KILKENNY COLLEGE SUMMER 2019

The Summer Term has come and gone, and the 2019 school year has concluded. The Junior and Leaving Certificate students worked with commitment and dedication through their examinations and everyone at the College wishes them all a deserved rest now and success when their results are issued.

Reports for pupils for Forms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been posted. Booklists and the School Calendar for 2019/20 are available to download on our website.

The annual school photographs are now available from https://my.stickyfolios.com/pw4qbtcrmyhq

Summer events 2019 The Summer Term was a busy term both within the classroom and in the extra-curricular activities programme. There were also a number of significant annual end of year events.

Form 6 Graduation The members of 6th Form 2019 concluded their second level education in a very positive manner in the weeks prior to and during the State examinations. A series of events organised to mark the concluding weeks of their time in the College were organised by students and staff together. These included a soccer match played in a friendly communal atmosphere where enjoyment for all was the primary consideration.

The 6th Form final day saw students signing each other’s shirts as mementos and then participating in the ‘Glenn Hatton Cup’ soccer match, this was followed by a Barbecue. The formal Graduation ceremony took place in the Willoughby Hall. Dean David MacDonnell led the service within the ceremony, addressed the students and gave the Blessing, following which students performed a number of musical items. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to each member of 6th Form, after which refreshments were provided for family, staff and students together. The support of all parents and colleagues at the College in working with the members of 6th Form through the concluding weeks of the year is greatly appreciated. This is a challenging time for all concerned. It is a reflection of the positive inter-relationships between staff and students that this phase of the year was completed in a harmonious manner.

The students subsequently commenced and have moved with success through the Leaving Certificate process. Best wishes are extended to each member of 6th Form 2019 as they move into the next phase of their lives beyond the College. Thanks, are expressed once again for the contribution each person made to the life of the College during their education here.

Form 6 Tree Planting Ceremony in the College Garden Retirement The end of this school year saw the retirement of one Senior member of the teaching staff: Mr. Clayton. Mr. Clayton is a highly regarded, excellent teacher to whom College owes a deep debt of gratitude for all he has given to our students and the life of the school during his service. Mr. Clayton has been a leader in teaching, boarding ECA and the Pastoral Care of students. We wish Mr. Clayton every future happiness as he undertakes a new journey in his life beyond Kilkenny College.

Kilkenny College Parents’ Association and the Board of Management acknowledged the distinguished service of Mr. Kevin Clayton, on his retirement, at an end of year reception in Newpark Hotel in May.

A Presentation was also made to Ms. Sarah Rice, Ms. Kathy Crampton, Dean Susan Green (not pictured) and Mr. Ian Sexton (not pictured)

Mr. Kevin Clayton Ms. Sarah Rice Ms. Kathy Crampton

Transition Year The 2018-19 T.Y. class have had an exciting year and expressed their experiences through a dazzling display and participation of all the students in their ‘1950’s’ Themed exhibition, on Thursday 23rd May. They held the audience spellbound as they sang, danced and entertained their way through a broad repertoire of performances demonstrating their confidence and capability to engage and take ownership of material outside their comfort zone. A great evening for the large crowd in attendance. A well-produced and colourful T.Y. Year Book is now on sale describing the action-packed programme. Form 3 pupils and parents got the chance to visit the exhibition and whet their appetites for next year. Mr. Richard Willis and his team were thanked for their outstanding creativity and motivation. Visit www.tyeye.ie for lots more pictures and information.

Gael Linn Debating

A huge congratulations to Ms. Ryan and the Senior Irish Debating team of Molly Parmeter, Rachel Kavanagh and Iseult Cahill who won the All- Gael Linn Debating competition. This is a historic achievement for Kilkenny College. Tractor Run 2019 Congratulations to all involved in this year’s Tractor Run where €6,603.29 was raised in aid of The Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team. The Committee was Chaired by Ellis Caldbeck.

Ellis, Rebecca Sherwood and Nathan Tomb presented a cheque for €6603.29 to Mary Pender and Ian Wilson of Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team. The TY Tractor Run saw 58 tractors take part to raise funds for the charity.

Drama ‘Blood Brothers’

This year’s drama group staged a wonderful version of Blood Brothers. Students and parents filled the McAdoo Hall for three nights to witness outstanding performances by the cast and crew, giving a brilliant realisation of this famous play.

Drama is open to all year groups. All students who may think they might like to give it a go, or, think they might be nervous but would still like to give it a go, or, really don’t know what to think but were inspired by the cast of Blood Brothers, should ALL give it a go! More information will be available at the beginning of the 2019/20 academic year.

The Cast of ‘Blood Brother’

Green Schools The Green School Committee have had another very busy year working on the theme of Global Citizenship and Marine Environment.

Green School Committee members collecting the school’s Fourth Green Flag for Global Citizenship for Marine Environment. Congratulations and well done to our Green Schools Committee and Ms. Gannon.

Our Gaelchoiste ag bailiú An Gaelbrataí inniu . Our Gaelchoiste collected their Gael Flag.

Members of TY along with Mr. Thompson are pictured with An Taoiseach Mr. Leo Varakar. This photo was taken at the Commissioning of the Naval Service Ship G.B. Shaw in Waterford. The Ship is commanded by past pupil Lt. Cmdr. Philip Dicker (Class of 1999).

Wellbeing Benches

Library Adam Maher Chair of The Library Committee addressing the audience at the official opening of the new College Library recently.

With the financial help and assistance of our Board of Management, our Parents’ Association and Past Pupils Association we opened our new Library in the Spring. Since then it has become a part of everyday life in our College, hosting debates, talks, and a poetry recital.

Central to any library is the issuing and return of books. An entire stock of books was obtained by purchasing and from generous donations.

Our opening hours are lunchtime daily, afternoons from Monday to Thursday, and on Wednesday during Prep. Our Library is also used by teachers with class groups. We have sections on every possible topic, a junior reading area, and a section of books to cater for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. We will be introducing a research project section, linking in with the national public library service network, as well as an audio section with headphones for our users.

Next year we will have a busy calendar with a panel of speakers including authors and poets, debates, a junior book club and a senior book club, talks and creative writing and poetry workshops. There will also be competitions and prizes for our students throughout the school year.

We would ask our parents to encourage our students to use our Library, as it is a resource on their doorstep and can open a world of possibilities for them.

I would like to thank Mr. Cuddihy and our voluntary Library Committee headed up by Adam Maher for their ongoing work and expertise.

Heritage Society ‘Our Heritage’ will be the theme for the year ahead, as our members explore and discover more about many aspects of our landscapes, our plants, trees and wildlife in our College grounds and in our Countryside. We will be planting bulbs and perennials as part of our garden restoration project at House and in our College grounds.

The Heritage Society will travel to Cork and Cloyne in the early Autumn, as well as trips to Rathdowney, home of Thomas Prior a past-pupil who brought the Agricultural Revolution to Ireland, and to many other venues in Kilkenny and surrounding Counties.

Guest speakers will visit, an annual table quiz will be held, along with debates, discussions and plenty more, often in our Library. We will also have a Bake Sale too, please support our fundraising efforts to help others that need our help.

In the last year the Heritage Society raised over €800 for repairs to Churches in three Counties.

I want to thank my predecessors Eva Shirley, Harry Fennell for all of their hard work and to wish Harry and Jake O’Doherty all the best as they leave our College. Harry was Chairman and Jake Vice-Chairman and with others they helped our Heritage Society to grow into an organised Society with clear goals, a real purpose and a written Constitution.

Eva was Chairperson in the past year and kept us busy and her ongoing work and advice is appreciated by myself and others. A full schedule of events will be displayed on our Notice Board at the start of term. In short, we will be busy. All new members are welcome.

Adam Fairbrother,Chairman of our Heritage Society

History Quiz Team

Congratulations to our Junior History Quiz team of Seadar Kearney, Edward Lambert, Finn Corcoran and Jim Parmeter who finished 4th in the All-Ireland Junior History Quiz finals in UCD. Many thanks to Mr. Farrelly for his guidance.

Badminton Kilkenny College reached their first ever Division 2 All-Ireland Girls Final in Badminton with our talented 1st Form, having won the Leinster Championship. They were closely beaten into Silver Medal position on the day but had great victories over Ulster and Connaught with Munster taking the honours. The girls also won the prize of a bag of Badminton equipment for their turn out as the Best Team in the parade of Schools at the start of the day. Many thanks to Ms. Sharman and Ms. Parr

Tennis We managed to pack a lot of tennis into a very short summer term. 8 Teams competed in the Leinster Leagues, 4 boys teams and 4 girls teams. The girls had some close matches but missed out on group wins to proceed at Senior, Junior and Minor level. The boys were represented at all ages, with the Seniors, Junior A and B all losing out to the eventual winners in their group stages. The Minor team won their group and also their semi-final so headed to Dublin for our first ever Division 2 Final. This turned out to be a very tight match v but narrowly missed out on the cup victory. Nevertheless, a great result for a 1st Form team.

The School Cup events were competed for and both winners of the Senior Cups retained their trophies from last year. Marianne McIvor beat Amy Moynan a repeat of the 2018 final. Andrew Arnopp beat Sam Treacy in the boys final.

George Sheppard won the Junior Boys final against Matthew Gill and the girls was won by Emily FitzPatrick who held off the challenge of Emily Brain. Many thanks to Ms. Sharman, Ms. Dunphy, Mr. Thomas & Mr. Graham Swimming

Congratulations and well done to our Swimmers who finished in 3rd place in the 200 Metres Relay at the Irish Senior Schools Relay competition at the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin. They also came 4th in the 200 Metre Freestyle Relay.

Girls Hockey

Congratulations to our Form 1 A and Form 1 B squads on winning the League this year.

Athletics Kilkenny College had a strong contingent of Athletes compete at the South Leinster Track and Field Championships. Huge congratulations to all Athletes who came home with medals and proceeded on to the Leinster Schools championships and All Ireland’s.

A special mention to Rory MacGabhann (Form 5), who set a new meeting record in the High Jump with a leap of 1.94m and to Glenn O’Rourke (Form 1) who broke a 43-year-old record in the Long Jump with a jump of 5.32m!

Minor Girls 1100m - Poppy Hackett Form 1 Silver Medal Minor Girls Shot Put - Allegra Corcoran-Whitten Form 1 Bronze Medal Junior Boys Shot Put - Stephen Smyth Form 2 Silver Medal Junior Boys Discus - Stephen Colbourne Form 2 Bronze Medal U14 Boys Hammer - Max Perry Form 1 Bronze Medal U16 Girls Shot Put - Amy Douglas Form 3 Bronze Medal U16 Boys Shot Put - Zach Furlong Form 3 Bronze Medal U17 Boys 100m - Greg Edogun Form 4 Gold Medal U19 Boys High Jump - Rory MacGabhann Form 5 Gold Medal U19 Girls High Jump - Lilly Onilenla Form 6 Silver Medal U19 Girls 100m Hurdles and long Jump – Ruby Millet Form 6 Gold Medal U16 Boys 4x300m Relay - Harry Rogers, Stefan Hillebrand, Carlos Grace and Tyrone Adeniranye - Silver Medal U19 Girls 4x100m Relay - Mary Adewuyi, Ruby Millet, Lilly Onilenla and Sadie Hyland - Gold Medal

Congratulations to Zahra Khodabacksh (Form 5) who won Silver in the All- Ireland Gymnastics all rounds-bards, Beams, Floor and Vault which took place in the National Sports Arena in Dublin. We wish Zahra the very best of luck as she has now qualified for the Gymnastics Superstars in July.

Special Mentions • Ruby Millet recorded a new National Junior record in the long jump with a jump of 6.20m at the National Senior Indoor Championships. Ruby also jumped a PB of 6.15m at the AAI Games • Rebecca Byrne (Form 4) was named as the 2019 International Hippocrates Young Poet with ‘The Butcher’s Doll’ on her experiences of hip surgery. • Simon Young and Ian O’Keeffe were selected to play Hockey for Leinster U21’s in a two-game series in Belfast and Dublin. • Tim Cope and Henry Huston were selected to play Hockey for the Leinster U18’s Inter- provincial tournament. Tim Cope and Daniel Brain travelled to Holland with the Leinster U17 Development Hockey squad. • Charlie Tector and Noah Pim (Form 5) played for Leinster Schools Rugby against Munster. • Alex Buckley (Form 2) played for Munster in the FAI Football for All junior Tournament. • Liam Foot and Tom Donald represented Kilkenny College at the Student Enterprise Awards, National Finals • Alex McLelland Maher was chosen to represent Ireland in the Spanish Stillwater Championships which were held in Malaga in May. • Congratulations to Past Pupil Clodagh Cassin who was selected as the Kilkenny Rose. We wish Clodagh all the best as she takes part in the Rose of Tralee competition in August. • Sophie Smyth won Gold in the U17 Solo Classical Singing at the Wesley Music Festival • Sarah Stafford received First Class Honours at the Wesley Music Festival • Kilkenny College Jazz Band received 2nd place overall in the Orchestral section of the Wesley Music Festival. • Jim Parmeter was Silver medal winner in the U17 Piano at the Kilkenny Music Festival • Sophia Peschke won the Senior Girls Popular singing competition closely followed in 2nd place by Amy Cahill. • Past Pupils Yasmin Pratt and Emma Young place with the Irish U21’s Hockey squad in the Four Nations against Scotland, Canada and India. Ireland eventual silver medal winners of the Four Nations.

Music The Summer Musicale Evening took place on the 21st May. The event featured the College Jazz Band, Ripieno Society, An Ghrúpa Cheoil, Chamber Choir and Choirs. In addition to these performances another 32 individuals and groups performed on the night, a clear expression of the depth and range of ability in Music at Kilkenny College.

The evening concluded with a presentation to the Director of Music, Mr. Ian Sexton, to mark his departure from Kilkenny College as he returns to Cork.

Prefects 2019/2020 Congratulations to our newly elected Prefects for the next academic year, which are as follows:- Boarder Girls:- Rachel Lacey, Grace Jackson, Wren Higgins, Hannah Benn and Radinka Pratt Boarder Boys:- Craig Chamney, Craig Claxton, Charlie Tector, John Moynan and Luke Thompson Day Girls:- Cameron Murphy, Sarah Cooke, Dara Scobie, Sophie Perry and Ella Whelan Day Boys:- Josh Tormey, Simon Young, Leo Cahill, Evan Langrell and Ian O’Keeffe

Additional Deputy Principal The Board of Management are pleased to announce that Ms. Valda Langrell will take up the post of additional Deputy Principal at Kilkenny College for the next academic year. We wish Ms. Langrell every success in her new role. New staff appointments for the 2019/20 school year will be confirmed prior to the start of the new school year.

Careers Night The Parents’ Association organised a hugely successful and enjoyable Careers Information evening for all Senior Cycle students on the 15th January. Over 90 professionals kindly gave their time to meet with small groups in excess of 300 senior cycle students to discuss their career pathway with them. This evening gave our students the unique opportunity to meet with people working in areas of current or potential interest to them and by extension to meet and discuss career opportunities where they would never have considered previously. On behalf of the school community, thanks are expressed to all those who gave their time and to the members of the Parents’ Association who organised the event.

Parents’ Association Thanks, are expressed to all members of the Parents’ Association committee for the time they give and their commitment to working on behalf of all the students at the College. Sincere gratitude is expressed also to all the members of the Parents’ Association who organised a wonderful, well-attended end of year reception in Newpark Hotel in May. The Parents’ Association have also been very supportive in funding various activities and equipment. The Parents’ Association website is recommended for frequent visits and you can register at www.kilkennycollege.ie

Medical Prescription or other strong medication (with the exception of inhalers) must be given to nurse for dispensing. That is a safety regulation so that medication is actually taken as prescribed and cannot be misused by anyone else. Supplements such as Creatine are banned by the College and will be confiscated. The consumption or supply of illegal drugs is deemed extremely serious and can lead to expulsion under the Code of Conduct.

Adequate Notice May I remind parents that you are obliged to give a full term’s notice in writing if a student is leaving the school. This will be acknowledged by return to confirm the withdrawal.

If you have a child who is starting 6th Class in September and you wish to apply for a place in Form 1 for September 2020 in Kilkenny College, please ensure you have submitted a completed Intention to Enrol form prior to 1st September 2019. Only those who have sent in an Intention to Enrol Form will be invited to one of our Open Days in September.

Internet Use and Cyber Bullying Please be as vigilant as possible regarding your son(s)/daughter(s) use of the Internet and Social Media sites. While the vast majority of ICT usage is positive, communications technology is open to abuse. The courses provided in the College in February gave useful advice and contacts for anyone worried about this. A group of Form 4 pupil facilitators have been trained to work with Form 1 and others in the ‘B Smart - Internet Safety Programme’. The pupil journal also has a useful section. If you have concerns in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Communication These are some of the many ways in which you can keep up to date on life in Kilkenny College. Kilkenny College has a sizable social media presence, the main feature being our website. You can find us at www.kilkennycollege.ie. We are also on Twitter and Instagram both of which are added to every day during term time and @kilkennycollege is where you will find us. There are currently over 5925 tweets and 2161 photos there respectively. We have a LinkedIn group Friends and Alumni of Kilkenny College.

A weekly Newsletter outlining events taking place that particular week and upcoming events is emailed to all parents/guardians every Monday, should you wish to receive this weekly Newsletter please send your email address to [email protected]. The Weekly Newsletter is also on our website. Reminders of upcoming events sent by web text will frequently refer you to our website for full details. To keep up to date on Transition Year activities, log on to TYeye.ie.

Please see Outline Calendar and Re-opening schedule on the following pages for the 2019/20 school year

Much gratitude is due to all of our staff and voluntary workers who have put in enormous efforts this year. Thank you for your support and co-operation during the year. I wish you and your family a relaxing and enjoyable summer holiday.

Simon Thompson Principal Kilkenny College

Outline Calendar 2019/2020

Monday 26th August 2019 – Form 4 Presentation on Transition Year for Parents/Guardians/Agents only, in the Swift Building commencing at 6 p.m. • Form 4 boarding students return to settle into their dormitories from 6 p.m. (no earlier) • Form 1 day and boarding pupils with parents/guardian’s meeting @ 7:30 p.m. • Form 1 boarding students return to settle into their dormitories from 7 p.m.

All Boarding fees due MUST have been paid prior to students being admitted to the Dormitories

Tuesday 27th August 2019 – Form 1 and Form 4 Induction Day Meeting for new pupils entering Forms 2, 3, and 5 with Parents/Guardians/Agents All boarders return from 7:30 p.m.

All Boarding fees due MUST have been paid prior to students being admitted to the Dormitories

Wednesday 28th August 2019 – Full School day for all students Monday 30th September 2019 – School closed all day All boarders return from 7:30 p.m. Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November – Mid-term break All boarders return on Sunday 3rd November from 7:30 p.m.

Monday 11th November 2019 – Staff Training Day, school closed all day All boarders return from 7:30 p.m.

Monday 18th November – Friday 22nd November – In-House Christmas Exams Monday 23rd December 2019 – Friday 3rd January 2020 – Christmas Holidays All boarders return on Sunday 5th January from 7:30 p.m.

Monday 3rd – Friday 14th February 2020 2 weeks Work Experience for Form 4 students. Leaving and Junior Certificate Mock Exams

Monday 17th – Friday 21st February 2020 – Mid-term break All boarders return on Sunday 23rd February from 7:30 p.m.

Monday 16th March 2020 – Staff Training Day, school closed all day Tuesday 17th March 2020 – Public Holiday, school closed all day All boarders return from 7:30 p.m.

Monday 6th – Friday 17th April 2020 – Easter Holidays All boarders return on Sunday 19th April from 7:30 p.m.

Monday 4th May 2020 – Public Holiday, school closed all day Boarders return from 7: 30 p.m.

In-house Summer examinations take place from Monday 25th to Friday 29th May. All exams (Christmas and Summer) must be taken according to school regulations in order to maintain the integrity of the exam.

Friday 29th May 2020 – End of Summer Term - (School closes at 2 pm)

Reopening Schedule 2019/20

Academic Classes will commence at 8.40 am each morning. Classes will conclude at 3.40pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Classes will conclude at 1.35pm each Wednesday.

Monday August 26th 7:30 p.m. - Form 1 Day and Boarding pupils with parents/guardian’s meetings. Day Pupils – Swift Building Boarder Girls – McAdoo Hall Boarder Boys – Butler House (Boys Study Hall) Form 1 Boarders may return from 7:00 p.m. to settle in and are advised to have a meal beforehand. (Please do not arrive before 6:30 p.m.) A bedtime snack and drink will be served to boys and girls at 9:00 p.m. Dorm Prefects for Form 1 to return by 5:30 p.m. in full school uniform Form 5 Mentors to return by 6:30 p.m.

Boarding Fees MUST be paid prior to students being permitted access to the Dormitories

6:00 p.m. Form 4 presentation on Transition Year, for Parents/Guardians/Agents only in the Swift Building Form 4 Boarders return to settle into their dormitories from 6:00 p.m.

Boarding Fees MUST be paid prior to students being permitted access to the Dormitories

Tuesday August 27th Induction day and classes for all Form 1 Pupils commencing at 8:40 a.m. Assembly in Willoughby Hall at 9:00 a.m. for all Form 1 students. Prefects and Mentors in attendance from 8:40 a.m. (Lunch and evening meal provided for boarders and day boarders) 1:00 p.m. Prefect training Boarders in Forms 2, 3, 5 and 6 may return from 7:00 p.m.

Boarding Fees MUST be paid prior to students being permitted access to the Dormitories

Wednesday August 28th School re-opens for all students with registration at 08:40 a.m. Classes conclude at 1:35 p.m. Lunch is 1:35 – 2:20 p.m. Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) and prep commence at 2:20 as normal.

All Day pupil Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who wish their child/children to participate in the ECA Programme must have paid for their chosen Programme prior to the 26th August 2019