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St Mary’sNEWSLETTER

Welcometothe2018SummerEditionofStMary’sNewsletter.Thispublishededitioncanalsobe

accessedthroughourWebsiteandourSchoolApp.Ifyouhaven’talreadydonesowhynotdownloadourAppandlinkintoourTwitteraccount,bothofwhicharepackedwithdailynotificationsandnewsitemsthatareofinteresttothewholeschoolcommunityandwhichwillkeepyouuptodate,asdoesthisnewsletter,withthemanyacademic,sporting,cultural,religious,musical,artisticanddramatichighlightsofourschoolyear.Ithasbeenanothersensationalyearfor

sportinStMary’swithteamsreachingthefinalsinHockey,BasketballandofcourseCamogie.OurseniorandjuniorHockeyteamsonceagainmadeittothefinalsoftheNorthsideLeagueandfoughthardtoretaintheirtitles,onlylosingoutatthelastminuteandindeplorableweatherconditionsduringthepenaltyshootouts.Our2ndDivision1BasketballteamclaimedtheNorthDublintitleatthefinalsintheNationalBasketballArenainAprilandoneofourTYstudentsrepresentedusproudlyattheAllIrelandFinaloftheSchools’CrossCountryintheWITArena.TherehavebeenconsiderableaccomplishmentsinSoccer,GaelicFootball,Volleyball,TennisandTableTennisandwhilewewishallourteamscontinuedsuccessgoingforwardIwouldliketotakethisopportunitytocongratulateespeciallyourCamogieteamsandtheircoacheswhohavetrulyputusonthemapbybringinghomethreeDublintitlesatsenior,juniorandminorlevel.Wearesoproudofthisamazingachievementandgratefultothecoachesfortheirunstintingdedicationtoandbeliefintheirteams–whichculminatedineachplayerreceivingaDublinmedalfortheirgreateffortsthisseason!OurTYProgrammehasonceagainbeen

jam-packedasyouwillgatherfromthemanyreportstofollow.OurstudentsexcelledintheDCUUniTYMultimediaAwardsintheHelixtakinghometheawardsinthreeofthesixcategories.TYstudentswerealsoinvolvedintheWheelchairBasketballinitiative,Self-Defence,CircusSkillsandRowingandtheyrepresentedtheschoolintheYoungScientistandTechnologyExhibitionintheRDSandinthePExpowheretheybroughthomethetitleinthePsychologyofSportseniorcategory.TheyreachedtheregionalfinalsofJunkKouture,wontheoverallawardattheBusinessBootcampinColáisteEoinandnearlyallachievedBronzeGaiscemedals.Therehavebeentoomanyactivitiesandeventstolistthemallbutwewereparticularlyproudonthe17thMaywhenagroupofourTYsrepresentedusinÁrasanUachtaráinattheCeremonyofthePresentationofCredentialsbynewAmbassadorstoourPresident,MrMichaelD

Higgins.OurTYProgrammecontinuestogofromstrengthtostrengthandweareveryappreciativeoftheworkthatgoesintomakingitsovibrantandflourishing.Theculturaldimensionofourschool

continuestothrive.Creativeengagementopportunitiesaboundforallstudents.YouwillseethewonderfulMask-MakingprojectundertakenbysecondyearswhichwasshowcasedalongsidetheimmensemusicaltalentofourstudentsattheannualMusicalShowcaseinMay.EngagementwithpracticingartistsisahallmarkofourprogrammeandfifthyearArtstudentsworkedwithEleanorPhillipstoproducepiecesofartmakingcross-curricularlinkswithotherleavingcertsubjects,whiletheArchitectsinSchoolsInitiativeundertheguidanceofEvelynD’arcyculminatedthisyearinaproposalfromcollaboratorsinDITtocreateanoutdoorpavilionforstudentsasameetingandeatingspace.WearetrulygratefultoSimaandhertalentedcrewforthisgreatopportunity.OurScholaChoironceagainexcelledattheNavanChoralFestivalinMaywheretheycompetedtoaveryhighstandardandwerehighlycommendedbytheadjudicatorsfortheiroutstandingperformances.IntheculturalarenathelistgoesonwithnotableachievementsinDebating,PublicSpeaking,Drama,Mosaicsandfilmmakingtonamebutafew.Wellbeingisatthecoreofeverythingwedo

inthecurricularandextra-curricularpursuitoftheidealsofourMissionStatement.WearecommittedtoactivelyencouragesustainabilityasevidencedbytheongoingworkofourGreenSchoolscommittee,ournewerBiodiversityteamandourinvolvementintheGetUpAndGoalsProgramme.OurAmberteamwhichiscommittedtothepromotionofpositivementalhealthwaspresentedwiththeschool’sfirsteverAmberflagataceremonyinBallincolliginMay.ThisteamworkedhardtocreateawarenessthroughtheirfundraiserandAmberDayforPietaHouseandbyparticipatingintheDarknessIntoLighteventwhenagroupof30teachersandstudentsjoinedanother200,000supportersoutsidethePhoenixParktowalktheannualDIL5km.TheEmberTeamcontinuestobeabeaconoflightthroughouttheyearcontributinginaveryspecialwaytothespiritualcalendar,anditwasverygratifyingattheirGraduationCeremonytowatchthesixth-yearteamhandingoverthetorchoffaithdevelopmenttoourincomingteam–ignitingthesparkthatwillcontinuetoburnbrightthroughoutthecomingacademicyear.Withextra-curricularactivitiesflourishing

duetotheselflesscommitmentofteachersintheirowntime,itisgratifyingandinspiringtowitnessthehighstandardsofteachingand

learningthatcontinuetobethedistinguishingfeatureoftheacademiclifeofStMary’s.InthiscontextweareveryhappytobeoneofthefirstfortyschoolsinthecountrytoofferPoliticsandSocietyaspartofourseniorcyclecurriculum,andthisexcitingandinnovativenewsubjectwillbeexaminedforthefirsttimeintheLeavingCertificateinJune2018.Wewishourbuddingpoliticianstheverybestofluckastheydemonstratearangeofnewskillsthattheyhaveembracedanddevelopedoverthecourseofthelasttwoyears.Ourfirstyearshavesettledinwellandare

nowreadytogreetournewincomingfirstyearsandtosupportthemastheyweresupportedwiththegenuinewarmthoftheStMary’swelcome.AswelookforwardtothearrivalofournewcohortIwouldliketobidafondfarewelltooursixthyearswhograduatedon22ndMay.YouareatalentedandcreativebunchofyoungpeopleandIhopesincerelythatyouallachieveyouracademicandpersonalgoals,andIwishyouhappinessandhealthasyougoforward.Iwouldliketotakethisopportunitytothank

theschoolcommunity–BoardofManagement,staff,studentsandparents–forthecontinuedsupport,encouragementandcommitmenttoStMary’sthatsustainsourcommunity,andonbehalfofmyself,MsO’Donnell,MsDevaneyandallthestaff,IwouldliketowishourthirdandsixthyearstheverybestofluckastheyembarkontheirStateExaminationsinJune.Legachdea-ghuí,

BernadetteBourkePrincipal,June2018

MISSION STATEMENTSt.Mary’s follows the Holy Faith philosophy of creating aninclusive school community whose central purpose is thereligious, moral, intellectual, human, social and physical-

recreational education of the student. The education programme of the school is directed to the

growth of the whole person. It aims to form integrated andself-reliant Christian people who are eager to build a better

world.

A Message from the Principal

Summer2018

WewouldliketowishMsMahonandMrsHugheslongandhappyretirements.Youwillbothbedearlymissedbyallinourschoolcommunity.

Ontheoccasionoftheirretirements…

Sports Day 2018

StudentsandstaffinStMarysenjoyedajam-packedsportsdayonFriday18thofMay.Classescompetedineventssuchashockey,handball,benchball,sackrace,egg&spoonraceandmanymore.TYstudentsorganisedandrantheeventsontheday.Teachersandstudentsalikeenjoyedthenoveltyeventswhiletakingawell-deservedbreakfromtheaction.TheinflatableobstaclecourseandhumanfoosballprovidedgreatentertainmentwhiletheTYicecreamstandwasacrowdpleaser.SunsoakedStMary’swasahiveofactivityfromearlymorninguntilwetookashortbreaktowelcomeourspecialguestandapplaudthewinnersofourSportsAwards2018.Oncetheceremonycametoaclosethewholeschoolcommunitymadetheirwaytotheastroforthegameoftheyear;teachersvs6thyearsOlympichandball.Althoughtheteacherswerevictoriousonthedaythe6thyearsweretoughoppositionandplayedrightuntiltheend.Afunfilled,enjoyabledaywashadbyall.Ahugethankyoutoeveryonefortheirinvolvement,enthusiasmandenergy.

Health Week 2018

ThenewyeargotofftoanenergeticstartinJanuaryatStMary’s.TheHealthSquadof2018wasbusyplanningintheweeksleadinguptothisyear’sHealthWeek.AsusualeachdaykickedoffwithMsBoranandtheHealthSquadleadingstudentsinanactiveassembly.5thand6thyearstudentswereluckyenoughtogetsometopexerciseandnutritiontipsfromguestspeakers.Eachdaystaffandstudentsalikewerechallenged

togetinvolvedinthe“GameoftheDay”.Theserangedfrompopuptrailstotugofwars,fromkickandsticktobeatthebleep.Therewassomethingforeveryoneandeachdaysawanewchallenge.OnMonday1styearsweretestedontheirsportingknowledgewithaquizinthechoirhall.OnTuesday3rdyearswereluckyenoughtowelcomeanursefromtheMarieKeatingFoundation.Thisinsightfultalkwasinterestingforallinattendance.ThursdaymorningsawtheschoolcommunitypourontothecorridorsforDropEverythingandDance.Themusicblaredovertheintercomwhilethehealthsquadledtheschoolinacongaline.AnotheractiveassemblytookplaceonThursdayafternoonbutthistimetheHealthSquadgottheprimaryschoolstudentsfromStBrigid’smovinginthechoir

hall.Fridaywasahecticdaytofinishtheweekwithabang.3rdyearhockeyplayerswereinactionwhilethejuniorcamogieteamwerecrownedcountychampionsatlunchtime.TheHomeEconomicsdepartmenttreatedaluckygrouptoacookingdemoatlunchtimetotoptheweekoff.ThroughouttheweektheStMary’s

SchoolCommunitymanagedtowalktheirwayaroundIrelandwhiletryingtoguesshowmanystepsColintakesinanaverageschoolday.AlthoughnobodywasspotonwiththeirguessitbecameclearthatColinfarexceedstherecommendeddailystepsof10,000.AsalwaysHealthWeekwasbusybutbrilliant.AhugethankyouandwelldonetotheHealthSquad2018whohelpedmakeitallhappen.

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PE DEPARTMENT

First Year Sports CompetitionOur1styearstudentsmustbecommendedfortheirdedicationtoourafter-schoolcompetitionthisyear.TenteamsfoughttothebitterendtoattainthewinningprizeofaMysteryTriptoCrokeParksSkylineTour.IntheendthewinningteamwasmadeupofhalfofclassSienna.ThewinnerswenttoCrokeParkonFridayMay11th.ThedaystartedwithastrolltoCrokeParkwheretheyweregreetedbytheirtourguide.ThegirlsweregearedupandbegantheclimbtothetopofCrokePark.Thiswasanamazingopportunityforthegirlstoseethecityfromabird’seyeview.AftertheSkylineTourthegirlsattendedthemuseumwheretheytestedtheirskillsontheGAAchallenges.Thegirlsthoroughlyenjoyedtheirdayandwerewelldeservingwinnersofthecompetition.

Galway TripOurannualTeamBuildingTriptoPetersburginGalwaywasasusualatriptoberemembered.OnabrightdayinSeptember,TYstudentssetoffacrossthecountrytofaceactivitiesthatwouldchallengeandexhilaratethembeyondanythingtheyhadexperiencedbefore.TheaimofthetripwastoworkonthecoreteambuildingskillspresentedtothestudentsduringPEclass.Onarrivalthesunbegantoshineasdidthegirlsenthusiasm.Theyweregreetedbythecentremanagerandtheyweredividedintotaskgroups.InthesegroupsthegirlsgottotakepartinactivitieslikeGorgeWalkingwherethegirlsdivedintotheicecoldwatersofthewest,Abseilingdownamassivesinkhole,Kayaking,ObstacleCourseandmanymore.Eveningactivitiesincludedmoonlightwalks,orienteering,campfires,charadesandsingsongs.Eachgroupwasalsoresponsibleforonemealduringtheday.Thisincludedsettingthetable,servingfoodanddrinks,washingupandcleaningupthecanteenafterwardsgivingeachstudentasenseofresponsibilitythroughoutthethreedaysofthetrip.Thesleepyheadsonthebushomesuggestedthatthetripwasaresoundingsuccessandwewouldliketosaywelldonetothegirlsfortheirenthusiasmandparticipation.Althoughwewereveryluckywiththesunnyweather,thewaterwasvery,verycold.

PExpo 2018 ThePExpoisacompetitionthatexaminesthesciencebehindsport.StudentsfromalloverthecountryenterprojectsfollowingresearchonawiderangeofPEandsportrelatedtopics.2017wasourfirstyeartoenterthiscompetitionwhichisheldinDCU.ThisyearhoweverthankstoanewTYsportssciencemoduletherewerefiveStMarysentries.StudentsfromclassLuimiereandRaphaelworkedveryhardontheirprojectsthroughouttheyear.• TaraMacken,SophieMcGraneandKatieKennedyexploredtheareaofrolemodelsinsportandthemedia’sinfluenceonthis.

• AmyWall,LilyConroy,TrishaMolloyandKateBradywiththeassistanceofSíleWardandMeliaMcEvoyconductedaveryinterestingstudyonhowexerciseeffectsperformanceinclass.

• NicolaWolnowksa,CorrineBetsayda,EiraTabaniagandCiaraTranilookedintotheareaofpeptalksandtheireffectivness.

• EveMcGrathTully,PhoebeSanDiagoandMeganRocheuncoveredthebenifitsofexerciseonmentalhealth.

• CiaraWhelan,LauraBerry,AlyaHannigan,KerriHannaandZaraMcGlynnexaminedthenewtrendoffitnesstrackers.Dotheyreallymotivatetheuserorisitalljustafad?

Schoolsfromalloverthecountrycompetedinthe7categories.

1. ICTandSportsPhotography2. PowerofSport–InclusionandCultural3. Well-being– Physical,MentalandSocial4. ComponentsofFitness–TheScienceBehindSport5. Nutrition6. GamesDevelopmentandTeachinggamesforUnderstanding7. SportsPsychology

ToourdelightCiara,Laura,Alya,KerriandZara’sprojectwaschosenastheseniorwinneroftheSportsPsychologySection.Thisisahugeachievementandoneweareextremelyproudof.Abigwelldonetoallthegroupsthatgotinvolved.

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TY Rowing:AspartoftheGetGoing,GetRowinginitiative,whichencouragesfemalestotakeuprowing,top-leveltrainerscametoourschooltoteachthegirlstorow.Firstlytheytookpartintrainingsessionsonindoorergonomicrowers.Thisgavethemaninsightintothebasicskillsnecessaryforrowing.Thesecondpartoftheinitiativewasa

one-dayrowingcampthattookplaceonthewaterinNeptuneRowingClub.Thegirlswerereallyexcitedaboutgettingonthewater,andrealisedtherewasahugedifferencebetweenergonomicrowingandonthewaterrowing.Thefinaleventwasanonthewater

rowingblitz.Weentered7differentteamswhocompetedagainstvariousschoolsfromalloverIreland.Werowedextremelywellwithoneteammakingthefinals.Unfortunatelywedidnottakehomeanysilverware,butthegirlsdidthemselvesproudinasport,whichisrelativelynewtothem.

Basketball2ndYearWehadawonderfulseasonofbasketballwithourdivision1teamthisyear.AfterlosingourfirstmatchtoOurLady’sDroghedainNovemberwewentbacktothedrawingboard,communicatedasateamandreallypulledupoursocks!Afterdevotingmoretimetopractisingafterschoolandtrainingnearlyeveryavailablelunchtime,wewereunstoppablefortherestoftheseasongoingunbeatenintothefinalsattheNationalBasketballArenainTallaght.InAprilitwasallbacktowhereitfirststartedbetweenourselvesandDroghedaagainforthecup.Downtoteamwork,passion,communicationandskillitwasMary’swhoendedup2ndDivision1NorthDublinwinnersfor2018.Mary’sABU!CongratulationstoalltheteamwhoplayedbrilliantlyandaparticularmentiontoCaptainSarahO’ConnorwhowasjustexceptionalonthedaywhocameawaywithanadditionalaccoladeofMVP.Also,toourwonderfulandenthusiasticmascotAlannahDarcywhohadthecrowdontheirfeetwithherhalftimeshow.Whilewedidn’treachanyfinalthisyear

withour2ndyeardivision2teamitcannot

PE DEPARTMENT

The PExpo:

TheTY’senteredseveralprojectsundervariouscategoriesintothisyearsPEExpowhichtookplaceinDCU.WithschoolsfromalloverIrelandentering,therewasanextremelyhighlevelofcompetition.OneprojectinparticularfromStMary’scaughttheeyeofthejudges.Theprojecttitled‘FitnessTrackers–DoTheyReallyWork’wasenteredby:CiaraWhelan,LauraBerry,KerrHanna,ZaraMcGlynnandAlyaHannigan.Theytookfirstplaceinanextremelycompetitivecategory.LuckwasreallyonoursidethatdayasMs

WalshwonaspotprizeofanIrelandfootballjersey.

gounsaidthatwedidnothavefun!Wehaveinstilledapassionofthesportintotheteamwithadriveforsuccessfortheseasonnextyear.Withtheircontinuedenthusiasmanddedication,itwillnottakelongforthisteamtohavesilverware.Onbehalfofbothteams,thisseason

wouldnothavebeenassuccessfulwithoutthehelpandcontinuoussupport,encouragementandexpertiseofourTYassistantcoachesforthisyear.WewouldliketosaythankyoutoLauraBerry,HannahO’Brien,CiaraWhelan,AmyWallandKarlaConwayforeverythingthattheyhavedoneinmakingthisatrulymemorableseason.

Under16Basketball:Under16basketballwasextremelysuccessfulthisyearwithallthreeteamsreachingthesemi-finals;Premier,Division1andDivision2.OurDivision1teamgotthroughtothefinalandfoughtoffoldrivalsDroghedatotakethetitleinanexceptionallycompetitivegame.

EndofYearBasketballBlitz:Theannualendofyearbasketballblitzhadagreatturnoutwithrepresentativesfromeachyearpresent.Mixedabilityteamsweremadeupandpittedagainsteachotherinaroundrobintournament.Thelevelofbasketballwasextremelyhighwithsomegreatbasketballbeingplayed.

Basketball-ShootingtoSuccess!1styearsDivision2Semi-Finalist

FirstYearsDivision2semi-finalists

OurDivision21styearteamgotofftoaflyingstartwinningalloftheirgroupgamescomfortably.TheymetStRapheala’sinthequarterfinal.Althoughitwasatoughmatchthegirlsmanagedtopullthroughandmakeitthroughtothesemi-final.TheyplayedagainstMaryfieldinthesemi-finaloftheSSANorthDublinLeague.ItwasatoughMatchfromthebeginningwithbothsideswantingtobooktheirplaceintheFinalintheNationalArenathefollowingThursday.ThematchwasneckandneckuntilthelastfewminutesofthegamewhenMaryfieldpulledaway.TheFinalscorewas12-6.Thisteamhaveworkedsohardallseasonandnevermissedtraining.Welldonegirls!Youshouldbeveryproudofyourachievement.Wewillbackagainnextyearmoredeterminedthanever.

U-19PremierlevelSemi-FinalistsOurU-19premierteamreachedtheSemi-finaloftheSSADublinleague.TheteammetSantaSabinaintheSemiFinalanditwasanunbelievableperformancefromthewholeteam.Thegirlsgotofftoamazingstartandledafterthefirstquarterby5.SantaSabinafoughtbackandwetrailedbyonepointgoingintothelastQuarter.Unfortunately,inthelastquarterSantaSabinasteppeditupandpushedontowinthegame.TheteamwasledsuperblybyCaptainJulieMcEvoyandVice-captainKeirshaRoache.Theteam’sdeterminationandtalentwerecommendableonalllevels.Sadly,thisyearwesaygoodbyetoJulieandKeirshawhohavebeencommittedtobasketballsincetheywereinfirstyear.Ithasbeensuchanenjoyablejourneyoverthelast6years.Welldonegirls!Youdidyourschoolproudoverthelastsixyearsandyouwillbegreatlymissedontheteam.

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U-19Division2QuarterfinalistsOurU-19Division2reachedtheQuarter-finaloftheSSADublinleague.WithanumberofkeyplayersmissingduetoillnessitprovedatoughChallenge.Thegirlsfoughthardthroughoutthegame.HoweverStRaphaela’sprovedtoostrongonthedayandwentontowin.Thisisayoungteamandalmostalltheplayerswillbethereagainnextyear.Withsuchagoodteamspiritandamazingtalent,Ithinkthisistheteamtowatchoutfornextyear!Unfortunately,thisyearwesaygoodbye

toRebeccaRoyandMariaHordouanwhohavebeencommittedtobasketballsincetheywereinfirstyear.Welldonegirls!Youdidyourschoolproudoverthelast6yearsandyouwillbegreatlymissedontheteam.

Camogie ItwasanexcellentyearforcamogieatStMary’sin2018,themostsuccessfulyeartodate.Everystudentwholinedoutfortheschool,closesoutthisschoolyearasaDublincamogiechampion.Thegirlswereacredittotheirfamiliesandtheirclubsandwewouldliketothankthemforbeingsuchajoytoworkwiththisyear.Wearelookingforwardtocontinuedsuccessnextyearanditisourhopethatwewillhaveevenmoregirlsplaying,andenjoying,camogieintheschoolinthefuture.

SeniorCamogie

AseniorcamogieteamlinedoutforStMary’sforthefirsttimeinanumberofyearsthisyear.Theexperienceandtalentofthegirlswasevidentineverymatchtheyplayedthroughouttheyear.OpeningmatchesagainstLoretoSwordsandSantaSabinaleftthegirlsinagreatpositiontoqualifyfortheDublinSeniorFinal,withawinoverGoatstowninathrillingsemi-final.LoretoBeaufortwasnomatchforthe

girls’hardworkanddeterminationonthedayofthefinal.Despitegettingofftoashakystartandbeingtwogoalsdowninthe

openingtenminutes,theteamdisplayedgreatskillandstrengthtoeventuallytakecontrolofthegame.Theteampulledoffasuperbvictory,muchtothedelightoftheirsupporters.ThegirlsproudlyrepresentedDublinintheLeinsterquarterfinalinfrontofahomecrowdinErin’sIsle,afirstforcamogieintheschool.

JuniorCamogie

ThejuniorcamogieteambegantheirseasonwithwinsoverStLouis’RathminesandTrinityComprehensive.WithgreatdeterminationthegirlstookonLoretoBeaufortintheirsemi-final.Thesemi-finalwasquiteaclosematchbutthegirls’superiorskillandsuperbteamworksawthemqualifyforthefinal.Aweekafterwinningtheseniorfinal,the

thirdandfourthyearslinedoutagainstGaelscoilReachranninthehopesofdoingthedouble,whilethesecondyearshopedtogettheirfirsttasteofsuccess.Theconfidenceandwinningmentality,inspiredbytheseniorvictory,waseasytoseewithplayersalloverthefieldgivingphenomenaldisplays.AsDublinchampionstheJuniorteamqualifiedforanAll-IrelandquarterfinalagainstHaywoodinLaoisanddidtheirfamiliesandtheschoolproudwiththeirdisplayofplay.

MinorCamogie

Theminorcamogieteamfollowedinthefootstepsofthejuniorandseniorteamsthisyear.ThegirlsgotofftoadifficultstartinsnowyconditionsagainstStLouis’RathminesbutwentfromstrengthtostrengthwithemphaticwinsoverLoretoBeaufortandLoretoontheGreen.TheDublinMinorfinalbeckonedandthe

girlsrosetothechallengeandtrainedhard.Thegirlsplayedwellinthefirsthalfbutfoundthemselvesfourpointsdownathalf-time.Thededicationanddeterminationofthegirls,whichdefinescamogieinStMary’s,wasevidentinthesecondhalf.Followingpositionalswitchesandchanges,thegirlssettledbackintothematchandquicklydrewlevel.StMary’sdominatedforthelasttenminutesandranoutworthywinnersonascorelineof5-5of2-4.MsWalsh&MsO’Mahoney

St Mary’s Hockey HockeyNewsInSeptember,thenewfirstyearstookpartinasportsinductionprogramme.ThiswasafantasticsuccessandintroducedthenewfirstyearsstudentstothemanysportsandactivitiesthatStMary’shastooffer.ThepreparationforleaguematchescommencedinSeptember2017.Greatexcitementmountedasallteamspreparedfortheirfirsthockeymatches.ThegirlswerehighlyexcitedattheprospectofgettingbackintoplayingmatchesandasalwaystookgreatprideinrepresentingStMary’sinhockey.TheteamshadagreatstartintheirpracticematchesagainstMtTemple.ThefifthandsixthyearstudentscombinedtoformtheSeniorTeam.TheSeniorandJunior(TY)TeamssecuredaplaceintheNorthsideLeagueFinalsonWednesday14thMarch2018.

FirstYearHockeyWewelcomedsomeFirstyearstudentstohockeythisyear!Theywerecompletebeginnersinhockey.ThefirstyearstookpartintheHockeyIrelandSkillsChallenge.WeweredelightedtohaveKennyCarroll,HockeyIrelandDevelopmentOfficercoachingthebasichockeyskillstothem.Allthestudentsreceivedacertificateofcompletioninthehockeyskillschallenge.ThefirstyearsalsobenefitedfromourguestcoachTadghCunninghamwhoimpressedthegirlswithhishockeyskillsandputthemthroughtheirpaces.ThestudentsreallyenjoyedthesessionsbyTadgh.ThankyoutoMsCunninghamwhoassistedwithFirstyearhockeythisyear.

SecondYearHockeyThesecondyearteamstartedtheyearbyplayingfriendlymatchesagainstour3rdYearteamandMtTemple.Thematchesbuiltontheirskillsanddeterminationinpreparationfortheleague.ThesecondyearstookonStWolstan’sintheirfirstleaguematchandhadagreatwin,scoring2goals.ThiswinsetthemupnicelyfortheirnexttwomatchesagainstMalahideandLoretoBalbriggan.TheyhadaveryexcitingcloselycontestedmatchinMalahidewinning1-0attheveryend.However,LoretoBalbrigganprovedtobetoostrongforStMary’sandtheycouldnotgetthewinontheday.Unfortunately,theymissedoutonqualificationtothefinals.Theirgreatachievementsthisyearhasmadethemmoreeageranddeterminedfornextyear.

JuniorTeams–3rdYearandTYTherearetwoJuniorteamsthisyear,3rdyearteamandaTransitionYearteam.The3rdyearteamplayedafriendlymatch

againstMtTempletogetthembackintothespiritonhockey.Thematchbuiltontheirskillsanddeterminationinpreparationfortheleague.TheycommencedtheNorthsideLeaguematchesinJanuary2018,takingonCastleknock,winning3-2inaveryexcitingmatch.TheyalsoplayedManorHouseina

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PE DEPARTMENT

closelycontestedmatchandsecuringa1-1draw.TheseresultskeptthemincontentionforaplaceinthefinalsinadvanceoftheirlastmatchagainstSuttonPark.However,SuttonParkprovedtobetoostrongforStMary’sandtheycouldnotgetthewinontheday.Itwasaverycloseresult,justlosingoutby2-3ontheday.Theteamwasdisappointedasthiswastheirfirstyeartoreallycomeclosetoqualifying.Unfortunately,theyalsomissedoutonqualificationtothefinals.However,theirgreatachievementsthisyearhasmadethemmoreeageranddeterminedfornextyear.

Senior&JuniorTYreachtheNorthsideLeagueFinalsCongratulationstotheSeniorandJunior(TY)HockeyteamsforreachingtheNorthsideLeagueFinals.TheseniorandjuniorTYteamsplayedsomegreathockeyandhadsomecloselycontestedmatchesintheirleagues.BothteamssecuredplacesintheNorthsideLeaguefinalsonWednesday14thMarch2018.Unfortunately,itwasnotStMary’sday.I

canonlycommendalltheplayersonafantasticperformanceinsomeoftheworstsportingweatherconditionsI’veeverexperienced.Wetrulydidweatherastormontheday!Theplayersbravedtheelements,slippingandslidingaroundthepitchbuttheynevergaveupandkeptgoingtothefinalwhistle!Bothmatcheswentintogoldengoalextratimeandtopenaltyshootouts.Unfortunately,bothteamswerenarrowlybeateninthepenaltyshoot-outs.TheJuniorteamtookonKing’sHospital

(KH)andplayedsomeexcellenthockey.Theystartedstrong,dominatingplayandwinningshortcorners.Theynarrowlymissedthetargetonseveraloccasions.Theyhadnumerousopportunitiesanditseemedonlyamatteroftimebeforetheywouldscore.AstheclockcounteddownthewinninggoalbecamemoreelusivewithTheKingsHospitalgoalkeeperkeepingtheoppositioninthegame.AgainsttherunofplayKHscoredfromashortcorner.StMary’sfinallyhitthetargetandthefinalscorewas1-1bringingthematchintoextratime.Again,inextratime,wenarrowlymissedthetargetandhadmostofthechancesinthegame.Thepenaltyshoot-outdidnotgoourway,butourgoalkeeperChaniceDolanmadesomeexcellentsaves.

TheseniorteamtookonSantaSabinaintheirfinal.TheyalsoplayedsomeexcellenthockeyandweredeterminedtotryandsavethedaywithawinforStMary’s.Bynow,theconditionshaddeterioratedevenmoreandtheyalsobattledtheelements.Theystartedstrongnarrowlymissingthetargetandwinningsomeshortcorners.TheSantaSabinagoalkeeperwastestedbyourforwardline.Thefinalscorewas0-0bringingthematchintoextratime.Again,inextratime,theynarrowlymissedthetargetandhadmostoftheopportunitiesinthegame.Thepenaltyshoot-outdidnotgoourwayagain,butsomeexcellentsavesfromChaniceDolantokeepusintherunning.Finalscore0-1.

Theplayersofbothteamscanholdtheirheadsuphigh.Itisapleasuretocoachtheseplayersandwelookforwardtonextseason!Itwasanexcellentachievementtoreachthefinalsandtheyarealreadysaying‘There’salwaysnextyear’!!Thankstoallsupportersontheday.ThankstoMsSWalshandMsAWalshfortheirassistance!ThankyoutoMrMcGillforumpiringmatchesduringtheyear.Aspecialthankstoallplayersfortheircommitmentandparticipation.SometimesyouWin,sometimesyou

Learn!Welookforwardtothenewhockeyseasonandnewplayersarealwayswelcome!Onwards&Upwards....MsBoran.

St Mary’s Gaelic Football

ThisyearwasaverysuccessfuloneforGaelicFootballhereatStMary’s,albeitwithoutanysilverware.Ourseniorsplayedsomeverytoughgamesowingtotheirsuccesslastyearinwinningtheirdivisionandgainingpromotion.Unfortunately,theydidnotprogressbeyondthegroupstagesalthoughtheyshowedgreatpassionandcommitmentthroughout.OurJuniorTeamreachedtheLeinster

QuarterFinal,agreatachievementforthemselvesandtheschool.Ultimately,homeadvantageworkedagainstusandaftertravellingtoplaytheLouthchampionsathome,wewereunabletomatchthehighexpectationsofthisverytalentedgroup.Finally,ourUnder14teamenjoyedthe

DublinBlitzinMalahidebutunfortunatelydidnotprogressontheday.ThefutureisbrightforGaelicFootballhereinStMary’sandI’msuresilverwarewillreturnonceagain.OnbehalfofMr.BeirneandMsMorgan,abigthankyoutoallthestudentswhoshowedgreatcommitmentanddedicationallyear.

Tennis Club

ThispastyearinStMary’sthetennisclubmeteveryMondayatlunchtimeintheGym.Theclubisopentoallschoolmembersregardlessofwhethertheyhaveplayedtennisbeforeornotsowhynotcomealongandseeiftenniscouldbethesportforyou!Itisafunenvironmentwherestudentslearnthebasicsoftennisbyrallyingandplayinggameswiththeirschoolmates.Wehavehadagreatturnoutinrecentweeksandhopetoseethiscontinuewhenwereturnfromtheholidays.TheSpringChampionshipssawplayerscompeteagainsteachotheroveranumberofweeksandthematcheswerebrillianttowatch!TheStMary’sTennisClubwouldliketowishallstudents,teachersandfamiliesanenjoyablesummerholiday.Enjoythebreak,

Mr.O’Connell.

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PE DEPARTMENT

TY Multimedia studentsexcel in UniTY DCU awards

St.Mary’sgirlsswepttheboardbywinningthreeoutofthesixawardcategoriesattheUniTYDCUMultimediaawardsintheHelix.CompetitionwastoughasStMary’swascompetingagainststudentsfromeighteenotherschoolsinnorthDublin.MariaZubascu,CeriDoyleandMajaGrandzewska

wontheawardforthe“RoleModels”category;GwenPrizeman,KelseyDuggan,KatieRooneyandJamilaHanniganwontheawardforthe“#It’sYourRight”categoryandChristinaCrosby,KateHughes,NiamhFinneganandJulesDixonwontheprizeforthemostviewedvideo.CheckouttheirvideosandotherStMary’svideosonYoutubebysearchingforUniTYDCU2018.

TY Wheelchair BasketballChampionshipInassociationwithTheIrishWheelchairAssociationTheschoolsupportedtheIrish

WheelchairAssociationasoneofourchosencharitiesthisyear.TheTYstudentsraised€1,000forthecharitythroughtheannualfundraisingcampaign,‘Angels’.ThiswasthefirstyearoftheinitiativeandStMary’swasoneof50schoolsacrossthe

countrytotakepart.TenstudentstravelledtoGormanstownCollegeinMeathtotakepartintheregionalcompetitionsonthe8thofFebruary.ThestudentswereimmersedinthefastpacededgeofyourseatParalympicsportofWheelchairBasketball.Itprovidedanauthentic,first-hand,inclusiveexperienceofthisincrediblegame.AllteamsfortheeventweremixedforthematchessowewerejoinedwithStEunan’sCollegeinLetterkenny.Theteamworkdisplayedbetweenthenewlyformedteamswasamazingtowatch!OurteamconsistingofKarlaConway,TaraMacken,CatrionaComerford,NiamhFinneganandSophie

Morrissey,finishedthirdintheLeinsterfinalandprogressedontotheAll-IrelandFinalinTallaghtinMarch.TheTYstudentshadagreattimeattheFinals.Wewerefacedwithtoughcompetitionthroughouttheday.TheeventwasarealeyeopenerforthestudentsastheyplayedagainststudentsoftheirownagewhoplayWheelchairBasketballinclubsandonestudentinparticularshowedamazingstrength,speedandagility,despitehavingtwoamputatedlegs.Thishasreallyshownstudentsthatsportisforeveryoneandit’sreallymoreaboutabilitythandisability!

7

HardworkanddedicationsawStMary’sFirstYearSoccerteammakethefinaloftheLeinsterChampionshipsthisyear,wheretheywereunfortunatetofallatthefinalhurdle.ThematchtookplaceatHomeFarmFCagainstlocalrivalsDominicanCollegeandconcludedwiththelatterteamrunningoutvictorsontheday.Bothteams’achievementswerecelebratedafterthefinalwhistlewithamedalpresentationandafewwordsfromgoalscorerandcaptainforthedayKateWatsonwhoscoredineveryroundapartfromoneinthebuilduptothefinal.

Theirjourneytothefinalwasmeteoricasthegirlsswattedteamsasidewithscorelineslike5-0and5-1.Asthesuccessoftheteambuiltandechoedaroundthefirst-yearcohort,thesoccerteamgrewinpersonnelandsupportthroughouttheyearculminatinginapaneloftwentyplayers,eachofwhichplayedapartintheirjourneytothefinal.Welldoneagaintothesoccerteamwhohavesetthestandardfor

thefutureofsoccerinStMary’s.

First Year Soccer make Leinster Finals

TRANSITIONYEAR

Self-Defence (TY Module)Thisyear,eachgroupofTYstudentsundertookaten-weekself-defence

module.Themoduleconsistedoftheoryandpracticalelements.Throughoutthemodulestudentslearnedhowtounderstandthecriminalmind-setandpractisedreadingbodylanguagebeforeconflict.Theyalsolearnedhowtoverballyde-escalatepotentiallydangeroussituationsanddiscussedtheconceptofself-defenceandthelawinIreland.Studentsobserveddemonstrationsoftechniquesandthenpractisedsome

ofthesetechniquesundercarefulsupervisionandguidance.Studentslearnedaboutpre-emptivestrikes,howtoescapefrombearhugs,headlocks,assaultpositionsandstudiedavarietyofarmgrabs,collargrabsandreleases.Hereiswhat4Lumierehadtosayaboutthemodule:

“Selfdefencehelpedmebecomemoreforwardanddefensive.Ienjoyedthe

moduleandIreallythinkeveryoneshouldlearnhowtoproperlyprotectthemselves.”“WhatIenjoyedaboutself-defencewasthatwewereabletolearnwhattodoindangerous

situations.ItwasdefinitelyoneofmyfavouritesubjectsofTY.”

“Ireallyenjoyedpracticingthedifferentmoves,butthetheorybehindthemwasreallyhelpful

too.”

PE DEPARTMENT

BT Young Scientist and TechnologyExhibition 2018CongratulationstoLaurenMcGuinnessandSarahBradyfromTYwhowereselectedtotakepartintheRDSatthisyear’sBTYoungScientistandTechnologycompetition.Theproject‘Aninvestigationintoyoungattitudestowardsteleviseddrinkanddrugdrivingcampaigns’receivedwonderfulpositivefeedbackfromthejudgesandinterestformpoliticians,journalistsandacademicresearchers.Theybuiltandincorporatedavirtualdrivingexperienceattheirstandwhichallowedpeopletoexperiencehowdangerousitistodrivewhileundertheinfluenceofsubstances.Theyalsotestedtelevisedcampaignswithaudiencestoguageandmeasuretheirreactions.

8

TY Gaisce AwardGaiscewasprobablythebiggestpartofTransitionYearformeaswebeganitallthewaybackinSeptember.TherewerefourdifferentcomponentstoGaisce;communitywork,askill,asportandanadventurejourney.Communityworkinvolvedustakinganhourouteachweektohelpeitheranindividualpersonorgroupinourcommunity.Thisrangedfromcheckinginonaelderlyneighbourtovolunteeringinacharityshopinthearea.ThePersonalSkillinvolveduslearningsomethingnew,anexampleofwhichwas

knitting,learningtoplayaninstrumentordrawing.Thelistofpossibilitiesisendless.ThePhysicalRecreationisallaboutdevelopingahealthylifestylebycommittingatleastonehouraweektoasportsuchasgymwork,hikingorcycling.IpersonallyreallyenjoyedthispartofGaisceasIdidlearnalotofnewthings.Finally,Gaisceconcludedwithahikethatwasdifficultbutwasprobablymyfavouritepartofitall.Itbroughtusalltogetherevenmoreasateam.Let’sjustsaythatyes,thehikewashard,somecalledithell,butIreallyenjoyedit.AbbieJakes(4Schumann)

TY Circus Skills WorkshopTYstudentshadtheamazingopportunitytotakepartinacircusskillsworkshopthisyear.Thirtystudentsheadedto“TakingFlight”AerialandAcrobaticsCompanyinPhibsboroughonthe11thofMay,wheretheyengagedinnewskillssuchasplatespinning,jugglingandtrapeze.Thistripprovedtobeanexcellentteambuildingandbondingexperience.Thegirlsenjoyedeveryminuteofit!

Historic Visit To Áras an UachtaráinThursday17thMaywasaproudandhistoricdayforStMary’swhen28ofourTYstudentswerechosentobeinvitedguestsattheceremonyofthepresentationofCredentialsbynewAmbassadorsfromSaudiArabia,JamaicaandKazakhstantoourPresident,MichaelDHiggins,inÁrasanUachtaráin!Thestudents,accompaniedbyMsBoran,MrFarrellandtheir

YearHeadMsHughesweregivenatour,formedaGuardofHonourandwereseatedattheformalpresentationofcredentialsbythenewAmbassadors.WearehonouredtohavebeenchosenandareveryproudofthestudentsforthedignifiedwaytheyrepresentedthemselvesandtheirschoolatthisprestigiouseventintheÁras.Followingtheceremonyrefreshmentswereprovided.Thiswasa

trulyhistoricmomentforourstudents,onewhichtheywillhopefullyrememberproudlyforyearstocome.

TRANSITION YEAR

History SocietyThisyearinStMary’sahistorysocietywascreated.ThegroupmeeteveryWednesdayatlunchtimeinRoom26.Thereisalargerangeinthesocietywithstudentsfrom2nd,5thand6thYearandallnewmembersarealwayswelcome.Thesocietyallowsstudentstocometogethertodiscusstheirfavouriteareasofhistory.Studentschoseatopicindividuallywhichtheythenresearchedandpresentedtothesociety.Overthecourseoftheyearwehaveheardpresentationsfromthehistoryofwitchesandvampirestotheancientandmodernworldwithsomeexcellentdiscussionsarising.Inaddition,somemembersofthe

societyattendedthefirsteverpermanentexhibitionoftheIrishflagattheGPO.TheStMary’sHistorySocietywouldliketowishallstudents,teachersandfamiliesanenjoyablesummerholiday.Enjoythebreak,

Mr.O’Connell.

The End of a Successful andMemorable Academic Yearfor The History DepartmentThisacademicyearhasbeenamemorableyetbusyonefortheHistoryDepartment.ThisyearLeavingCertstudentsfromboth5thand6thyearwentonatriptoDerryandBelfastwiththeirHistoryteachersaspartoftheNorthernIrelandaspectoftheirLeavingCertcourse.ThisincludedvisitstotheDerryBloodySundayMemorialMuseum,theinfamousPeaceWallandatriptoStormontinBelfast.Thetripwasthoroughlyenjoyedbyall.TheHistoryDepartmentalsocelebratedwomen’shistorymonthinMarch

withawonderfuldisplaydedicatedtowomeninhistoryontheHistorynoticeboardaswellasadisplaybyourstaffroomcelebrating100yearsofvotesforwomen.Thedisplaywasbeautifullydecoratedby6thyearstudentsRiodhnaMackin,SabrinaLakatosandSophieLieghio.SomemembersoftheHistoryclubattendedthefirsteverpermanentexhibitionoftheIrishflagattheGPOWitnessHistoryVisitorCentrewithMrO’ConnellandMsDoyle.TheexhibitioninstalledbytheThomasMeagherFoundationwasdedicatedataceremonytocommemoratethe170thanniversaryofthefirstflyingoftheflag.We

Visit To Áras an Uachtaráin

9

Politics and Society WhilereflectingonthepasttwoyearsofstudyingPoliticsandSociety,IrememberallofthethingsthatmyclassandIhavelearnedascitizensoftheworld.OurclasswillbeoneofthefirsteverclassestositPoliticsandSocietyasaleavingcertexamwhichisexcitingbutalsoquitedaunting.WehavehadanamazingtwoyearsstudyingthisnewandinnovativesubjectwithouramazingteacherMs.Hayes.Ithasallowedeachandeveryoneofustoflourishnotonlyasstudents,butalsoaspeople.Bystudyingthissubject,wewereallowedtoformulateourownopinionsoncurrentsocialissuesandontopicsthatactuallymatterintheworld.Welearnedthataslongasyouhaveevidencetobackupyourargumentthenthisargumentisviable.Thisisaskillthateverysingleoneofuswilltakewithusintothefuture.Overthepasttwoyears,ourclasswas

luckyenoughtohavegoneonafewtripsandtohavehadafewguestspeakerstocomeinandtalktous.NoelRockTDcametoourclasstotakepartinadiscussion.Followingthisdiscussion,wewereinvitedtogototheDailforatour.Thiswasveryinteresting.WealsowenttoaWomeninPoliticsconferencewhichwasalsoveryinterestingandinspiring.AtthisconferencewemetLynnBoylanMEP.NottoolongagosheactuallycameintotalktoourclassabouteverythingEU.ThiswasaveryhelpfultalkthataidedusalotinlearningaboutwhattheEUactuallydo.(Whoknewthattheydosomuch!)WealsowentonagrouptriptoBelfastandDerrytolearnaboutthecomplexpoliticalsituationinNorthernIreland.Thistripwasanunforgettableexperiencethatwaseducationalandeyeopening,butalsoincrediblyfun.IthinkthatsumsupPoliticsandSocietyasasubject–unforgettable,educationalandeyeopening,

butalsogreatcraic.Overall,Iamsogratefulforbeinggiven

theopportunitytodothissubject.Don’tgetmewrong,itwasextremelyhardattimes(likewhenwehadtodoouractivecitizenshipprojectsfortheleavingcert…)butitwassoworthitintheend.WealsofounditdifficulttocometotermswithwhoaremembersofthemysteriousBoardofManagementbutafterawhilewefoundotherthingstodiscuss/debate.DoingthissubjectwasthebestdecisionthatIhaveevermade.IthashelpedmedecideonwhatIwanttodointhefutureandhowtoactuallygetthere.Iwillneverforgetourclassandhowmuchwehavegrowntogetheraspeople,Ilovethoseguys.Thanksforreading!

LeahRiordan,PoliticsandSocietyMentor.

HISTORYDEPARTMENT

TRANSITION YEAR

werealsoveryfortunatetohaveatalkbyTomiReichentalaHolocaustsurvivorwhovisitedtheschooltotalkto5thyearHistorystudentsaswellasourTY’s.HespoketotheassembledgroupabouthisexperienceoftheHolocaustasachild.Itwasatrulyeye-openingexperienceforall.Wewouldalsoliketowishour6thyearHistorystudents,thebestofluckintheirLeavingCertHistoryexamthisJuneandbestwishesfortheirfuture.ErikaByrneHistoryMentor,SixthYear

TheteachersoftheHistoryDepartmentwouldliketothankErikaforherworkthisyearinhelpingtopromotehistorywithintheschoolandwewishherallthebestforthefuture.ThanksErikaandbestof

luckinallyoudo!

TY Tomi Reichintal visit

WewereveryfortunatetohaveTomiReichental,aholocaustsurvivor,visittheschoolonThursday15thMarchtospeaktoTYHistoryandLeavingCertHistoryandGermanstudents.TomiReichentalwasbornin1935inSlovakia.HewasnineyearsoldwhentheNazisdeportedhimwithhismother,grandmother,aunt,cousinandbrothertoBergen-Belsenconcentrationcamp.Tomilostthirty-fivemembersofhisfamilyintheHolocaust.TomihaslivedinDublinsince1959andregularlytalksinIrishschoolsabouthiswartimeexperiences.WeweredelightedtobeabletoopenthiseventalsotointerestedparentsandareparticularlyindebtedtophotographerKeithDixonwhoattendedandtookthephotographsthataccompanythispiece.Tomispokeabouthisexperiences–bothharrowinganduplifting–toaraptaudienceforalmosttwohours,afterwhichhetookquestionsfromthefloor.AttheendofthetalktwoofourTYstudentspresentedTomiwithabeautifulplantedbasketasatokenofourgratitudeandappreciation.AftertheeventTomikindlystayedbehindtosigncopiesofhisbookforstudents,teachersandparents.

10

History Department -Guest Speaker

Thisterm,firstyearclasses1Sepiaand1CrimsonhadavisitfromDr.JulianaAdelmanwhoisalecturerinDCU’sSchoolofHistoryandGeography.StudentslearnedaboutdevelopmentsinmedicineinMedievalandRenaissanceEurope.TheyalsostudiedanddiscussedprimarysourcesontheplagueanddissectionsinRenaissanceEurope.Studentsfrom1Sepiafeltthatthetalkwas“veryinteresting”astheyhadtheopportunitytoexaminesourcesandengageingroupdiscussionthroughoutthetalk.WewouldliketothankDCU’sSchoolofHistoryandGeographyforhelpingfacilitatethistalk.MsDoyle

TY History QuizOnWednesdaythe28thofMarch,ourschoolhostedaninter-schoolshistoryquizforTransitionYearstudentswhichwasafundraiserfortheWorldMeetingofFamilies2018.Differentschoolswereinattendance

includingStVincent’sSecondarySchool(Glasnevin)andStRaphaela’sSecondarySchool(Stillorgan)amongstothers.Eachschoolenteredfourmembersperteam.Ourhistoryteachersorganisedavarietyofchallengingquestionsforthequizrangingfrom19thCenturyEuropetoaroundontheHistoryofSports.Aftereachround,membersofouryearhelpedcollecttheanswersheetsandcorrectedthemtotallythescores.Thecompetitionwasintense.Thescoresonthescoreboardwereconstantlychanging,itwashardtotellwhowouldwin!Intheend,StVincent’sSecondarySchoolwonthe1stplace

1st Year HistoryMedieval Role Play – 1 Azure Welldonetoclass1AzurewhoaspartofstudyingtheMedievalperiodpresentedaMedievalroleplaytotheclass.Thegirlsweredividedintothedifferentgroupsofthefeudalsystemandtheythencarriedoutresearchontheirrole.Togethertheywrotegreatscriptsandhadmanyfunfactsaboutlords,ladies,knights,monks,craftsmanandpeasants.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT

Dr.JulianaAdelmanofDCU’sSchoolofHistoryandGeography.

prizeof€100andStRaphaela’sSecondarySchoolfromStillorganwonthe2ndprizewhichconsistedoffourticketstoGlasnevinCemetery.StMary’sdidnotgohomeemptyhandedhoweverwithourveryownKateBrady,LilyConroy,HeatherDunneandAmyWalltakinghomethe3rdplaceprize.ThegirlseachreceivedacopyofTheHistoryofGlasnevinCemetery.WewouldliketotakethisopportunitytothankGlasnevinCemeteryforsponsoringour2ndand3rd

prize.OurTYgroupwouldliketosayaspecialthankstoMsBourke,MsO’DonnellandMsDevaneyforallowingustoholdthefundraiser.WewouldalsoliketothankMsDoyle,Mr.Farrell,MsMurrayandMs

O’Dohertyaswewouldnothavebeenabletohostsuchasuccessfuleventwithouttheirhelpandsupport.

CorinneBetsayda4Lumiére

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TY SOCIOLOGY

RELIGIONDEPARTMENT

WelldonetoallTYstudentswhoparticipatedandcontributedsofullyinthisyear’ssociologymodule.Topicscoveredincluded

genderroles,stereotypesandexpectations,genderrepresentationinthemediaandexploringtheroleofwomeninsocietyandgrowthoffeministmovements.Studentsallreallyengagedwiththemodulewellanddroveexcellentdiscussionanddebateonallthedifferentissues.AspartofthemodulestudentsattendedtheCocoBrownFutureLeaderseventatJohnstownHouseHotel.ThegirlsgottolistentofourinspiringwomenincludingMarissaCarter,CEOofCocoBrown.ThedaywasreallymotivationalanditbecameclearthatwehavemanyfutureleadersinourcurrentTYgroup.

6th Year Reconciliation ServiceThefathersaid,‘youarealwayswithme,

andeverythingIhaveisyours.Luke15:31

DuringLentall6thyearstudentsattendedaLentenReconciliationServiceintheHolyFaithConventChapel.Thethemeofthisyears’servicewasbasedontheParableoftheProdigal Son. Students,staffandHolyFaithsistershadtheopportunitytoreceivetheSacramentofReconciliationduringtheservice.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT

SynagogueVisitsSecondyearclassesvisitedaJewishplaceofworshipaspartoftheirJuniorCycleprojectwhichcountsfor20%oftheiroverallmarknextJune.Thetitleoftheirprojectis:Aprofileofhowprayercanbeakey

featureinthedailylifeofmembersinoneofthefollowingworldreligions:Buddhism,Hinduism,IslamorJudaism.”Incompletingthisprojectstudentsare

remindedofHansKühgfamousquote:• “Nopeaceamongthenationswithoutpeaceamongthereligions.

• Nopeaceamongthereligionswithoutdialoguebetweenthereligions

• Nodialoguebetweenthereligionswithoutinvestigationofthefoundationofthereligions.”

Praying for themissing NigerianSchool girlsAspartoftheYoungSVPTYprogrammesomeTYstudentsraisedawarenessaboutthe110schoolgirlswhoweremissinginNigeria.Thegirlslitelevencandlestoprayforthesafereturnofthegirlstotheirfamilies.OnFebruary19th,armedinsurgents

attackedtheGovernmentScienceandTechnicalCollegeinthetownofDapchiinYobestate,Nigeria.TheNigeriangovernmentconfirmedthat

110girlsweremissingaftersuspectedBokoHarammilitantsattackedaschoolinthenortheastofthecountry.Thekidnappingbringsbackpainfulmemoriesofthe2014ChibokabductionwhenBokoHaramkidnapped276girlsfromtheirschool,aneventthatgarneredinternationalattentionwiththeworldwide#BringBackOurGirlscampaign.

Weasaschoolprayedforthesafereturnofthestudents.

Catholic Schools WeekAspartofCatholicSchoolsWeekonStBrigid’sday,class1IndigomadeStBrigid’scrosses.ThemanystrandsthatmakeupaSt

Brigid’scrossrepresentthedifferentstrandsofourownlives.Theypickuponourjoysandblessingsbutalsoonourstruggles,problemsanddifficulties.ForBrigidthecrosswasnotanendin

itselfbutpointedtoafirmandsurehopeinalovingGod.ForBrigidthislovingGodhelpsusto

makesenseofeverythingthat’sgoingoninourlives.Darkwinterdaysarenearlyoverandspringisjustaroundthecorner.‘ANaomhBríd,aMhuirenanGael,scar

orainndobhrat.ANaomhBríd,achroínaféile,stiúirsinnaranmbótharceart.’

MrFarrell

Pastoral Care – 6th YearMentoring ProgrammeSixthyearstudentswhosigneduptotheMentoringProgrammeinSeptemberhavehadanumberofmeetingswiththeirmentoroverthelastyear.Theprogrammesobjectivesare:1) Toencourageacademicsuccessfor6thyearstudents

2) Toensurethatstudentsarereceivingone-to-onesupport

3) Toensurethatstudentsareworkingtowardstheirgoals

4) Tofacilitatestudentstomakegooddecisionsabouttheirleavingcertyear.

Thisprogrammehashelpedencourageacademicsuccessforthestudentsasateachermetwiththemthroughouttheyearhelpingthestudentsettheirgoalsandensuringtheyarebeingrealisticinachievingthem.Ithasalsohelpedthestudentsinlearningvaluablestudytips.Thankstostaffandstudentswhohavesigneduptothisprogramme.MrFarrell

Icon Workshop

TwelveTYstudentsparticipatedinanIconworkshopinJanuary.IconistheGreekwordforanimage

(Eikon).IconsaregenerallyimagesofChrist,theVirgin,SaintsorscenesfromtheBible.ThisTYIconworkshopfollowedtheByzantinetraditionbyusingwoodenboardscoveredingesso(aformofplaster)withpaintsmadefromeggtempera(amixofpigment,egg-yolk,vinegarandwater)Thepracticeor‘writing’anicontakesmuchtimeandpatience.Thestudentsenjoyedtakingtimeoutto

createanIconforournewprayerroom.

MrFarrell

Faith Friends 2018OurFaithFriendsprogrammetookplacethisyearoverfourweeksfromthe25thofJanuarytothe22ndofFebruary.Twofifthyearclasses,5Coraland5Diamond,linkedinwithMsPhelan’sandMsMcGuigan’ssixthclassesinStBrigid’sNationalSchool.Thestudentsmetuponceaweekover

threeweeksandworkedtogetherontheprogramme.Our5thyearstudentsapproachedtheirroleasFaithFriendswithgreatinterestandenthusiasm.Theyenjoyedmeetingthe6thclassgirls,gettingtoknow

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RELIGION DEPARTMENT

themandpassingontheirfaith,aswellastheirownexperienceofconfirmation.Duringthefourthweek,Ms

Phelan,MsMcGuiganandthe6thclassgirlswereinvitedtocometotheConventChapelforaPrayerServicetoconcludetheFaithFriendsProgrammewhichwasorganizedbysome5thyearstudents.Fr.RichardofficiatedatthePrayerService,whichwasattendedbyMsBurke,thePrincipalofStBrigid’sandourownPrincipal,MsBourke.Our5thyearsstudents

presentedthe6thclassstudentswithCertificatesofCompletionoftheProgrammeandtherewasgreatexcitementascardsandchocolatewereexchangedattheend.Aspecialthankstoallthose

whohelpedtomaketheprogrammesuchasuccessthisyearandinparticularthestudentsof5Coraland5Diamondwhoweregreatexamplesofthelivingfaithoftheschool.MsBohan&MrFarrell

Pay it Forward Day– St Mary’sEmmaO’ReillyandLaurenRussellwereourtwostudentswhorepresentedusattheLeChéileConference.Theyplannedagreat‘PayitForward’dayintheschool,wheretheymadethankyoucardsandgavethemtostaffandstudents.Overthecourseofthedayeveryonewasencouragedtowriteamessageofthanksandgiveittosomeoneatsomepointintheday.Theyalsohadathankfulnessboard,onwhichstudentscouldputupwhat/whotheyarethankfulfor.Aspartoftheday,twelveBlessingBagscontainingbasictoiletrieswillbegivenoutrandomlytostaffandstudents

togivetosomeoneinneed.Thiswayour‘PayitForward’initiativewentbeyondourschoolgatestohelpthehomeless.

ThankfulnessBoard

BlessingBags–giventostaffandstudents

Le Chéile Link upDay ForthepasttwoyearswehaveestablishedalinkwithanotherLeCheileSchool,StLouisRathmines.EachyearduringCatholicSchoolsweekweplanalinkupeventwherestudentsfrombothschoolscometogetherandjoininadayofworkshopsandeventsconcludinginaliturgythatthestudentslead.ThisyearitwasourturntovisitStLouis.Itwasanothergreatdayfullofinformationandfun,aswellasquiettimeduringtheliturgy.NextyearStMary’swillhostthiseventandwelookforwardtowelcomingthestudentsofStLouisbacktoStMary’s.TYstudentsfromStMary’s

andTYstudentsfromStLouisattheirlinkupday.

6th Year Graduation2018ThethemeofGraduationthisyearwas‘Thefuturebelongstothosewhobelieveinthebeautyoftheirdreams’.Inchoosingthistheme,thestudentswantedtofocusontheirfuturelives,theirambitions,hopes,goalsanddreams.Astheyleaveusandgooutintotheworldtheyhavethepotentialtoachievesomuch,tomakearealdifferenceintheirlivesandthelivesofothers.Eachclasscreatedalifesize

dream-catchertorepresentthedreamsoftheclass.Theyalsopaintedacanvasframewithsymbolsandimagesoftheirhopesanddreamsforthefuture.Thesewerehungaroundthewallsofthegymfortheirparentstosee.Thebanneralsodisplayedthethemeofthenight.ThisyeartheGraduation

Ceremonytooktheformofaliturgy,withprayers,readings,agospel,homilyandprayersofthefaithful.Itbeganwithacandleprocessionfollowedbyacandleceremonywithstudents,staffandparents.FrRichardpresidedovertheliturgyandwasinspirationalinhishomilytothegirlswherehefocusedon

thethemeofdreams,hopesandgoalsfortheirfuturelives.TheEmberTeamhandedovertothenewteaminaspiritualceremony.Interspersedwitheachofthesewereclasspresentationsofcertificatesandgiftstothestudents.TheMargaretAylwardAwardwaspresentedtotheworthyrecipient,SophieLieghio,asvotedforbythestudentsthemselves.MsBourkeaddressedthestudents,parentsandstaff.ThiswasfollowedbytheHeadGirlLaurynMcCauslandandDeputyHeadGirlRachelHogan’saddresstotheirfellowstudentscombinedwithapoignantfilmoftheirjourneythroughStMary’s.Asalways,thechoirwere

excellentandreallyenhancedtheevening,particularlyattheendwhentheyallsangthegraduationsongs.WeintheReligion

Departmentwouldliketothankeveryonewhohelpedussomuchwithgraduation.MsBourke,MsO’DonnellandMsDevaneyfortheirconstantsupport.FrRichardforalwaysmakingtheeveningsuchaspecial,spiritualoccasion.ColinandMrO’Connellforsettingupthegym.Liz,Jacinta,MichelleandDeniseforalloftheadministrativework.MsO’Rourke,MrCollandthechoirfortheirbeautifulsingingandplaying,whichalwaysenhancestheevening.TheParentsAssociationforprovidingrefreshmentsandparentsfortheirsupportoftheevent.Lastly,thestaffwhoattendinsuchnumbersandcontributesomuchtotheevening.MsBohan.

13

TYstudentsfromStMary’sandTYstudentsfromStLouisattheir

linkupday

RELIGION DEPARTMENT

Iceland TripDay1WearrivedinKeflavíkairportonOctober26th.FromtherewedrovetothevolcanicpeninsulaofReykjanes,anareaofgreatvolcanicactivitywithseveraldormantvolcanoesandmanyextensivelavafields.OnwardstoKrísuvíkGeothermalAreatowitnessamoonscapeofbubblingsulphuricmud-poolsandsteamvents.Thelaststopbeforewesettledintothehostel,wasthenewlyopenedLavaCentrewhichhadexcellentinteractivedisplaysexplainingthetectonichistoryofIceland.

Day2WestartedwithatouroftheSWofIcelandwhichincludedthreeofthebest-knownattractionsIcelandhastooffer.StartingwithGullfoss,TheGoldenWaterfall,oneofthemostimpressivewaterfallsinEurope,continuingwithTheGeysir Areawithnumeroushotsprings,fumerolesandgeysersandÞingvellir,aremarkablegeologicalsitewherewestoodbetweentheEurasianandNorthAmericanplates.OnthewaybackwestoppedoffatKeridCraterwherewewalkedtherimthendescendedintothecraterlake.

Day3BlueskiesandsunshinewerewithusforourhikeontheSólheimajökullglacier.InthebackgroundwecouldseethesnowshroudedHeklaandtheicecappedvolcanoEyjafjallajökull,whichwaslastactivein2010.WethencontinuedontothecoastaltownofVikforaspotofshopping.NextstopwasthefamousblacksandbeachofReynisfjarawithitstoweringbasaltcolumns.Wefinishedoffanamazingdaybywatchingthesunsetwhilewalkingbehindawaterfall.

Day4ThemorningwasspentexploringoneofIcelandmostbeautifullavacaves–Raufarhólshellir.ThewasfollowedbyahiketotheReykjadalurvalley;ageothermalareawithanaturallyheatedriverwhereyoucanbathe.Backtothehosteltopackupforthejourneyhomebutnotbeforeonefinaltrip–anighttimevisittotheworldfamousBlueLagoon.TheLagoonisauniqueformation;alagoonwithpleasantlywarmmineral-richgeothermalwaterinamiddleofablacklavafield.Thegirlswereabsolutelyfantasticand

embracedeverythingwithenthusiasm.Itwasapleasuretotravelwithyouall!Amassivethankstotheteacherswhogenerouslygaveoftheirtimetomakethishappen–itismuchappreciated,asareyourcardplayingskills!

6th Year Burren Trip6thyeargeographystudentsheadedofftotheBurrenforthefirstweekendoftheEasterholidays.WemadeabriefstopoffattheAilweecavesenroutetocheckouttheeffectsofcarbonationonaKarstlandscape.Saturdaywasjam-packedwithactivities.Westartedthemorningwithrockclimbingandabseiling;weweresoimpressedwithsomeofthegirlswhoovercametheirfearstomakeittouptherockwall.ThiswasfollowedbyaguidedhikeacrossthelimestonepavementwhereweobservedmayfeaturestypicaloftheBurren.ItwasabeautifuldayandtheAranIslandswerevisibleoffthecoast.WeroundedoffthedaywithatriptoLahinch.Wewerekittedoutwithwetsuitsandsurfboards,andwehitthewaves.Literally!Wehadatwo-hoursurflessonandalotoffun.OnSundaywe

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GEOGRAPHYDEPARTMENT

5th YearOurcurrent5thyearstudentsrecentlywenttoBalscaddenBayinHowthtoconducttheirgeographicalinvestigationaspartoftheirseniorcyclegeographycourse.Thegirlsbecameactivegeographersbycarryingoutdifferentcoastaltestsandmethodstoinvestigateandanalyseprocessesthatarecurrentlyaffectingthebay’sformation.Byusingprimarydataresultsandsecondarysourcesofinformation,StMary’sstudentswereabletoidentifyactivecoastalprocesswhichhaveresultedinthebaytoretreatatanaveragerateof37msince1840.Wewereblessedtohavesuchwonderfulweatherthatreallyaddedtotheatmosphereofthedaywhichwefinishedoffwithice-creamdownonHowthPier.

visitedtheCliffsofMoherandwalkedalongthetopofthecliffs.WethensawthecliffsfromtheseaasweembarkedonaboattripfromDoolinPier.WemanagedtosqueezeinaquicktriptotheRockShop–amustseeforbuddinggeographers!Therewasstilltimetohikeup

Mullaghmorebeforegettingthebushome.Again,wecouldn’thaveaskedforabettergroupofstudentswhogotstuckintoeverythingwithgoodcheer!Manythankstotheteacherswhogaveupthefirstweekendoftheirholidays.

15

TY Geography ThegeographymodulethisyearplacedagreatemphasisonplatetectonicsresultingintheformationofVolcanoesandEarthquakes.Throughouttheirstudyoftheworld’smostfamousanddeadlyvolcanoes,studentsalsohadtogethandsonbyre-constructingtheirchosencasestudiesandrecreatingtheirdeadlyeruptionstotheirpeers.Withfireextinguishersathandmosteruptionsdidnotleadtoanylossoflifeastheburninglavawasdivertedalongdifferentpathways.

FRENCHDEPARTMENT

FrenchClubthisyearwasgreatfun.FrenchclubwasoneveryTuesdayatlunchtime.ThegoodthingaboutFrenchClubisthatyoudon’tneedtostudyFrenchtocomealong.WehadalotoffunplayingFrenchgamesandeatingdelicioussnackslikesbiscuits,croissantsandchocolate.WeplayedFrenchgameslikeSeptFamilles,BoulesandaFrenchcardgamecalledLoveLetters.SeptFamillesisagreatgamewhereweeachgetasetofcards.Theaimofthegameistofindawholefamilyset.Thepersonwhocompletesthemostamountofsetswins.AtfirstweplayedthisgamethroughEnglishbutbytheendoftheyear,wecouldplayitalmostentirelythroughFrenchbyaskingquestionslike‘As-tulacarterouge?’whichmeans‘Doyouhavetheredcard?’.Thegamecangetreallycompetitiveandisgreatfun.BoulesisalsoagreatFrenchgame.This

isagamethatyouseepeopleplayingthroughoutFrance.It’sgreatfuntoplay,especiallyoutsideonasunnyday.WeareverythankfultoMsMurrayforhostingthisyear’sFrenchClubandbringingusthewonderfultreatseveryTuesday.ByRaghadAchour(1Sienna)

TYstudentstookpartinamodernlanguageFashionshowandcontinentalbreakfast.StudentsmodelleddifferentoutfitsasanotherstudentdescribedtheiroutfitineitherFrench,GermanorSpanish.ThiswasfollowedbyadeliciousbreakfastofFrenchcheeses,GermanandSpanishmeatsandevensomeSpanishTortillaspreparedbyMr.Grace.Studentsthoroughlyenjoyedtryingthedifferenttypesoffood.

GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT

2 Lynn – CSPE ActionProject2Lynn’sActionProjectfocusesonthehomelesscrisisinDublinandhowwecanhelpaidthiscause.WeaskedstudentsinourschooltodonateitemsforaSimonCarePackagewhichwillbegiventotheSimonCommunityandthendistributedtothe

homelesspeoplewhoneedit.WearealsoraisingawarenessaroundtheschoolfortheSimonCommunityandtheexcellentworktheydotohelpwiththecurrenthomelessnesscrisis.

2 Sheehy2SheehyembodythecoreconceptsattheheartofCSPE!Upondecidingontheirfocusareaofstewardshipfortheiractionproject,theywantedtoensuretheyselectedanorganisationtoraiseawarenessandfundsfordemocratically.Afterresearchinganumberofpossibleorganisationsandcanvassingtotheclass,thevoteswerecounted– andtheISPCAweretheclearwinners!Thewholeclassworkedextremelyhard,helpingeachotherfantasticallyallthewaythroughthisproject.Welldone2SheehyonaverysuccessfulawarenessraisingcampaignandforraisingmuchneededfundsfortheISPCA!

16

CSPEDEPARTMENT

HOMEECONOMICS

DEPARTMENT

Breakfast ClubThisyearweweredelightedtointroducefreehealthybreakfaststoallstudentsinStMary’s.BreakfastClubrunsdailyfrom8.10am–8.40aminStMary’sKitchen.Thereisagreatchoiceofhealthyfoodstochoosefromincludingcerealandfruitpots,freshfruit,scones,oatbars,yogurt,softcheeseandlotsmore.FreebreakfastitemsarealsoavailableattheGlanmoreFoodStationduringbreaktime.Breakfastclubhasbeena

hugesuccess,givingstudentsanopportunitytostartofftheirdaywithahealthybreakfastwhilealsoallowingthemtomeetnewfriendsandchatbeforethestartofeachschoolday.Abigthankyoutoall

volunteersandteachershelpingouteachmorning!

Little Chef’sCookery Club

TheLittleChef’sCookeryClubwasahugesuccessthisyear.Firstandsecondyearstudentshaveenjoyedworkingwiththeirfriendsandhavegainedhugeconfidenceintheirculinaryskills.Thisyearthestudentshaveenjoyedmakingchocolatechipcookies,chickenfajitas,homemadepizza,chocolateandcaramelbrowniesaswellaschickengoujonsandspicypotatowedges.Welldonetoallthegirls

involved.MsMartin

Junior CertificatePractical CookeryExamsCongratulationstoallthethirdyearHomeEconomicsstudentswhorecentlyundertooktheirpracticalexamsincookery.The

dishesmadewereofaveryhighstandardthisyearandwerepresentedbeautifully.Thecraftworkprojectsandfolderswerealsopresentedandthegirlsdidafantasticjob.Welldone!

Health andWellbeing Week

HealthandWellbeingweektookplaceinJanuaryofthisyear.MsBoran,membersofthetransitionyearHealthSquadandthePEandHomeEconomicsdepartmentdidafantasticjobpromotingtheimportanceofagooddietandexercisetomembersoftheschoolcommunity.Someofthehealthyandtasty

snacksonofferduringtheweekincludedovernightoatswitharaspberrytopping,summerfruit/tropicalsmoothiesandpopcorn.Therewerealsoanumberof

guestspeakersduringtheweekwhospoketostudentsaboutnutritionandtheimportanceofhealthylifestylechoices.Specialthankstoallinvolved!

First Year and Second YearCookery & CraftsSecondyearHomeEconomicsstudentshavecommencedworkontheirJuniorCertificatecraftworkprojectswhichaccountfor15%oftheiroverallgradeinthesubject.MsMartin’sclassaremakingcolourfulcrossstitchpictures.MsMcCarthy’sclassaremakingbeautifulembroideredcushions.Bothclassesmustalsoputforwardsupportfolderswiththeirprojectstoexplainthedesignprocess.WelldonetoMsMartin’sfirstyearclass

oncompletingtheirpersonalisedgymbags.Studentsdevelopedhugeskillsinhandsewing,textilesanduseofthesewingmachine.Thestudentswereenthusiasticandworkedextremelyhard.

Fifth Year Food JournalsWewouldliketotakethisopportunitytowishourcurrentfifthyearstudentsthebestofluckastheycompletetheirLeavingCertificatefoodjournalworkwhichaccountsfor20%oftheiroverallgradeinthesubject.Theassignmentsarebasedonthefollowingtopics:

• Lowincomefamilies• Vegetarianism• Soufflés• Homemadepreserves• Sensoryanalysis

Theseassignmentsrequirestudentstoinvestigate,prepareandserveadishrelatingtotheabovetopics.Bestofluckgirls!

MsMartin,MsNoonanandMsMcCarthy.

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DebatingThisterm,theSeniordebatingclubwasverybusywithboththeDennyAll-IrelandSchools’DebatingCompetitionandtheConcernDebates.Howevereverymemberoftheclubrosetothechallengeandworkedtogethertoensuregreatsuccesses,whethertravellingacrossDublintodebateordedicatingtimetoresearchingawidevarietyoftopicsandthemes.TheteamrepresentingStMary’sintheConcerndebatestackledsomeofthemostimportantissuesfacingtheworldtoday,suchastheAIDSepidemicandtheimportanceofeducationforwomen.Itwascleartotheaudiencethatourstudentswerehighlypassionateaboutthesetopicsandworkedveryhardindeliveringwellresearched,thoughtfularguments.WhiletheConcerndebatingteamwereexcellentineachoftheirdebatesandreceivedhighpraisefromtheadjudicators,theynarrowlymissedoutonprogressingtothenextroundofthecompetition.TheDennyAll-IrelandSchools’DebatingCompetitionalsocontinuedwithgreatsuccesswiththethird

roundtakingplaceinJanuarythisyear.KerryMcManus,AlanMasterson,SophieLieghioandRiodhnaMackinrepresentedStMary’sagainanddebatedanumberofcontroversialtopicsonTuesdayeveningsinbothTrinityCollegeDublinandUCD.ThequarterfinalstookplaceonTuesdaythe23rdJanuaryinUCD.SophieandRiodhnaopposedthemotionthatThishousebelievesdevelopingcountriesshouldputinplacepoliciesthatheavilydisincentiviseruraltourbanmigrationwhileAlanwasinfavour.Thestandardwasextremelyhighatthisstageofthecompetitionwhichledtoafieryeventwithparticipantsbattlingitouttoguaranteeawin!SophieandRiodhnawentontocompeteinthesemi-finalofthisprestigiouscompetitiononTuesdaythe

30thJanuaryinTrinityCollegeDublin.ThegirlsweredealingwiththeextremelydifficultandcontroversialtopicofreligiouswarfareinIranandcameupagainstanumberofverywell-establishedschoolswithinthedebatingcommunity.Despitethis,theteamspokewithgreatconfidenceandbeliefintheirpositiononthetopic.Unfortunately,theynarrowlymissedoutonaspotinthefinalofthecompetition.Thewholeschoolcommunitywasdelightedandveryproudthat,althoughthisteamwasnewtotheworld

ofcompetitivedebating,itwasstillanimmensesuccess.Thiswasduetothehardworkanddedicationofboththedebatersandresearchersalikeateverystepoftheway.Wehopetocontinuethesegreatsuccessesnextyearwithourseniorcycledebaterswhilealsowishingour6thyearseverysuccessintheirbrightfutureswithintheEnglish,dramaandartsdisciplines.MsMolloy,MsO’Flaherty,MsWarren

HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

TheMathsDepartmentandstudentshavehadanexciting2018sofar.ThefollowingeventstookplaceintheMathsDepartmentduringthisterm:

Maths Olympiad AftersuccessfullygettingthroughtothesecondroundoftheMathsOlympiad,MariaZubascuinTYparticipatedinthefourinitialtrainingclasseson27thJanuary,3th,10thand17thFebruary2018.OnSaturday24thFebruary2018therewasaselectiontestattheendofwhichthebest40studentswereinvitedformoreintensetraininginviewofprogressingtotheIrishMathOlympiad.Mariawassuccessfulandwaschosenforthis.Mariawas12thplaceinthecountryaftertheselectiontest.ThefinalroundtookplaceatanationallevelonSaturday12May2018.ThebestsixpupilsattheIrishMathOlympiadwillrepresentthecountryattheInternationalMathOlympiadwhichwilltakeplaceinRomaniainJuly2018.Mariaisawaitingtheresultstoseedidshegetthrough.Regardlessofwhethershegetsthroughornot,wearesoproudofMaria’sachievementsandwewishherthebestofluck!YouareasuperstarMaria

Maths Support CentreMsFarrellandMsDowlinghavebeenworkinghardinsettingupaMathsSupportCentrewhichhasbeenofgreathelptostudentswhoneedanytypeofextrahelpwithcertainmathstopics.

Lego League @DCUClass4RaphaeltookpartinaninitiativeinconjunctionwithLearnitandDCULegoEducationInnovationStudiowhichisbasedatStPatrick’sCampusinDrumcondra.Theleagueinvolvesaglobalscienceandtechnologychallengeforstudentstoencouragethemtohaveinterestinrealworldissuesofpivotalimportancetoaknowledge-basedsociety.Thechallengeincludesstudentsworkinginteams,exploringagiventopicwhichthisyearishydraulicsandthendesigning,buildingandprogramminganautonomousLegorobottosolveaseriesofmissions.Allthegirlsworkedsohardandwere

brilliant.Twooftheteamspickedupawards.WaterwarriorswontheawardforoveralldisplayofcorevaluesandDisneyDroidswontheawardforoverallbestrobotDesign.Welldonegirls!

TeamDisneyDroids:AbbieLeeper,HannahOBrien,TaraMacken,KatieKennedy,SophieMcGrane,andHeatherDunne

TeamWaterWarriors:AnnaMandzyuk,JoyStokes,AoifeRoche,CarlaWardandJuilaWysocka

Quiz ManiaFirstYearsOur1styearstudentstookpartintheannualFirstYearMathsquizinDCUonWednesday18thAprilatStPatsinDrumcondra.Thestudentswerecompetingwithotherstudentsfromneighbouringschools.WelldonetothestudentsinvolvedfromClassIndigo.Wehadtwoteamscompetingontheday.TheFabFourandTwoSquared.Bothteamscompetedtoahighstandardontheday.ImpressivelyTwoSquaredcameinthirdplacewithjustasinglepointseparatingeachofthetopteams.TheyreceivedaDCUtopeachastheirPrize.BetweeneachroundofthequiztherewasaKahootquizfortheaudience.ShaniahLlaneRollopickedupthetopprizeinoneofrounds.

TheFabFour:LtoRLeianVista,AnastasiaBerzoi,SophieBurkeandTaraSweeney.

TwoSquared:LtoRMsMurphy,JadeWhelan,CiaraAbragan,KatelynWardandVivienneUlugbek

SecondYearsAgroupoffoursecondyearsenteredtheannualDCU2ndYearMathsQuizonthe7thofMarchattheStPatricksCampusinDCU.Thegirlsdidexceptionallywellandmanagedtoclaimsecondplace!Welldonegirls!

SecondYearDCUMathsQuizParticipants(LtoR):AlinaBoldan,KaceyBoyd,EmmaWuYangandLaurenHammond

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MATHSDEPARTMENT

Science DepartmentTheScienceDepartmentstartedoffthenewyearwithavisittotheBTYoungScientistExhibitionintheRDS.AgroupofscientificallymindedTYstudentsattendedtheexhibitionwiththeirteachersMsNolanandMsBrownetolendtheirsupporttoparticipatingstudentsLaurenMcGuinnessandSarahBradyandtheirteacherMsMulvey.Theirprojectentitled‘AnInvestigationintoTelevisedRoadSafetyCampaigns,toseeiftheyarehavingalastingimpactonYoungTeenagers’AttitudesTowardsDrinkandDrugDriving’gainedlotsofattentionfromthejudges,mediaandthepublicwiththegirlsbeinginterviewedforTheEveningHeraldnewspaper.EveryTuesdaythebuddingscientistsofSt

Mary’sputontheirlabcoatsandsafetygogglestogetstuckintofunandfascinatingformulationsatScienceclub.WiththeassistanceofMsByrnes,MsNolan,MsO’KeeffeandMsO’Donnell,thefuturescientistsandengineerscreatedcrystals,examinedelectricalcircuitsandformulatedfizzbombs.InAprilelevenStMary’sSciencestudents

(fourgroups)completedattheScifestfairinDCU.Forseveralmonthsbeforehandthestudentscarriedoutresearchandexperimentalworkandthenpresentedtheirhardworkatthefair.Thetopicsrangedfrompsychologytosportsscience.Thestudentsalsoenjoyedtheexhibitionofprojects,aprize-givingceremony,sciencetalks,sciencedemonstrationsinthecollegelaboratoriesandadviceoncareersinSTEMandcoursesavailableinthecollege.PicturedbelowisMollyO’Rourkeand

AlesiaDoyleexhibitingtheirproject‘WallofEmotions’whichexaminedtheeffectsofcolourandaprintrichclassroomonstudentslearning.ThroughoutthespringtimeTYstudents

withthehelpofMrMontagueandMsColemancollecteddatafortheGLOBEprogramme.ThisenvironmentalscienceprojectwasrunincollaborationwithAnTaisceandNASAandaimedtofoster‘CitizenScience’withschoolstudentsaroundtheglobe.ThestudentsmonitoredtheairqualityinthegardensofStMary’susingequipmentsuppliedbyAnTaisceandrecordedtheirobservationsofcloudcoverandweatherconditions.ThisinformationwasthenuploadedtotheNASAdatabase.

19

SCIENCEDEPARTMENT

Darkness into LightTheDarknessintoLightannualfundraisingflagshipandawarenesseventforPietaHousetookplaceonMay12ththisyear.Thisyearmarkedthe10-yearanniversaryfortheevent.TherewasaseaofyellowinthePhoenixParkwheretheeventembracedover14,000peopleastheywalkedalongthe5-kilometreroutethroughthecitypark.OvertwentystudentsfromStMary’sandsixstaffmemberswalkedtogetherasagroupwherewemetatComiskey’sat3.45amtobeginthewalkatChesterfieldAvenueat4.15am.Theeventbeganindarknessandwewalkedtogetherasdawnbrokeandthesunroseinthepark.Thesymbolic5kmwalkpromotes

awarenessofmentalhealthdifficultiesandraisesvitalfundsforthecharitythatworkstopreventsuicideandprovideservicesforthoseaffectedbysuicide.PietaHouse’svisionisofaworldwhere“suicide,self-harmandstigmahavebeenreplacedbyhope,self-careandacceptance.”

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BUSINESSDEPARTMENT

ARTDEPARTMENT

Sweet Treats taste successat the Business BootcampBigcongratulationstoTYstudentsEricaCarrie,SarahBateson,ChaniceDolan,ChloeCahill,KarlaConway,HannahO’Brien,KatieKennedy,TaraMackenandAbbieLeeperontheirtriumphantperformanceintheBusinessBootcampcompetitionheldinColaisteEoin.Thegirlswhotookhomethe

topprizefortwooutofthreeeventsthisyearwiningadditionalawardsforbeststagepresentationandbestcompanyimagethroughoutthecompetition,whichprovedtobethebestentrepreneurialteamwiththeirculinaryinspiredselectionof‘SweetTreats’.

Whenthegirlsweren’twinningcompetitions,theywerereapingtherewardsfromtheirhardworkwithmultiplebakesalesintheschoolcappedoffbyasuccessfulScrumdiddly’sinspiredice-creamsaleonSportsDay.WelldoneSweetTreats!

Junk KoutureTYstudentsJamilaHannigan,SophieMorganFurphyandShannonFowleyrepresentedStMary’sinJunkKoutureatthisyear’sRegionalFinalintheHelix.FollowingonfromtheirwonderfulsuccessourremainingJunkKoutureentriesperformedatStMary’sMusicShowcaseinMay.

Junk Kouture (contd.)

21

National Architects inSchools Initiative 2018IrishArchitectsFoundation.ThisyearStMary’sTYstudentsworkedwith4thYearArchitecturestudentsfromDublinInstituteofTechnologydevelopingdesignideastoreimaginetheuseofopenspacesintheschool.UndertheguidanceandtuitionofarchitectEvelynD’Arcy,DITstudentsandstaff,ourstudentsrespondedtotheirbrief.Thecollaborationwasafantasticopportunityforthestudents,andthereareplanstomakeabeautifulwoodenpavilioninSeptemberthatwillbeinsituclosetotheentranceoftheschool.TheprojectwasondisplayattheIAF’sNationalArchitectsinSchoolsInitiativeExhibitionheldinWaterfordcity’snewpublicspace,theAppleMarketfrom18th–20thMay.

ART DEPARTMENT

First Year ArtFirstyearartstudentscreatedagraphicpiecewheretheyillustratedtheirownstoryinspiredbythesnowdays.Eachstudentthencreateda3Dmodelwhichhelpedtoanimatetheircharactersandbringlifetotheiruniqueindividualstories.TheirinspirationcamefromthewonderfulworkofBelfastborngraphicartistOliverJeffers.

22

2nd Year Creative EngagementProject – mask-making basedon the theme of identity2ndyearshadtheopportunitytoexploretheskillsindesigningandcreatingfunctionalmasks,basedontheirownoriginalideas,undertheguidanceofartistEleanorPhillipsandtheirteacherMsCunningham.Thisprojectbuiltontheirpreviousterm’swork,wheretheylearnedaboutportraiture.Studentstookcastsfromtheirfaceusingplasterbandageandusedavarietyofdifferenttechniquestobuildformandshape,beforeaddingtheirfinaldecorativefeatures.Studentspresentedtheirmaskstotheclassaspartoftheiroracysummertestandanumberofstudentsperformedatthemusicshowcasetothesong,‘ThisIsMe’,sungby6thyearGemmaReilly.ManythankstoGemmaforhergenerosityinsharingtheperformance.

Creative EngagementThisyear,StMary’sArtdepartmentembarkedontwonewCreativeEngagementprojects.ThefirstbeganinJanuary,wherethe5thyearsengagedinoriginalresearch,makingcross-curricularlinksbetweenoneoftheirLeavingCertsubjectsandaschooltriptoDublinPort.TheprojectwasledbyartistEleanorPhillipsandartteachersMsKavanaghandMsCunningham.Eachstudentwasrequiredto

createanartpiecefromtheLeavingCertcourseworkthatreflectedtheirresearch.Theprojectwasnotwithoutitschallenges,asitaskedstudentstoengagewithhigherlevelthinkingandtoworkinadisciplinedandself-motivatedmanner,undertheguidanceoftheirteachersandartist.Theprojectculminatedwithagroup-basedevaluationfacilitatedbyEleanorPhillips,whichenabledthestudentstoreflectontheirengagementintheprojectandthesuccessoftheirrealisedwork.We’reveryproudofthestudents’hardworkandlookforwardtoexhibitingitintheautumn.

ART DEPARTMENT

TY Craft and MediaIntermstwoandthree,theArt,CraftandMediamodulestudentshavecreatedindividualhand-builtceramicflowers.Theylearnedaboutthehistoryandskillsofworkingwithmosaicandputthesetothetestinaddingtothemosaicwall.Theirpersonalceramicpiecesweresurroundedbymirrorandtile.Notonlyhavetheylearnedthesetraditionalskills;theyhavealsoemployedtheirtechnologicalskillstorecordtheprocess,creatingashortdocumentary.

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SundownonabusyweekintheSensoryGarden.Alliumsout,beans,peasandsunflowersplanted.TYmosaicwalladdedto.Weeding,wateringandtidyingcompleted.Anewedition,thebiodiversitybedsignlooksamazing.Weexploredgrowingfoodfromwaste,includingpotatoes,celeryandbutternutsquash.We’velinkedinwithWellbeingandall1styearclassesgottosowthespecialStMary’ssunflowerseeds.WelldonetoallofthestudentsthathelpedoutinthevariousprojectsandabigthankstoColin,ourcaretaker,forputtingupthesign.Thisgardenbelongstothestudents–thisisyourgardenandyouhavereallytakenownershipofitthisyear,particularlythosewhotookpartintheGardeningClub.

Sensory Garden

ART DEPARTMENT

Biodiversity gardenlaunched by Holy Faithsisters and Green SchoolscommitteeTheHolyFaithsisters,StMary’sGreenSchoolscommittee,somemembersofthepublicandcelebrityenvironmentalist,DuncanStewart,launchedanewbiodiversitygardenonSaturdayApril21st.Thisgardenwillbeinthefieldbesidethetenniscourts.ItwillcontainnativeIrishwildflowerswhichwillattractpollinatingbeesandbugswhichwillencouragemoreplantsandwildlifetoflourish.Thisisimportantforthefutureoflifeonearthandisoneofthegreatestchallengesfacinghumans.MembersoftheGreenSchoolscommitteeareholdingacompetitiontonamethiswildflowergardenandaluckywinnerwillbepickedsoon.

Biodiversity FlagSt.Mary’sGreenSchoolscommitteearegoingfortheirfifthgreenflagforbiodiversity.SofarStMary’shavegottheirflagsforrecycling,water,energyandtravel.Thisflagissoimportanttoraise

awarenessofhowwecanprotectthespeciesofplantsandanimalsthatareendangered.Canyouimagineawarmsummer’sdaywithoutthebuzzofabumblebee?Thisisentirelypossiblenow.Werelyonspecieslikethebumblebeetopollinateourplantstomovepollenfromoneflowertoanother–causingnewplantstogrow.

Withoutpollinatinginsects,theplantsonwhichwerelyforfoodsimplywon’tgrow!Somanyofthespeciesofplantsandanimalsonwhichwerelyonarenowextinct.Didyouknowthatsince197040%ofspeciesareextinct!Whatwillearthbelikein50yearsifthetrendskeepgoingthisway?

Followingourrecentbiodiversitysurvey,wewillbetakingstepstoprotectanddevelopthenativeplantsandanimalsonourcampussoon.Ifyoucareaboutthisjoinourcommittee

inthecomingterm.

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STUDENT COUNCIL

TheMinisterforEmploymentAffairsandSocialProtectionReginaDohertyvisitedherAlmaMater,StMary’sonMonday26thFebruaryMembersoftheStudent

Council,classcaptainsandvice-captains,FifthYearPoliticsandSocietystudentsaswellasteachersfromtheHistoryDepartmentandthemanagementteamgreetedMinisterReginaDohertyat2pmonMonday26thFebruary.ShekindlyacceptedtheStudentCouncil’sinvitationtocometoherAlmaMatertocelebratewithstudentsthe‘RoadtoVotes’whichcelebrates100yearsofvotesforwomen.TheceremonywasfittinglyopenedwithHannahRyanMurphysinging‘Amhránna

bhFiann’.MembersoftheStudentCouncil–EmilyMcElroy,KarenLoma,RheanneRobles,EmilyDixonandEmilyGallagherparticipatedintheceremony.Emilytoldtheassembledgroupaboutthebackgroundofthe‘RoadtoVotes’whileKarengaveapottedhistoryofConstanceMarkiewicz.ThiswasfollowedbyLeannespeakingabouttheroleofwomeninIrishParliamentaryPoliticstoday.Afterthiswonderful

presentationMsBourkewelcomedtheministertothestagetospeakabouttheimportanceofwomeninleadershipandtoinspirethemtoseekoutleadershiproles.Theministerwelcomedquestionsfromtheaudienceafterher

insightfulspeech.TheclosingmusicfortheceremonywasfromourHeadGirlLaurynMcCauslandwhosangthehauntinglybeautifulballad‘Grace’.TwoofourFirstYears,EmilyDixonandEmilyGallagherpresentedtheministerwithaframedpictureoftheschoolsurroundedbyinspirationalquoteswhichwasdesignedbyMazzyHollerich.MsBourkeconcludedtheceremonyandthemembersofthestudentcouncilbroughttheministertothelibraryforrefreshments.Wethanktheministerformarkingthe‘RoadtoVotes’intheschool(andlatertweetingaboutit!)andalsotoMrFarrellfororganisingthisuniqueeventintheschoolcommunity.

Ministerial Visitor Urges Students to EmbraceLeadership Roles

The Student Council celebrated 100 years of Votes for Women with past student Minister Regina Doherty

1918wasthefirsttimeIrishwomenwerepermittedbyLawtovoteandstandinparliamentaryelections.OurStudentCouncilduringthemonthofFebruary2018celebratedthis

importantcentenarywhichinvolvedhostingaministerialvisit.

Picture courtesy ofBrianfitzpatrickphotography.com

25

MinisterforEmploymentAffairsandSocialProtectionRegina

Dohertybeingpresentedwithaframedpictureof

theschool

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Navan ChoralFestival 2018TheScholaChoirenteredtheNavanChoralFestivalagainthisyear.Theycompetedinthe‘LiturgicalChoir’section.Theysangtwopiecesinthiscompetition,“StellaSplendens”byTonyAlonsoand‘EverythingIhaveisyours’composedbyMr.Coll.Theywereagainsteightotherchoirsandthestandardwasveryhigh.Thegirlshaveworkedreallyhardtodevelopthischoiranditismostcertainlyontheup.Theyreceivedoutstanding

commentsfromthejudgeandwerecomplementedfortheir“beautiful,heartfeltandrousingperformances

Emmanuel 2018St.Mary’swaswellrepresentedagainthisyearattheEmmanuelConcertintheHelix.Forty-fivestudentsrepresentedtheschoolattheannualEmmanuelConcertinTheHelixonMonday5thFebruary.SpecialcongratulationstoourthreesoloistsCaseyHarris,GemmaReillyandDianaButoc.ForCaseyandGemmaitwasanemotionaloccasion,as,being

6thyearsthiswastheirlastopportunitytoparticipateinthisgloriousyearlyevent.Dianaisin2ndyearsoshewillhavemanymoreopportunitiestotakepart.OnMondayDianawasoneofagroupoffourstudentsfromvariousschoolschosentosingMrColl’sowncomposition‘EverythingIhaveisYours.’Itisapiecethegirlsknowverywellaswehaveuseditmanytimesfordifferentcelebrations.Allstudentsenjoyedthe

experienceofsingingintheHelixandahugethankstoallthestudentsinthechoirwhoalwaysworksohardthroughouttheyearandarealwayssodedicated.

Music Practicals

IthasbeenabusytimeintheMusicDepartmentinpreparation fortheMusicpracticalexaminations.Allthegirlshaveworkedhardandbothexaminerscommentatedonthehighstandardofmusicperformed.Thestyleofpiecesperformedvaried,fromIrishtraditionalmusic,toclassicaland fromcontemporary musictorock.Wewishour3rdand6thyearseverysuccessintheirwritten examinations inJune.

The Annual StMary’s “ MusicShowcase” 2018TowardstheendofeveryyearthemusicaltalentofStMary’swasshowcasedinonenightofgreatentertainmentinStMary’schoirhall.PerformancesonthenightconsistedofstudentsfromtheJuniorandLeavingcertclassesperformingtheirpracticalpieces.Classperformancesfrom1st,2ndand5thyearmusicclasses,theTYmusicclassesandtheschoolchoiralsofeatured.Intotaltherewere37performanceswithcompereonthenight,MrMcGill.Some2ndYearArtstudentsworemaskstoaccompanyGemmaReilly’sperformance‘ThisisMe’andtheaudiencegottoviewthefabulousJunkKouturecostumesthatwerecreatedbyTYstudentswiththehelpofMsKavanagh.Itwasagreatnightofmusicandagreatwaytoendthemusicalactivitiesoftheyear.Wearelookingforwardto

moreexcitingmusicalprojectsnextyear.

MsO’Rourke&MrCollMusicDepartment

SoloistsfromStMary’s:CaseyHarris,GemmaReillyandDianaButuc

STUDENT COUNCIL

MusicalShowcasePracticewithMsDowling.

An Coiste Gaelbhratach

D’éirighgohiontachleisangCoisteGaelbhratachimbliana.BhíHannahRyanMurphy,OllieDorganHughes,ZaraMcGlynn,KlaudiaTyczko,AlannahDillon,JodieMoore,KellieJonesRyan,ChloeKingagusSarahAboudmarbhaillarangCoiste.Rinnenadaltaísár-iarrachtarsonnaGaeilge.Bhíceolchoirmacuagtúsnablainaagus

tháiniganArd-MhéaraMicheálMacDonnchachunárgcéadbrathaardú.Bhíceolagusamhránaíochtarsiúlaranlá.BhíbricféastaíGaelachaarsúilgachmhíagusd’eagraighnadaltaícártaívailintínathabhairtdomhuintiranchéadbhliainiMíFeabhra.RoimhnaBealtrialachabhítae,caifeaguscomhráeagraithedomhuintiranséúbliain.IrithSeachtainnaGaeilged’oibrighan

CoisteleisnamúinteoiríGaeilgechunTráthnagCeist,Céilí,Scannánaíochtagusimeachtaíeileaeagrú.ThuganCoistecuireadhdodhaltaíóScoilNaomhBhrídeteachtisteachchuncéilíadhéanamhagusbhítráthnónaiontachacu.Debharraniarrachtarinnesaid,

bronnadhandarabrathorthucúplaseachtainóshin.Comhghairdeaslibharfadagusgon-éiríant-adhlibhanbhliainseochugainn.MsO’Mahoney,MsSalmon,MsMorgan

Seachtain na GaeilgeSeachtaindenchéadscotchabhíannimbliana.Bhígachduinepáirteachagusbhaineamararfadantaitneamhas.Bhíatmaisféarfíorgaelachasascoilagusd’éirighgohíontachleisnahimeachtaíarfadabhíeagraithedontseachtain.ThosaíomararanLuanlecluichíinchinne

sarangteagaisc.RinnenadaltaíceanndóibhsiúdgachmaidinchungombeidhgachduineagsmaoineamhasGaeilge

láithreacharmaidin.AranMháirtbhítráthnagceistsahalla

cóiraguschabhraighanChoisteGaelbhratachgomórleseoaeagrúagusnafreagraíarfadacheartú.Bhíaniomaíochtgéaridirnafoirnearfad.ArangCeadaoinbhíscannáinasGaeilge

arsiúldonadaltaíagusbaléirgurbhainsiadantaitneamhastu.Picturlanngaelachabhíannsahallacóir!BhíláíontachagainnaranDeardaoin

nuairabhíanchéilímórarsiúl.Chabhraighnadaltaíónidirbhliainlinnchunnacéimeannaamhuineadhagusbhísultagusspraoíacuarfad.Comhmaithleseo,tháiningnadaltaíóbhunscoilNaomhBhrídechunCéilíabheithacu.Aríschabhraighanchoistegomórleseo.Cheapsiadgoraibhnapáistífíorgleoiteachbhísiadtuirseachtraochtaindiadhandamhsaamhuineadhdóibh!AranAoinebhíceolgaelachaarsiúlaran

idirchumagamlóinagusbhídíolacháncácaeagraitheagangcoiste.Freisin,labhairnamúinteoiríGaeilgefaoidulchuiganGaeltachtagusbhídeisagnadaltaíceisteannaachuraguseolasafháilfaoi.Bhíaniomaíochtgéararísidirna

rangannasachéadbhliainagusiadagcleachtadhdochomórtasnah-amhráinabhíarsiúldehAoinecomhmaith.D’fhoghlaimsiadarfadamhránasGaeilgeaguschansiadinárdagcinnisanguthaaranstáitse.Maithsibharfadbhísibharfheabhas.Nílaonamhrasachgurseachtainiontach

abhíann.Rinnegachduine–múinteoiríagusdaltaísanaireamhaonGhaeilgeabhíacuaúsáidsarangagustaomhamuigh.TáimidfíorbhrodúilasannGaeilgeasscoilagusbadeisiontachíSeachtainnaGaeilgeárdteangadhúchaisacheiliúradh.

Irish WeekWhatawonderfulweekitwasthisyear!Everyonetookpartandweallreallyenjoyedit.Alleventsplannedwereagreatsuccessandtherewasalovelyatmosphereintheschool.

WestartedoffonMondaywithpuzzlesandbrainteasers.ThestudentsdidtheseeverymorningwhichwasidealasitmeanttheywerethinkinginIrishfirstthinginthemorning!OnTuesdaytherewasatablequizforall

yeargroupsinthechoirhall.TheIrishLanguageFlagcommitteehelpedtoorganisethisandalsocorrectedalloftheanswers.Thecompetitionwasfiercebetweenallteams!OnWednesdaythestudentswatchedIrish

languagemovieswhichtheythoroughlyenjoyed.WehadourownIrishlanguagecinemainthechoirhall!Thursdaywasamajorhighlightwiththe

CéilíMór.ThankstotheTY’swhohelpedoutwiththisandtaughteveryonethesteps.Itwasgreatfun!AswellasthisthestudentscameoverfromStBridget’sprimaryschooltogetinvolvedinthefestivities!TheIrishcommitteehelpedthistimetoteachthedances.Theyreallyenjoyedworkingwiththechildrenandwereexhaustedwhentheyleft!OnFridaywehadIrishlanguagepop

songsovertheintercomandthecommitteeorganisedacakesalewhichwasagreatsuccess.Also,theIrishteachersspoketoeveryoneabouttheadvantagesofattendingtheGaeltachtandthestudentshadtheopportunitytoaskquestionsandgetinformationaboutthis.Thecompetitionwasfierceagain

betweenthe1styearclassesastheypracticedforthesongcompetitionwhichalsotookplaceonFriday.TheyalllearnedIrishlanguagepopsongsandtheysangatthetopoftheirlungsfromthestage.Welldonetoallinvolved.Thereisnodoubtthatitwasafantastic

week.Everyone–studentsandteachersalikemadeanefforttospeakwhateverIrishtheyhadbothinsideandoutsidetheclassroom.WearesoproudoftheIrishlanguageinourschoolandSeachtainnaGaeilgegivesusagreatopportunitytocelebrateournativetongue.CailínMorgan

26

IRISH DEPARTMENT

Literacy Week 2018!Thisterm,wecelebratedliteracyweekwithavarietyofeventsandactivities.Eachjunioryeargrouptookpartina‘DropEverythingandRead’ andvisitedthelibrarytogetlostinabookoftheirchoice.Firstyearstudentsalsocompletedapoetrycompetitionwhichallowedthemtodemonstratetheirwonderfultalentandcreativity.WelldonetoVivienneUlugbekfrom1Indigowhowasthedeservingwinner,havingpennedapoemontheprocessofwriting.

Studentswerealsoinvitedtoapop-upbookclubwhichwasheldinthelibrary.Eachstudentbroughtalonganovelthattheyhavereadorarecurrentlyreadingandsharedthiswiththegroup.Wehadsomeamazingrecommendationsrangingfrom‘TheCompleteWorksofWilliamShakespeare’,‘TheMazeRunner’byJamesDashner,‘TheChoice’byPhillyMcMahonandevensomemangacomics!AparticularthankstoMsMurraywhoalsoattendedthebookclubandsharedherbookofchoice‘DearWorld’byBanaAlabed,aboutasevenyearoldgirlgrowingupinwar-tornSyria.Itwasn’tjustthestudentswhogot

involvedinliteracyweekhowever.Ahugethankstoalloftheteacherswhocontributedtothe‘BookRecommendationWall’inthestaffroom.MsDoyle

McCarthy Award forCreative Writing TheMaryMcCarthyAwardisanannualawardgiventoa6thyearstudentwhohasexcelledincreativewriting.ItisawardedbytheEnglishDepartmentinhonourofamuchbelovedformerEnglishteacherinStMary’s.MaryMcCarthywasasuccessful,publishedauthorandnurturedthecreativetalentsofherstudentsduringhertimehereasateacher.Thisyear’srecipientisSophieLieghio,afoundingmemberoftheCreativeWritingClubandastudentwhohasconsistentlyimpressedwithherwritingskillsduringhertimehereasastudent.Sophiewaspresentedwithastatueatthe6thYearAwardsCeremonyongraduationday.WehavenodoubtthatwewillbeseeingSophie’snameinprintinthefuture!

English Department-Newsletter- Junior CycleCBAsThishasbeenabusylasttermforour

JuniorCyclestudentsasbothour2ndand3rdYearscompletedtheirClassroomBasedAssessments.Every2ndYearhadtomakeathree-

minutepresentationinfrontoftheirclass,comprisingofeitheraperformanceoraspeech.Thestudentshadtoresearchanddeveloptheirownideas,andwewitnessedafantasticvarietyoftopicsandperformances.InApril,our3rdYearsfinishedtheirportfoliooftexts,whichtheyhavebeencreatingforthelasttwoyears.Thisinvolvedcreatingpiecesofwriting,editingandthenredraftingintocompletedtexts.Thisinvolvedagreatdealofeffortandskillfromourstudents,andwe’resuretheseskillswillbeoftremendousvaluetotheminSeniorCycle.Onthe24thMaythe3rdyearsalso

completed10%oftheirfinalgrade,whentheysataclassroom-basedexam.Welldonetoallforcompletingthese

importantassessmentsaspartoftheirJuniorCycle.

27

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

GUIDANCE &COUNSELLING

1st YearIncomingFirstYearsTheentranceexamsforFirstYearstudentstookplaceonSaturday3rdFebruary.Tohelpfacilitatethetransitionfromprimarytosecondarywearevisitingtheprimaryschoolsandtalkingwiththe6thclassteachersaboutthestudents’progressandinterests.Therewasaverypositiveinformation

meetingwiththeparentsofincomingfirstyearson21stofMarchtoinitiateourlong-termpartnershipoverthenextfiveorsixyears.Thisisaninvaluableopportunityfortheparentsofthenew1styearcohortto

learnmoreaboutthedaytodayrunningofStMary’sincludingthejournal,codeofbehaviourandpastoralsysteminourschool.Tofurtherthispartnership,weareinvitinganyoftheincomingfirstyearparentstomakeanappointmentattheendofMayforaninformalinterviewwithamemberofGuidanceCounsellingdepartment.

2nd YearThisterm2ndyearstudentsreceivedaveryinformativetalkfromBodyWhysabouteatingdisorders,healthybodyimage,self-esteemandmediainfluence.JuniorDiscoverDCUisaninitiativeofthe

DCUAccessProgrammetargeting2ndyearstudents.IttakestheformofaworkshopforstudentswhohaveaninterestingoingtothirdleveloncetheycompletetheirLeavingCert.Theaimoftheworkshopistogiveinformation,allowstudentstoexploretheirfears,anxietiesandexpectationsabout

thirdlevel,offerguidanceandsupportaboutstudyingatDCUandseveralofourstudentsparticipatedintheprogramme.Thefollowing2ndyearstudentswerenominatedbyteacherstoattend:

LeahDevlin 2MarkieviczRoukayahMutoola 2MarkieviczKatieO’Reilly 2LynnMeaganPabualan 2LynnAmyO’Connor 2SheehyAoifeHughes 2SheehyEmmaFlynn 2GiffordAlannahDillon 2GiffordEmmaYuWang 2O’FarrellJeanineGrierosu 2O’Farrell

3rd Year InJanuary3rdyearstudentsreceivedtheresultsoftheCAT(CognitiveAbilityTest)theysatinDecember.Eachstudenthadanindividualsessionwithaguidancecounsellortolookattestresultandsubjectchoice.The3rdyearparenteveningtookplaceon

the7thMarch.Thiswasanopportunityforparentsandstudentstofindoutaboutleavingcertoptionssuchastransitionyear,5thyearandLCVP.Teachersfromeachoptionsubject(History,Geography,Art,Music,HomeEconomics,Physics,Chemisty,Biology,Business,Economics,AccountingandPolitics&Society)deliveredashortpresentationtoparentsandstudents.

TYs

TYstudentsattendedtheFutureSparksBusinessandEntrepreneurialFairintheRdson22ndMarch.Itwasaninspiringdaywherethegirlsattendedupliftingandmotivationaltalksfromcurrentbrightsparks!FourTYstudentsattendedextrawork

placementsfacilitatedbyDCU.MajaGrondzewskawenttoGoogleforoneweek.CiaraMcKenna,MariaZubascuandGeorgiaWalshallspentaweekatlegalfirmArthurCox.Thiswasafantasticopportunityforthestudentswhorepresentedusexcellently.On18thAprilTYsattendedacareersfair

atStMichael’sHolyFaith,Finglas.Thiswasajointventureorganisedbyseveralschoolsinthearea.Studentswereabletospeakwithrepresentativesfrommanycolleges.Itwasagreathelptotheirseniorcyclecollegeresearch.AspartoftheDCUUniTY programmeTY

studentshaveundertakenmodulesincludingSmartSkillsMultimedia,EmployabilityandStudentEmpowerment.ThisisthefirstyeartheUniTY programmehasruninStMary’s,culminatinginanawardsshowon25thApril.Ithasbeenagreatsuccesswithstudentswinningawardsinthreecategories.

Onthe1stMay,TYstudentsattendedtheDCUTransitionYearopenday,averyinformativeexperience.Studentsexperiencelecturesandreceivedcampustours.

5th YearFive5thyearstudents,HadeelAbbas,EishaMunir,BayanBasmage,KerryTynanandAmyBernardosparticipatedintheUFirstprogrammethisyearinconjunctionwithDCU.Thishasinvolvedattendingcareerworkshops,studyseminarsandattendingaDCUshadowingdaywheretheyattendedlectureswithaDCUmentor.Thestudentswillcontinuewiththe2ndyearofUfirstnextyear.

6th YearCAOapplicationsarenowwellandtrulyinandsomestudentswillbeplanningonreadjustingtheirchoicesontheirchangeofmindformwhichisaccessibleonlinefromMay5th-July1st.

FETAC ManyofthestudentsapplyingforFETAChavehadinterviewsandhavebeenofferedplacessubjecttotheirresultsintheLeavingCertificate.6thyearstudentshaveenjoyedavaried

scheduleofcollegetalksthisyear.Awiderangeofthirdlevelcolleges,universitiesaswellaspostleavingcertcollegeshavespokentothestudentsaboutoptionsafter6thyear.Agroupofpastpupilsfromseveral

differentcollegesandcourseshavealsospokentothe6thyearsaboutthetransitionfromStMary’stothirdlevel.ItwasgreattoseethepastpupilsdoingsowellinTrinity,DCUandColaisteDhulaighinadiverserangeofcourses.Theirvisitswereaparticularhighlightforcurrent6thyears.

Wewishallofour6thyearstudentseverysuccessintheirLeavingCertificateandlookforwardtolinkinginwiththeminmid-Augustfortheresults.MsSullivanwillbeavailableinAugusttosupportthestudentswhentheyreceivetheirresultsandlateronwhenoffersarebeingmade.

28

Breakfast ClubThisyearStMary’swelcomedanew

andimprovedbreakfastclubwhichrandailyfrom8:10am–8:40amthroughouttheacademicyearinStMary’skitchen.Thestudentsbenefitedgreatlyasnew

foodswereintroducedincludingaselectionofexoticfruits,cereals,cerealbars,yogurtsandweeklytreats.JuniorandLeavingcyclestudentsalikepoppedbytopickupabitetoeat,chatwithfellowstudentsandsupervisingteacherswhilepreparingthemselvesforthedayahead.Itwasahugesuccessandwelookforwardtowelcomingstudents,oldandnewinSeptember2018.

GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING