Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Spring 2019 • Issue 17

Síol Newsletter

Networking to our strengthsOver the past few weeks I have had the honour of visiting quite a number of your schools. As I was travelling to Cork, Wexford and Ennis, to name a few of those locations, it really struck me just how diverse, innovative and strong our network of schools is.

In my travels I had the opportunity to meet students in some of our very oldest schools – many with histories spanning over 200 years. I also got to meet and see the wonderful art and project work of those attending our very newest school in Carpenterstown-Castleknock, in Dublin, which was established just over two years ago.

And while each of you is very much tied to your own school activities, your own school friends and your own communities, it also struck me as we travelled around the country, that each one of you is also part of a much bigger school community – that is the community or network of Edmund Rice Schools that is thriving both here in Ireland and across the world.

Let’s just think about the statistics for a moment. Our network of 96 primary

and secondary schools makes us the largest network of schools with a similar ethos in Ireland. Within our schools here, we are teaching and guiding over 37,000 students and young people. And further afield, when we link into our Edmund Rice Schools across the globe as part of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders, we, collectively are reaching over 170,000 pupils.

That’s two Croke Parks filled to capacity every day, with another 10,000 people watching outside on a big screen!

But perhaps what makes us stand out as a network beyond just our numbers is our collective focus on social justice and equality. As a network of 96 schools here in Ireland, and as a network of 279 schools globally, we can be a strong and committed voice for positive social change on key issues of our time.

Our Charter tells us that “Major challenges face humanity, including environmental degradation, limits to material resources, and threats to bio-diversity. The Edmund Rice School encourages the whole school community to work for social and ecological justice in the school and in society generally”. This year, as Edmund Rice Schools, we will be working on network-wide positions on ecological and social justice. We will

focus on areas such as climate justice, direct provision and homelessness, to name but a few, as they relate to people’s lives here in Ireland but also as these issues relate to the lives of our fellow students and teachers across the globe.

We can choose to speak out and take actions on these issues as individuals, or as individual schools as many of you are already doing. However, I think, that as a strong and vibrant network we can have even more impact when we work together. That’s why I am so excited about network-wide initiatives like our Walk in My Shoes Days and our Ecology Project to decrease our use of single use plastics for example.

As we move forward, I urge you all to get to know more about the Edmund Rice Schools with whom you share a connection. Try to get involved in our network activities if you can. And remember to tell us what you are doing to make a difference in your own communities so that we can share your news with others. Together we really can be much greater than the sum of our parts.

Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive

ff Edmund Rice students promoting the “Save our Seas” campaign outside the Dail.

CBC Cork

Harty Cup HurlingWe were immensely proud of our Senior A hurlers who made history when they reached their first Dr Harty Cup final in 101 years. We applaud the effort, commitment and talent of all students involved and the dedication of our trainers, in particular Mr Tony Wall and Mr Donal O’ Mahony, without whose vision such an achievement would not have been possible.

Social Justice and AdvocacyIn January, three senior representatives of the CBC Green Schools committee (David Walsh, Niall Hannigan, Luke Galligan) travelled to the Edmund Rice International office in Geneva, Switzerland with teacher Ms Lorna Mulvaney as part of a Social Justice and Advocacy event. They met with other students from ERST schools Ard Scoil na Mara, Tramore, and Ard Scoil Ris, Limerick, and attended a session at the United Nations Assembly. The students who lead the new Social Justice group in CBC travelled with other ERST schools to Dublin at the invitation of Senator Grace O’ Sullivan where they learned about the Save our Seas initiative.

CBS Montevideo Uruguay visit CBCStudents and staff from Stella Maris College, Montevideo, Uruguay paid a visit to CBC in February, joining the weekly First Year Heritage class on a visit to St Anne’s Church in Shandon.

The Road to SuccessAs part of CBC students’ fundraising efforts for this year’s Zambia Immersion Project, a very special event was held in the college in February. In The Road to Success, three inter-county hurling managers, Limerick’s John Kiely, Waterford’s Derek McGrath and Cork’s John Meyler, came together for a lively and entertaining evening on the highs and lows of hurling life and offered unique insights into the stories behind inter-county and All-Ireland glory. Ten Fifth Year students will travel with teachers Mr David O’ Connell, Ms Ciara McCormack and Mr Robert Bevan to Zambia in June, supported by the humanitarian organisation Serve.

CBC Cork

Past Pupils Dinner170 CBC past pupils joined Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn and invited guests for the 88th annual Past Pupils Union dinner. Four current and recent past pupils (Eoin Monahan, Tommy Downes, Mark Donnelly, Scott Buckley) received caps from the union to mark their involvement in representing Ireland in rugby at various age divisions.

First Year trip to Edmund Rice Centre, WaterfordAll students from First Year visited the Edmund Rice Centre in Waterford over two days in February in what is an important annual tradition in CBC. The trip gave students the opportunity to learn about the enduring legacy of our founder and the values that inspire schools in the Edmund Rice tradition today.

Leaving Cert Physics Trip to CERNAt the end of February twenty-eight senior students travelled With Mr Markey and Mr Moloney to Geneva for a trip to Europe’s headquarters for Nuclear Research CERN. This was the school’s third trip to visit the world’s largest particle accelerator. The group met with members of the Nobel Prize winning team that discovered the Higgs Boson and were given a guided tour of the facility. This was the first time that a group from the school got the opportunity to travel 100m under the ground to see the Large Hardon collider and the famous detector CMS which stands for Compact Muon Solenoid (the largest magnet in the world); this was the site of the Higgs Boson discovery. It was a fabulous experience for the whole group.

On Friday 25/01/19, our school Senior (U19) Soccer team was presented with the Dave Colgan Memorial Cup as winners of the North-East (Leinster) Region League Division One. The campaign began in October with an emphatic 5-0 Home win over our neighbours, Marist College, Dundalk. Mícheál Begley, Sean Hill, Seán Murden and Abdul Abubakhar (2) were our goalscorers on the day. After a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Boyne Community School, Trim in November we suffered a set-back in our final group game, losing 4-3 at home to De la Salle College, Dundalk. Once again Abdul Abubakhar (2) and Seán Hill were our goalscorers. We still qualified for the semi-finals as runners-up in the group thanks to our superior goal difference.

In early January, we defeated our Semi-Final opponents, Balbriggan Community School, with a resounding 6-1 (away) victory. Mícheál Begley, Abdul Abubakhar, Ebuka Kwelele (2) and Seán Hill (2) were our goalscorers in this game. We now qualified for the N.E.Leinster Final against De La Salle College, Dundalk - the only team to have beaten us during the group stages of the competition. On this occasion, however, the result was very different as Coláiste Rís romped home to a 5-1 victory. Seán Hill, led by example scoring a hat-trick in this game with Ebuka Kwelele and Abdul Abubakhar also getting on the score-sheet. This was the fifth time that Coláiste Rís has won this trophy at Senior level since its inception in 1987 and the first win since 2009. We then

went forward to represent the North-East Region in the Leinster Champions Senior League Quarter-Final. We played our fellow ERST School and Metro South winners, Coláiste Éanna CBS, Rathfarnham. Coláiste Éanna came out on top on a scoreline of 3 goals to 2; Ebuka Kwelele scored the goals this time. We wish Coláiste Éanna every success in the competition; no doubt you can read about their progress elsewhere in Siol.

We have had a great season and it was a fitting tribute to a dedicated group – many of whom are in Leaving Cert and will progress to the next stage of their lives with great memories of their school team involvement. We cannot let this pass without expressing a big thank you to Mr MacEachaidh and Mr Holland for all their hard work with this group.

Coláiste Rís Dundalk

Under 19 Team wins North East Leinster League:

ff Under 19 North Leinster winning team (and supporters)

ff Cormac Ryan getting to grips with the particle accelerator

Junk Kouture & Louth Enterprise

A group of Transition Year students headed, with Ms Lawless and Mr McCarthy, to the Mourne Mountains early on February 28th to undertake their Adventure Journey for Gaisce. Known as The President’s Award, Gaisce is a self-development programme that encourages young people aged between 15 and 25 to fulfil their potential. Volunteering in the community, learning a personal skill, taking part in physical activity and the Adventure Journey are the four key challenge areas. The Coláiste Rís TY cohort is working towards Bronze level and their Adventure Journey consisted of hiking approximately 28 kilometres over two days in the Mournes.

Their first hike started early in the day in the coastal town of Dundrum, Co. Down and continued along the scenic path of Murlough Nature Reserve. They walked towards Newcastle, against the backdrop of the Mournes and continued up through Donard Forest, along the White Plains to reach Tollymore centre, just in time for dinner! The second day’s hike was an opportunity to put their navigation skills into practice as the students led the walk from Tollymore Forest to Ott car park. They returned to Coláiste Rís with possibly a few blisters and aching feet but with some very happy memories of their time in the Mournes.

Major Celebrations in Dundalk11th May 2019 marks 150 years since the first student enrolled in Dundalk CBS. The celebrations are well under way with two fine banners flying on both the Primary and Secondary Schools. On May 10th Archbishop Eamon Martin will celebrate a mass for both schools in St Patrick’s Cathedral. Other activities planned include a football match and fun day in the local Gaels Field (long associated with the CBS) on May 11th, a commemorative book to mark the 150th, guest speakers on a variety of topics, a concert to celebrate past and current school musicians and a dinner dance in November for past pupils and all in the schools community. It promises to be a great year for the schools and a fitting tribute to the fabulous work started by Brother Yorke and the first community of brothers 150 years ago.

Coláiste Rís Dundalk

ff Louth Enterprise winners 2019 ff Junk Kouture National Finalist 2019

ff 4Y Class at Tollymore Centre in the Mournes

For the third year running Coláiste Rís will have a representative group in the National Finals of Junk Kouture in the 3 Arena in early May. Motivate by the great enthusiasm of Ms McCaughey the students made their way through the local event of Trashion Fashion and went forward to the Regional Final of Junk Kouture in the Helix. The entry going forward is titled “Hear I am - Can you hear me” and the outfit was designed and made by three of the boys, Leon Duffy, Sean McGuinness and Paddy O Rourke and is modelled by Leah Conway. The theme of the entry is very thought provoking as it highlights through hearing aids, earphones and other

listening equipment the damage we are doing with the volume of sounds that we are listening to.

The school also has a very strong tradition in the local and national Finals of the Enterprise competition. This year’s entry – a securing bungee for wheelie bins – will represent the school in the National Finals of the Enterprise Competition in Croke Park. The students under the guidance of Mr Campbell are Fausta Razmaite, Ciara Sharkey, Alanna Tinnelly, Amy Ward and Sarah White. They are pictured here receiving their award for winning the overall Louth competition.

Gaisce Trip to the Mournes

Shoebox Appealff Pupils from Doon C.B.S. Primary School

display their shoeboxes as part of the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal for children in third world countries.

We Are WritersSchool pupils generally read and learn from books, but Doon CBS Primary School has written their own. Every single one of their 63 boys penned a short story for the paperback publication called We Are Writers. Joanne Breen, Principal of Doon CBS said she was “immensely proud” of all her pupils. “We were planning to hold a book fair.

Scholastic, the company that organise them, asked us would we like to write a book under the title We Are Writers and to sell the book at the book fair. From September to mid-December every boy in the school wrote their own story. It is very inclusive. I’m extremely proud of their imagination and talent,” said Ms Breen, who praised Nano McMahon and

all her staff. “She is a shared teacher who teaches creative writing to the pupils along with the class teachers in a team - teaching setting. It will be a lovely memory for the pupils of their time in the CBS,” said Ms Breen. Everything in the book is the work of the 63 boys in the school. Cian Hanrahan, fourth class, even designed the illustration on the front cover. We Are Writers was launched by former pupil and PhD student in Mary Immaculate College, Paul McNamara, last week. It was attended by parents, teachers and the young authors. “He spoke to all the pupils and impressed upon them that while Doon is renowned for sport it is nice to show that we have the creative arts here as well. He got five boys to read out their stories - Padraig Crowe, sixth class; Cathal Quinlan, sixth class;

William Kinane, fifth class; Cian Tierney, fifth class and Padraig Hanley, third class. “Paul commended Padraig Crowe’s story very highly. He set it in Carrigmore in Doon. It is about a post office closing and how they ran a cake sale to save it. It is one people could really identify with,” said Ms Breen. And especially in the context of Dromkeen Post Office closing last month.

The book is celebration of the boys’ imagination and talent and gives the reader a glimpse of their passion and interests. Ms Breen says they only have 10 copies left but they hope to reprint more.

Doon CBS Primary School

ff Jo Crowe with her sons Cormac and Diamuid at the Book Launch of We are Writers at Doon

ff Above: 5 pupils from Doon CBS, Cathal Quinlan, Cian Tierney, Padraig Hanley, Padraig Crowe, William Kinane with Paul Mc Namara, who launched our book with school principal Joanne Breen.

Grandparents Day

Druids Glenff Pictured at the E.R.S.T.

School Principals conference at the Druids Glen Hotel, Co. Wicklow, Joanne O’Connell, principal of Doon C.B.S. Primary School, Co. Limerick and John Kiely, principal of Abbey C.B.S. Secondary School, Tipperary Town. John is also manager of the successful Limerick hurling team that won the All-Ireland senior title in 2018.

Confirmation Day

Doon CBS Primary School

ff Pupils from Scoil Iosagain C.B.S., Sexton St., Limerick, who were confirmed by Bishop Breandan Leahy on Thursday 14th March at St. Michaels Church, Denmark St., Limerick pictured with Mr. Denis Barry, School Principal and teachers Mary Claire Hayes and Clodagh Walsh

ff Denis Barry, School Principal, Scoil Iosagain C.B.S., Sexton St. Limerick pictured with Bishop Breandan Leahy at the confirmation ceremony in St. Michael’s Church, Denmark St., Limerick.

ff At the Grandparents Day Mass for Catholic Schools Week in Doon Parish Church are members of the Ryan family: (Left to Right) Grandmother Lena Mc Namara, Sean Ryan, Micheal Ryan, Judith Ryan and Joanne O’Connell, School Principal Doon C.B.S.

ff Caimin Lynch, Doon C.B.S., pictured with his grandmother, Nora Lynch of Cappamore, and Breda Dervan, Deputy Principal Doon Convent N.S. at the Grandparents Day Mass in Doon Parish Church for Catholic Schools Week

Rice College Ennis

Off To A Great Start In 20192019 has gotten off to a great start at Rice College Ennis. The end of January marked the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. While the theme focused on the Work of Our Local Catholic Schools that is exactly what we did. Along with a guest speaker from Bóthar the students got involved in a Bake Sale and with the help pf Ms. Ronan and Fr. Tom Ryan.

The First Years, with the consent of their parents, took a pledge of total abstinence from alcoholic drink until an agreed age, typically 18. They were presented with certificates to mark their Pledge.

In an effort to keep active and learn more about our local community Fr. Ryan brought a group of First Years on a ‘Camino’ around Ennis and gave them a very informative history lesson in the process.

We rounded up Catholic Schools Week by making beautiful St. Brigid’s Crosses and displaying them throughout the school.

In February a group of Transition Year girls entered the ‘Junkkouture’ competition. Their creation was made from repurposed and upcycled material such as aluminium cans, copper coins and electricity cables. The stunning creation received a Golden ticket to the Southern regional finals in the university Concert Hall Limerick and we wish them and their teacher Ms. Hogan the very best of luck.

Over the mid-term break the school had its annual ski trip. This year the group went to the Blue Mountain Resort in Canada where they enjoyed great days of skiing, evenings of fun and ice-hockey and a trip to Niagara Falls. They are already planning a return trip!

ff St. Brigid’s Day activity in Rice College, Ennis

Rice College Ennis

GaelbhratachRice College, Ennis are hoping to be awarded their fourth Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag) at the end of this academic year (2018/2019) and a committee of motivated and enthusiastic students was formed to promote activities as Gaeilge around the school in order to help achieve this aim. The ‘Gaelbhratach’ programme is a relatively new scheme in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn and Conradh na Gaeilge, which encourages schools to promote Irish in all aspects of school life. A committee consisting of students was put together facilitated by the members of the Irish department, composing an action plan to organize events throughout the year. Such events included poster competitions, cake sales, fundraising activities for local charities, a flash mob, and visits to CBS primary where the committee performed a sketch as Gaeilge (Fionn agus an Dragún) to second class students and they even taught the students how to sing �Baby Shark/ Babaí Siorc” as Gaeilge! The committee are also hoping to visit a local daycare centre to showcase aspects of Irish culture, linking in with the Community Awareness programme currently being undertaken by TY students.

The Gaelbhratach committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Louis Mulqueen and Mr. John Burns for their support throughout the year, and also Mr. Dara Glynn (principal of CBS Primary School) who facilitated our visits to their school.

Tá an Gaelbhratach ar foluain sa scoil agus is cúis onóra í dúinn go léir. Mar a deirtear, is linne í an Ghaeilge!

Going For GoldRhys Williams, a 3rd Year student at Rice College, Ennis was announced as the Junior Irish Showjumper of the Year at a ceremony at The K Club on February 11th. He follows in the footsteps of such household names and Jessica Chesney and Bertram Allen.

In July of last year Rhys claimed the Gold Medal in the Under 14 Longines FEI European Youth Championships in France, the only competitor to jump clear in all three rounds. He was also named as The Irish Field ‘Star of the Month’ following a public vote.

Considering the hours that Rhys has to spend training and caring for his horses, it’s a wonder he has any time for school, but his diligence, perseverance and resilience are second to none. The staff and students of Rice College, Ennis truly value these qualities, and facilitate Rhys whenever possible in the balancing act his life has become, now that he is a famous sportsperson! He even sat two of his recent mock exams in the evening after school, rather than miss out on the opportunity to ‘train’ for the other important upcoming event – the JC!

Blessed Edmund Rice would be very proud of this ‘all-rounder’!

We wish Rhys, and his younger brother Coen, a First -Year student in Rice College, Ennis, the very best of luck on the show jumping circuit in the coming season.

CBS Student Wins Prestigious Naughton Scholarship

CBS Roscommon

The CBS Roscommon Edmund Rice Autism Centre was recently shortlisted for a National Inclusion Award. A CARA award is a major national accolade, recognising the success of schools and other community organisations in enhancing opportunities to participate in Sport and Physical Activity, in particular for those with special needs.

The Centre was one of three schools across the country nominated for increasing physical activity amongst students on an on-going, fun and inclusive way. Although it did not win the overall prize, it was honoured to be acknowledged for the work it carries out. The staff and management understand and appreciate the positive impact participation in sport has on the lives of its students, and they have developed a programme to reflect this. Students visit the swimming pool, go to the gym and learn how to use the equipment and participate in PE regularly. They also use the outdoor gym equipment in the centre

on a daily basis. To encourage and mentor students, a ‘Buddy System’ has been set up which sees them work in conjunction with Transition Year students.

According to Orla O’Connor of the Edmund Rice Centre, being shortlisted for the award was a wonderful recognition of the Centre’s on-going emphasis on physical activity as a key life skill. ‘The Edmund Rice Centre aims to equip each student with the knowledge, competence and skills necessary to participate sport and physical activity on an on-going basis. It is a testament to the work carried out within the school, and also the support provided by the wider community in allowing our students to enjoy facilities such the gym and the pool on a regular basis. It reflects also on the inclusive

atmosphere within the CBS, which sees students of all abilities work together in improving sports and physical skills.’

Many thanks to the CBS Roscommon Edmund Rice Centre staff, the Transition Year mentors and the local community who have helped to create an atmosphere focused on ability and inclusion.

As part of the Edmund Rice Centre’s autism awareness programme this year, they are going to attempt to break Guinness World Record by creating the longest ever Blue Autism Awareness Ribbon. 1,555 metres of fabric was delivered to the school and everyone is working hard to set a new world record on April 5th of this year. It looks set to be a day of fun, entertainment and a sea of blue!

CBS Edmund Rice Centre Shortlisted for National Inclusion Award

ff Pictured: Edmund Rice Centre staff who recently received a nomination for a National Inclusion Award. Here they are pictured with the 1,555 metres of fabric required to break the Guinness World record for the longest ever Autism Awareness Blue Ribbon

Past CBS pupil and Trinity College Dublin undergraduate, Oisin Stephens, has won a prestigious four year scholarship from the Naughton Foundation, an organisation which promotes the study of engineering, science and technology at third level by students in Ireland. Oisin was awarded with this accolade for achieving the highest grades in his Leaving Certificate in the county.

Oisin, currently a student of Physical Sciences in Trinity College, Dublin received his award from Minister Richard Bruton at a reception recently in the Science Gallery, Trinity College. Also at the awards ceremony was Oisin’s teacher Ms Breege Grennan, who received a cheque for €1000 towards the school’s science facilities.

At the event, the organisers commented that competition for scholarships in 2018 was particularly high, and the standard of applications received was outstanding. The school is very proud of Oisin’s achievements, and wish to congratulate both him and his family.

ff Pictured Oisin Stephens - past pupil of the CBS Roscommon receiving his scholarship from Minister Richard Bruton. Also pictured are CBS teacher Ms Breege Grennan, and Carmel and Martin Naughton of the Naughton Foundation.

CBS Roscommon

CBS Roscommon Win All Ireland Golf ChampionshipThe CBS Roscommon Golf team went down in sporting folklore last year, achieving the greatest accolade in schools’ golf by winning the All-Ireland U-19 Senior Golf Championship.

This remarkable team consisted of: Allan Hill, Thomas Higgins, Simon Walker, Fionn Hoare, Cian O’Connor, Alan Connaughton, Michael Corcoran and Kevin Connaughton. The entire school and indeed the wider community are immensely proud of the young sportsmen, and they were named Junior Sportstars of the Year by the Roscommon Herald in February of this year. They were also honoured at the annual Champions Dinner held by the Golf Union of Ireland in Carton House, Maynooth last month. Their dedication and discipline have proven to be blue print for sporting success. They have shown that hard work and perseverance equates to achievement in all aspects of life.

Everyone at CBS Roscommon would like to pay tribute to all parents involved because without their time, effort and support this victory would not have been possible. CBS Roscommon would also like to thank Roscommon Golf Club in the development of these incredible young men. In addition, a huge thanks must go to Michael Connaughton, Liam McNeill, the CBS Roscommon Past Pupils Golf Society and Michael McIntyre who contributed significantly to the CBS golfing team. And finally, many thanks to CBS teacher, Mr. Mark Hodgins who coached the team. Congratulations to all!

CBS Roscommon 80th CelebrationsThe school’s official 80th anniversary celebrations were a huge success last year, attracting a large gathering of members of the CBS Roscommon community to honour all that has been achieved over the past eight decades.

As part of the weekend’s celebration, the school welcomed past pupils, staff members and parents to an informal and entertaining afternoon which involved reminiscing, catching up with old friends, browsing through old photos and touring the school. The Parents’ Association served teas, coffees and refreshments to the many guests who joined us on the beautiful Saturday afternoon. They browsed through old copies of Rosc Chomain, the school magazine which has been published since 1967. Some of them brought items such as old textbooks, prayer books, letters and copy books which they had preserved from their time in the CBS, and all of them spoke of their fond memories and how they education they had received had stood them in good stead in their future careers.

A highlight of the day was the opening of the Christy Hannon library, which was carried out by Christy’s brother, Billy Hannon. It was an honour to have his family in attendance, and to hear tributes paid to his dedication to the school, its students and in particular his love of literature.

Former Principal, Brother Michael Heffernan gave a warm and entertaining keynote speech, complimenting the school on the many improvements that have taken place in the CBS in recent years, in particular the development of the Edmund Rice Autism Centre. Principal Fiona Gallagher spoke about the great contribution that the CBS has made to educating the men of Roscommon since 1937, and paid tribute to the calibre of students and teachers who have passed through the school over the years.

A special Vigil Mass was held Saturday evening in the Sacred Heart church, with members of the school community participating in the liturgical service. The choir and music were all performed by CBS students under the guidance of their teacher and organist Ms. Rosie Reale. Many thanks also to those who read Prayers of the faithful and participated in the offertory procession. We are hugely grateful to all staff members who helped make the day such a success, as well as all those who travelled from near and far to celebrate with us.

ff Students Cian O’Grady and Jack O’Gara with Principal Ms Fiona Gallagher and Brother Michael Heffernan

ff Pictured: CBS Roscommon All Ireland Golf Champions and their teacher Mr Mark Hodgins receiving an award from the Golf Union of Ireland at Carton House in February of this Year (picture courtesy of Golf File)

For the first time ever in the school’s history, the CBS Roscommon have made it through to the Connacht Schools Senior Cup final, securing their place in the decider with a 16-8 win over Coláiste Iognáid (the Jes), Galway.

The CBS will now play Garbally College, 46-time winners of the competition, on Wednesday 13th March in The Sportsground, Galway.

Their epic victory was achieved at Creggs rugby club, as they held firm in the face of strong pressure from the Galway city school while playing into the wind in the first half, then tacked on the scores after half time, all 16 points coming from inside centre Mark Purcell.

Dry conditions and an immaculate new 4G surface suggested that an expansive game was in store between two schools that had scored freely in their games so far, but instead defences were very much on top with little by way of line breaks, offloading or even forward momentum in the tight exchanges for either side.

Roscommon CBS had an early chance after out-half Tim Lambe opened up the defence with a quick reverse pass off a scrum move, but neither side will be happy with their performance on their own line-out today and after the CBS kicked a penalty to the corner, they failed to retain the ball and their chance was lost.

CBS Roscommon

ff Mark Purcell celebrates scoring a try.

ff Roscommon CBS: Michael Dunne; Ryan O’Keeffe, Cian Glennon, Mark Purcell, Colin Walsh; Tim Lambe, Aodha Hession; Tom Farrell, Roddie McGuinness, Jack Tucker; Lorcán Maher, Conor Rohan; John McDonnell, John Martin, Jack Keegan.

ff CBS Senior Rugby team who beat the Jes, Galway and have made history by making it through to the Senior Rugby Cup for the first time ever

CBS Roscommon Win Connacht Rugby Senior Cup Semi-Final

Ireland U-18 international Cathal Forde kicked the Jes into the lead on 16 minutes but they needed more of a cushion to take into the second half, and they didn’t get it as Roscommon CBS produced two huge goal-line stands in the latter stages of the first half to get to the interval just 3-0 down.

A glorious take from Niall Hanahoe off the second half restart put the Jes right back on the attack, but again they failed to convert good possession inside the Roscommon CBS ’22 into points.

At the other end, the CBS side were better able to take their chance when it came. Mark Purcell chipped in behind the Jes’ defensive line to set up play on the opposition ’22, and after they disrupted the Galway side’s line-out, two barnstorming runs from props Tom Farrell and Jack Tucker brought the ball to the goal line, from where a quick pass from Aodha Hession set up Purcell for the score.

Purcell tacked on another penalty shortly afterwards but the Jes regrouped and when Jack Power beat two tacklers to give them a good foothold deep inside Roscommon CBS territory, they were able to work through the phases and eventually set up Forde for a step and finish from around 10 metres out.

As had been the case in the first half however, the Roscommon CBS defence held up well when it was most needed, and they forced three crucial turnovers in the last 10 minutes, turning two of them into breakaway points through the boot of Purcell.

Well done to the CBS coaching team of CBS teacher Mr. Eimhin Griffith and Patrick O’Farrell who can be extremely proud of their team’s performance.

CBS Roscommon

ff CBS Student John Martin celebrates as they make it through to the school’s first ever Senior Cup final

CBS Ennistymon Leaving Certs on tour in AustriaA trip to Vienna is always an adventure especially when you include sixteen young men from CBS Ennistymon! Accompanied by teachers Esther Campbell and Margaret Molloy every day was jam-packed with opportunities to see and experience the beauties of this city.

The strong connection with The Wiedner Gymnasium continues with a morning spent in the school and a Tour of the Ringstrasse with retired English and History teacher Gerda Scholz.

Highlights of the trip were many and included Schloss Schönbrunn and the Musical evening in The Raimund Theater.

However what really made this trip special was having our former Language Assistant “Jana Kilx” join us from Germany. Danke Jana.

CBS Ennistymon

ff Staff and students of Colaiste Choilm, Swords on a school trip to Titanic and W5 in Belfastff Akash Kumar, Gary Broughall, and Lee Clarke in early 20th century costume in the dining room of the Nomadic

ff The TY students sit around observing it all in a carbon copy of the drawing room at Harland and Wolfe circa 1910

ff Students scale up and down the Climbit wall in the W5 – request in for one of these in the school!

On the 15th February 2019, pupils from Transition Year in Coláiste Choilm, Swords, Co. Dublin. enjoyed a trip to the Titanic Museum and the W5 Science Museum in Belfast. They were joined by the Principal of the school Mr. David Neville; teachers Mr. Fergal Coen, and Ms. Sinead Hynes; and SNAs Ms. Martina O’Brien, and Ms. Rachel Beggy.

Around 40 students travelled to Belfast, with the first port of call been the Titanic Museum, and its nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her.

The coordinator of the Crannóg ASD Centre in the school, Mr. Fergal Coen said, “The pupils had a great day at Titanic Belfast – they loved the historic significance of being on the exact location where Titanic was built!”

TY student Kyle Carlin said: “it is hard to believe the Titanic sunk; it had sixteen watertight compartments with doors that were designed to close automatically it the water level rose above a certain height”.

Siobhán McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach Manager, commented, “At Titanic Belfast we are passionate about sharing our enthusiasm for RMS Titanic as well as Belfast and its maritime history –it was a privilege to share this with Coláiste Choilm CBS who clearly shared our excitement, sense of

fun and creativity!” TY student Alex Coyle echoed some of these words and added: “it was a very interactive tour, and we all felt involved in the history of the City”.

The students then visited the Nomadic Ship which is in dry dock in the Titanic Quarter. The Nomadic was also build in Belfast in 1911, and operated at the port of Cherbourg in France. She ferried passengers to and from the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage, because the Titanic was too large to dock in the harbour itself.

The students also visited the W5 Science Museum where they took part in a workshop on building their own K’nex car. Filip Rudisteanu, and Callum Murray won the student competition for building the fastest car. The students had fun climbing the W5s Climbit, and viewing the exhibits in the Spacebase, and MED-Lab.

The school’s new Tranistion Year coordinator Ms. Sinead Hynes said, “as a science teacher I really liked the interactive side to the exhibits in W5; the students got to discover the fascinating world of pharmaceutical and biomedical science which is a great learning experience”.

TY students Sean Mullally and Calum Murray both said that one of the highlights was the Climbit maze; with Sean commenting: “the Principal should get a Climbit installed in the school, it would be great to relieve the stress!”

Coláiste Choilm, CBS, Swords

Titanic Trip for Coláiste Choilm

ff Jamie Hickey, Caelem McGlynn, Matthew Holbrock Lynch, and Christian Crosbie building the K’nex cars at a workshop in the W5

ff Christian Crosbie on the desk of the Nomadic

ff The front of the Titanic Museum

Coláiste Choilm, CBS, Swords

The Principal Mr. David Neville said: “I would like to congratulate the students on their good behavior; and enthusiasm to learn about the history of the former Harland and Wolfe shipyard. I would also like to thank all the school staff for making this an enjoyable experience. As a former science teacher I thoroughly enjoyed the W5 and in particular building the cars with the students; I felt like I was back in the classroom once again”

Midleton CBS

Historic Senior Treble for Midleton CBSMidleton CBS won a historic senior treble in hurling, soccer and athletics this year. The hurlers were successful in the Harty Cup final beating a talented CBC side 2-12 to 0-14 in front of over 7,000 spectators at Páirc Uí Rinn. Midleton’s two goals proved crucial as the school ended a 13 year wait since its last Harty Cup title.

The U19 soccer team also won their Munster final with a 1 – 0 victory over PBC. The game was originally set for Cork’s Turner’s Cross stadium but after adverse weather conditions the game was moved to the all – weather pitch in Douglas Hall. Midleton were undeterred by the change in venue and produced an impressive display to win the first soccer trophy in the school’s history.

The school are also Munster Senior Cross Country champions. This victory was characterised by a great team performance which was reflected in the school also winning the overall Boys’ Schools’ Cup.

The school would like to thank the students and coaches involved for all their hard work and dedication. Many of students in this talented group are in sixth year and we would like to wish them every success in their future sporting careers.

ff Photo: (L to R) Dylan Hogan – Harty Cup Captain, Frank O’ Brien – Senior Cross Country Captain and Arthur Nganou – Senior Soccer Captain.

CBS, Charleville

On February 5th 2019 the First Year students of CBS Charleville made the journey to Callan to the birthplace of Edmund Rice. This visit is part of the First Year RE curriculum which opens the hearts of our students to the founding vision of Edmund Rice. The students were accompanied by their Year Head Ms Ann Meaney, their RE teachers Mr Shane Hogan and Mr Fergal Mackey and the brothers from the Servants of the Home of the Mother.

The Servants of the Home of the Mother was founded by Spanish priest Fr Rafael Alonso Reymundo in 1982. The group comprises of priests, brothers, religious sisters and lay people. The Servants of the Home of the Mother have established a base in the Diocese of Cloyne. A community of two priests and two brothers have taken up residence in Mallow with a view to ministering and working with young people in the Diocese, in schools and supporting their families in sharing faith and life. CBS Charleville has been able to avail of this support for our

students and very successful 6th year, 5th year and TY retreats have been held with Fr Luke Demasi, Fr Rene Zambrana, Brother Benjamin Gurries and Brother Kristian Espejon. They have also visited our school to meet our students and share their experiences as members of a religious order. Our first years were delighted to have them accompany them on the trip to Callan. There was great entertainment and discussion on the bus to Callan and the four religious also learned a great deal about Blessed Edmund Rice and what it means to us in CBS Charleville to be part of this community of schools.On the return journey, the group stopped off at Patrick’s Well in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, the largest of the wells associated with St Patrick in all of Ireland. There was an opportunity to eat, stretch the legs, and offer a decade of the Rosary, through the intercession of St Patrick, for our country. A very positive, prayerful and uplifting day was had by all.

First Year Trip To Callan

CBS, Charleville

Sraith Party!Bíonn daltaí na hArdteiste faoi bhrú i gconaí (ná habair faic faoi na múinteoirí bocht!) agus is minic a bhíonn deis acu céiliúradh. Ach i Mí na Nollag bhí deis iontach ag rang Iníon Ní Shúilleabháin mar bhí eacht mhór déanta acu – gach ceann dos na sraith don Scrúdú Cainte réidh acu. Bhíodar go léir lán sásta go raibh tuiscint, foclóir agus cleachtadh déanta acu chun deileáil leis an gcuid seo don Scrúdú Cainte. Cad eile le déanamh ach ‘Céiliúradh’?! Múineadh agus Foghlaim chun tosaigh sa rang trí mheán na Gaeilge. Maith sibh a bhuachaillí!

TY LinksBeing a Transition Year in CBS Charleville gives you many privileges, going up town at lunchtime being one of the major ones! However, one of the most important privileges and one the students enjoy is the role of a TY LINK student. To be part of this mentoring programme with 1st

years, TYs must express their interest, be interviewed and undergo training. This year 18 of the TY students signed up for the programme. Remembering what it was like as First Years coming in, these Link students are part of the Induction Support Programme for 1st years. This programme adds to the sense of being part of a caring school community for our first years. The first years enjoy the chat

with the TYs at break time and around the locker area. When they meet on the corridor there is always a smile and a nod. It means that the transition into secondary school is not such a daunting journey. The TY Links and the first years had a bonding day with a trip to UL for the Film Festival followed by a fun and competitive bowling session! Community spirit is strong in Charleville CBS.

St Fintan’s Sutton

Life in Ireland, and in particular in Dublin, in 1943 was dominated by World War II and ‘The Emergency’. Fianna Fáil and De Valera were in government and ‘look out post number 6’ was strategically located at Howth Head watching out for enemy aircraft and submarine activity. Over the road, at ‘The Royal Dublin’ golf course, a fire had razed and destroyed the famous clubhouse. But, against all the odds, and after a period of extensive lobbying and canvassing, the local clergy received the go-ahead from the Archbishop of Dublin to set up a preparatory school for boys at Burrow Road, Sutton. And thus was born St. Fintan’s High School. Forty-eight boys were enrolled that first year and Brother PJ Walsh was the first ever principal!

The school day ran from 9-4 with an hour and a half for lunch. There were also classes from 9-1 on Saturday. The subject of Irish figured prominently on the curriculum, and the school quickly developed a reputation for quality education and teaching. The atmosphere was relaxed and the students were reportedly well behaved.

Beyond the school walls the local hero of the day was a racehorse called Caughoo who was owned by local Sutton resident Jack Mc Dowall. And when Caughoo won the Aintree Grand National in the fog in 1947 at 100/1, a lot of people from Sutton made a lot of money!

Back in the school, the only sport of note was Gaelic football with home matches played at Deerpark on the Howth demesne. Music as an extracurricular activity featured large and original shows, such as ‘Treasure Trove’ and ‘Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves’ were staged to packed houses at the Old Parochial Hall in Howth. These shows were written and choreographed by Brother Walsh and all costumes were handmade by the Christian Brothers! To round off the school year, a Sports Day and Drill Day took place on the Christian Brothers’ grounds in Baldoyle, invariably with a large crowd in attendance.

The steady increase in numbers meant that the property adjoining the school premises was acquired in 1958. The removal of the adjacent wall provided facilities for tennis, a sport that was to become synonymous with St. Fintan’s and Brother Mc Closkey. Further proof of the expansion and growth of St. Fintan’s was the purchase of the Warren House site on the Dublin Road in 1959.

Enrolment continued to increase through the 60s and September 1972 saw the unofficial opening of St. Fintan’s as a Post Primary School on the Dublin Road site. A contemporary account of the occasion went as follows: ‘The spacious and well equipped Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories, well lighted art room, geography and language rooms offered much needed accommodation’. The school was built at a cost of £175,000, raised entirely by donations and the fundraising efforts of parents and friends.

This was followed by the construction of the school gym, orchestrated by the then principal, Brother Purcell. Not only was it equipped with the all the necessary gym equipment, but it was also fitted with a stage and lighting effects, showing the foresight and shrewdness of said Br. Purcell. And, again, all from local fundraising efforts!

Br. Purcell retired in 1980, but not before he had acquired the first computer for the school. Brother John Bourke followed Br. Purcell as principal in that same year and this led to two notable developments in the history of the school. One was the introduction of a school uniform and the other was the beginning of St. Fintan’s High School as a powerhouse in basketball, ultimately winning 8 senior All Ireland titles over the next decade or so.

St. Fintan’s High School continued to flourish over the following decades. Enrolment outgrew the available space and the school is currently earmarked by the Department of Education and Skills for major development. At its core, teaching and learning remain the priority, as they have always been. However, the school is strong and thriving in so many other areas – sport, music and culture, social justice to mention but some.

ff A photo of some of the 230 past pupils and their partners who attended the 75th anniversary Gala Ball in Clontarf Castle on 10th November.

ff A photo of the 75th anniversary Mass celebrated at St. Fintan’s parish church on 13th December, attended by all students and teachers.

ff 75th anniversary cake which was the centrepiece for a party for students following the Mass on 13th December.

St. Fintan’s High School celebrates its 75th anniversary

St Fintan’s Sutton

Synonymous with sport, St. Fintan’s has produced notable athletes and sportsmen over the years and has won many awards, culminating in Herald Sports School of the Year in 2016. Today, the school caters for 14 different sports, allowing students of all different interests and abilities to participate.

But the school is nothing if not versatile and has more than just one string to its bow. In more recent times it has developed a serious reputation for music also. The annual Transition Year musical is one of the most important events in the school calendar, and has won two major awards at the Bord Gáis Student Theatre Awards in recent years. There is a strong trad music group as well as a school band/orchestra and a growing choir, thus ensuring the important place of music in the holistic development of the students.

There are over 700 students in St. Fintan’s High School today. We hope that the modern day St. Fintan’s does justice to the founding fathers, the Christian Brothers of the 40s, and in particular to the first Principal and visionary that was Brother Walsh. The school, which was founded to provide an education for the boys of the local area, remains to this day a school which is firmly rooted in the Sutton and surrounding areas. It is defined by the surrounding community and it has played a very significant part in developing that community. We look forward to bringing St. Fintan’s High School on its next significant stage of its development towards its centenary in 2043!

ff Another photo shows past pupils and current members of the Dublin Senior Gaelic football team, Brian Fenton and Brian Howard, bringing the Sam Maguire cup back to their alma mater last October. Pictured with a group of first year students.

ff Another Dublin GAA star, Philly Mac Mahon, visited the school in December and delivered a powerful speech on the dangers of drugs and the choices we take in life.

Young Social Innovators ProjectTouch Farming app — The core idea behind the project is to invent a device/app that measures the soil precisely for the water, pH etc. so that the farmer knows when to water and when to add lime or fertiliser. The team decided to add a temperature/humidity sensor and a light intensity sensor.

The group pitched to YSI Den and received an award of €500 to assist in the development of their project. They will present the final product at YSI Speak Out and finals in May.The YSI team in St. Fintan’s High School is coordinated by Maths and Science teacher, Wissam Abdel Samad.

ff Students involved include Kieron Broderick, Peter Haan, Pavel Iilin, Barry Penrose, Donal O Byrne, Miracle Oshafi, JJ McCarthy. Also in the photo are Mary Fox, Principal and Gerard Ennis, Deputy Principal.

Musicalff This is a photo of this year’s musical, All Shook Up, featuring the

music of Elvis Presley. This is an annual event involving seventy TY students from St. Fintan’s High School, along with their counterparts from the local girls’ school, Santa Sabina. The musical is produced entirely in-house by teachers from St. Fintan’s. It is being performed to sold out audiences in the school gymnasium over three nights, 7th, 8th and 9th March.

Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar

Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar’s Wellbeing Week ran from Monday, the 21st of January to Friday, the 25th of January and was an astounding success. In summing up the week, Siobhan Farry, guidance counsellor, said “Wellbeing Week gave us the opportunity to connect with each other in different ways, while also having fun and promoting our philosophy of positivity and kindness in our school”.

The week opened with John Connell, author of the best-selling “The Cow Book”, arriving to speak to the boys about his accomplishments despite facing difficulties in his life. This was followed by a presentation of the Health Promoting Schools flag made to the school by HSE Health Promotion Officer, Joan Crawford.The flag was awarded after months of work put in to the initiative to raise awareness of healthy eating, physical activity and mental health. Student representatives of the Health Promotion committee along with their Home Economics teachers proudly received the flag. Lunchtime on Monday then consisted of a much anticipated teachers vs. students basketball match as well an art competition for both staff and students both of which were supported by many students and lauded a success.

Speakers from SHOUTOUT came Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar on the Tuesday to talk to all second year students to promote LGBTQI+ awareness and promote inclusivity and wellbeing throughout the student body. 3rd years had a coffee morning that same day to allow for “downtime” in the run-up to their mock exams. Also, that day the Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar World Cup semi-finals were held, this proved very popular with students across the year groups and promoted integration. A lunchtime bi-weekly walk for all was also organised by Ms. Cathy McEnerney. Ms. McEnerney used the walk to promote the positive benefits of walking to both physical and mental wellbeing, “From the beginning, our fantastic senior prefects

have been an integral part of the organising and running of the event. Both students and teachers have been enjoying a stroll and a chat at lunchtimes, and we have all felt the benefits of taking time out of our busy days to catch up with each other. It is an opportunity for us all to clear our heads and to build relationships outside the classroom”. These lunchtime walks will continue each week leading to the Darkness Into Light walk in May which will leave from the school grounds and will spread the message of wellbeing from the gates of our school into the wider Mullingar community.

Wednesday was just as busy in Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar with the launch of the “Good Message Tree”. Students were given the opportunity to reflect on one person in their lives whom they were thankful for and to acknowledge them by placing their name on a “leaf” to be displayed on the tree. This

ff Joan Crawford, HSE Health Promotion officer, Christopher Lynn, Cian O’Fiaich, Rian Caffrey, Daniel Byrne, Ciarán Luby, Ms. Shine, Ms. Harrington and Mr. Quinn

Wellbeing Week In Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar

ff Students from different years across the school promote their culture at the Malaysian food stall.

Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar

was complemented by lunchtime activities including teacher vs. students football and chess matches which were again very well attended. 1st year students also cooked Shepherd’s pie which was donated to T.E.A.M (Temporary Emergency Accommodation Midlands) in recognition of the importance of connecting with our local communities as part of wellbeing. Staff and students also donated unwanted Christmas gifts to T.E.A.M for sale their shop in Mount street.

Thursday allowed 6th years a welcome break from exam pressure to have a coffee morning in the canteen. 6th year student, Eoin Kane said “The coffee morning was such a positive break from, what can be, a stressful year”. This was followed by one of the most popular events of the week, the Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar Masterchef championships. Students paired with a member of staff and in teams of two competed to be crowned the “Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar Masterchef champions”. Participants were given a box of mystery ingredients and had just 30 minutes to make a winning meal.

The Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar World Cup final was held on Friday along with the International Food stalls where students of different nationalities within the school were encouraged to share their culture and cuisine with their peers. This proved hugely successful and promoted inclusivity and wellbeing across the student cohort. Paddy Rafferty, a 5th year student, praised the event saying, “This allowed me to see an insight into different cultures”. Throughout the week class groups were also educated on the importance of internet awareness and work was carried out by the IT teachers to promote online wellbeing.

Overall, Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar’s Wellbeing Week was greatly valued by students and staff with many expressing their appreciation for the effort involved in making it happen. Staff member, Mr. Damien Lawlor spoke of the success of the Wellbeing Week stating “Schools can be very formal places with rules in relation to behaviour, uniform and homework, etc. The Wellbeing Week set out to create an atmosphere in the school which, in an organised manner, set aside this focus on rules and instead fun events were organised which brought students and teachers together”. This co-operation between students as staff was affirmed by 1st year student, Manzar Nazir Soomro “The teachers were so nice and I found out more about them. I really enjoyed the week”.

ff Ms. Connolly and Mr. Rafferty, along with other staff, compete against students in chess and draughts

Mount Sion leads Choirs for CancerA unison of choirs singing together to mark World Cancer Day — We are the first Edmund Rice school in the world and we consider it an honour to walk in the shadow of Edmund. Our school choir was set up to encourage pupils to stay on in school and to aim for the stars, no matter where their feet are planted. It has completely transformed the lives of our members, and indeed, of the teachers involved. We have been raising funds and highlighting cancer awareness over the past six months.

While on this incredible journey we met Irish singer and songwriter, Don Mescall. In September, we recorded Don’s song Your Love Carries Me in the Metropolis Studios in London. This song is a charity single for three Irish cancer charities, Can Teen, Can Care 4 Living and The Solas Centre. We believe the lyrics of the song truly resonate with people who are battling cancer and who are being cared and supported by their loved ones.‘You are the hope on my horizon,You are the light so I can see,And in the darkest hour when I have fallen,You are the love that carries me.’

We believe it to be an anthem which inspires people to keep on going and to lean on others to guide them through the dark times.

Here is a link to the song https://youtu.be/FGg7C8YpClsWe reached out to choirs and singers across the world,

including many Edmund Rice schools to sing “Your Love Carries Me”on the weekend of February 1st. We asked that singers record a clip or the full song and share it on social media on World Cancer Day, February 4th, with the hashtags #choirsforcancer2019 #yourlovecarriesme #worldcancerday

We believe this has sent a powerful and inspiring message to people across the world who have been affected by cancer. This is not about raising money, it’s just about raising awareness and linking us all together for World Cancer Day on February 4th.

Mount Sion Secondary

Ardscoil Rís Dublin

Zambian Immersion Project, February 2019After a three year break Ardscoil took part in the Zambian Immersion project again this year. Ten students and four teacher travelled to Zambia for 17 days and immersed themselves fully in the lives of the people over there. Here is an account by Eoin Caverly of the trip.

Four teachers and ten students including myself arrived in Dublin airport at 1.30 p.m. on Friday 1st February, all

very excited but at the same time, none of us knew what to expect. When we arrived in Lusaka on the first night, we stayed in a hostel run by the Comboni order of nuns. We went out for dinner with Gesimba, a young girl who faced much trauma in her childhood but determinedly she has pushed through and is currently training to be a doctor.

The next day we were greeted from our 6 hour bus journey to Kaoma by Sr. Molly, a Presentation sister from Tipperary and Progress, head of the Friends of Nano organisation. We were immediately struck by the stark poverty constantly surrounding us. Children and adults in dirty or ragged clothing was no strange sight. The lack of food and nutrition was evident in the build of all

the local people. While we were there we visited the arable and pastoral farms run by Sr. Molly and played the locals in a game of football. We also visited a sustainable farm run by Sr Anez. Some of her projects included biogas, compost and free range chickens.

While here we also made a journey to the town of Kabanga, a town of no electricity and minimal facilities. We got the warmest of welcomes before going out on home visits to families. This was the most evident poverty on the whole trip and we were all very moved by what we saw in our short time here. After a generous meal and dance that night we set out the next day on more home visits and on a visit to the local secondary school. Here we saw the clear lack of educational materials and also the lack of opportunities post secondary education.

On the Thursday we moved onto Mongu, capital of the western province. While here we worked with Sr Cathy Crawford and Sr Stella Bourke in the Cheshire home for disabled kids. We helped in their classes in the mornings and helped entertain them in the afternoons and evenings. We all got very

New PitchAfter many years of fundraising work has begun on our new playing pitch. The old pitch, which served generations faithfully, had reached the end of its useful life and the diggers are currently hard at work levelling the ground and preparing it for grass laying and growth. We hope to be playing games on it and using it for PE and other activities by April 2020.

attached to all the kids in the home and found it very hard to say goodbye.

A lot of our other time here was spent in a village north of Mongu, Limalunga. Here we were working with 4/5 year olds from poor families under the innovative tutilage of Sr Peggy O’Flaherty, one of the kindest and most inspiring people I have ever met. As well as helping in the classrooms we visited some of the children in their homes where we saw more extreme poverty.

Finally we spent some time with Sr Omaira, a young Columbian nun who ran the youth club in St Aghata’s parish. We played the youth club in a football match, walked around their local community; one of the poorest in Mongu and visited a commercial venture run by the nuns.

Soon after we left Livingstone, where we spent a few days at the end of the trip. We were back in the hostel in Lusaka. We gave our last 2 suitcases and made our final monetary donations to Sr. Paolo and Sr. Albertina who ran a school in Lusaka.

On returning home and reflecting, I have come to realise how lucky we are here in Ireland. Even the poorest of people here live nothing like the life in those in Zambia do. I no longer take anything for granted and I appreciate everything I have so uch more. I am content knowing we helped those people we briefly knew in the best way we could, whether we donated clothes, money or simply our time. We all knew we were going to have minimal effect on their lives but I would like to think we made a difference, however small.

Ardscoil Rís Dublin

Teacher Based ClassroomsThis year, after several years of discussion and planning, Ardscoil moved to teacher based classrooms. After an initial month of getting used to the idea both staff and students have settled in well to this new way of doing things and from an educational point of view it has had enormous benefits.

Coláiste Phádraig CBS Lucan

Soccer BlitzA 5-a-side soccer blitz was held in the school over a few days in early December 2018 to raise funds for the school. There was enormous interest as expected and once the teams were put up on display, much discussion and debate could be heard in the corridors as to who had the best team and who would be crowned Blitz Champions 2018! First up was the senior blitz and after 40 hard fought and exciting matches, ED FC emerged victorious with Henry Keogh grabbing both goals in the final. Daniel Emerson’s team were beaten in the final but at least he had the consolation of winning a football for the Player of the Tournament. ED FC then had the privilege of playing the teachers and in an intriguing and feisty encounter, the teachers managed to put the students in their place with a 5-4 victory!In the 3rd yr Blitz, Barcelona Juniors emerged victorious after defeating Liversmule 3-0 in the final with Adam Russell, Glen Mahady and Cian Foley scoring the goals. Reece Webb won the Player of the Tournament.

Ballyowen FC won the 1st yr blitz after winning all 10 of their games. They defeated Bandy Bananas 5-1 in the final with Cory O’ Sullivan (2), Tyler Cole Doherty (2) and Sheriff Akanbi scoring the goals while Michael Donohue won a football for being the Player of the Tournament. The 1st yr All Stars then competed in the 2nd yr tournament and actually won this outright as well! They played every game with a player extra but it was still a magnificent achievement defeating Mikey D. FC 2-1 in the final with Cory O’ Sullivan winning Player of the Tournament.

The 6th yr prefects did a fantastic job helping out with the running of the Blitz by referring the games, keeping score and keeping the peace when some rows broke out! The competitions would not have run as smoothly without them and they displayed great initiative, leadership and organisational skills throughout.

The students are already looking forward to Blitz 2019!

ff 2nd Year Blitz Winners 2018

CBC Arts Week 2019 took place from February 4th to February 8th in our school in Monkstown. The theme this year centred on the creative, innovative and diverse talents of our students and staff in CBC. Our school was transformed for the week with wonderful artwork, echoes of poetry readings and many visitors from the arts world.

Assembly time each morning took place against the soothing backdrop of eclectic musical sounds that were selected by the students. Our daily student announcements became inspirational daily quotes in English, Irish, French, German and Latin. On the first day, students in our Art Department spent some time on “Creative Canvass” whereby an original 2019 piece of artwork was created and prominently displayed in the school’s main corridor - a type of mascot for Arts Week! In addition, an exhibition of staff and student artwork and photography was launched on the walls of the school corridors and teachers reviewed their favourite books and displayed them on their classroom doors. A Celebration of Countries and Cultures in CBC involved a food tasting display and a collage of artefacts from our international staff and students. A particular highlight here was a most enjoyable presentation on Moroccan culture from staff member Mr Ali Serkouh.

Other events that took place in the school included the fabulous Scéal T-Rex

from the Irish Department; an inspiring glass-engraving workshop; a fantastic one hour concert by the musical students and staff in CBC; an informative student-led class in Origami; a hilarious improv drama workshop for students and an awesomely popular workshop about Blackout Poetry. This is when a person takes a document, traditionally a print newspaper and crosses out a majority of the existing text, leaving visible only the words that comprise his or her poem, thereby revealing an entirely new work of literature birthed from an existing one. The striking imagery of the redacted text — eliminated via the liberal use of a black marker (hence: “blackout” poetry) — and the remaining readable text work together to form a new piece of visual poetry. Pretty cool!

A number of highly entertaining and informative talks took place during Arts Week as well. Dr Michael Murphy from IADT gave a masterclass

on the workings of the music business worldwide. Renowned playwright and former CBC student Bernard Farrell gave a great talk entitled “A Conversation on Drama” while a “Narrative 4 – Empathy Story Exchange” was led excellently by Bernadine Carroll. A Creativity and Innovation Workshop was facilitated by Josephine O’Donnell and CBC’s own Art teacher, Mr Brian O’Farrell presented a fabulous talk about his original art work based on his recent travels in China. Another former CBC student Rory Nolan (stage star of the Ross O’Carroll-Kelly novels) enthralled the students and staff with his stories about the acting industry at home and abroad.

Thanks to all the staff and students in CBC for making our 2019 Arts Week such a great success. Thanks especially to Mr Fitzmaurice and Mr Rooney for planning and co-ordinating the entire event. Here’s to Arts Week 2020! Beir Bua agus Beannacht!

CBC Monkstown

2019 Arts Week in CBC Monkstown – Celebrating Student Creativity, Innovation and Diversity

ff CBC Band Caveat Emptor in full flow during Arts Week

ff Andy Warhol visiting CBC during Arts Week

All roads led to Mount Sion on the morning of Saturday, February 16th, 2019.

It was a bitter-sweet occasion on which we celebrated the work of all those involved, while saying our last farewell to all those who brought it through thirteen years of ministry since it was founded by the Congregation Leadership Teams of the Presentation and Christian Brothers in 2006.

As we gathered in the beautiful Edmund Rice Chapel I recalled those who had brought their dream to reality and who were not here to share this occasion with us: – Bro Philip Pinto, Bro Michael Godfrey, Bro Declan Power as well as Mr Barry O’Brien, Mr Andy and Kylie. Kupe Nor should we forget Brothers from around the world who came let their light shine on the sacred Mount Sion: Brothers Sean Whitty, Ian Robertson, Dan Herron, Peter Hardiman, Peter Clinch and Steve Hale.

On the other hand we were blessed with the presence of Brothers Martin Kenneally fpm, Peter Dowling and John Casey from the present CLT and Bro Edmund Garvey, Province Leader of the European Province. Also present with us were Bro Séamus Whelan, Bro Kevin Mascarenhas fpm and Bro Phil Ryan, all of whom had done Trojan work at the Centre over the years and who had now moved on to other ministries. Brothers Peadar Gleeson, John Hearne and Addie Pinto who form the ‘bridging community’ between the past and the future were also present.

It was so inspiring to meet people from Waterford and beyond who have consistently supported everything we dreamed of and undertook over the years: Bro Michael Murray (Chair of Directors), Bro John Burke, Bro Paddy Fitzgibbon, Bro Denis Minehane, Bro John Hunt, Bro Damien Brennan, Bro Walter Hurley, Fr Michael Mullins (PP), Frank O’Regan (Chair BoM), Gerard Deegan, Tomás Ó’Cinnéide, Miriam McGrath, Nuala Colfer, Bill Doherty, John McArdle, Michael Walsh, Lorna Kearney, Tony Power, Jim Ryan, Tracy O’Connor, Stephanie

Burchell, Catherine Donovan, Phil & Elaine Brennan and Ms Nicola Keogh (L&P) who had steered us through the many twists and turns involved in setting up the Company initially, its smooth running as well as directing us in the winding down of the Company. Meeting people like that is so exciting that we can be assured that the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice is alive and well in the city of his adoption.

The ceremony itself was very well planned and laid out by Ms Monica Leech, Ms Nuala Colfer and Ms Dawn O’Brien. As we entered the Edmund Rice Chapel the musicians of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann played haunting Celtic airs to establish a prayerful atmosphere in that sacred space. After a formal welcome by Bro Liam Deasy, Nuala introduced and proclaimed the Scripture Reading for the day (Lk 4:16-21). This was followed by reflective music before Bro John Burke read an extract from the original poem, “tÁr sa Mhainistir” by our own Johnny Carroll and Dawn followed up with reading the English translation of the piece. Ms Bríd dePaor then sang “A Mhuire Máthair” and Nuala read the poem “Begin” by Brendan Kenneally, followed by more Celtic airs.

Brothers Edmund Garvey and Martin Kenneally then addressed the gathering. Martin reflected on the journey of the Centre to date and Edmund looked forward to where we may be led by God’s Spirit into the future. And then, to the strains of uilleann pipes, accordians and violins we were wafted up the stairs to the Ship Room which was laid out for a sumptuous meal. As all the speeches had been completed in the Chapel earlier we could all relax and enjoy a typical Irish meal of vegetable soup, spare ribs, colcannon and vegetables, washed down strategically by “white or red?” and dessert before heading back to the roads of Ireland.

It was a very full and inspiring couple of hours and I’m sure Edmund Rice would have approved.

Edmund Rice Heritage Centre

Farewell to Edmund Rice Heritage Centre Ltd

Ardscoil na Mara

Trip to GenevaWe, Mairéad Butler and Emily Cronin, were chosen as Edmund Rice International Youth Ambassadors for Ardscoil na Mara 2018/2019. As part of this role, we organise our school Peace and Justice committee and we were chosen to travel to Geneva to discover the work of Edmund Rice International and the UN first-hand. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

We travelled to Dublin on Monday 21 January with Ms Denton, Mr Cawley and Mr McLaughlin. We stayed overnight in the Clayton Hotel and met the students, Adam Stapleton and Ciarán Foster and teachers Mr. Leyden and Ms Buckley from Ardscoil Rís in Limerick. Adam and Ciarán were lovely, and we got on really well from the get-go. It was fantastic to meet other young people who were equally as interested in advocacy.

After an early start on Tuesday, and meeting with Cormac Mc Cart from the Westcourt Centre in Belfast, we arrived in Geneva. Upon arriving in Geneva, we met with Tom Murray from Edmund Rice England, and who brought us to our hotel. To begin, we attended a meeting with Brian Bond at the ERI offices. There, we met the teacher Ms. Mulvaney the students, David Walsh, Niall Hannigan and Luke Galligan, from Christian Brothers College in Cork. We also had a very interesting and informative talk from Brian about the work of ERI, and also some shocking statistics and facts regarding climate change. It was an eye-opening experience.

From there, we travelled to the Broken Chair monument and the Red Cross museum. On the way, we discussed our campaigns and advocacy work within our respective schools. It was fascinating to see how other schools went about their campaigns, and it gave us new and fresh ideas for our own Peace and Justice Group. At the Broken Chair, we witnessed a protest by people from South Vietnam against police brutality in their country. It opened our minds to the plight of people around the news that does not even make it onto our news.

The Red Cross Museum was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Its layout was very cleverly done and it was very informative. Everywhere you looked, there was something interesting. It was amazing to see the work of the Red Cross

around the world over the years. At the museum we met with the students and teachers from the English schools, and afterwards went to dinner with them. It was unfortunate that we had so little time with them. The Irish schools as a group got on extremely well, and it was incredible to talk with other like-minded young people.

Wednesday morning, we made our way to the United Nations alongside students from Cork and Limerick. We began by listening to Uruguay’s Universal Periodic Review, which was very interesting to hear what other countries suggested to Uruguay in order to make improvements to the lives of their civilians. Each country had different things to suggest and Uruguay seemed interested in what they had to say and took their suggestions on board.

Following this we were given a tour of the UN, we were well looked after and gained a lot of new knowledge on the history of the UN and events that occurred that lead to the UN in today’s society. For instance we were informed about the League Of Nations, Palais des Nations, the history behind general assembly and to finish the library all of which was so informative and inspired us to work hard as a group of students and in our local advocacy groups, in hope that in the future we can all come together to make a difference in our local areas and Ireland as a whole, as this trip was once in a lifetime opportunity and to use our new knowledge to inform other students and to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves, following the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice. Overall our visit to the United Nations was truly astonishing.

ff UN picture with Brian Bond , left to right: Brian Bond , ERI, Niall Hannigan, Luke Galligan, David Walsh, CBC Cork, Ciaran Foster, Adam Stapleton, Ardscoil Rís, Limerick and Mairead Butler and Emily Cronin, Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford.

ff Irish Edmund Rice Youth ambassadors outside the Redcross museum in Geneva

Ardscoil na Mara

Art & History Trip6th year students from Ardscoil na Mara Tramore on an Art History and Appreciation trip to Dublin. The students had a very informative guided tour of the Hugh Lane Gallery with emphasis on the work of the Impressionist artists and the Francis Bacon studio. They also visited the National Museum where they got to view all the Artifacts from the bronze age, Iron age and the Early Christian Period that they have been studying in their art history class.

It was a great opportunity for students to see the actual paintings and artifacts and will be a great help to them in their leaving cert. A great day was had by all involved

To conclude, our visit to Geneva was phenomenal; to be surrounded by like-minded people who want to create change even if it makes the smallest of impact was inspiring. We have gained new knowledge and experiences that we will bring with us into the future and we wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to do it if wasn’t for the work of Edmund Rice Schools Trust and the members of staff who accompanied us. To be involved with a group of both students and adults and to be introduced to people who have dedicated their lives in hope of change and to improve the lives of others was remarkable. It was an experience that we will never forget.

ff Ardscoil Teachers and Students: Left to right: Padraig Cawley, Emily Cronin, Aoife Denton, Máiread Butler and Kealan McLaughlin.

Engineering Awards in Ardscoil na MaraCongratulations to the students who have being given an award for their hard work in their Engineering classes.

ff ea14 - Awards sponsors with teachers L to R (Mr. Cawley, Mr. Cahill, Declan Walsh-Keltech, Shane Kelly-Total Precision, Anna Dowling-Errigal, David Marchant-Marchant Engineering, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Mansfield.)

News from the Art Dept.Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore were delighted to be involved in the new Arts in Junior cycle initiative Design SKILLS.

Design SKILLS is a unique collaboration between junior cycle teachers and the Design and Crafts council of Ireland.

The Design SKILLS programme provides an opportunity for teachers of visual art, with their students, to work directly with a designer/maker.

The emphasis in Design SKILLS is on investigating initial ideas, researching, experimenting and developing students own ideas through a range of hands - on practical methodologies and approaches, including using sketchpads.

Ardscoil na Mara was delighted to welcome Ceramic Artist Adele Stanley into the classroom to work with first year students where they explored the theme “my place” through Drawing, experimenting and drawing with clay, learning techniques of the craft and documenting and developing their own ideas.

Ardscoil na Mara

BT Young Scientist & Technology ExhibitionArdscoil na Mara students Roisin Ni Cadhla and Jovana Gajic meeting the Minister for Health Simon Harris at the young Scientist and Technology Exhibition where they were highly commended by judges of the social and behavioural sciences category. Pictured also is Ms Shannon, Science Teacher.

ff Pictured at the Department of Agriculture in Johnstown Castle, Wexford where presentations were made to student achievement at the Young Scientist and Technology Competition 2019. Pictured is Caoimhin O’ Leary from Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore, Co Waterford with his project “A Light Meal: An Investigation of Variable Light Levels on Plant Growth for Sustainable Vertical Farming”.

Golf ChampionsThe ASNM golf team were among the honoured guests at the Golfing Union of Ireland’s Champions Dinner held at Carton House. They won the Irish Schools Junior Championship in 2018.

ff pictured are first year students from Ardscoil na Mara Tramore, Ceramic Artist Adele Stanley, School Principal Mr Padraig Cawley and Art Teacher Ms Sinead Driver.

The second term has been another busy one in CBC Preparatory School. In January the boys of 5th and 6th Class attended the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin, accompanied by Ms. O’ Donovan, Mrs. FitzPatrick and Mrs. Bradley. Students from Junior Infants to 2nd Class welcomed past pupil David Synnott back to the Prep, along with his classmates from the UCC Surgeon Noonan Society who ran a fantastic “Teddy Bear’s Hospital”. Mr. Lynch arranged some fantastic STEM activities for all classes in the shape of Beebot and Lego WeDo workshops. Students from Junior Infants to 2nd Class took part in a very enjoyable “Sustainable Energy” workshop delivered by the Lifetime Lab. Students and teachers of 4th , 5th and 6th Class abandoned their PE lesson on Wednesday 30th January and made snowmen on the Astro instead! Once again, Ms. O’ Donovan organized a highly enjoyable Active Schools’ Week. The lunchroom was hopping every morning at 8.15am as the students and teachers participated in a “Wake Up Shake Up” routine. We had a host of visitors leading a variety of activities throughout the

week: GAA Skills, Circuits, a Nutrition Talk and a Mental Health Workshop for 5th and 6th Class. The boys also completed active homework all week whilst some of the teachers held a “Steps Challenge” which saw them pacing the corridors, yard and classrooms in a bid to win the title of “Most Active Teacher”!! The boys in th Class kicked off Safer Internet Day by performing a rap about Cyberbullying at the morning assembly.

They also put together an Internet Safety Workshop in the lunchroom for the younger classes. Students had to answer questions at every station before receiving a completion certificate to show that they had participated in the workshop. The boys in 2nd Class made their First Confession on the 12th February and were a credit to the school on the night. They continue their preparations for their First Holy Communion.

CBC Cork Prep School

CBC Cork Preparatory School

ff Buachaillí Scoil Iognáid Rís,Daingean Uí Chúis a tháinig sa tarna háit i gcomórtas lúthchleasaíochta.

ff Ard mholadh don mháistir a dhein an traenáil leo

ff Buachaillí Scoil Iognáid Rís ag canadh carúl na Nollag le Camphill Nollaig 2019

Scoil Iognáid Rís,Daingean Uí Chúis

CBS Kilkenny

St Vincent de Paul Hamper CollectionSincere thanks to our 5th Year LCVP students who work very hard at this time every year, organising and overseeing a massive hamper appeal to support the work of St Vincent de Paul. We are always amazed at the thoughtfulness and generosity of CBS Kilkenny students, and this makes a very significant difference to Christmas for several families.

Concern FastThank you to our 140 young fasters who raised an incredible €3220 for Concern to support their amazing work worldwide. Ms Evison’s trojan work and enthusiasm continues to increase the funds raised and the number of participants every year.

TY Trip To BavariaThe annual trip to Bavaria took place over the mid-term break. Our TY students thoroughly enjoyed a packed itinerary around Munich and beyond. Many thanks to all of the staff who travelled with the group and made it a very memorable experience for our students.

Google HQ VisitFour of our TY students, our School Digital Champions, thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Google HQ in Dublin. It was a fascinating day for Cathal, Eamonn, Philip and Chase. Many thanks to Ms Lennon for her mentoring and guidance.

Concern DebatingThe nationwide Concern Debates league phase is now complete, and we are delighted to be in the top 5 from 140 schools. The boys have worked extremely hard and are looking forward to the next phase. Well done to the team and to their mentors, Mr O’Brien and Ms Maher.

CBS Kilkenny

R.I.P. Br Micheál Ó’DonnchúIt is with deep regret that we learned of the passing of Br Mick, who served as Principal at CBS Kilkenny from 1984 until 1990.

Br O’Donnchú was a very caring man who devoted much of his life to helping the underprivileged in society. For CBS Kilkenny, he was the essential link person in Zambia for many years. As a result of our long relationship with Br Mick, we were in a position to arrange two very successful trips to Zambia to work with his community there.

Br Mick led a very fulfilled life and lived his gospel values every day through his care of others.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

CBS Kilkenny Joins Instagram #anedmundriceschoolTo add to our growing online presence, we opened an Instagram account in January! Instagram lets the photos do the talking and keeps text to a minimum. So if you like the Instagram platform and would like to follow what happens in CBS Kilkenny, you can find us by searching for CBS KILKENNY in the Instagram app.

Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB)In February, ERST Ireland hosted a very engaging, enlightening and stimulating EREBB gathering in Dublin, and CBS Kilkenny was delighted to be part of it. Since then, our TY students have been preparing for International Earth Hour 2019, contacting local businesses asking them to take part on March 30th, spreading the message of the importance of Eco-Justice. Our ERI ambassadors also enjoyed a very engaging discussion in Dáil Eireann on Save the Seas, where they met Minister David Stanton and Senator Grace O’Sullivan.

Catholic Schools WeekIn January we celebrated our ethos and identity as an Edmund Rice school during CSW2019. As part of our week, our chaplain Fr Jim celebrated the reopening of our beautiful Prayer Room - a quiet contemplative space for students and staff. A wonderful job of repair and restoration was carried out by our facilities staff, Ken and James, and interior designer, Fiona Fennelly.

CBS Kilkenny

Senior Maths SuccessCongratulations to our Senior Maths Team who won the regional round of Team Maths Quiz in January. CBS Kilkenny teams have a very good record in this competition and went in as reigning champions. This year’s team comprises: Oisin, Cathal, Jan and Ben. They will compete in the national final in Spring 2019.

Christmas Jumper DayWe enjoyed a very colourful and festive Christmas Jumper Day on December 6th. Unsurprisingly, CBS Kilkenny students and staff were extremely generous in their support of those who are less well off, raising an incredible €2130. All funds raised were divided between three fantastic local charities who do amazing work in the Kilkenny Carlow area - Simon Community, Focus Ireland and the Samaritans.

UCC ScholarshipWe are delighted to congratulate former student John (Johnny) Collins who was awarded a major scholarship to UCC where he is now studying Medicine. The UCC Quercus scholarship is a very prestigious scholarship which is awarded to top applicants to the University. Johnny received the maximum 625 points in his Leaving Certificate, achieving 7 H1s and 1 H2.

Tráth na gCeistWell done to our Gaeilge Quiz champions who came 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the SE regional round of the Irish quiz competition in late November! Two teams from CBS Kilkenny go forward to the national final.

UCD ScholarshipsWe are very proud of five of our LC2018 Class, Bobby, Stuart, Mark, James and Sean, who received Entrance Scholarship Awards from UCD. These are awarded on the basis of outstanding Leaving Certificate results. The students are currently pursuing a range of courses in UCD.

Cuairt ó ambasadóir na GearmáineBhí lá an-speisialta sa scoil nuair a tháinig Frau Potzel, ambasadóir na Gearmáine, ar cuairt. Toisc gur PartnerSchule muid le 10 bliain anuas bhí Herr Hauke ón Goethe-Institut i dteannta an ambasadóra. Cabhraíonn an Goethe-Institut go mór linn an Ghearmáinis a chur chun cinn sa scoil, trí cheardlanna a eagrú, scoláireachtaí a bhronnadh ar dhaltaí agus áiseanna Gearmáinise a chur ar fáil don scoil. Theastaigh ó Frau Potzel foghlaim faoin scoileanna na tíre agus labhairt leis na scoláirí a dhéanann Gearmáinis sa scoil. Bhuail an t-ambasadóir le gach cailín a dhéanann Gearmáinis sa scoil. Chuir na daltaí siamsaíocht ar fáil do na cuairteoirí, damhsa comhaimseartha, damhsa Gaelach agus ceol traidisiúnta. Bronnadh sliotar agus camáin ar Frau Potzel agus ar Herr Hauke thar cheann an dá scoil, bronntanas a thaitin go mór leis an mbeirt.

Bhain beirt dár scoláirí éacht amach i gcúrsaí aistriúcháin. Bhuaigh Cáit Paircéir as Bliain 5 an comórtas aistriúcháin Juvenes Translatores, comórtas a eagraíonn Coimisiún na hEorpa chun gairm an aistriúcháin a chur chun cinn agus a spreagadh i measc scoláirí an Aontais. Bíonn an comórtas ar siúl i ngach ballstáit i mí na Samhna agus d’éirigh le Cáit an comórtas a bhuachan agus turas don Bhruiséil lena máthair chun freastal ar an searmanas bronnta mar dhuais aici. Bhuaigh Rachel Ní Ghruagáin, scoláire as Bliain 5 freisin, comórtas Aistritheoirí Óga do Chúige Laighean. Tá an comórtas seo, atá oscailte do scoláirí as na Gaelscoileanna, eagraithe ag Coimisiún na hEorpa freisin. Ipad a bhuaigh Rachel. Comhghairdeachas leis an mbeirt acu.

Dea-Scéalta ó Choláiste Íosagáin, Co. Bhaile Átha CliathBhí cailíní Choláiste Íosagáin an-ghnóthach agus an-rathúil leis an iliomad gníomhaíochtaí i rith na bliana.Tá comhdháil na scoile den Chumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól ag dul ó neart go neart. Bhí sraith de cheardlanna an-suimiúil agus an-tairbheach ag scoláirí Bhliain 5 a spreag iad chun gníomhú ar son an chirt agus chun cabhrú le daoine nach bhfuil chomh maith as is atá siad féin. Eagraíodh díolachán cístí agus an Crann Fial ag an Nollaig, nuair a bailíodh na céadta bronntanas le dáileadh ar dhaoine ar fud na cathrach a mbíonn an Cumann ag cabhrú leo.

ff Coiste an Chumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól le bronntanais na Nollag a bailíodh sa scoil

Coláiste Íosagáin

Bhain na cóir scoile éacht amach sa chomórtas córfhéile a bhí ar siúl i Luimneach le déanaí. Tháinig cór na sóisear sa dara háit agus cór measctha na sinsear sa chéad áit. Tá an-bhuíochas ag dul dá múinteoir cóir, Iníon Uí Earúin a rinne an-obair leo.

ff Eve Nic Suibhne agus Emma de Róiste, beirt de na sinsir a ghlac páirt sa chórfhéile i Luimneach

ff An Cór Sóisearach ag glacadh páirt sa chórfhéile i Luimneach

St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise

On the 8th of February 16 students from both Transition Year and 5th Year, and 5 teachers travelled to Zambia as part of our schools long running Zambian Immersion Project. After over a year of fundraising which included many enjoyable nights spent at table quizzes, we were finally finished packing shopping bags in the shopping centre and ready to pack our suitcases.

On Friday morning the scenes in the GPA included suitcases being sat on as more bandages and plastic gloves were squeezed into bags, guitars being wrapped in cling film, anxious parents, and 21 very excited faces. Fr. Paddy and Fr. David blessed us all and we were finally on the road. After a minor reorganising of bags in Dublin airport (some of our 35kg bags were slightly over the 23kg limit) we boarded our first flight. A delay in Dublin Airport meant we had to flat out sprint threw Heathrow, but 16 hours and a stopover in Johannesburg later we all arrived safely in Livingstone, Zambia.

10 suitcases went missing somewhere along the way, the 4 days of coping without them was an experience.

We only had one day to recover from our travels before we started working. Being a Sunday we decided to immerse ourselves in Livingstone and go to the local mass. After 4 decades of the rosary to start, mass then proceeded for three

and a half hours, filled with music, singing and dancing, a new priest being ordained, and even people being brought up from the crowd during the homily. We later met Sr. Mary, a nun originally from Cavan who devoted her life to helping the poor in Livingstone and organising the local clinic.

On Monday morning we all got up at 6am for our first proper day of the Immersion Project. All 16 of us piled into John’s bus (it wouldn’t exactly pass the NCT) and headed off for our first day of teaching. With our matching Cúl Camp bags (which we’d later donate) filled with stickers, posters and colours, we were dropped off at three different schools: Linda, Lubuyu, and Ngwenya. Fortunately

we weren’t thrown into classes alone and were working in pairs, with makeshift teaching plans that we had to totally adapt or scrap as we received classes with a broad range of ages and abilities. The first day was tough, tiring, and a bit awkward as we got to know all the students, most of us had class sizes of between 40-60. I don’t think any of us will forget the first break time in school, we were all swarmed by crowds of children eager to talk to us, high five, fist bump, feel our hair, or swing out of our arms. You’d never find yourself walking alone anywhere around the school, a child would always run over to chat, hold your hand or offer help carrying your bag.

Zambian Immersion Project 2019

St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise

We finished in the schools at around 12 or 1 depending on whenever the bus arrived. In the evenings we went to Lubasi Home for orphans and vulnerable children. Although we had a touch of awkwardness earlier in the schools, as soon as we got to the orphanage we were welcomed with songs, children that couldn’t wait to play, and a really homely atmosphere. We brought out the hurls and footballs and everyone started playing. We pushed them on the swings, gave piggy-backs, sat down to chat with them, the teachers got their hair braided and the small ones couldn’t wait to get up on our shoulders to pick fruit from the trees.

Every day two students got to go to Sr. Mary’s clinic, not a hospital building of any sort, think more along the lines of everyone in an area gathering in a designated persons garden. When we entered the clinic we were welcomed with a lively song and dance with everyone joining in no matter how sick. We helped to take and record blood pressure and temperature of all the patients and some of us got to go on house visits to people too sick to travel to the clinic. For those of us who got to go on them, these house visits were incredibly eye-opening experiences where we met very sick people who still remained positive, happy and welcoming despite their difficulties.

As the days moved on in school everyone began to settle in, we had such good fun in class and made friendships with the students that we’ll never forget. Two guitars were brought and a tin whistle, and we played everywhere from the clinics to the orphanage, I’m sure there’s a few Zambians who think N17 by the Saw Doctors is our national anthem at this stage. We all became friends with everyone in the orphanage, and naturally we all made really strong bonds with a few different children. It was tough to leave on the last day, we said our sad goodbyes and left our hats, sunglasses and bags to people who appreciated them much more than us, and for the first time we had a silent bus drive home. Although we travelled to Zambia to teach, Zambia taught us much more than we could ever teach in two weeks in a class room about being happy and grateful with what we have and to appreciate and love life the way they do.

Laois recipient of Athletics Ireland Juvenile AwardEighteen year Eoin Keenan was the Laois recipient of Athletics Ireland Juvenile Award for 2018.Eoin received his award at a formal presentation in the Bridge House Hotel Tullamore on Saturday, February 16.

The award was in recognition of his athletics achievements at National Level in 2018, where he won gold medals in long jump and triple jump.

Eoin is currently studying for his Leaving Certificate at St. Marys CBS Portlaoise.

Last month he represented his school in the Diversity Games in Athlone and recorded a new pb of 6.31m in the long jump.

His achievement in triple jump last year was all the more impressive as he only took up the event last year. His aim for 2019 is to fine tune his technique and hopefully put in some good summer performances.

St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise

John Paul ll awardsOn Wednesday the 14th and Thursday the 15th of November over 300 students from the Kildare and Leighlin diocese received their John Paul ll awards from Bishop Denis Nulty in St. Clare’s church, Graiguecullen,Carlow. Pictured below are Thomas Dunne, Nathan Harrison, Cian MacGearailt, Nebojsa Kukic and Sean Lewis from St. Marys CBS Portlaoise who received their gold award. The Pope John Paul II Award enables participants to take an active part in the life of their Church - in the life of their community and society. The boys undertook a number of activities which included: becoming Eucharistic Ministers, travelling to Lourdes with our local parish, playing music and collecting the offertory collection at mass. We are now going on to work towards our Papal Cross award.

P.A.T.HPortlaoise Action Towards Homelessness is a volunteer organisation that travel to Dublin every Saturday to provide donated clothes, food, sleeping bags etc. to homeless people sleeping on the streets of Dublin. The six-person crew of volunteers travel to Dublin in a van fully packed with these “care-packages” and only leave once the supplies have been given out and the van is empty. St. Mary’s CBS’ Portlaoise Student’s Council have advocated to help in the fight against homelessness on both a local and national scale. They saw the amazing work that PATH do to aid these unfortunate souls and decided to hold a fundraiser to help this organisations. In total they raised €888.80 that will go towards funding these supplies and the fuelling of the volunteer’s van.

Shane Casey and John McCarthyOn Tuesday, 27th November, Shane Casey and John McCarthy visited our school for a Transition Year workshop on resilience and wellbeing. Our guests were visiting from the Graffiti Theatre Company. They incorporated a piece of drama into their workshop. Casey is best known for his role as Billy Murphy in “The Young Offenders”. The character is a notorious gangster, known for stealing phones.

Despite being a famous actor, we were all amazed at how down-to-earth and unassuming he was. He really came across as just another one of the lads. Fortunately, no phones were stolen!The workshop focused on a difficult moment in Shane’s life and how he struggled to overcome it. Though it happened to him in secondary school, he believes it shaped his future. Students were then called up to act out scenes following this very personal moment Shane had shared with us.

John also discussed the importance of feeling confident in oneself. He explained to us the meaning of resilience, likening it to getting back on the horse after you fall off. To help with his explanation, he used the famous Rocky Balboa quote; “It ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s what winning is made of!”

The workshop concluded with an exercise in which Shane and John read out a number of statements and we as individuals decided whether we agreed with them or not. Throughout the school there was a real sense of excitement as students murmured to each other, “Well lad, d’ya hear Billy Murphy’s in the school”. All in all, our workshop with Shane Casey and John McCarthy was a great and memorable experience that will stand out as a highlight of the year.

Journeying Together for ChangeOur Advocacy Pilot schools continue to advance along the advocacy road together. Each of our Eleven pilot schools have established an Edmund Rice Advocacy group in their school. These groups are involved in advocating for different causes. When they met in Callan in October 2018 they agreed that having one central theme to focus their efforts on would allow them to join their voices together for change. The idea of harnessing the voices from all the schools together to advocate for change on a topic was one that the students felt passionately about. The issue that became the focus of the pilot schools was based around reducing the use of single use plastics. Each school was free to take on the campaign in whatever way they chose and have been busy sharing ideas and strategies by e-mail and on their Facebook page Edmund Rice Ireland.

On the 28th February 9 of the Pilot schools came together in Dublin. Schools involved include Ardscoil Ris, Limerick, Middleton CBS, Kilkenny CBS, Carrick on Sir CBS, St David’s CBS, Colaiste Eanna, CBC Cork, Drogheda CBS, ArdScoil na Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford

They were invited to visit Leinster House as guests of Senator Grace O’Sullivan who is very interested in their campaign as she is a passionate advocate for climate action herself. She spoke with the group and gave them some food for thought for the campaign as it develops. David Stanton, Minister of state for Equality, Immigration and Integration also addressed the group and relayed stories of his state trips to islands abroad where residents are very concerned that their homes would be underwater in the very near future. The group were also treated to a tour of Leinster House. It was a very inspiring trip for all involved and one where our very own leaders of the future, our Edmund Rice Ambassadors,

impressed those we met with their passion and commitment to advocate for change.

Going forward the group will continue the campaign in their own schools and communities and they will come back together at an advocacy rally in Ardscoil na Mara in Tramore. Here they will display their projects and have the opportunity to share their actions for change as well as listening to guest speakers Senator Grace O’Sullivan, Marine Biologist Cian Luck and view a visiting art exhibition called “Plastics: The Good The Bad and The Ugly”.

We wish all 11 schools the very best of luck with the campaign and look forward to the rally on the 8th May.

Advocacy Students Visit To Dail

ff Edmund Rice students promoting the “Save our Seas” campaign outside the Dail.

ff Students and teachers from Edmund Rice Advocacy schools outside Dail Eireann with Senator Grace O Sullivan and Minister David Stanton

Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, An Mhainistir Thuaidh, Corcaigh.

Bhi an-rath ar Ghaelcholáiste Mhuire AG le déanaí i réimsí éagsúla, go háirithe spórt, ceol, eolaíocht agus teicneolaíocht! Ar an dara lá is fiche de mhí Eanáir, bhuaigh na buachaillí faoi 19A Craobh na hÉireann i mBaile Átha Cliath i gcoinne Meánscoil na Trócaire, Cnoc an tSeabhaic. An uair dheireanach a bhuaigh ár scoil an comórtas seo ná 2002, mar sin bhíomar an-bhródúil as na buachaillí agus bhí an-cheiliúradh againn. Bronnadh ‘laoch na himeartha’ ar Shéamas Ó hAnnagáin 6AG!

Cé go raibh an aimsir go dona ar an lá,

thug bus lán le daltaí aghaidh ar Bhaile Átha Cliath ar an 30ú Eanáir chun páirt a ghlacadh sa chomórtas tallainne Scléip, eagraithe ag Gael Linn. Comhghairdeas le Sam Ó Briain a tháinig sa dara háit sa cheol aonair sinsir.

Ar an gcúigiú lá déag de mhí Feabhra, chuaigh grúpa ón idirbhliain go dtí an lá CITscience for life chun páirt a ghlacadh sa chomórtas VEXRobotics. Chuaigh grúpa ón idirbhliain go dtí IWish i halla na cathrach ar an seachtú lá Feabhra chun teicneolaíocht, eolaíocht agus ceannaireacht idir mná a chur chun

cinn. Chomh maith leis sin, tháinig Eva Corbett ó Techspace chuig an scoil chun bosca eolaíochta inspioráide a thabhairt do na daltaí don chomórtas Techféile sa Ghaillimh i mí na Márta.

Ar an séú lá is fiche de mhí Feabhra, bhuaigh na cailíní camógaíochta craobh Chorcaí i gcoinne Ceann Toirc. Bhí na cailíní seo chomh díograiseach go raibh siad ag traenáil go dian sa pháirc scoile sna seachtainí roimh ré, fiú agus stoirm shneachta ag titim anuas orthu! B’fhiú go mór a n-iarrachtaí agus táimid fíor-bhródúil astu!

ff Foireann cispheile a bhuaigh craobh na hÉireann!

ff Vex Robotics ff Camógaíocht — Daltaí ag traenáil sa sneachta!

An nuacht as Gaelcholáiste Mhuire

Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, An Mhainistir Thuaidh, Corcaigh.

ff Séamas Ó hAnnagáin, 6AG – Laoch na himeartha ff Scléip 2019

ff Daltaí le Eva Corbett ó Techspace a thug bosca eolaíochta inspioráide don scoil.

ff An fhoireann camógaíochta a bhuaigh Craobh Chorcaí

On the 13th of December, The Naas CBS choir hosted a Carol Service concert in aid of The Naas CBS Zambian Immersion Project. Three teachers and nine students were heading on their journey to Mazabuka, Zambia in February of 2019 to experience the culture and way of life. The students had to raise a large sum of money in order to make their dream of a trip to Africa possible.

The concert was a great success with many staff, students, parents and people of the community coming to join us. The renowned Island of Ireland Peace Choir supported the concert. The Island of Ireland Peace Choir were formed in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing of 1998. Their message is simply one of peace, justice and harmony through the medium of song and spirituality. The choir includes the newly crowned Rose of Tralee – Kirsten Mate Maher who joined us on the night. Kirsten herself is of Zambian descent and this signified a very strong message for all at the event. Both choirs joined together for the second half and Kirsten Mate Maher performed Snow Patrol’s - ‘Run’ with our very own 6th year student Conor McNamee.

It was a very special evening in our school calendar and we would like to thank everyone that joined us or helped in the planning leading up to the event – Especially Phil and Elaine Brennan of The Island of Ireland Peace Choir and Declan Kelly (Tenor).

Carol Service concert for Zambian Immersion Project

Naas CBS

Published at Áras Éamainn RísMeadow ValeBlackrockCo. DublinA94 YN96Tel: 01 289 7511

Tel: 01 289 7511 Fax: 01 289 7540e-mail: reception@erst.ie web: www.erst.ie