mercy kilbeggan

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN

KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH • Tel: 057 9332292 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

Principal: Garrett Farrell • Deputy Principal: Bernadette Gallen

MERCY KILBEGGAN

NEWS AND VIEWS

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL KILBEGGAN NEWSLETTER DEC 2019 ISSUE 3

WELCOME

Welcome to the December issue of Mercy Kilbeggan

“News and Views” which highlights some events and

activities that go on, and will go on, in our school both

inside and outside of the classroom.

WEBSITE

Please consult our school website at

www.mercykilbeggan.ie for weekly event updates,

news in co-curricular and extracurricular activities,

and useful links.

SCHOOL NEWS

NEW FIRST YEARS AND MENTOR PROGRAMME

The 19/20 Sixth Year mentor cohort engaged in a day of training in preparation for their participation in our

school's big brother/sister programme on August 22nd. Our Sixth Year mentors assist incoming First-Year

students with the transition from primary to secondary school. The programme is coordinated by Ms. Glynn and

has been highly successful so far this school year, enabling our new First Year students to settle in at Mercy

Kilbeggan.

TRANSITION YEAR LILLIPUT TRIP

On September 5th all Transition Year students went to Lilliput Adventure Centre

for an Outdoor Adventure bonding day. Our students were given the opportunity

to partake in Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Bog Hopping and more. It was a great

way for our Transition Year class of 19/20 to start off their year and it enabled our

students, in a fun environment, to establish additional friendships within their

relatively new class groups.

GAISCE PROGRAMME

Our 19/20 Transition Year students’ Gaisce Journey is progressing well with

students having completed three activity sections to date; Community

Involvement, Personal Skill and Physical Recreation. The culmination of their

Gaisce Journey will consist of a two-night stay at Colaiste Uisce in Co. Mayo from

April 1st to the 3rd and a Croagh Patrick Climb on May 19th.

FIRST YEAR TASTER PROGRAMME

The taster programme, which enabled First Year students to sample potential

option subjects they would like to take for Junior Cycle, concluded on November

18th. Our First Year students commenced their subject choice options on

November 19th. Each student selected one of the two languages French and

German, one subject between History and Geography, and two additional

subjects. The taster programme was a great success and enabled our First Years

to make informed decisions on subject choice, providing them with a sense of

comfort and assurance.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.mercykilbeggan.ie/



SCHOOL NEWS



POPE JOHN PAUL II GOLD MEDAL AWARDS 2019

Congratulations to students Stephanie Scally, Aideen Teehan, Brian Walsh,

Kevin Walsh, Lorraine Egan, Mairead Corcoran and Joanne Whaley. who were

awarded with seven Pope John Paul II Gold Medals for their voluntary work

over a one-year time period on September 7th. These awards were presented

to our students by Bishop Thomas Deenihan. This was a magnificent reflection

on the kind and giving nature of these students, their teachers and their

families. Full credit and thanks must go to Ms. Kelly and Mr. Prendergast of our

Religion Department for organising this programme within our school. The

group also took a trip to Knock on September 27th to culminate their journey.

TRANSITION YEAR SWIMMING

The final Swimming session of our 2019/2020 Transition Year Physical Education

Swimming block, in which each student has four sessions at Clara swimming

pool, will conclude on January 9th. Students are provided with the opportunity to

partake in water-based activities led by their physical educators. Activities

include water polo, team challenges, and lane Swimming.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Transition Year students had their first of two work experience weeks from October 21st to October 25th. The

feedback has been very positive with students having the opportunity to gain real-life experience in potential

and diversified career paths. Transition Year students will have a second work experience week later in the

school year.

TRANSITION YEAR DRUMMING WORKSHOP

On September 11th all Transition Year students, within their respective class

groups, engaged in a Drumming Workshop. The workshop was facilitated by

Kieran Gallagher of Kada Ka Boom Arts. Students were exposed to several

percussion instruments and had the opportunity to put together and perform

different collective music pieces. A fun time was had by all.

SIXTH YEAR HIGHER OPTIONS AT RDS

On September 20th all Sixth Year students attended the Higher Options expo at

the RDS. The Higher Options expo is held each year by The Irish Times and gives

educational and career advice to anyone who's searching for it. Our Leaving

Cert students were presented with the opportunity to get the low down on

everything from college courses to the CAO, and other aspects such as the

Debs. The event has been a must for students over the last number of years.

ALL-IRELAND CAMOGIE SUCCESS

On September 12th three panel members from the victorious Westmeath team who

recently won the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship paid our students

a visit, bringing with them the cup that past pupil and captain Mairead McCormack

lifted in Croke Park. Congratulations to the Intermediate team and thanks for the

visit. It will inspire the students in our school.






SCHOOL NEWS

SIXTH YEAR BURREN TRIP

Our Sixth Year Geography class visited the Burren on a Geography class field trip

on October 8th. The trip has provided some valuable insights on key curricular

areas for our students as they prepare themselves for the Leaving Certificate

Geography examination.

WESTMEATH CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019

The Mercy Kilbeggan Athletics Team had an excellent day out at

Belvedere House for the 2019 Westmeath Cross-Country Running

Championships on September 25th. Our students performed

extremely well, and it was our best team display at the meet in years.

Well done to the entire team on the great display in tough conditions.

FIRST YEAR AND MENTOR COURTLOUGH TRIP

On September 26th all First Year students, accompanied by their Sixth Year Mentors

and guiding teachers visited Courtlough Adventure Centre for a day of fun-filled

activity. Our First Years thoroughly enjoyed the day on their first trip as a Mercy

Kilbeggan student.

SECOND YEAR ART TRIP

On October 2nd the Second Year Art class visited the National Gallery on a class trip. The purpose of the trip was

to inspire creativity within their practical work by engaging with real-life Art. The students gained some valuable

insights which they can draw on when working on future tasks and projects in Art class.

EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES

To celebrate the European Day of Languages on September 26th, the MFL

Department held an afternoon of language themed tasks. TY students led 1st Years

in a range of fun language activities including memory games, fun fact finding,

learning to write 'hello' in different languages and a quiz. Overall it was a great

success in promoting the importance of language learning and we all look forward

to it being even bigger and better next year!

JUNIOR CERT RESULTS DAY

There was great excitement on the morning of October 4th as Junior Cert results day

had finally arrived. Students received their results at 9.30am from Mr. Farrell and all

students were pleased with what they received. The hard work has paid off.

Congratulations to all, and thank you to all teachers for their continued dedication

and support of this group of students.

GERMAN DEBATING

Congratulations to our German Debating team of Lauryn McDonnell, Alex Gorsa, Max Mohan, Ciara

Gately, Brian McMahon, Orna Kelly, Lara Henshaw, Emma Foyle and Brian Egan for their victory away

to Presentation College Tuam on October 14th. Our team were then eliminated on November 29th.

Thanks to Ms. Corcoran for her guidance and her huge effort with the team.






SCHOOL NEWS

WELLBEING WEEK

From Monday October 14th to Friday October 18th was Wellbeing week at Mercy

Kilbeggan. Events organised by our schools Wellbeing committee were conducted

throughout the week to support the holistic Wellbeing of our students. Examples of

which include; Sixth Year Yoga, Hot Chocolate, First Year Movie, In-Class Meditations,

and our TY 'Cyclothon'.

TRANSITION YEAR LOUGH BOORA PARKLANDS TRIP

On October 16th all TY students travelled to Lough Boora Parklands on a

Physical Education trip. The weather was perfect for occasion and each

student engaged in Cycling and Orienteering. Students cycled the 15.8 km

Turraun Trail and engaged in 'Selfie Orienteering' on Lough Boora Grounds.

A great day was had by all. Thanks to Pat Barrett and his team at Lough

Boora for their hospitality.

TRANSITION YEAR BAKE-OFF

On October 18th our TY students participated in a Bake-Off competition organised by

our school Home Economics Department. Well done to all on their culinary creations

and thanks to Ms. Relihan and Ms. Stenson of our Home Economics Department.

BT YOUNG SCIENTIST 2020

Three projects have qualified from our school for the 2020 BT Young Scientist Exhibition, taking place at the

RDS from January 8th to 11th 2020. Best of luck to each group and their respective teacher in their

preparations.

Students: Lisa Ennis & Erin Heeney

Project Title: NCCA vs Students: Where is the Change?

Teacher: Ms. Daly

Student: Orna Kelly

Project Title: Goodbye Documentation, Hello Dramatisation

Teacher: Ms. S. Clarke

Students: Tiarnan Clarke MacMahon, Luke Seery & Owen Bagnall

Project Title: Fighting for Breath; Is the School Drop off Harmful to Student Health?

Teacher: Ms. S. Clarke

SIXTH YEAR HAMLET TRIP

On October 22nd our Sixth Years visited Athlone, accompanied by their English teachers,

to view the play Hamlet. Hamlet is the chosen single text which our students are studying

for their Leaving Certificate examination. The trip will help to inform and inspire their

writing and scaffold their responses within single text questions. Our students also

visited Athlone Town Centre for some shopping.






SCHOOL NEWS

SPEECH AND DRAMA

Speech and Drama is still on-going for some of our Transition Year students. Students

engage within Speech and Drama classes for one-third of the school year. The Speech and

Drama rotation concludes with an oral presentation examination. Each Transition Year

student receives a grade and a certificate of participation at the end. TY 3 have completed

their Speech and Drama module and made their presentations on November 5th.

OPEN NIGHT 2019

Our Open Night held on November 14th was a huge success. It was great to see all the Sixth Class students and

their families exploring our school and meeting our students. There was a family-like atmosphere on the night

and that truly reflects what school-life is like at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan.

FREAKY FRIDAY FANCY DRESS

On October 25th there was a 'Freaky Friday' fancy dress day

organised by our school's Student Council. Each student was

encouraged to express their creativity in their chosen costume.

All funds generated will be going to Temple Street Children's

Hospital. Well done to the Student Council and all our students.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT INSPECTION

On November 4th and 5th there was an English Department inspection conducted in our school by the Department

of Education and Skills. Both teachers and students performed well, and practice within our English

Department received praise. Well done to all involved.

TRANSITION YEAR FIRST AID WORKSHOP

A huge thank you must be extended to Frankie Wright and his team from Lilliput Adventure

Centre for delivering a First Aid Workshop to our TY students on November 6th. The students are

thankful for receiving this potentially life-saving information.

FIFTH YEAR A.G SCIENCE TRIP

On November 7th the Fifth Year A.g Science class visited Kiernan Milling

in Granard for a tour of the mill. It is one of the biggest mills in Ireland and

our group got an insight into the labs, animal nutrition, and the

manufacturing and packing process. A great day was had by all.

TEAM HOPE SHOE BOX APPEAL

Mercy Kilbeggan is supporting Team Hope's Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. The

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal sends thousands of gift-filled shoe boxes to

children in Africa and Eastern Europe. The children who will receive our

shoe boxes are affected by poverty in different ways. Many come from

families with very little income, others live on the margins of society or in

areas affected by conflict. These shoe boxes can bring joy and excitement to

children living in often very difficult situations. Well done to our students, our

Religion Department and thanks to all who donated to this great cause.






SCHOOL NEWS

WRAFTER FAMILY BAND SCHOOL FUNDRAISING CONCERT

On Wednesday November 21st and Thursday November 22nd, The Wrafter Family

Band and Friends of Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan performed at two sold-

out fundraising concerts in the Tuar Árd in Moate. All proceeds from both

concerts are going towards the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan New School

Fund. The level of musical talent on show was truly remarkable and the audience

were treated to memorable musical entertainment. The concert was headlined

by the Wrafter Family Band, and also featured performances from current and

past pupils of our school. A huge thank you must be extended to the Wrafter

Family Band, all additional performers, all at the Tuar Árd in Moate, the Mercy

Secondary School Kilbeggan Parents association, and to all members of the

audience for their support. Also thank you to our school Music Department

teachers for their great work in developing such musical talent. The

contributions of the aforementioned are greatly appreciated by our school.

SOROPTOMISTS PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

Marianna Kalocsai, Rosemary Midonga, and Michaela Cox participated in the local heat

of the Soroptomists Public Speaking Competition in Mullingar on November 19th. The

girls are pictured below with their certificates and gifts from Soroptomists

International Mullingar. Our very own Michaela Cox was the winner on the night.

Michaela has qualified to represent the school at the regional final in Drogheda in

January. She spoke on the subject of Education: Education is the most powerful

weapon which you can use to change the world. Well done to Michaela, Marianna,

Rosemary, and their guiding teacher Ms. Glynn.

CARLOW IT OPEN DAY SCHOOL DEBATING COMPETITION

Well done to Orna Kelly and Aoibhe Cusack who represented our school at the Carlow IT Open Day Debating

Competition on November 14th.

ALBHA OMAN REPUNZEL FOUNDATION DONATION AND IRISH CANCER SOCIETY FUNDRAISER

A message from our Sixth Year Student Albha Oman:

"On Saturday November 23rd I cut 18 inches off my hair and I donated it to the Repunzel Foundation.

They make wigs for people who unfortunately cannot grow their hair because of cancer treatment

or other medical reasons. My hair has given me great confidence over the years and it was time to

pass that confidence on to some else. Hopefully my hair will make it a little easier for someone to

smile through the tough times. The money I raised is being given to the Irish Cancer Society who

are continuously researching cancer and cancer treatments."

All at Mercy Kilbeggan would like to commend Albha for this incredible gesture, which typifies the

spirit, character and good nature she has exhibited throughout her six years here with us.

6th YEAR A.g SCIENCE

Our 6th Year A.g Science class visited Coorevin Farm, Borrisokane on

December 5th. Farmer Pádraig Moran showed the students around his farm

and talked to them about farm enterprise. Thanks to Pádraig for a great tour and

an informative talk which will help our students complete their 25% project.






SCHOOL NEWS

NIKOLAUSTAG

Our German students celebrated German feast day 'Nikolaustag' on

December 6th. A range of Germany-inspired treats and activities were

arranged for our students on the day.

TRANSITION YEAR BOYS GAA COACHING WORKSHOP

Our December 6th 27 TY boys engaged in a Gaa Coaching Workshop organised by

Westmeath Gaa. Within the workshop, which had both theoretical and practical elements,

our students were presented with the opportunity to both create and deliver focused

drills using various principles of coaching.

THIRD YEAR ART TRIP

On December 4th the Third Year Art class visited the National Gallery on a class trip. The purpose of

the trip was to inform and inspire our students’ practical and project work for their Junior

Certificate examination,

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

On December 11th and 12th our Music students, accompanied by our Music teachers, got

in the Christmas spirit and visited Tyrrellspass nursing home and Golden Island Shopping

Centre respectively to perform Christmas carols. Our talented group impressed at both

locations and contributed to the festive atmosphere. Well done to all involved.

TRANSITION YEAR SKIING AND ICE SKATING

On December 12th our TY students engaged in Winter sport as they

travelled to Kiltiernan for some skiing and also to Dundrum Town Centre

for some Ice Skating. Our students really enjoyed both activities. The

activities provided great fun and memorable bonding moments with for

our students and their friends. There was also time for our students to

explore Dundrum Town Centre for some festive shopping.

THIRD YEAR ICE SKATING

On December 13th our Third Year students travelled to

Blanchardstown for some Ice Skating. Our students really

enjoyed the trip as it provided them with a well-deserved break

from their studies. Our Third Year students have worked hard this

term in preparation for their mock examinations and beyond, so

this trip came at a great time for them. Our students also got the

opportunity to shop in Blanchardstown shopping centre.

AIT INDOOR ATHLETICS

On December 17th our Junior Athletics team attended the indoor Athletics event held in AIT.

Events on the day included the 60M, 200M, 800M, 4X200M Relay, Shot Put, and Long Jump for

both boys and girls. Our team collected a huge medal haul and done our school proud. A fun-

filled day was had by our team.





SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM UPDATE

• Our Senior Girls Football Team have been eliminated from the C championship after two defeats

• Our Junior Girls Football Team have won their first two C championship game and await their North

Leinster final

• Our Senior Boys Football Team, with a win in their next game, progress to the North Leinster B

championship semi-finals

• Our Senior Boys Football Team made the Senior A league final

• Our Junior Boys Football Team have been eliminated from the North Leinster C championship after two

defeats and one win from their three group games

• Our Second Year Boys Football Team made the quarter-finals of their championship

• Our First Year Boys Football Team have done well at blitz days so far this school year

• Our Senior and Junior Camogie teams have been eliminated from the championship after decent

campaigns

• Our Senior Boys Hurling Team, after three wins, were eliminated from the C1 championship at the

district final phase

• Our Junior Boys Hurling Team are in the North Leinster C1 championship final

• Our U19 and U16 Girls Basketball Teams didn’t progress from their league group

• Our U19 Boys Basketball Team made the Leinster District league semi-final

• Our U16 Boys Basketball Team made the Leinster District league final

• Our U16 and U19 Girls Rugby Teams performed well at blitz days so far this school year

• Our U16 Boys Rugby Team made the semi-finals of their cup competition

• Our First Year and U15 Girls Soccer Teams have played well in a few friendly matches so far this school

year

• Our U15, U17, and Senior Boys Soccer Teams have begun their league campaigns and are shaping up

well. Our U17 Team is in the semi-final. We had no success this year in cup competition

SCHOOL NEWS


SIXTH YEAR CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

On December 18th our Sixth Year students were treated to a festive Christmas

Breakfast. Each student brought in an item to contribute. It proved a thoroughly

enjoyable morning, and a well-deserved one for our students. Well done to the

Sixth Year committee that facilitated the event and to teachers Ms. Daly and Ms.

E. Clarke for their organisation, contribution, and assistance.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXHIBITION

On December 19th our International students held an exhibit in our school canteen. Our

First Year students were invited to the exhibition where they were presented with the

opportunity to develop their cultural knowledge. Seventeen nationalities were

represented at the event and it was well organised by our student council.

ASD CHRISTMAS CLASS TRIP

On December 19th the students in our ASD Class visited Rock ‘N’ Bowl in Mullingar for their

end of term trip. Our students were accompanied by Department Coordinator Mr.

Donnelly, ASD Class teachers, and our school SNA’s. This was very much an action-

packed and fun-filled day for our students. Our students engaged in bowling and in

various other arcade games and activities that Rock ‘N’ Bowl has to offer.





SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM GALLERY

SCHOOL NEWS




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