Rice College NewsFirst Term • 2014 - 2015Issue 64 • Dec

Even though it’s only the end of term 1, half the year is gone. There were so many highlights for me this term, both on and off campus. It started with our outstanding Junior and Leaving Certificate results recognised through so many awards ceremonies. Invitations came from NUI Maynooth, UCD and GMIT where our student’s excellence was awarded through entrance scholarships. Six leaving certificate students received these awards. Congratulations to these students and their families. I have to especially mention Niall McGovern and his family on securing “The Naughton Scholarship” worth €5,000 each year with €2,000 going to Rice College. Student Con Doherty has been awarded four scholarships in total, so well done to him and his family. Seven students from Junior Certificate were recognised in NUI-Galway for achieving “A” grades in Business at Junior Certificate. This was the largest amount of male students from all the schools being recognised at the event. Congratulations to Damien Doherty (Ireland Gold Medal Winner) Adam Blaq and Cian Geraghty who have been recognised by the State Examinations Commission for achieving such high results and being selected for Science and Maths Olympiads.A subject inspection took place on the 9th & 10th October which examined the delivery of Social, Personal and Health Education at Junior level, Relationships and Sexuality Education at Senior level and Pastoral Care throughout the school. I was delighted to receive the extremely positive feedback from the inspectorate which affirmed the excellent practices and policies that we operate daily for all in our care. Well done to students and teachers involved in this inspection. I want to thank everyone involved in our sports development around the school. It’s great to see some dreams come to fruition with floodlights and fencing being erected at the moment. A little behind schedule but we’re making fantastic progress. Hopefully we won’t hear “Nowhere to go sir” when such events as mocks and house exams, masses, talks and presentations take precedence over PE classes in the Gymnasium. Our Astro-Turf will be a fabulous facility. Constructed with a shock pad laid under the carpet this will allow impact sports to be played. The main pitch to the rear of the Gym is finished and fenced so why not take a stroll around the greenway to see this development. I have to thank the enthusiasm of the fundraising committee, the students, teachers and the parents who have donated so much to this project, well done. Both projects are costing €350,000, we are still short €40,000 so nearly there! Many thanks to the Hughes family for very generously donating €10,000 to this project. Recently a lot of knowledge and wisdom left the staff. We said goodbye to five loyal servants of our school, Mr Peter McManamon, Mr Pat Fleming, Mr Maurice Rice, Ms Ena Henehan and Mr Martin Halpin. We wish you all a long and healthy retirement. We are moving to a more user friendly administration system in the New Year so if you notice anything amiss please inform us through the office.Supervised Study for 6th years - Saturdays from 10am -1pm.We have a new prospectus and calendar published. I will upload these to our website so these publications will be available for all to see. We are holding an open day for 6th class pupils on Tuesday, 27th January and our open evening will take place on Thursday, 29th Jan 2015. 5th Year PTM is on 14th Jan and the 1st Year PTM is on 20th Jan 2015.Thanks to everyone who contributes in so many different ways to develop our boys, academically, spiritually, physically and vocationally to become young men. Every good wish for the Christmas Holidays and 2015.

The CastJessica Ryan SandyEllie Dillane RizzoRóisín Carney MartyMegan Dever FrenchieFeena McManamon JanChloe Nugent PattiMilly Durkin Cha ChaRóisín de Bhaldraithe Ms. LynchAoife O’Donnell Ms. MurdockNiamh Ketterick Radio SingersElla Burns Ellen Malone Daniel Horgan DannyRichard O’Malley KenickieConal McManus RogerDaniel L. Moran SonnySeán Tierney DoodyRory Gannon Eugene/Teen AngelKevin Lavelle Vince FontaineMatthew White Johnny Casino & BandPatrick BrophyDaniel C. MoranFrank Shackleton

RICE COLLEGE NEWS Colleran Cup team 2014-2015

Back L-R: Alan McHale, Pádraig O’Haire, Oisín McLaughlin, Robbie Harper, Bailey Nevin, Eoghan McLoughlin, Ross Mullin, Michael Gallagher, Keith Joyce, Declan Shanahan, Eoin Rowley, Kevin Lavelle, Andrew Ferson, Darragh McNulty, Aidan O’Donnell.Front L-R: James Treacy, Ben Doyle, Luca O’Riain, Pat Lambert, Fintan McManamon, Louis Hoban, Niall Murray, Michael Brady, John Ryan, Aaron O’Flaherty, Mikey O’Brien, Peter Corcoran, Colm Moran (Capt), Jordan Donnellan, Eoin Conway.

Grease, the Musical, by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey is a romantic comedy about two lovers, Danny and Sandy, set in an American High School in the 1950’s. The TY students of the Sacred Heart School and Rice College brought the show to fruition in under four weeks! The students from both schools bonded well, learned how to co-operate and work together as a team, working with an excellent Production Team: John Flatley and Gráinne Kenny, Musical Directors; Maureen Joyce, Stage Manager and Production Assistant; Gearóid Ó Riain and Martin Gill, TY Co-ordinators, SHS & Rice College respectively; Nicole Gannon and Shauna Sammon, Musical Assistants with Hazel McLynn, Director/ Producer & Choreographer.

Astro-Turf pitches taking shape!

1St. Year Gaelic Football panel: Connacht “A” League Round 1

Back L-R: Joey Corcoran, Ailbe Smyth, Kian Moore, Brian Mortimer, Carlos Griffin, Stephen Keating, David Loftus, Erick Gannon, Caillin Joyce, Alan Masterson, Liam Horgan, Cillian Heaney, Antoine Tessier.Front L-R: Chris McNally, Tom Smyth, Tim Campion, Mark Walsh, Mark Gannon, Jamie Hoban, Conor Calvey, Luke Dawson (Capt), Eathan McEvilly, Darren O’Malley, Donal Ó Buachalla, Sean Doherty, Ronan O’Donnell, Daniel Feehan.

Niall Claims Naughton Scholarship

Niall McGovern of Rice College received the Naughton Foundation Academic Scholarship, after accepting a place at University College Dublin to study Engineering. Niall attained 615 points in his Leaving Certificate this year. The presentation of the 2014 scholarship awards were made on Saturday September 27th, in The Science Gallery, Trinity College, Dublin. The scholarship is worth €20,000 over four years and the school of each winning student was also awarded a prize of €1,000 towards the school’s science laboratory to encourage interest, research and further academic pursuit.

Pictured at awards L-R: Mr. Peter McManamon, Niall’s teacher of physics & applied maths; Mr. Damien English TD, Minister of State at the Dept. of Education & Skills; Niall McGovern, Dr. Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel.

The soccer season is upon us and it started in great fashion with a 3-0 win over Sligo Grammar. Paul Doyle scored two brilliant goals, the first a “Messi-esque” solo run and the second a classic chip over the onrushing goalkeeper. Cathal Chambers got a vital touch from an in-swinging corner to give the scoreline a more polished look. There were a number of excellent performances but special mention must go out to Paul Lambert for his explosive running, Mikey O’ Brien for commanding the midfield and Paul Doyle for being at the hub of everything good for Rice. Well done lads, keep it up.

U17 Soccer Vs Sligo GrammarRice College 3Sligo Grammar 0

Senior Golf Team 2014-2015

L-R: Harry Gillivan, Conor O’Malley, Jack Healy, Jack O’Donnell, Conor Conway, Joe Cuddy (Manager)This team qualified for the Connaught Colleges semi-final following the qualifying section in Ballina Golf Club. They were subsequently narrowly defeated in the Semi-final by Presentation College, Athenry on a 3-2 scoreline.

Junior Golf Team 2014-2015

L-R: Jack Braz, Joe Cuddy (Manager), Harry Gillivan, Declan Mooney, Charlie Walsh participated in the Connaught Colleges competition.

A GOAL collection by Mr. Joe Cuddy’s TY Business class for the fight against the deadly disease Ebola in Sierra Leone, realized €736. Well done lads! Rice College has enjoyed a good relationship with GOAL for many years. John O’Shea, the founder of the organization, attended Westport CBS primary school in the 1950’s.

TY Business class assists GOAL

1st Yr (B) Gaelic Football Team

Back L-R: Richard O’Malley (Joint Manager), Matthew Dillane, Erick Gannon, Nathan Heanue, Eoghan Mullarkey, Carlos Griffin, Antoine Tessier, Mark Walsh, Sean Doherty, Nathan Browne, Caillin Joyce, Colm Moran (Joint Manager).Front L-R: James Hoban, Steven Keating, Tim Campion, Mark Gannon, Naoise Kennedy, Darragh Grimes, Daniel Feehan, Ailbe Smyth, Alan Richardson, Patrick Carroll, Yannick Scheerer.

O’Haire Cup Final V St. Colman’s College

60 x 30 Connacht Colleges Handball Champions (Intermediate Doubles)

Congratulations to Aaron McDermott and Jack Hanley who won the 60 x 30 Boys Intermediate Doubles Connacht Colleges Championship. This was a

tremendous accolade for the lads who progressed to the All Ireland Semi Final in Williamstown, Co. Galway. Unfortunately, it didn’t go their way but they can be extremely proud of their overall achievements.

By James McDermott Manager

Rice College were unlucky to be trailing 3-4 to 0-1 after 15 minutes. Weather conditions were difficult with heavy showers falling throughout the hour. As the game evolved, Rice College gained impetus, finishing the 1st half trailing 3-6 to 1-3.Rice College took control of the 2nd half, scores coming from Jordan Donnellan, Pat Lambert and John McGlynn. There was now only 4 points between the teams. The game was there for the winning, but unfortunately our momentum was stalled when Colman’s slotted a goal and a point and so went out winners on a scoreline of 4-8 to 3-7. Rice College team: M Smyth; C. Kennedy, J Keane, R. Geraghty; M. Horan, I. Keane, R. Brickenden; A. Le Tourmey, J. McGlynn (0-2), M. Moran; P. Lambert (1-3), G. Jordan; S. O’Hanlon, J. Donnellan (2-2), J. Carney. Sub used: L. Tunney for G. Jordan.

St. Colman’s 4 - 8; Rice College 3 - 7

Rice College students in National Science OlympiadsCongratulations to Adam Blaq, Cian Geraghty and Damien Doherty on being identified as “high achievers” in Science and Maths in the JC examination 2014 by the State Examination Commission, thus qualifying to participate in the National Science Olympiads in DCU on November 1st. Damien Doherty (Biology Section) won a Gold Medal at the National Science Olympiad in DCU and so qualifies to represent Ireland at the EU Science Olympiad in Austria (April 26th. to May 3rd. 2015).

L-R: Mr. Kenneth Moran ( Science teacher), Cian Geraghty, Damien Doherty, Adam Blaq and Mr. Brendan Clarke (Maths teacher).

Maynooth University Entrance Scholarship for Sam Gillivan

Sam, with his father, John Gillivan, Prof Philip Nolan, President Maynooth University and Michael Rabbette, Principal, Rice College.Maynooth University recognised the achievements of some of Ireland’s brightest and most promising first year students at an awards ceremony on the campus recently. 128 Entrance Scholarships were awarded to students who achieved 525 points or more in the Leaving Certificate examination. Those achieving between 525 and 545 points received €500 during their first academic year. Students with 550 points or more received €1,000 and were given the option of on-campus accommodation for their first year. Congrats!

Back L-R: Fergal Macken (Joint Manager), Oisín Moran, Eoin O’Neill, Gareth Jordan, John McGlynn, Liam Hanly, Pat Lambert, Ryan Heraty, Matt Horan, Manus Smyth, Iarla Keane, Jack Carney, Rory Brickenden, Mark Moran, Cavlan O’Brien, Emmett Rowley, Colin McConway (Joint Manager).Front L-R: Daniel McGovern, John Moore, Stephen Loftus, Luke Tunney, Patrick Chambers, John Keane, Cian Kennedy, Jordan Donnellan, Sean O’Hanlon, James Gallagher, Fiachra Byrne, Sean McGuire, Kevin Grogan, Adam Letourney.

U17 Soccer Squad V Summerhill Rice College 3; Summerhill 4Must win their final match to get through to the quarter finals!

Front Row: Oísin McLaughlin, Paul Coffee, Paul Doyle, Eoin Conway, Mikey O’ Brien, Paul Lambert, Cian Dunne, Chris Heanue, Pat JoyceBack Row: Colin McConway (Joint Manager), Killian Kilkelly, Joey Smyth, Aaron O’ Flaherty, Brian O’ Malley, Jack Murphy, Darragh Walsh, Paddy O’ Malley (Capt.), Eoin Rowley, Peter Corcoran, Cathal Chambers, Padraic O’ Haire, Daniel Horgan, Adam Blaq, Brendan Clarke (Joint Manager)

Senior Hurling “A” Final V Ballyhaunis CS

Back row L-R: Sean O’Donnell, Paddy O’Malley, Paul Duffy, Chris Heanue, Ronan Higgins, Niall McManamon, Sean Brogan, Barry McNamara, Fergal Sammon.Front row L-R: Michael Gallagher, Conor McHale, Niall Murray, Ben Doyle, Eoin Conway, Paul Lambert, Keith Hastings, Kaylem Connolly.

TY’s “Change for Charities”

School Mentors ‘14 welcome 1st Yrs

Back Row L-R: Sean Kitterick (6th), Joshua Nueva (6th), Isaac Brickenden (5th), Conor O’Hanlon (5th), Peter Spellman (LCA 1), Mr. Michael Rabbette, PrincipalFront Row L-R: Ms. Ríona Prendergast (Teacher), Andrew Ferson (T.Y), Darragh Ludden (2nd), Alex O’Riain (3rd), Michael Brady (3rd), Ian Higgins (2nd), Eoin Conway (T.Y), Ms. Sandra Hall (Teacher)

Students’ Council 2014 - 2015

Front Row L-R: Cathal Chambers, Keith Hastings, Gerard Kelly-O’Connell, Conor O’Hanlon, Antoine Tessier (1st Yr), Paul Duffy, Chris O’Donnell, Jack Carroll.Back Row L-R: Colin Guilfoyle, Niall McManomon, Colin Sheridan, Conor Madden, Isaac Brickenden, Ross Prendergast, Josh Moran, Aaron McDermott, Stephen Roddy

Michael RabbetteSchool Principal

Message from our Principal

“Adaptemy” is an on-line assessment and learning platform, covering all topics on the

both the Junior and Leaving cert. Maths syllabus. Rice College is one of the participating pilot schools using the programme. My 2nd Yr. Maths class has been using the programme for one class period per week since September. It is working extremely well as a revision tool. It assesses each individual and continuously adapts the level of questioning to the individual. It ensures the student is challenged at all times. Reports can be compiled showing the progress of the students on each topic.

The students pictured are the most productive workers, achieving the highest results, using the programme over the past number of weeks. Well done boys!

RICE COLLEGE NEWS RICE COLLEGE NEWS New Teachers at Rice College

Mr. Kevin McLoughlin, BE. Eng. Hons., from UCD. Kevin hails from Knockmore, taught in Lucan prior to his appointment in Rice College, where he is teaching Maths and Science. Mayo’s star wing forward!Mr. Brian Roache, B. Tech Hons. in Materials & Construction, with Teacher Education from UL. Brian is a native of Ballycastle in North Mayo and is a teacher of Woodwork, Tech Graphics, Construction studies & DCG at Rice College.Ms. Geraldine Walsh, B.A. Hons., in French, German and Business from DCU. and PGDE Hons. from NUIG. Geraldine hails from Manulla and is teaching French in Rice College. Wishing her every success here.

Ms. Karen McGrath, BSc. Hons. in Phy. Ed., with Chem., Maths and Jun. Science from the University of Limerick. Karen, a native of Carlow in the sunny South East, is teaching Science and Maths in Rice College.

Teachers take early retirementRice College is sad to record the early retirement of Ms. Ena Henehan and Mr. Martin Halpin from the teaching staff of Rice College, two highly respected and motivated teachers who greatly influenced the lives of many students in Rice College over many years.

Mr. Martin Halpin, a teacher of Maths and Science, always had a genuine interest in the Christian Brothers schools in Westport and in all the students who were educated therein. If one needed to know about Past pupils, Mr. Halpin

was the man. He commanded huge respect amongst students and staff alike. He will be sorely missed in Rice College. Ní bheidh a leithéid an arís. Slán leat.

Ms. Ena Henehan, a teacher and a lady of the highest order. She commanded huge respect among her students and her teaching colleagues alike. She was an authority on every aspect of her subjects: English, French and

German. Ena was deeply committed to her profession. No effort was spared in developing not only the intellect, but also the character and life skills of her pupils. Wishing you many happy years in retirement.

Our 3c History class was treated to a very special social history lesson by Mr Maurice Rice, a recently retired teacher from Rice College. He displayed the art of storytelling to the students as he brought to life tales from the past. Topics included changes in rural and town housing in Westport with the greatest change being the arrival of- not electricity- but rather, ‘the light’. Entertainment was also discussed in the setting of the home - in the form of radio, card-playing and conversation- while village and town dances were enjoyed as the major social event. Mr Rice also recalled tales of farming, the role of the mart and fair days in farming life and the traditional neighbourly spirit of ‘meitheal’. The session provided students with an invaluable primary source account of social history in the west of Ireland that is sure to prove helpful in their upcoming Junior Certificate examination.

Mr Maurice Rice gives 3C a taste of Irish Social History

By Ms. Niamh HobanMs. Aoife Caffrey B.A. Hons. in English, Sociology and Politics together with PDE Hons. from NUI Galway. Aoife, a native of Westport, is teaching English and SPHE in Rice College.

Ms. Shauna Roberts B. Comm. Hons. from NUI Galway with P.D.E. from Hibernia College. Shauna, a native of Castlebar, is a teacher of Business, Economics & Maths. She is currently teaching Resource Maths in Rice College.

Mr. Pat Dunne takes Principalship of Scoil Muire & Padraig, Swinford

By Ms. Geraldine Walsh, French teacher

The European day of languages, September 26th is an initiative organised by the council of Europe to encourage language learning across Europe. To celebrate this day, and to promote learning French, a number of co- and cross curricular activities were organised in Rice College. The day started off with a music celebration and some welcomed impromptu Sean Nós dancing. An art competition was organised for 1st and 2nd years to design a poster to promote French in school; winners are pictured below. The grand finale was a trip to the Westport leisure centre by 1st and 2nd years to watch a French film. The day was a huge success and greatly enjoyed. To continue the spirit of promoting language learning there is a French speaking Club at lunchtime every Wednesday.

Celebrating French Language/ Culture on European day of languages

This Is My Life- LifeWorks www.life-works.ieEducational Presentations for Second-Level Schools

By Miss Susan Mannion teacher of SPHE

LifeWorks Education is a programme for schools offering compassionate and balanced pro-life workshops. These engaging and upbeat workshops touch on many of the issues that we encounter during Religion, RSE & Biology lessons in both 5th and 6th year. During these work-shops which were presented to all 5th and 6th year students in Rice College, the wonder of life was highlighted and there was a step-through the development of the baby in the womb using footage from modern ultrasound technology.The challenges faced in crisis pregnancy were addressed and the positive alternatives to abortion were highlighted by focusing on the stories of people who chose life in challenging circumstances.The multi-media rich presentations which are designed for third year, transition year and senior cycle students received a very positive reaction from our senior students. Presentations to parents

are also available on request from LifeWorks Education, the organisation who founded this programme.

Global Mail Plea For SamuelBy Miss Susan Mannion, teacher of English

Samuel Gajos is a little seven year old boy from Waterford who is bravely battling a rare form of a childhood tumour known as neuroblastoma for the last three years. He is very sick and recently doctors have informed his parents that he is sadly losing his battle against this disease. This devastating news was to mark the beginning of a global campaign to make a dream of Samuel’s come true. This dream was to receive one card or letter in the post like his parents do. Many people throughout the world have got involved in this campaign with his home country Slovakia agreeing to send post to Samuel for free. After reading about ‘Samka’ as he is fondly known by his family, and his life-story in the Media, our 1A and 1B classes got involved in this campaign and each student designed a card and sent to him with a little message or note inside the card with information about themselves, their interests, their hobbies or simply just sending Samuel their best wishes as he does not know himself how ill he is. We were only happy to get involved in this project and it is our hope that our cards and messages bring a little bit of light back into this families lives.1A & 1B classes - greeting cards for Samuel

History students in classes 1A and 1B recently took part in an archaeological dig on

the school grounds. The exercise formed a practical exercise as part of the students’ study on the work of the archaeologist, a key part of the Junior Certificate History curriculum. The history classes capitalised on the first phase in the development of the astro-turf pitch in Rice College. The removal of the topsoil by the mechanical diggers provided us with a perfect setting to carry out a field walk in order to locate a site for excavation. The students worked in pairs wearing their hi-vis jackets, with a gridded map of the area and plastic bags and markers in order to label any artefacts that were discovered. The field walked unveiled a huge amount of artefacts, among them were the head of a hurl, a Bienvenue en France CD, pottery and a miniscule bird’s egg! The artefacts have been forwarded to the lab, pending tests to be dated accurately.

Rice College Time Team SpecialBy Ms. Niamh Hoban

Eagerly awaited Junior Cert results

Peter Gill, one of a large body of students, receiving his Junior Cert results from Mr. Michael Rabbette, Principal, who congratulated all the students on their wonderful achievement. Mr. Rabbette thanked the parents for encouraging the boys with their study and the teachers who directed them through the coursework over the three years. It was a proud day for Rice College, seeing their students achieve such outstanding results.Five students listed among the highest achievers of the 100 or so who sat the Junior Cert in Rice College last June are: Damien Doherty, Frank Shackleton, Cian Geraghty, Dale Friel and Adam Blaq.

Relationships and Sexuality Education at Senior Cycle (By Miss Susan Mannion)Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important element of a holistic education. Young people receive a range of messages about relationships, sexuality and sexual behaviour. Often these messages can be negative, confusing and inaccurate. For young people growing up in today’s ever-changing society it is important that messages, understandings and facts in these areas are portrayed accurately. R.S.E is a compulsory subject in the Irish education system at Senior Cycle. In 2009 we introduced it into our Senior Cycle timetable and this October we welcomed an inspection in this area from the Department of Education coinciding with our SPHE inspection. We received very positive feedback from the inspector who was also very complimentary of our boys. Over the years it has been a very enjoyable experience with all students gaining knowledge and growing in their understanding of topics that sometimes can be difficult to talk about openly, particularly for teenage boys. The course is broken up into three sections- ‘Relationships’, ‘Taking Time to Think’ and ‘Sexual Health’, with students rotating between teachers every 6-8 weeks. Throughout these modules cross-curricular links are made with other subject areas as well as with literacy and numeracy. There is a very positive feeling about the delivery of the curriculum among both staff and students and we are delighted to be able to offer such an important subject to the boys at Rice College with many schools yet to do the same.

Eu. language Day - Art competition

“Adaptemy” on-line Maths programme with Ms. Aisling Grimes, teacher of Maths

Ms. Leah Duffy BA Hons. in History and English from NUIG; PDE Hons. from NUIG. Leah, a native of Castlebar, taught previously in St. Attracta’s C.S., Tubbercurry. She teaches English and History in Rice College.

Science week in Rice Collegewith Ms. Sharon Costello & Ms. Paula Behan

Awards from NUIG for “A” grade in: Business Studies (Junior Cert exam). The Junior Cert Business Studies Awards, granted by NUIG/BSTHI were presented in the Bailey Allen Hall, NUI Galway on October 15th. Seven Rice College students were among the top 9.5% in the country who achieved the “A” grade in the examination in June. Congratulations to the students, their parrents and teachers, Mr. Joe Cuddy and Mr. Colin McConway.

Back L-R: Dr. Kieran Conboy, Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law; Mr. Colin McConway, Brian O’Malley, Mark Allen, Cian Geraghty, Mr. Joe Cuddy and Ms. Jenny Harrington, President of the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland.Front L-R: Darragh McNulty, Damian Doherty, Frank Shackleton and Adam Blaq.

The Management, staff and students at Rice College extend their best wishes to Mr. Pat Dunne as he takes on the Principalship of Scoil Muire & Padraig, Swinford.

The Rice College LCA class start work with their new laptopsBack L-R: Mr Colin McConway IT Teacher, Darragh Prendergast, Conor Sweeney, Peter Spellman, Mrs Julie Kennedy LCA Co-Ordinator. Front L-R: Luccas Griffin, Oskar Borkowski, Niall O’Malley, Eoin O’Grady

LCA

LAPTOP

LAUNCH

Pope John Paul II Awards

This year’s Galway Rose, Nicola Corcoran presented the Pope John Paul II Awards for the Archdiocese of Tuam to students in Westport recently. Project is co-ordinated in Rice College by Ms. Ríona Prendergast and Ms. Niamh Hoban.

The Aim of Science week is to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in our everyday lives. Theme was: “The Power of Science”.On Thursday evening a team from 6th year travelled to GMIT, Galway to take part in the ISTA Science Quiz regional finals. The Rice College team did extremely well on the night against a total of 25 other teams from Mayo and Galway. The participating students were Aaron Nolan, Sean Kitterick and James Moran. Well done to all.On Friday a science quiz was held for transition years. There was immense competition amongst the participating teams. The winning team members were Kevin Lavelle, Sam Carroll and Damien Doherty. They each received an Elverys gift card for €30. The runners up each got a Elverys voucher for €20 and they were Frank Shackleton, Mark Reilly and Oisin Geraghty-O’Riardon

Sc. Quiz Winners Sc. Quiz Runners-up

John O’Shea of GOAL talks to TY’s makes them aware of 3rd World problems

3rd Year Pilgrimage to Croagh PatrickIn late September, R.E students from 3C and 3D ascended the mighty Croagh Patrick. This was no Sea to Summit or Seven Day Challenge however, but rather, a spiritual journey. The students took part in an authentic, traditional pilgrimage to the mountain. This involved participating in rituals of worship that are held sacred by the many pilgrims that visit this holy place. The pilgrimage was a fantastic learning experience for the students, both spiritually and academically and will aid students in the completion of their journals which form part of their Junior Certificate assessment.

Two Good Friends of Rice College: Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam

Mickey Berry Sean Staunton

Congratulations to Cathal Hastings who graduated recently from Trinity College Dublin with a B.A. Hons. Degree in Economics and Maths. Cathal, son of Maurice and Kate Hastings, Westport, is a past pupil of Gael Scoil na Cruiche and Rice College, Westport. He is currently working with Maples Financial Services, Dublin.

School Gate Traffic Analysis 05. 12. ’13The Smarter Travel Committee Students from T.Y.: Maciek Baszynsk, Eoin Conway, Séan McGuire, Andrew Gannon & Shane McLoughlin examined traffic passing through the main gate and the Greenway entrance to school. Eva McIntyre from Westport Smarter Travel assisted with the survey.In order to ease congestion inside & outside the school gates, cars could use the various Park’N’Stride locations around Westport. The committee highlighted that 102 cars driving through the main gate was very high. The Greenway entrance and the new pedestrian crossing on the Castlebar Road enable walkers & cyclists to travel to school safely. The committee will introduce numerous initiatives in 2016 to increase walking and cycling and hopefully reduce reliance on motorised travel to Rice College.