I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Principal’s Address

Pastures New

1

Leaving Cert.

Students of the Year

2

Awards Day Winners 3

Sport 6

Gaisce 8

Fundraising 9

GMIT Scholarship

Ducklings

10

Science Festivals 11

TY News

Darkness into Light

12

Ombudsman 16

School Tours 17

LCA News 18

Projects 22

Jersey Boys

1st Yr. Faith Reflection

20

Proclamation 19

T E L : 0 9 4 9 6 2 0 1 7 7 / 9 6 2 1 0 1 3T E L : 0 9 4 9 6 2 0 1 7 7 / 9 6 2 1 0 1 3T E L : 0 9 4 9 6 2 0 1 7 7 / 9 6 2 1 0 1 3T E L : 0 9 4 9 6 2 0 1 7 7 / 9 6 2 1 0 1 3

E M A I L : E M A I L : E M A I L : E M A I L : c c s 1 @ e i r c o m . n e tc c s 1 @ e i r c o m . n e tc c s 1 @ e i r c o m . n e tc c s 1 @ e i r c o m . n e t

Castlerea C. S. S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

Principal’sAddress June 2016 Dear Parents/Guardians and Students Welcome to this, the Summer edition of our school’s newslet-ter, which gives a flavour of school life over the past number of months. Thank you to the staff and students who have worked so diligently in its publi-cation and we hope that you enjoy the read. This year has been an extremely busy year, which saw the introduction of LCVP into the Senior Cycle cur-riculum for the very first time, the rebirth of a very successful Transition Year, the introduction of a German Exchange initiative between our school and a school in Helmsted, Germany, the intro-duction of the school bank and the very exciting arrival of two ducklings in Mr. Heduan’s Sci-ence Lab. It has been a year packed with trips, projects, com-petitions, sporting events, fund-raising, shows and presentations, all of which contributes in a significant way to a holistic edu-cation for all. Well done to the many truly deserving recipients of our end of year awards this year, a very special celebration, recognising the individual and collective achievements of our students. Although many did not receive an award on the day, the contribu-tion that all our students make in upholding the characteristic spirit of our school does not go unnoticed. Details of these awards can be seen on pages 3, 4 and 5 of the newsletter.

Congratulations to our group of Leaving Cert students who grad-uated from CCS on the 26th May and best wishes to you all as you sit your exams, a culmination of your hard work and determina-tion over the past five years. As you all go your separate ways in the coming weeks, may you find contentment and happiness in your chosen paths, never forget-ting the values of respect, cour-age and citizenship that you have come to value during your time here.

Well done to our Students of the Year, Sarah Fitzmaurice and Karl Mulligan and the nominees Tara Cummins, Aimee Dowd, David Coyne, Michael Earley and Michael Henry. Best wishes to our group of Jun-ior Cert. students who are cur-rently in the process of complet-ing their first State Examination. It can be a very stressful and tiring time, particularly after a very long school term but I have no doubt that your efforts will be well rewarded come next Septem-ber. As you will see from pages 12, 15 and 16, our Transition Year stu-dents had a very engaging and action packed year – one which afforded them many opportunities for personal development and growth. One of the highlights of the year which must be mentioned is the organisation of the Dark-ness into Light walk in Castlerea, in conjunction with the Town’s Trust. A mere reminder to us all, that with the appropriate level of guidance and support, our young people have all the abilities and aptitudes to achieve whatever they set their mind to do. Well done to all involved in this tre-mendous year. Now, that this year draws to an end, I would like to thank our dedicated team of teaching staff and SNAs, who have worked tire-lessly all year to provide the best education to every student. To our team of ancillary staff– cleri-cal staff, caretakers and clean-ers, who keep the show on the road all year round, we thank you. Many thanks to our committed Board of Management and Parents Association for their support throughout the year.

During the course of the year, we have sought support from our local business community in terms of sponsorship, presentations and work experience opportunities for our students. For this continued support, we are tremendously grateful.

RETURN To SCHOOL

Mon. 29th Aug.

1st Yrs. Induction Day Prefects

Tues. 30th Aug. 1st Yr. and 6th Yr.

Wed. 31st Aug. 1st Yr. 3rd Yr. and 6th Yr.

Thurs. 1st Sept. All Return to school

“Pastures New” The staff and students of CCS would like to extend their best wishes to teachers Ms Pauline Fadden and Ms Áine Mullarkey. Ms Fadden is leaving to take up her new appointment in Athlone Community College as Deputy Principal and Ms Mul-larky is embarking on a trip to Dubai for a year to take up a teaching position there. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh i bhur bpostanna nua!

I would like to take this op-portunity to wish our col-leagues Ms. Pauline Fadden and Ms. Áine Mullarkey well in their forthcoming new and exciting journeys and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our students over the past number of years. I would like to extend best wishes for a safe and enjoya-ble Summer break to all of our students and their families and also thanks to you parents and guardians for your cooper-ation and support in making this year a very rewarding one for your sons / daughters. I trust you will have a very pleasant Summer and we look forward to welcoming you back in August. Yours sincerely

Ms Eileen RyanMs Eileen RyanMs Eileen RyanMs Eileen Ryan Principal

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I'm possible’!” Audrey Hepburn

P A G E 2

C A S T L E R E A C . S .

Leaving Cert. Students of the Year 2016.

Leaving Cert. Graduation Class 2016

Male Leaving Certificate Student of the Year 2016, Karl Mulligan, with Principal, Ms E Ryan and Deputy Principal, Mr J Burke.

Female Leaving Certificate Student of the Year 2016, Sarah Fitzmaurice, with Principal, Ms E Ryan and Deputy Principal, Mr J Burke.

Leaving Certificate Student of the Year 2016 nominees. Pictured left to right receiving their awards from Ms Eileen Ryan, Principal, are Tara Cummins, Aimee Dowd, David Coyne, Michael Earley and Michael Henry.

Leaving Certificate Graduation 2016

“Docendo

discimus.”

(By teaching

we learn.)

Latin Proverb

P A G E 3

C A S T L E R E A C . S .

"Good, better,

best. Never let it

rest, 'til your good

is better and your

better is best.”

St. Jerome

Tús maith leath na

hoibre.

(Well begun is half

done.)

The annual Student Awards Ceremony was held in CCS on Friday May 27th. Guest of Honour was Neill Collins, past pupil and a member of the Ros-common Senior Football Team.

First Year Student of the Year Award win-ners were: Nominees - Girls: Michaela Keaveney Aisling Kelly Winner: Sinéad Gorham

Nominees- Boys : Daniel Henry Ethan Dempsey Winner: Ronan Tumbek

Sport Awards Winners:1st Year Basketball - Boys: Adam McDermott Bas-ketball - Girls: Maureen Quinn 1st Year Gaelic Player of Year - Boys : Kyle Finneran 1st Year Athletics Student of Year - Javelin Liam Diggins

1st Yr. Sports Award Winners with Ms. Ryan, Princi-pal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Principal

First Year Art Student of the Year:

Eoin Coffey pictured with Ms Ryan, Principal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Principal receiving his Art Award. 1st Year Basketball Team The 1st Yr. Boys’ basketball team received their All Ireland Runners-up Cup Medals. 2nd Year Subject Award Winners: English: Ciara Mulheir Irish: Fiona Kilkenny Maths: Aoife Shriane History: Sarah Winston Geography: Tara Keane Business: Brendan Pacey Science: Sophie Beveridge Home Economics: Megan Keaveney Art: Amanda Connolly French: Rachel Mulligan German: Aoibhe D’Arcy Technology: Jack Glynn Woodwork: Daniel Connolly Metalwork: Holly Hopkins Technical Graphics: Dylan Murray CSPE: Laura Fannon

2nd Year Subject Award Winners with Ms Ryan, Principal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Prin-cipal.

Awards Day 2016

1st Year Student of the Year Award Winners (Female) with Ms Ryan, Principal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Principal.

1st Year Student of the Year Award Winners (Male) with Ms Ryan, Principal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Principal.

P A G E 4

“I'd rather

attempt to do

something great

and fail than to

attempt to do

nothing and

succeed.”

Robert H.

Schuller

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else. You are the one that gets burnt”

Buddha

C A S T L E R E A C . S .

2nd Year Sports Awards: Basketball Award -Girls: Sandra Keane Basketball Award –Boys: Padraig Joyce Juvenile Football-Dylan Gaughan U-14 Ladies Football– Lisa O’Rourke

2nd Year Sports Award winners and In-door Soccer Lunchtime League winners with Ms. Ryan, Principal.

3rd Year Student of the Year Award winners: Nominees - Girls : Aishah Sattar Clodagh Higgins Winner: Taylor Moran Nominees - Boys : Barry Potter Dylan Daire Winner: Ruairí O’Connell

3rd Year Student of the year Nominees and winners with Ms. Ryan, Principal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Principal. Sport Awards’ Winners 3rd Year Basketball Award—Girls: Chloe Finan Basketball Award - Boys : Aurimas Kavaliauskas 3rd Yr. Athletics Student of Year - Javelin James Beveridge 3rd Yr. Junior Girls Gaelic Footballer of the Year - Jessica Connolly.

Junior Gaelic Football Connaught Final Runners-up medals were presented.

Awards Day 2016 continued

3rd Year Sports Award Winners with Ms. Ryan, Principal and Mr. Burke, Deputy Principal

Music students provided entertain-ment for the afternoon.

5th Year Awards:

English: Alannah O’Byrne Irish: Rory Kilkenny Maths: Caoimhe Dowd History: Caolan McHugh Geography: Bróna Earley French: Luana Camargo German: Sarah Mee Business: Evan Flynn Accountancy: Colm Earley Biology: Andrew Lyons Ag. Science: Emma Glancy Art: Ailbhe Woods LCVP: Aisling Kelly Home Economics: Leoine O’Grady Construction: James Shannon Engineering: Emily Sharkey DCG: Laoise Miley Technology: James Fannon Physics: Enda McDonagh

5th Year Student of the Year Award winners with Ms. Ryan, Principal and Mr. Neill Collins, Guest of Honour.

Pictured is Ms. Eileen Ryan, Prin-cipal, presenting the LCA Award for best Exam Results 5th Year to Louise O’Sulli-van and Amy Burke.

P A G E 5

“Everybody is a

genius. But if

you judge a fish

by its ability to

climb a tree, it

will live its whole

life believing

that it is stupid.”

Albert Einstein

5th Yr. Sports Awards Ladies Gaelic Football Award: Amy Malone Junior Football: Andrew Lyons Colm McDermott Senior Football:- Evan Flynn Basketball: Sarah Diggins, Jack Keane LCA Physical Education Award: Dylan Nolan Soccer Assistant:- Laura Mulroy

5th Year Sports Award Winners with Ms. Ryan, Principal and Mr. Neill Col-lins, Guest of Honour.

Best Female Junior Cert 2015 Award:

Bróna Earley

Best Male Junior Cert 2015 Award: Cian McGovern

“If you are

planning for a

year, sow rice; if

you are planning

for a decade,

plant trees; if

you are planning

for a lifetime,

educate people.”

Chinese

proverb

C A S T L E R E A C . S .

Green-Schools The Green-Schools’ Committee also re-ceived certs for their work during the year. The Committee Members were:- Megan Gaughan Darren O’Connor Heather Spellman Carla Green Chloe O’Brien Darragh Sarsfield Sara Sharkey Luana Camargo Ailbhe Woods Laura Harte Josephine Keely Leanne McHugh Emily Conlon Cathal Mulhern Dylan Hanley Student Council 2015/2016 The Student Council members were pre-sented with their certificates for all their work during the year. The members were : Nicole Creighton Chloe Nolan Nathan Greene Caitlín Glynn Eimhin Pierce Heather Spellman Emma Glancy Emily Conlon Josephine Keely Luana Camargo Niamh Spellman Samantha Dempsey Sara Sharkey Sophie Beveridge

Prefects 2016/2017

The new Prefects for 2016/2017 were pre-sented with their badges:

Bróna Earley James Fannon Evan Flynn Chantelle Glynn Andrew Lyons Caolan McHugh Sarah Mee Laoise Miley Emily Sharkey Heather Spellman Ailbhe Woods

Best Junior Cert. recipients Cian McGovern and Bróna Earley with Ms. Eileen Ryan, Prin-cipal and Mr. Neill Collins, Guest of Honour.

Awards Day 2016 continued

Citizenship Award Winners

Laura Mulroy and Heather Spellman receiving their Citizensip Awards from Ms. Eileen Ryan, Principal and Mr. Neill Collins, Guest of Honour.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Liam Campbell Memorial Cup The Liam Campbell Cup tournament was played at O’Rourke Park, Castlerea in May. Two 1st Yr. teams, Ballyhaunis C.S. and Castlerea C.S. took part. The eventual winners were Ballyhaunis C.S. Liam Campbell’s wife, Joan, presented the cup to a delighted Ballyhaunis C.S. captain. Ms Ryan then presented medals to the winning team.

Pictured is the CCS Gaelic Football Team who took part in the Liam Campbell Memorial Cup with Mr. Damien Carty, Manager.

P A G E 6

Sport

It has been a very successful few weeks for athletics from CCS. Six qualified for the Connacht finals in various events, James Beveridge in the javelin, Liam Diggins in the shot put and javelin, Jack McDonagh in the shot put, Lisa O’Rourke in the shot put and 800 meters, Brendan Pacey in the long jump and Sandra Keane in the shot put. Three qualified for the All-Ireland Finals, James Beveridge, Liam Diggins and Brendan Pacey. James Beveridge won silver in the javelin, Liam Diggins won bronze in the javelin and Brendan Pacey jumped brilliantly to take silver in the long jump.

Athletics

Basketball It was a relatively successful year in Basketball with a number of teams reaching Regional Finals.

The Cadet boys won the first Regional title in seven years when they defeated St. Enda’s 54-51 in a thriller and they went on to play in the All-Ireland playoffs where our local venue The Hub received very positive feedback from the visiting teams.

The 1st and 2nd year boys were both runners- up in the Regional Finals, the 2nd years in a very close game and the 1st years were well beaten but with numerous injuries to key players.

The Senior boys just missed out on the All-Ireland playoffs on score difference and had a good run in the Cup, beating a Dublin team and losing in a thriller to Virginia College at The Hub.

The Cadet girls were involved in many games, losing out in the Regional Final by two points and losing two All-Ireland semi finals by close margins, with the victors going on to win both League and Cup All-Irelands. The 2nd year girls lost out by two points to St. Nathy’s College in the Regional Semi-Final. Next year’s Cadets and Seniors should be very competitive next season.

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” Muhammad Ali

“I have not

failed,

I have just found

10,000 ways that

don’t work.”

Thomas Edison

Teaching kids to

count is fine, but

teaching them

what counts is

best.

- Bob Talber

Ladies Football 2015/2016 Ladies Football had a very successful year in CCS 2015/2016. All three teams got to the quarter final stage in their respective competitions. The u14 Team was defeated by Crossmolina by one point in a thriller. The Senior Team had a heartbreaking 1pt defeat to Mohill. The Junior Team was comprehensively beaten by Claregalway. There is a lot of skill in these teams and with greater commitment these ladies’ football teams can go from strength to strength.

P A G E 7

Sport

The Junior Team who played in the Connaught Championship Final.

Lidl Post Primary Schools Competition

The Senior Girls’ Gaelic Football Team

Congratulations to CCS on winning the Lidl Store Competition in the Castlerea store. The school has received a full set of team jerseys, training balls, bottles, kit bag, cones and bibs for the Ladies Foot-ball team. Sincere thanks to Lidl for this sponsor-ship and to all the shoppers in Lidl who chose CCS during the last number of weeks Pictured right, at the presentation of the Lidl Kit to CCS are some members of the girls Gael-ic Team with Ms Ryan, Principal, Ms Reilly, Gaelic Manager and Management from Lidl.

The Junior Boys were defeated by Glenamaddy CS in the Connacht final at the Centre of Excellence on Friday 8th April. Despite playing with the wind, they got off to a bad start and were seven points behind after twenty minutes. Two goals from Andrew Lyons and a Dean Manning point, brought Castlerea back into the game and left us only a point behind at the break. Although we scored an equaliser, Glenamaddy again got the upper hand in the game and established a commanding lead. Castlerea’s “never say die” attitude was apparent, however, and two more Andrew Lyons goals put us back in conten-tion again. Glenamaddy managed to close out the game with a goal and two points to win by 4-11 to 4-4. After the game Mr. Gooney thanked the players for the huge effort they had put in. Thanks to Mr Danny Burke who assisted Mr. Gooney with this team during the year. CCS Panel: J. Egan, C. McGovern, M. Kelly, C. Earley, R. O’Connell, J. Hester, D. Brennan, M. Conroy, J. Keane (captain), S. Gordon, A. Lyons, D. Gaughan, J. Fannon, D. Manning, C. McDermott, J. Larkin, C. McHugh, R. Kilkenny, A. McDermott, B. Harte, P. Joyce, T. Fitzmaurice, S. Keenan, K. Glancy. The players and management of the Junior team would like to thank St. Kevin’s Castlerea for their generous contribution towards a set of tops for the Final.

“To thine own self

be true.”

Shakespeare

“I have the

simplest taste.

I am always

satisfied with the

best.”

Oscar Wilde

Gaisce Adventure Journey The Gaisce adventure trip took place on May 5th and 6th in Lilliput Adventure Centre. The trip is a compulsory element in achieving the award and requires participants to complete physical activities and camp out overnight. Thirty students from TY and 5th Yr. took on the challenge and we are delighted to say they all survived. On arrival, the students were guided on a 20 mile hike around the Westmeath Way. They returned to the centre and immediately took on the bog obstacle course which involved jumping into and around bog holes. A fun filled game of bubble soccer rounded off the evening and it was time for hot chocolate around the camp fire. On waking the follow-ing morning, students enjoyed a good break-fast followed by orienteering and rock climb-ing activities. Many thanks to Frankie, Trish, Paul and the team at Lilliput who provided, as always, a warm and hospitable welcome and who made the experience a memorable one for all. The students were accompanied by Ms Mullarkey and Ms Larkin, Gaisce Participant Award Leaders.

P A G E 8

Easter Raffle Transition Year and 5th Yr. students who did the Gaisce Awards organised a fundraising raffle for their adventure trip to Lilliput Adventure Centre. Students spent two days in Lilliput to complete their Adventure Journey. They are very grateful to all the local businesses who sponsored the prizes and to all the staff and students for their wonderful support. There were many winners on the day and there was a great atmosphere at the Raffle. Thanks to everyone who supported this endeavour.

Minister Denis Naughton visits CCS. On Friday 29th January,our newly elected Minister for Com-munications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Denis Naughton, visited CCS and spoke to Ms.Ryan’s CSPE. class about Democracy, which they had been studying over their three year course. The students had a myriad of questions to ask Denis, including his view on topical issues such as the water charges issue, the Save Roscommon Campaign and about the new Junior Cert. He informed students that there was too much water being wasted and metering was the best way to prevent this from happening. He told them that he agreed with the new Junior Cert cycle as when students leave Second Level education they would be assessed throughout the year in Third Level education. Students found this “ gathering of minds” a most informative experience. They felt they were very privileged to have such a knowledgeable and well- informed politician represent their county. Students, subsequently, visited Dail Éireann in order to complete their “Report on an Action Project”.

Denis Naughton, Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources with 3rd. Yr. CSPE stu-dents and their teacher Ms. Ryan.

Transition Year and 5th Yr. students with their leaders, Ms. Larkin and Ms. Mullarkey , en-joying their Adventure Journey in Lilliput Adventure Centre

PLC Information Week “PLC Information Week” was held for Leaving Cert students in CCS recently. During the week Ms. Quinn, Guidance Counsellor, organised talks from 3 PLC colleges, Moate Business College, Castle-rea Community School and Sligo College of Further Education. Each representative outlined the application procedure, entry requirements, the various courses on offer and the progression routes onto further education. Courses range from Business and Computing, Health Care, Art and De-sign, Science and Engineering to Hair and Beauty. All these provide a qualification that leads to 3rd Level entry or employ-ment. Applications are made directly to each college.

Pictured above is Ann Lynch accepting a cheque on behalf of Console from Laura McGoldrick who present-ed it on behalf of the 2016 Leaving Cert. Graduation Class.

Presentation to Console

P A G E 9

“For every minute

you are angry you

lose 60 seconds of

happiness”

Ralph Emerson

“Carpe Diem”

(Seize the day.)

C A S T L E R E A C . S .

Carol Service Fundraiser

Pictured above are 2nd Yr. Music students, together with Ms McNulty, Music teacher and Ms Colleary, School Chap-lain, representing all CCS students and staff who fund raised at the Carol service for Western Alzheimers. Mr Burke, Deputy Principal, made the presentation of €300 to Ms Noleen Rudden on behalf of all involved.

Pictured above are 2nd Yr. Music students, together with Ms Mc Nulty, Music teacher and Ms Colleary, School Chap-lain, representing all CCS students and staff who fund raised during the school’s Carol service for St. Vincent de Paul. Mr Burke, Deputy Principal, made the presentation of €300 to Mr Seamus Ronane on behalf of all involved.

Trocaire’s 2016 Lenten Campaign

Join Our Boys Orange Day On Friday May 1st CCS took part in the “Join our Boys Orange Day”. Students and teachers alike, took part, sporting orange in many different forms. The money raised was collected by the Student Council. Thank you to all who contribut-ed to this very worthy cause.

Once again CCS participated in the Trocaire Lenten Campaign. Your kind support will help hard-working communities in some of the poorest parts of the world adapt to the changing climate, enabling them to grow food and pro-vide for their families. This leads to better health and a chance for these com-munities to improve their lives and live with dignity. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir!

Fundraising

“Everything is okay in the end. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end.” Proverb

“The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg -- not by smashing it. - Arnold Glasow

P A G E 1 0

Double delight in Demo room as daring plan delivers darling ducks at dawn.

It was thought that this was another wild goose chase but Mr.Heduan cracked it, this time with this carefully hatched plan. He could be seen swan-ning around for days as the eggspected eggcitment came to boil. As the first cracks began to appear it was obvious that this would be another feather in the cap of this brilliant scientist. Students were shell shocked when the first sign of life appeared and those who were late for class laid the blame on the duck. Hopes were not as high for the second duckling as he seemed down and out but with Mr.Heduan up at the quack of down in a mad scramble to save him, he finally pulled through. They both have been given a clean bill of health. In fact, certain chemistry has developed between the two (however the other duck is getting jealous). There was no such luck with the hens and fry as they might nothing hatched. However, no foul play was suspected. As we know, even the most carefully laid plans can go egg shaped. In life we experience the agony and the eggstacy. Students and staff experienced it at first hand in the lab this term. Congratulations Mr.Heduan, for providing us with this wonderful experience.

This cracking, eggciting eggcount of the darling ducks was penned by Mr. Henry!!

Leaving Cert student Tess Shultz received a GMIT Scholarship. Tess, who is currently pursuing an Honours Degree in Biology and Pharmaceutical Science in GMIT, received one of 12 scholarships based on a combination of her Leaving Certificate re-sults, interview participa-tion, academic references from CCS and her com-mitment to her chosen programme of study. We wish Tess all the best in the future.

Tess Shultz receiving her GMIT scholarship from Dr. Fer-gal Barry, President of GMIT with Ms. Catherine Flynn,

Ms Eileen Ryan, Principal CCS, Francis McElroy and Ms. Anne

Marie Quinn, Guidance Councillor CCS.

GMIT Scholarship