when and Brid. His granddaughter Elizabeth was particular. His pivotal role as one of the whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or viewed from the upper slopes. The tranquil the apple of his eye. He regaled me every leaders of the Householders Against Service a redeemed social condition; to have played peaceful landscape offered a refuge from the Monday night with the weekly ritual of Charges Movement served to highlight and laughed with enthusiasm and sung strains of the working week. their trip to town on Saturday morning, taxation issues which would have serious with exultation; to know even one life has their lunch in Coffee Central, and the financial implications for working people. breathed easier knowing you have lived— In mid-afternoon I received a phone call agonising over how she was going to spend that is to have succeeded”. for Paddy’s son Seamus. He told me Paddy her five euro pocket money which of course His service to his teaching colleagues Paddy can rest easy now as he has achieved had taken a turn during the climb and the he always topped with a cautionary note highlights a lifelong commitment to the all that has been asked of him. outlook was grim. Ten minutes later Seamus “don’t tell your mother”. Unfortunately he trade union movement. He acted as School rang again whereupon he uttered the words left us without being given adequate time to Steward, Branch officer, Member of CEC, The Edmund Rice Schools Trust extends its I thought I would never hear said about enjoy his newly born granddaughter Aoife. Standing Committee and sat as a member deepest sympathy to his wife Terry, his sons my friend, ”Mick, he’s gone”. My thoughts of various sub-committees. He also had the Tomas, Seamus and Eoin, his daughter Brid immediately turned to his wife Terry, his Paddy was an advisor and confidante to honour of being elected to the position of and granddaughters Elizabeth and Aoife. children, his brothers and sisters. One cannot many people. No difficulty was too great or President of the Cork Council of Trade Unions. His daughters – in law Sally, and Nicola, his imagine how they felt at that moment. A too small to discuss with him. He epitomised son-in–law Adrian, and also his brothers and husband, father and brother they loved Ralph Waldo Emerson’s definition; Paddy’s life can again be appropriately sisters and extended family. unreservedly was taken from them with no “a friend is a person with whom I may be summed up by the philosopher Emerson; chance to say goodbye, no hugs, no kisses, sincere. Before him I think aloud”. “To laugh often and to love much; to win Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dó just a feeling of desolation and emptiness. the respect of intelligent persons and the Mick Evans. Issue 2 / Spring 2010 / 5
CBS Garden is a Winner
CBS Primary, Kilkenny
The 5th class boys from Room 8 take time out from class to plant bulbs in the Autumn sunshine.
The annual Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Awards were held in Hotel Kilkenny on Tuesday, October 21st. In the “Community Awards” category CBS Primary, Kilkenny won 2nd place for best Community Floral Display. As the only school in Kilkenny to win a prize, we congratulate all those involved in keeping our school garden blooming! This award follows on our award in 2002 in the Litter Free Schools Section of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
Rice Cup Winners 2009
Dungarvan CBS
Front Row L-R: Rian Crotty, Cormac O’Grady, Tadhg McComb, Rian Reddy, Michéal Harney, Seán Kiely, Cian Culloo, Fionn Hallahan and Cian O’Halloran.
Second Row L-R: Mr. John Murphy, Principal, Mr. Michael Scanlon, Conor Morrissey, Patrick Curran, William Barron, Joseph Allen, Cormac Curran, Billy Egan, Shane Duggan, Mr. Daniel Doran (Trainer and Coach), Mr. Patrick Collins.
Third Row L-R: Criostóir Breathnach, Eamonn Ryan, Kealan Looby, Jack Morrissey, Gavin Power, Micheál Shine, Jack O’Donnell, Kevin Daly, James Quealy, Mark Power.
Round 1: Beat Kilkenny CBS 4-02 to 2-04; Round 2 Beat Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 7-10 to 0-02; Midleton CBS 1-06 to 1-04; Blackwater College 1-12 – 3-04. Quarter Final: Dungarvan CBS 4-09 Árd Scoil Rís 3-11; Semi Final: Dungarvan CBS 2-13 Thurles CBS 3-06; Rice Cup Final: Dungarvan CBS 3-9 Kilkenny CBS 2-6.
St. Laurence O’Toole’s CBS
St. Laurence O’Toole’s CBS have been busy blogging for the last year. All the pupils have access and a chance to blog. It has proved a very successful initiative. It has led to the school being named a Scoilnet Star site and to the school winning a FÍS film award. Below are two article’s from our ‘Larrier’s Latest’ section. The website/blog can be accessed at www.larriers.blogspot.com
Larriers Win A Fís Film Award On Tuesday 20th October, 2009 we went to the FÍS (Primary Schools’ Film) Awards in the Helix. It’s like the ‘Oscars’ for film making in Irish Schools. We won an award and a video camera in film making for ‘Original Storytelling’ for our Helping Hands film. Helping Hands was made as part of our ‘Friendship Week’ in October 2008. It’s all about including others in our games. The sir was on the radio with Ryan Tubridy about it. So here’s our Award Speech for our FÍS ‘Oscar’ - Well done to Dion, Brendon Lucas, Alex and Pierre and all in Susan’s class, October 2008, for making this fab film. Thanks to Andy, Susan and the DISC project for making it possible. Thanks to Ann and Michelle and all at the NCTE and FÍS Awards for their help, support and encouragement and for the fab FÍS Award and deadly video camera we won. Thanks to Mark Kelly and all the gang at Dublin Bus for getting us there and back (and to lots of other places Dion, Alex and Robert with the FíS Award Alex Byrne with the award for and back) safely. Thanks to our families and our community especially to those who came to the and the Canon Video Camera they won ‘Original Storyteling’ Helix with us to share in our success.
Latest news for September 2009 On Friday, 25th Rep. of Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni and assistant Marco Tardelli visited Sheriff YC FC to launch a cup in honour of the late Kevin Murphy, Sheriff YC’s Hon. Secretary for many years. We were invited as most of us play for Sheriff. So the whole school went and it was good. We all got his autograph. The sir got a great picture of Trappatoni with our school’s Chairperson, Seamus. Can you spot the difference? See our photostory of the event below.
In addition we just won an Eircom ‘’junior spider’ award for the school website and our Cuman na mBunscoil Gaelic League for the first time since the late 50’s or early 60’s. See the website Ireland Manager Giovanni www.larriers.blogspot.com Trappatoni and Chairperson Seamus Mulkerrin
NB / Student Council Workshops now being organised in association with Br. Chris Glavey. For more information contact Edmund Rice Schools Trust on 01 289 7511. 6 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
New Principal … Mr. Tom Clarke Ennistymon C.B.S.
Mr. Tom Clarke takes over the reins at Kilkenny CBS from outgoing Founded in 1824, Ennistymon CBS has a long and proud tradition in the education of boys from West and North Principal Mr. Dermot Curran, who held the position for the past ten Clare. The ‘Monastery’ as it is known locally has been educating students without a break from North and West Clare years. Tom hails from Clonmore in Mid Tipperary and now lives for 185 years. It is hard to believe that 185 years have passed since the brothers arrived in Ennistymon. How many with his wife and five young children in Dualla, Co. Tipperary. schools existed in Ireland 20 years before the Famine? Even though the Monastery is always referred to as a ‘small school’, the school was recently listed as 17th for students attending university in National League of graduates There have been many CBS links in Tom’s life and career to date. attending university. Despite its size, the school offers a wide selection of subjects and the number of business people, He received his Secondary School education in Templemore CBS academics, farmers and sports people is greatly beyond proportion to the size of the school. For this the teaching staff and worked as a teacher in Thurles CBS for eleven years. Tom also and past principals must take a large share of the credit. taught in De La Salle, Waterford, Knockbeg College, Carlow and was Principal in Charleville CBS from 1999 to 2009. In 1987 he A new chapter is about to begin at the school with the arrival of the first female Principal in 185 years. Mrs. Anne completed his BA (Geography and Economics) and HDE at UCD. In Tuohy has been appointed as Principal to the school, replacing Mr. Michael Concannon who is retiring after 40 years addition, a Diploma in Catechetics (Mary Immaculate Limerick), a of outstanding service in the school, 10 of those years were spent as principal Mrs. Anne Tuohy is no stranger to the Masters in Education (UL), a Diploma in Educational Management area, is originally from Moy and a past pupil of Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon. She brings a wealth of experience from (TCD) and a Diploma in Professional Education Studies/ School St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon, where she has had a long and a distinguished career. Both the staff Planning (UCG) were all added, making an impressive array of and pupils of Ennistymon CBS welcome her to the Monastery and wish her well in her new post. academic qualifications. Gerry Sexton, Tom’s interests are sporting in the main with hurling being of a Ennistymon CBS particular interest, not surprising for a Tipperary man. In fact during his stint as a teacher in Thurles CBS Tom was involved with Harty Cup teams that included Kilkenny’s PJ Ryan and Aidan Forgarty. New bouldering The whole school community would like to extend a warm welcome (climbing) wall to Tom and we all look forward to working together in fostering the ethos of Edmund Rice among our young boys in the years ahead. St David’s CBS, Artane
NB / If you have any news The photo on the right is of a bouldering (climbing) wall recently built in St David’s, of interest big or small send Artane. A teacher, Warren McIntyre, is a qualified instructor and very interested your article with photo’s in rock climbing, canoeing, etc. He has a small club sponsored by a number of which must be larger than groups, especially Dublin City Council. The wall was built in a converted classroom – 1mb to [email protected]. with permission of B.O.M & Edmund Rice Schools Trust. Warren raised all the funds for it. It is a great addition to the facilities of the school. Well done to all !
A Successful 2009 for the Brunner utilise skills learnt by our students and to deflect minor Christian Brothers – conflict situations with first year classes, without the Debating Society Na Braithre Criostai, need to invoke the more formal disciplinary procedures Roscommon, in solving such problems. Co. Roscommon. Our Student Council are currently organising a jersey collection for the African missions in the school. St Paul’s CBS on Dublin’s North Brunswick Street has had a very successful year as it’s Debating Society has been putting itself on The school community was justifiably very proud to hear the map in 2009. In only the second year of its existence, the society Transition Year students, who have recently completed that Niall Kilroy a leaving cert student last year had been can boast of a Maynooth University individual champion in Michael a five week Peer Mediation Programme, organised offered a sports scholarship by University College Dublin. Thomas. The school has also provided Leinster finalists in the through Vita House Trust are pictured with T.Y.Co- Our school was presented with a commemorative plaque Debating Science Issues competition. ordinator Mr G McGarry front left, Mrs Mary Healy to honour this achievement at a ceremony held in the and Michael Barry Peer Mediator facilitators far right. O‘Rahilly Hall Belfield on Friday 20th November 2009. Michael’s excellent speaking skills have brought him and St. Paul’s This is a pilot project to which the school community is CBS major success this year. It was an interesting final where delighted to be associated. Our students have learned the government’s response to the country’s health system was in many valuable life skills, including the importance of question. Michael has already begun his defence of the title and building and sustaining relationships and the importance qualified for the second round while defending the government (a of communication and how it leads to awareness and tough task indeed!) acceptance of the other person. The school hopes to
We here at the Brunner are also proud of Nonito Barbero and Michael Thomas who were gallant runners-up in the Leinster Debating Science. They were narrowly pipped to the title. However, they performed excellently, and were skilfully backed by the research team of Juljano Kapllani, Andrius Milius and Lyon Kawundula.
The science debating competition was created to open up students’ eyes to the big science talking points such as stem-cell research and nanotechnology. It is a highly interesting competition and one that is open to fifth year science students.
It was an all-round successful year for St. Paul’s and honourable mentions must go to Mark Fitzsimons and Mark Higgins who both progressed in the Trinity College competition and did themselves and the school proud. Stephen Kelly, Stephen Cleary and A.J. Javelosa all spoke excellently for the school.
Here’s to another successful year for the Brunner Debating Team! School Principal Pratrick O’ Hanlon and school Transition Year Students who completed a five week ICT co-ordinator Kevin Scollan at the launch of Peer Mediation Programme pictured with T.Y. the new school website. It can be accessed at Co-ordinator Mr G. Mc Garry. Front left Mrs Mary www.cbsroscommon.ie. Healy and Michael Barry Peer Mediator. Issue 2 / Spring 2010 / 7
One of the children that had his picture taken by students Hard at work with the Immersion Project from Thurles C.B.S. Zambian Immersion Project
the people and they are very appreciative many children either live with grandparents Thurles CBS when they get them. We helped handing Our visit to the or in orphanages. This really shows the Zambian Immersion out the bags of mealy meal for one devastating effect of HIV/AIDS in the country. afternoon. There were some very old and AIDS Hospice was Our time at the Hospice seemed to fly but we Project crippled men and women who were in the realised afterwards that we were there for two programme who would have had to carry an eye-opening and a half hours which we could not believe. the 25kg bag on their back or on their It shows that even though we were worried head for up to a few miles home. Some experience. We about going there, we really enjoyed our time small children even had to carry the bags there and brightened up some peoples day by 8 students took part in the project and were which we found amazing. were all expecting simply playing some music and talking to the accompanied by 3 teachers. In our time people for a couple of hours. in Zambia we saw and experienced many The mealy-meal is made from maize which different things and different things but most of all we were is grown in the Murundu centre and also The visits to the orphanage and old folks struck by the poverty of the native people. in a group of plots owned by the Brothers were surprised by home were also very nice. The children in the We experienced first hand what it is like to which are called the “Tipperary Plots”. orphanage played music for us and danced live in the Third World and our encounter There are over 40 acres of maize which the dignity with and we played a few songs for them. The with the people will definitely stay with us. is harvested when it ripens and is sent children were treated very well by the Sisters away to be milled. It is crushed into a fine which the nurses who took care of them and they were all very We stayed with the Christian Brothers powder to which water has to be added to happy. The people in the old folks home were in Mufulira, Northern Zambia during make a porridge-like substance which is treat the patients. very happy that we played songs for them and the trip. Brother Mick O’Donoghue, who very nutritious. Maize is one of the staple we were glad to give them some of our time. is a former principal of Thurles C.B.S, foods in Zambia. Overall we were amazed at how the people appreciate the smallest things such as talking along with Brother Dermot Ambrose and to them for a few minutes. Brother Damien are the three Christian There was a water scheme set up which Brothers who stay in Mufulira. They were was supposed to supply water to the village We visited Chibolya Primary school in Mufulira for an hour one morning. The teachers there very accommodating and were very nice of Murundu which has a population of were very accommodating and allowed us to teach some classes for a while. At first we to us during our stay. They run several around 12,000. Water kiosks were built noticed how attentive and eager to learn the children are. Some days if there is no teacher programmes to help the poor, which but many of the locals were not willing at the school in the morning, the children will sit and wait out in the sun until the end of the mainly take place in Murundu, a small to pay for the water so only a few kiosks day for a teacher to arrive. This shows how the children really want to get an education and town about 10km from Mufulira. They remain open. The water which was stored how they are very eager to learn, compared to Ireland where students have to be forced to run a development centre which is used in a large water tower was instead used to go to school and don’t often appreciate the education that is given to them. We took turns to to train people in different trades such as irrigate the Tipperary Plots. teach the classes and did simple maths and geography with the students for most of the time carpentry, metalwork and tailoring. The we had. Near the end of class we showed them how to play hurling and gaelic football which carpentry section also has a production We spent time digging foundations for they really enjoyed and we enjoyed teaching them. division which helps cover some of the toilet blocks in a village for old folks which cost of training the students. The courses is known as “The Edmund Rice Village”. We were taken on a walk through Murundu by a man called Liberty who works in the for each trade last up to two years after The work was very hard in the heat but Murundu centre. We were taken around the village and saw all of the area including inside which the students receive a certificate of it was very fulfilling and it was nice to do some of the small mud huts. The street children followed us around and they would all just qualification for their trade. The students some manual labour for a couple of days. It want to hold our hands. We saw all the different parts of the village which we wouldn’t have pay a small amount for the two year showed us how hard manual work is in the seen if not for Liberty. We met an old blind man who said he was not feeling well at all when course; other courses in the area cost a harsh heat and how hard people are really we asked him how he was. He lived in an extremely small hut with low walls and a thatched lot more. We spent time going around the working in some jobs. roof. He had nothing but a straw mat to lie on as a bed. All of his relatives were dead and he workshops and learning different skills had no-one to take care of him but the Brothers who keep him supplied with food and other from the students which we really enjoyed. Our visit to the AIDS Hospice was an eye- things. Liberty even told us that if it wasn’t for us people in Ireland, the old blind man would The students there all seemed eager to opening experience. We were all expecting not have been there. This struck us all and we really saw first hand where the money we work and learn and were happy to get the different things and were surprised by the raised is going to. The walk around the village was great and we really experienced how the opportunity to get a qualification. dignity with which the nurses treat the people live. patients. We played music for the people There are also feeding programmes run and they were very appreciative of the We really enjoyed our time in Zambia and it is an experience that we will never forget. by the Brothers from both the centre in time we gave them. One of the patients However, the global economic crisis is affecting Zambia a lot more than it is affecting us Murundu and their compound in Mufulira. who was very old even got out of bed and here in Ireland. One of Zambia’s major exports is copper. However, in the current economic These feeding programmes take place once started dancing which we all thought was climate, the price of copper has plummeted and many of the mines have either closed or a month, where supplies are given out to unbelievable. He was so happy that we have plans to close. This is disastrous for the Zambian economy. Unemployment will rise to very disadvantaged people who normally were there to play music and talk to him levels we hope we will never see in Ireland and the country will be left even worse off than have no other way of getting food or other and I think it touched all of us. In Zambia, it was during good economic times. It really makes us as appreciate what we have and we items. The things given out include: A the middle generation of people has been realise how materialistic we are in this country. To see the poverty and the injustice against 25kg bag of mealy-meal, a bar of soap, a decimated by HIV/AIDS. The vast majority people in the third world was truly enlightening and we definitely came away from the half bag of sugar, some cooking oil and of people in the country are either very project with much, much more than we put into it. other essentials. These items greatly help young or very old. As a result of this, 8 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Kilkenny C.B.S. Senior Hurling Two Novels on the Christian Brothers Secondary School, Mitchelstown
Commemorative Jersey CBS, Mitchelstown
As part of the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Tom O’ Donnell, the author, spent most of his teaching life in CBS Mitchelstown and prior to retiring in September foundation of the G.A.A. and the 150th Anniversary of the 2008 he wrote two books. foundation of the Christian Brothers Schools in Kilkenny, the school has decided to mark both historical milestones with a The first “The Story of Mitchelstown CBS” details the history and story of the CBS from the arrival of the Christian commemorative jersey. This unique jersey was commissioned by Brothers on Thursday, 29th January 1857, when they were met by bonfires and minor illuminations to June the school and designed in association with leading Irish sportswear 1998 when the lights were turned off in the monastery for the last time. This thoroughly researched book is manufacturers O’Neills. The design includes both traditional written with style, with insight and with sensitivity. It is now over ten years since the last Christian Brother left and modern aspects of style and received its first exposure on Mitchelstown, their presence has thus become a memory, and with each passing year a more distant one. The aim Wednesday November 11th in the town of Enniscorthy where of this book is to preserve that memory into the future and to acknowledge the huge contribution of the Christian Kilkenny C.B.S. had a comprehensive victory in their first Senior Brothers to the people of Mitchelstown. It was the Brothers who educated thousands of children in Mitchelstown League outing of the new campaign. Kilkenny C.B.S. were quickly often in the most difficult and trying of circumstances, especially, the poor and under-privileged who, otherwise, into their stride and led comfortably by 2.10 to 0.03 at half-time. might have been trampled under and it was the Brothers who restored dignity, pride and hope to a people after Enniscorthy, to their credit, rallied briefly after the break but the the catastrophe of the famine. Kilkenny outfit held all the aces and at Dickie Murphy’s final whistle were 3.19 to 0.06 points to the good. St. Peter’s of Wexford come to The second book “The Turbulent Life of Dean Morgan O’Brien” is the story of the famine priest of Mitchelstown, Kilkenny for the next round on Wednesday, November 25th. Morgan O’ Brien, who was born in Ballyvergan, between Ballymacoda and Youghal on October 19th 1798 to Charles and Mary O’Brien. His father Charles O’ Brien, a respectable farmer from Ballyvergan was executed for his part in the 1798 uprising at the age of forty three years and three months later Morgan O’Brien was born. He was ordained a priest on May 28th 1825 in Paris and twenty years later he came to Mitchelstown as Parish Priest in 1845. His influence on Mitchelstown was immense. He enlarged, remodelled and rebuilt the parish chapel of Mitchelstown and also built two small rural chapels for the benefit of its parishioners- one was Ballygiblin Church, construction of which began in the summer of 1846 on a free site provided by local man, John Quinlan. The other was Killacluig.
He brought both the Presentation Order of nuns and the Christian Brothers to Mitchelstown and thus he built the Presentation Convent and school for the nuns and the Monastery and school for Brothers. This school opened in 1857 is the Christian Brothers Secondary School and is still in use today. As described by Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times – “this book is a tremendous read with a fascinating insight into the cultural, social and religious life of Mitchelstown down the years”
Each book is available from the school at a cost of €15 including postage.
Pictured above; New C.B.S. Principal, Mr. Tom Clarke presenting Kilkenny C.B.S. Senior Hurling Captain 2009/2010, Richard Doyle with the new jersey. Included also is the Senior Hurling Management; PJ McCormack, NB / Do you want to be included in our mailing Paul O’Donoghue, Gerard Morrissey and Seamus Dwyer. list for ‘Thought for the Month’? Send your e-mail address with your name to [email protected]
C.B.S., The Green honoured one of its outstanding teachers at a The Edmund Rice Schools Trust, the new governing body of The Green, Tralee - function in Fels Point on Friday evening. Mr. Seán O’Brien retired the Christian Brothers Schools, in a tribute refers to Brian Tribute to the late after a lifetime association with the Christian Brothers in Tralee. McMahon’s book, “The Master”, quoting “That a good teacher Current and former colleagues of Seán turned out in style to hear leaves his imprint on three generations of students”. This is Sean O’Brien tributes paid to him. Also present for the occasion were Br. Mark certainly true of Seán O’Brien. McDonnell of the Congregation Leadership Team, An Bráthair Seán CBS, Tralee, Kerry Ó Dúgáin, Primh Oide ó 1979-1986, Br. Jim Whelan, Principal Seán also plays a full part in the life of his native Tralee. from 1994 - 2000 and 2001 – 2002. Fr. Seán Hanafin, Dean of Although born in St. Brendan’s Park, he has lived most of his the Diocese of Kerry and Paud Murphy who works with The State life in Clash and is an active member of the John Michel’s G.A.A Examination Commission. Club. However, his first sporting love is greyhounds and Seán is a valued member of the Coursing Club and was for many years Seán’s first involvement with the Christian Brothers was in Edward part of the organising committee of the Kerry Coursing Club Street National School. He was in the first group to attend 7th class event in Ballybeggan each Christmas. in the new school in Clounalour and Seán won first place in the County Council Scholarship examination of that year. He studied Seán is an active member of the Association of Secondary in The Green from 1960 to 1965 and won scholarships at both Teachers of Ireland ASTI. He served the association as Branch Intermediate and Leaving Certificate level. He graduated from UCC Chairman, Branch Organiser and as a Central Executive member. with a Bachelor of Science Degree and began his long teaching career in The Green in 1968. He obtained the Higher Diploma in Many people in Tralee are aware of his tremendous work as Education in 1969. an officer of the Tralee Council for Trade Unions and of the Tralee Centre for the Unemployed. Seán also served on the Mr. Tony O’Keeffe in his tribute described Seán as a man who was governing body of the Tralee Institute of Technology and was passionate about The Green, about its past, present and future an admirer of what the Institute has contributed to the town and about its image and glory and was particularly passionate of Tralee and indeed the County of Kerry since its foundation. about its students. Seán took particular interest and was heavily involved in the planning of a new extension for the school which A feature of the evening was the many messages of best is awaiting permission from the Department of Education & wishes received from former and present pupils, thanking Science to go to tender. Seán for his kindness courtesy and assistance during their time in The Green. Former colleagues Mick Laide and Michael Daly recalled amusing incidents during their time on the staff with Seán. Mr Tom Seán area of expertise was in Honours Maths and Chemistry. O’Halloran, Chairperson of the Board of Management paid a He played a major role in the development of many young men glowing tribute to Seán both as an outstanding teacher and a highly who have gone on to play a key role in the life of the country. respected member of the Board of Management. Fionan Fitzgerald He was totally dedicated to his task as a teacher, Deputy a colleague and former student of Seán regaled the audience with Principal and served as Acting Principal from 2000 - 2001. anecdotes about Seán’s contribution to making life enjoyable for students and ensuring new teachers settled into school life easily. Issue 2 / Spring 2010 / 9
week. The 125 year celebration of the G.A.A. Over the summer a new lift was installed. One of our past pupils was very excited to return Scoil Ailbhe was marked by a fantastic day of coaching for the grand opening, as it was his first time to visit the first floor of the school, and to see the from top inter-county players in March, art room, library and the video room, he had so often heard about. Our “Who Wants to be a and plenty of fun activities. The return of Thousandaire?” fundraiser, in November, raised vital funds for the school, to provide interactive the Harty Cup to the town was a proud classroom resources, refurbishment of the hall, and most especially, the introduction of a day for the school, as many of our past comprehensive instrumental music programme within the school. All of this and a Christmas The past year has been a very exciting and pupils were on the panel. At the Munster concert looming - looks like the year ahead will be anything but dull...... ! memorable one for Scoil Ailbhe in Thurles. Final in Semple Stadium in July, we were “A Place to Grow” is the motto of our proudly represented by Darragh Coffey in school, and in the past year, we have seen the Primary Game. Swimming, dancing, and our boys live up to this, in the classroom, even adventure sports were also included on the sporting field, in their faith, and over the year – there really is a sport to suit in their artistic development. As the new every boy! school year begins, and 2009 draws to a close, the challenge is to surpass this in the Other events we participated in over the year ahead! past year included the Credit Union quiz, where our U-11 team placed second, the The arts have always played a central part Community Games and the Scór quiz, in the life of Scoil Ailbhe. From art to music, where we also enjoyed success. In art, dance to drama, each boy is encouraged Tommy O’Sullivan currently in fifth class, to reach his full potential. Cór na nÓg, the won the Credit Union local and chapter National Children’s Choir, was a central sections, and was highly commended at the element of the arts programme this year, national awards. Seachtain na Gaeilge was with every boy in fourth and fifth class marked with events such as “frisbee galf”, participating. A repertoire of 22 songs, in “cuardach na seamrog” and of course, the two and three part harmonies was learned, annual, tráth na gceist mór. It was also culminating in a gala performance with great to see some of our boys accepted by other schools in the Premier Hall, in May. Baking up some treats during arts week Scoil Ailbhe drummers during arts week the Centre for Gifted and Talented Youth, Sixteen of these boys went on to represent who provide opportunities for gifted the school in the National Concert Hall children to participate in challenging in June, and did us proud. The Arts week summer programmes. in June was also a great success. From drumming workshops, to hip hop dance, On the faith side, beautiful ceremonies were and from storytelling to cookery, there was held during the year, and were enhanced by an activity for everybody to enjoy. Outside the great singing of the school choir. From of this we had performances of poetry at our the opening of the school year mass, First “Poetry Morning”, traditional music, as well Confession, Service of Light, and of course, as trips to the theatre, including the Gaiety First Communion and Confirmation, each pantomime in January. was given its own place. We also marked the feast of Blessed Edmund Rice in a special Scoil Ailbhe has always maintained a high way. One of our past pupils, Paul Cahill, tradition in sports. The past year has seen was ordained in Rome in June, and we were significant successes for the school. The all very proud of this in the school. Paul cross-country teams brought home a number celebrated our opening of the school year of medals in the early part of the year. This mass in October this year. was closely followed by the capturing of the U-11A County Football Championship, One of the highlights of the past year and a close fought second place in the U-13 was the visit of the I.N.T.O. President, football. Just before the summer holidays, Mr. Declan Kelleher. In front of a large there was great rejoicing as the U-11A audience of parents and media, our hurling trophy was returned to the school, boys questioned Mr.Kelleher on how the whilst the U-13 hurlers suffered a narrow problems of education were going to be defeat. Whilst competitive sport has its solved by the government. Even Declan place, an all-inclusive attitude to sport is found it tough to answer some of the Boys who represented Scoil Ailbhe, Thurles at essential. The Yard League, which ran from questions our boys posed! the Dublin Corna nOg Concert in June 2009 December to March, saw 120 of our boys play thrilling matches after school twice a
Retiring Principals
Some of the retiring Principals that attended our Annual conference.
NB / Reminder if you want Mount Sion Silver Band to be included on our R.E. Mount Sion Silver Band was the school band associated with Mount Sion CBS in Waterford City from 1967-2001. During its 34 year existence it provided a musical education to hundreds of pupils from mailing list send your e-mail the school. The band also provided the platform from which countless professional musical careers were launched and fostered many life long friendships among those who were fortunate enough to pass through address to [email protected] its ranks. For more details visit www.mountsionsilverband.org 10 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
Mons. Denis O Callaghan, who was representing the Bishop, and Mr. Cuairt an Aire ar an William Pat Hallihan who represented the trustees. Main!!! Our Grúpa Ceoil then entertained the guests and when they had Scoil Mhuire Fatima, North Mon, Cork finished The Minister addressed us. He praised the great tradition represented by the Mon, its illustrious history and its proud continuation of that heritage down to the present day.
In June 2009, Mr. Batt O Keefe, an tAire He referred to the recent success in achieving Green Flag status, our Oideachais, visited the North Mon. He excellent Grúpa Ceoil, our great sporting teams in Hurling, Football, came to officially open our new Library and Soccer and Athletics. He pointed out that part of the great Mon our new Pupils’ kitchen, courtesy of The tradition was never to rest on our laurels but to constantly strive Dormant Accounts Fund. to improve the education available to our boys and true to that tradition the newly decorated and stocked library and the kitchen, The preparations for the visit began early opened up new possibilities for our boys. He spoke warmly in praise that morning with boys from VI class doing of the teachers who had organised these developments giving freely a last minute clean up of the grounds. of their free time for the sake of the boys. Meanwhile the Guard of Honour went through their paces, practising their role With the formal part of the celebrations over, the Minister officially one last time. cut the ribbons on the two new facilities and Monsignor O Callaghan blessed them and all who would work and learn in them. Around 2.00 pm, the Minister arrived, before going in to begin the official The hard work being done, our guests were able to sample the function, he did an interview with RTE in possibilities offered by the new kitchen!!! We were glad that the the school grounds. Inside the hall, the Minister and the Monsignor were able to be present to share our boys themselves, many parents, past pupils pride and pleasure in our new facilities and we were proud to be and guests awaited patiently. able to demonstrate again that meanman na Main is alive and well Once the Minister arrived, an tUasal and that the Mon will continue to contribute richly to the future of Ó Callanáin, our Leas Príomh Oide, our Mon Boys. introduced the guests, which included
Build a Bike
St. Vincents Secondary School, Glasnevin
St. Vincents Secondary School, in Glasnevin are participating in the “Build a Bike” scheme which is being funded by the School Completion Programme. Back row: Principal John Horan, Barry Semple, Ajmal 12 students from the junior cert cycle were Hosenbocus, Craig Dennan, Dylann Russell, Gary Wells, given the opportunity to build their own Gacin Carr, Dylon O’Neill, Darren Walsh, Acting Vice- bike before Christmas. The students are principal Tom Bourke. handed a flat-pack bike and are guided through the entire construction process Front Row: Eric Mooney, Luke Riordan, Glen Reddy, Sean, with the help of Darren Walsh, and 2 Boland, Graham Canning, Dylon Morrison, Marcus Connor. leaving Cert Applied students, Graham Photo by Glenn O’Sullivan Canning and Gavin Carr. The students are working as a team and are currently in the 2nd week of the programme. We wish them the best of luck.
St Kevins School Gym Opening
Wednesday 7th October
The St Kevin’s College School Gym was recently refurbished at a cost of €137,000 and was officially opened by Darragh Maloney & Damien O’Meara from RTE who host ‘Sport at 7’ on RTE radio several evenings a week and Father Power, from the local church, who blessed the building.
St Kevin’s College was established in 1967 and has a very proud Paul McGrath, Damian O’Meara (RTE Sport), Darragh Maloney tradition in sport, in particular Gaelic Football and Soccer. We have (RTE Sport) & Eamon Fennell (Dublin Footballer) had many pupils who have gone on to play football for the Dublin Senior Football team and who have won All Ireland medals, such as, Mick Deegan, Dermot Deasy, Gerry Hargan, Barney Rock, John Kearns and Anto McCaul. Ex International soccer player David O’Leary and current international Stephen Kelly are also past pupils.
The school has traditionally been associated with Ballymun Kickhams GAA Club but we also have students who play for Erin’s Isle and Na Fianna GAA Clubs. There can be great banter on the corridors on Monday mornings after some local derbies been played! Mr Clinton, the schools PE teacher & who plays with Ballymun Kickhams, is involved with many of the teams in the school and it is down to his hard work and his colleagues that inspires the students Ms Kearns, Ms Keaney, Ms Farrell, Eamon Fennell of St Kevin’s to wear the blue of Dublin like John Kelly who played (Dublin Footballer), Mr O’Hare (Principal) & with the Dublin Minor Football team this year. Darragh Maloney (RTE Sport) addressing the students of St Kevins Paul McGrath, Jack Townley, Ian Lewis & Mr O’Hare (Principal) Issue 2 / Spring 2010 / 11
and he received a standing ovation. Mr. Zambian Immersion Project- Fourth year students Donal Ennis and Fergal Styles tell about CBC Monkstown Tomi Reichental has been lecturing to their experience in Zambia. Co. Dublin both second and third level students in schools and colleges all around the “I went to Zambia in October last year with eighteen other students and four teachers from my country over the past three years. He school. We stayed for three weeks and during that time we did building and decorating work and can be contacted through the Holocaust we taught primary school children. I really enjoyed being with the kids. The experience opened Educational Trust of Ireland (HETI) at my mind. When I think back on it the images of the smiling people come flooding back and I can Edmund Rice Games [email protected]. smell the compounds we visited. Since my return home I feel so grateful and happy for all we Congratulations to the Track and Field Pictured below are some of the students have. (Donal Ennis) Athletics Team who won the overall best who had the honour of meeting him on school for the sixth year in a row at the the day. “The toughest part of my visit to Zambia was visiting a hospice where we saw young babies Edmund Rice Games on Wednesday 26th suffering from AIDS. Many had been orphaned because of the disease and would lose their own April. Mr. Finnegan, the head Track and School Musical lives because of it. While that was tragic I was blown away by the sheer joy of the little kids we Field Coach, was delighted with the This year’s school musical, The Wizard brought to the zoo. It was great to see the happiness on their faces. We take so much for granted athletes’ performance on the day. Pictured of Oz, was the 18th musical production here, like clean water and shoes. The trip to Zambia brought home to me how little some people below are some of the students who between CBC Monkstown and Loreto have in comparison to us. There is a lot to be done to help those whose lives are so much harder competed in the games. College Foxrock. The show, which included than ours, and that’s why, some time after I’ve done the Leaving Certificate, I’ll go back again.” a flying witch, a nine piece band and Visit from Tomi Reichental of course Toto, a real dog with his own On the 25th March CBC had the pleasure understudy (the only one in the show!!) of welcoming Mr. Reichental to our took place during the last week before school. Arranged by Mr. C. McMahon Easter. It was a roaring success playing through the Holocaust Education Trust of to a full house each night. The musical Ireland, Mr. Reichental spoke to a packed project manager/producer Mr. Dooley hall of senior students and staff about his was overawed with the high standard experiences as a victim and survivor of of performance and wishes to thank the Bergen-Belsen Concentration camp. everybody who was involved in this very His talk was both moving and inspiring successful and enjoyable production. Wizard of Oz musical CBC Monkstown in Donal Ennis with Zambian Child association with Loreto College, Foxrock.
3rd Year Student Kevin Dooney Senior Relay Team Bronze Medals Having fun at the Zoo with CBC Monkstown Immersion Students who came 2nd in the 3000m. Daniel Kelly, Darren Muldowney, Well done Kevin ! Robert Hallam & Tomas Agnew Well done to all !
Visit From Tomi Reichental Students from CBC Monkstown on the recent Immersion trip to Zambia
St Paul’s CBS 6th Years Pip TYs to Fundraising Prize
Each year around Christmas time in St Paul’s organisation, established in 1981, whose CBS a friendly rivalry emerges between 6th goal is develop friendships and social Year and TY students as they compete to outlets for people with disabilities through see which group can raise the most money a variety of social activities. These include for the Central Remedial Clinic through regular social events, holidays, respite their annual Santa Bear appeal. This year breaks, and pilgrimages to Lourdes. 6th Years were victorious as they collected the grand total of €1026. However, the In the spirit of giving and sharing with others TY students can hold their heads high as the 6th year students agreed to stage their they raised a fantastic total of €996. As one own particular version of the Nativity Play student said, “The competition is just a bit of while the School Choir took to Henry Street fun, a way to motivate us to do the best we in Dublin, lending their angelic voices to the can for the CRC. It’s great to be able to help fundraising cause. Indeed, their efforts were others in a small way and between us we of such a high standard that they appeared managed to raise over €2000.” on a special Christmas edition of the popular RTE shoe ‘O’Gorman’s People’. Brunner students also raised the sum of €348.08 for CASA. The Caring And Well done to all involved! Possible future fashion designers - Brunner Boys at their recent fundraising Nativity Play. Sharing Association is a voluntary Well done to all. 12 / Síol / Edmund Rice Schools Trust Newsletter
There he proved himself to be an innovator religion and spirituality had to be as much Obituary in many ways, particularly by making the about experience as about practice and so Brother John Heneghan, students the centre of the school project as it he developed the Emmaus Retreat Centre in responded to the changing ethos in Ireland Swords as a retreat centre for young people. Christian Brother during the 1960s. He also inspired and led initiatives which have blossomed in the establishment of the His great commitment was to the human and Marino Institute of Education. He led the religious development of young people and so initiative which created the Artane School of in 1970 he was appointed to the Institute of Music. Brother John Heneghan was a Christian Religious Education at Mt. Oliver in Dundalk Brother who lived life to the full and he where he became a member of a team John Heneghan’s belief in the role of lay realised in his following of Christ that this which spearheaded new religious education people was copper-fastened in 2003, when was a gospel imperative. He was a man programmes for post-primary schools. he was appointed project manager for the who was blessed with many talents and While there, he assisted with a pioneering Edmund Rice Schools Trust. The Christian skills which he put at the service of the and innovative training programme for Brothers invited him to propose various Congregation of Christian Brothers, the school chaplains and religious education options and proposals on how the trusteeship was a superb organiser who would always Church and Catholic Education in Ireland. teachers. He was a strong supporter of the and governance of CBS schools in Ireland He died at The Blackrock Clinic on the 14th consider the larger context in which plans values underpinning Catholic education. could be managed into the future. Having had to be developed and implemented in of January. He served as Provincial of the John Heneghan was inspired and energised consulted widely with the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers from 1984 till 1996 and detail. Though recently unable to participate by the vision of the Second Vatican Council Network, he proposed that the schools be completely in the festivities of Christmas day, held other leadership roles at national and which took place while he was in Rome. He handed on to a body of lay people who would international levels. he was to the fore in his community in Dún particularly saw the need for every member take responsibility for the provision and Laoghaire in preparing and decorating the of the Church to take their rightful role and ongoing development of Catholic education Christmas table. Born in Tuam, Co. Galway, in 1934 he was responsibility and this influenced his teaching in the Edmund Rice tradition. His proposals educated at the local CBS and made his final and writing. were accepted and he headed a small team Few loved celebrations more than he did profession as a Christian Brother in 1959. of people who made the trust a reality in Following studies in Ireland, he continued and he was a great host and story teller. He In 1977, he moved to Monaghan as Principal June 2008. He later advised other religious enjoyed the company of his family, friends with theology in Rome and catechetics and Leader of the community. Once again, congregations on models of trusteeship for in Louvain. The experience in Belgium and confreres. He delighted in cooking, he formed lasting contacts and relationships their networks of schools. organising barbecues and picnics and broadened his perspectives and opened that long outlived his short stay there. In him to both church and social influences in providing hospitality to everyone who called. the following year, he was appointed to John Heneghan’s achievements as a Christian He was a warm, loving and caring person a wider European context. Later in life, he assist the Provincial in the leadership of St. Brother are numerous and included an was to resume the study of spirituality and and many people felt uplifted by him. His Mary’s Province until he himself became enormous contribution to the international presence and energy will be missed. became passionately interested in the new Provincial in 1984. In this role, his leadership, congregation particularly in developing insights and challenges presented by the story administrative and inspirational gifts became countries of the world. He was always Brother John Heneghan is survived by his of creation and the care of the environment available to even wider circles within fascinated by his experiences of new cultures and the planet. sisters, Bridie and Peggy, his sister-in-law religious and educational life in the country. and countries. A man of sharp intellect, he Eileen, his brother-in-law, Seán, his nephews He was one of a number of Christian Brothers was also a person of great charisma, sincerity On his return to Ireland, he taught for a and nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces, who were to the forefront in establishing and humility. The most abiding memory of by his confreres in the Christian Brothers short period at O’Connell’s School in Dublin Parents’ Councils, as well as the appointment him is of a person of largeness of heart and before moving to Drogheda as Principal of and his wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go of Boards of Management and lay Principals soul. He was a man for whom no service or raibh a anam dílis. St. Joseph’s CBS Secondary School in 1969. in the schools. He had the vision to see that detail was ever too small for his attention. He
Synge Street C.B.S. CBS Naas
December 2009 was a very exciting month for Synge Street Primary School as Gay Byrne along with Don Conroy and Derek Landry visited the school to see the wonderful work going on in 6th class having launched the Fís project. This is a website where children present book reviews to other children. The original idea came from Mr O’Boyle who has done tremendous work over a number of years making Synge street ‘a reading school’. Pictured: Mr Noel Merrick joins with student He read to the boys and heard about Stephen Coy to turn the first sod of the new the reading reviews that are ongoing in school extension. the class. He was also very impressed by Aaron Keegan Roche, who at that point had read Pictured behind: (from left) Denis Crowley Mr Noel Merrick, (school principal), signs 20 books! He was heard on his radio show on Lyric FM the following Sunday praising the (Atkins Architects), John Burns (Burns contract for new extension. wonderful Mr O’Boyle and his class. Construction), Sean Feely (B.O.M. representative). The outstanding footballer Pele was also in Ireland in 2009 and 4th class Akos got to meet him in person. Pele played in world cups for his native Brazil. Well done to The High School in Clonmel Scoil Iosagain CBS Primary High School won the Under 15A Munster football final recently (Corn Uí Mhóráin) School Sexton Street defeating St Brendan’s Killarney 1-15 to 1-05. This is the 1st time that the High School won this competition and it is the 1st time it has ever been won by a Tipperary school. It is a wonderful achievement and reflects the commitment, dedication and hard work of all concerned. The victory is a great uplift for the whole school community.
Scoil Iosagain CBS Primary School Sexton Street, Limerick has developed a new ‘Edmund
Rice Learning Centre’. This is a new media lab with 13 IT areas and controlling software. At design_ www.reddog.ie present it is used as part of the school’s IT programme during par t of the day and by our The “I Went on an Edmund Rice Developing World Immersion Programme” FaceBook AM Club in the morning before school starts. After school it is used by our Polish Club for page is now live. This page has been set up in order to help those who have been on an homework and IT skills. immersion programme to reconnect with others and share their experiences. Please visit the site at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Went-on-an-Edmund-Rice-Developing-World- In future it can be used for teacher directed learning of languages, IT skills and indeed the Immersion-Programme/285317564776 mind boggles.
Published at Áras Éamainn Rís Tel: 01 289 7511 Editorial Team Meadow Vale Fax: 01 289 7540 Tony McCann Blackrock e-mail: [email protected] Brenda Walsh Co. Dublin web: www.erst.ie Natasha Kearns