Rice College NewsFirst Term • 2013 - 2014Issue 61 • Dec

This term we saw an array of events taking place. We had the election for a new Board of Management which took effect from 15th October. Mr John G Davin, Fr. Karl Burns, Mr Robert Kilkelly and Mrs Orla Brickenden all stay on as trustee nominees. Newly elected parents, Mrs Sharon Brady and Mr Charlie Lambert replace Mrs Eithne Ring, Mr Tony Varley and Mr Joe Corcoran. Replacing Mr Pat McNamara and Mr Colin McConway as teacher nominees are Mrs Julie Kennedy and Ms Ríona Prendergast. Many thanks to all listed for volunteering their time so generously. A number of sub committees have been ratified with local people co-opted as needs be. A fundraising committee is already working hard behind the scenes to secure sufficient funding to develop our main pitch behind the gym. To the front we are endeavouring to complete an all-weather playing area. This will cost a total of €300,000 to complete the two areas and your support will be needed with fundraising projects in the New Year. Sincere thanks to the many working on this to date. The Parents Council have been reenergised and revitalised with its many new parent members along with a newly formed committee. Mrs Rita McNally (Chairperson), Mrs Bernie Walsh (Treasurer) and Mrs Joan Geraghty (Secretary) are at the helm. A hugely enjoyable and successful Card Game was held on the 01st December and if you forgot to return your ticket/money it’s never too late. Thanks to you, the parents, for all your support. Hopefully the industrial dispute secondary schools find themselves in will be sorted out in the short term and we can plan for Open/Option/Career CAO and parent-teacher meeting evenings. The new Junior Certificate Framework is to commence next September 2014 in English for the first years entrants. In other words next year’s first years will be examined in Junior Certificate English in June 2016 under this new system. The following year (Phase2) will see students examined in Irish, Science and Business Studies. Phase 3 adds Art, Languages and Geography to the mix and then entrants in 2017/2018 (Phase 4) will complete every subject in this new Junior Certificate Framework in 2020. The school community were deeply saddened by the tragic passing of one of our former students Shane Bourke. Our deepest condolences and sympathies go out to the Bourke and Doyle families and many friends on the tragic loss of Shane. As we look forward to the festive season I wish all a very happy and safe Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2014.

TY students from Sacred Heart School & Rice College - ALL SHOOK UP

The CastShauna Sammon NatalieCathal Chambers ChadNicole Gannon LorraineJosh Moran DennisSophie Letourmy Miss SandraBrian McCormack DeanCathy Ring SylviaIsaac Brickenden JimEimear Bruton MatildaJack Carroll EarlEmily Rowley HenriettaRoss Prendergast Prison OfficerSinéad Brogan SingerRachel Kelly SingerEllie Shackleton SingerMartin McNally Bus DriverSeán O’Donnell CitizenKevin O’Haire Fella

The Production played to full and appreciative audiences on each night of the performance. Needless to say, it was a huge learning experience for the Transition Year students from both schools, an experience that will remain with them throughout their lives. Its a wonderful way to begin Tr. Year.Credit to Producer: Hazel McLynn; Musical Directors: John Flatley and Gráinne Kenny; Musicians: Donal Hoban, Michael Buckton, Craig Donaldson; TY Co-ordinators: Martin Gill and Gearóid Ó Riain; Much appreciation is due to School Principals: Mr. Rabbette and Ms. Murphy and their teaching staffs for their help, support and co-operation in the long weeks of preparation, a great challenge to all in times of cut-backs and increased class sizes!

All Shook Up is a musical comedy built around a number of songs made famous by Elvis Presley. It takes place in 1955 in a small midwestern town. One girl’s dream and a surprise visit from a mysterious leather-jacketted, guitar-playing stranger helps the small town to discover the magic of romance and the power of “Rock & Roll”. Among the songs featured in the score are classics like Heartbreak Hotel, Love Me Tender, Don’t Be Cruel, Can’t Help Falling in Love and of course the title tune, All Shook Up.

Congratulatons Christopher on your excellent Junior Cert results

The School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University has informed Rice College that Christopher O’Donnell, son of Hugh and Siobhán O’Donnell, Rosmalley, Westport, is in a National pool of talented students, having achieved top grades in Maths and Science in Junior Cert 2013. From this pool of students, Dublin City University will select six students to represent Ireland at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Prune, India on 3rd. – 12th. December 2013, and six students to represent Ireland at the European Union Science Olympiad (EUSO) in Athens from March 30th. – April 6th. 2014.The teams will be selected at The National Olympiads in Dublin City University on October 26th. At both Olympiad’s selection process, all participants will receive a Certificate. The top three students will receive Gold medals, the next three Silver and the next three, Bronze. The Gold and Silver medal winners will be invited to represent Ireland at the IJSO. The Bronze medal winners will be on the reserve list.

L-R: Mr. Kenneth Moran, Science teacher; Mr. Michael Rabbette, School Principal; Christopher O’Donnell, High achiever in Maths and Science; Ms. Anne Twohig, Maths teacher.

Conor O’Malley, Liscarney is pictured with Mr. Michael Rabbette, Principal of Rice College and Prof. Philip Nolan, President of NUI Maynooth at the 2013 Entrance Scholarship presentations. Conor is studying Mathematics at NUI Maynooth. Congrats!

Patrick Jennings, Tubberhill, Westport, graduated recently with a BA Hons. in Hotel & Leisure Management from Athlone IT. Patrick is a past pupil of Killeen NS, Louisburg and Rice College, Westport. Congratulations to Patrick and all our graduates.

Message from our Principal

Michael RabbetteSchool Principal

RICE COLLEGE NEWS 1St Year Gaelic Footballers are County Champions 2013

Back Row L-R: Shane Conway, Joint Manager; Thomas Tunney, David Moran, Ryan Heraty, Manus Smyth, Kevin Grogan, Rory Brickenden, Mark Moran, James Corcoran, Rian McNally-Duffy, Jordan Donnellan, Kevin Geraghty, Kevin McGuire, Darragh Ludden, Marley Hoban, Caolan O’Brien, Cian Kennedy, James Walsh, Tomás Moran, Dylan Bourke, Simon Duffy, Martin Connolly, Joint Manager.Front Row L-R: Luke Redmond, Paul long, Mark O’Grady, Niall Kelly, Oisín Moran, Patrick Chambers, Adam Letourmy, Killian Chambers, Robbie Harper, Jack Carney, Sean Hanley, James Gallagher, Stephen Loftus, Sean O’Hanlon, Charlie Walsh, Colin Hope, Paul Hoban.

Rice College 6 - 08St. Colman’s 4 - 13

This was a thrilling encounter, producing great scores, wonderful fielding and a display of skills that would put senior players to shame.Rice College led at half-time by 2-3 to 1-5. The decisive goals came from Stephen Loftus and Jack Carney. This final produced a brilliant second half. The destination of the trophy was in doubt right up to the final whistle. In the opening minutes of the second half Stephen Loftus (Rice College) and James Jennings (St. Colman’s) exchanged goals,.Just as St. Colman’s looked on their way to winning the title, Manus Smyth gave Rice College a lifeline with a great goal. Still Colman’s were 5 points to the good, the winning post in sight!Rice College summoned up a storming late finish. Two great goals from Seán O’Hanlon and one from Jordan Donnellan decided the issue by one point. According to the press, the game was a thrilling spectacle and a credit to all concerned. Well done!!

Rice College - Colleran Cup Winners 2013Rice College 3 - 14St. Colman’s 1 - 10

Rice College Team: R. McNally; C. Kennedy, A. Letourmey, D. Ludden; P. Chambers (0-1), M. Smyth (1-0), K. Grogan; J. Donnellan (2-1), R. Harper; J. Gallagher, M. Moran (0-4), R. Heraty; J. Corcoran, S. Loftus (1-1), J. Carney (1-1).Subs: S. O’Hanlon (1-0), for Heraty; K. McGuire for Loftus.

Two well-drilled teams must be complimented for producing a feast of football at its very best. Rice College were always technically ahead of their opponents in cohesion and teamwork.Rice College led by 1-2 to 0-0 after three minutes, their goal coming from Paul Lambert. We led by 2-7 to 0-3 at the break. St. Colman’s staged a mini revival after the break, scoring 1-3. St. Colman’s were awarded a penalty, which if converted would have given them the necessary lifeline. Pat O’Malley got down well , making a brilliant save to deny James Vahey the goal.

From there to the finish, Rice College took control with Stephen O’Malley scoring our third goal. A Colm Moran point just before full time served to copper-fasten the game for a very impressive Rice College team. Congratulations to all concerned for keeping the Rice College flag flying high.

Rice College: P. O’Malley; A. McDermott, J. Hanley (0-1), P. Lambert (1-2); P. Doyle, O. McLoughlin, P. Corcoran; D. Hanley (0-1), C. Hearne; D. Walsh, A. Kennedy (0-6, 3f), A. Walsh (0-1); C. Moran (1-2), K. Kilkelly, S. O’Malley (1-1).Subs used: B. Moran for A. Kilkelly; C. Madden for D. Walsh; B. O’Malley for A. Walsh; M. Reilly for P. Corcoran.

Senior Hurling Team 2013 - 2014Mayo Colleges Semi-finalists

Back L-R: Richie Britton, Joint Manager; Sean Brogan, Zak O’Toole, Shane Geraghty, Cillian Browne, Ronan Higgins, Sean O’Donnell, Conor McHale, Rob Lee, Patrick O’Malley, Joe Kennedy, Joint Manager.Front L-R: James Moran, Fearghal Sammon, Kaylem Connolly, Keith Hastings, Michael Gallagher, Niall McManamon, Paul Lambert, Nathan Kelly.

Rice College lost to Ballyhaunis CS in a hard fought contest on a scoreline 1-13 to 3-13. Sean Brogan got us off to a good start with 2 points in the early minutes. A long delivery into the Westport defence resulted in a Ballyhaunis goal. Rice College responded in style with some excellent play all over the field. Zak O’Toole was unerring from placed balls, slotting over 6 points in the first half, finishing with a tally of 10 points. Rob Lee was solid in defence, ably assisted by James Moran and Conor McHale. Rice College breached the Ballyhaunis defence when Patrick O’Malley batted the ball to the net, sending us into the break with a lead of 1-9 to 1-6. Unfortunately we were outscored in the second half by 0-13 to 0-4. With 6 minutes remaining, a lapse of concentration allowed Ballyhaunis in for a brace of goals. which ended the contest, sending Ballyhaunis forward to contest the Final V St. Gerald’s, Castlebar. Rice College hurlers are to be commended on their trojan effort in the competition. Report by Joe Kennedy

Soccer U16 Squad 2013 - 2014

Back Row L-R: Luke Tunney, Eoin McLoughlin, Thomas Loftus, Alan Mulroy, Robert Wallace, Louis Hoban, Stephen Walsh, Declan Shanahan, Robbie Harper, Philip Cawley, Travis Harrison, Ben Walsh, Daniel Moran, James Treacy.Front L-R: Cian Rowe, Edward Gannon, Alex Ó Riain, Aaron Doherty, John Keane, Keith Joyce, Andrew Currid, Darragh Fabby, Emmet Rowley, Danny McGovern, John McGlynn, Cian McAllister, Luca Ó Riain

Back L-R: Joey Smith, Jack Hanley, Patrick Joyce, Chris Heanue, Aiden Walsh, Peter Corcoran, Paul Doyle, Patrick O’Malley, Stephen O’Malley, Darragh Walsh, Colin Guilfoyle, Ryan Moran, Oisín McLaughlin, Alan Kennedy, David HanleyFront L-R: Martin Connolly, Joint Manager; Stephen Roddy, Diarmaid McNulty, Conor Madden, Killian Kilkelly, Mickey O’Brien, Aaran McDermott, Colin Moran, Paul Lambert, Richard O’Malley, Brian O’Malley, Shane Conway, Joint Manager

Rice College’s U15 soccer campaign began with a match against Ballyhaunis Community School. Despite a spirited display, Rice College did not have sufficient physical strength to cope with the Ballyhaunis team. The next match involved a trip to play the Bish in Salthill Devon’s fine facility. The Bish made a strong start and scored some excellent goals. However, Rice College fought back and scored two excellent goals just before half time. Rice really took the game to the Bish at the start of the second half and looked like they could achieve an excellent result. However, a successful counter attack helped the Bish to settle and they went on to secure the victory. The third match involved a contest against Davitt College. Rice College played some excellent football and were leading 4-1 early in the second half. Large numbers of substitutions were made to help the majority of the players to participate in the game. Following the award of two penalties, Davitt managed to change the game and eventually secured a 5-4 victory. All of the games were played in an excellent sporting manner and the players enjoyed each opportunity to represent their school. The panel was depleted at times with the loss of key players due to injury. However, everyone learned a great deal about the need to play the ball on the ground, to make clever runs and to take as many shots as possible. We look forward to a full fit squad in the future so the lads can really demonstrate their talent.

Soccer U15 Soccer By Pat Dunne

U 15 Soccer Squad 2013 - 2015

Conor O’Malley awarded Entrance Scholarship

RICE COLLEGE NEWS RICE COLLEGE NEWS

Anti-Bullying in assoc. with the ISPCC

Teachers and students caught up in great football expectations 2013

Visiting student teachers from the United States, Ms. Hannah Student (L) and Ms. Laurel Wiahe (R), cant believe their luck, being in Rice College, experiencing All Ireland football fever. They think it’s crazy! They said they never witnessed excitement like this at any American sporting spectacle. Both girls are up for Lee Keegan, Kevin Keane and Jason Doherty, Mayo stars and past pupils of Rice College. Up Mayo!Sadly for all at Rice College, Hannah and Laurel, having successfully completed their training programme in Rice College, return to Duluth,

Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior to complete their Teacher training. Duluth has a population of 86,000 with an unemployment rate of 5.9%. We thank the girls for all they have given to Rice College during their stay here. They tell us that they have enjoyed their Rice College experience and that they will be in Croke Park next year if Mayo reach the Final. We wish them every success in their careers and we hope to see them back in Westport again sometime in the future when they have completed their studies. Slán libh abhaile.

New Teachers at Rice College

Ms. Heather Coleman, B.A. Hons.in English and History and PDGE Hons. from NUIG. Heather, a native of Castlebar is teaching English and History in Rice College.

Mr. Joe Kennedy, BE. Eng. Hons., MA. Hons., PGDE Hons., from UCC. Joe is from Ballinhassig, Co. Cork and is teaching Maths, Science and Physics in Rice College. Plays hurling for Sars, lost out to Middleton in the Cork Co. Hurling Final this year.Ms. Aisling Grimes, B.BS. Hons., PGDE Hons. and Diploma in Mathematics from NUIG. Aisling, from Carrabawn, Westport, is teaching Maths, Accountancy, Business Studies and LCVP in Rice College.Ms. Annemarie Quinn, B.A. Hons. Hum. from St. Patrick’s, Carlow, PGDE Hons. from NUIG, and PG in Professional studies from St. Angela’s Sligo. Annmarie, a native of Tullamore is a Resource teacher in Rice College.

Teachers take early retirement

Ms. Sandra Hall, B. Sc. Hons. in Phys. Ed. and Maths Ed. from the University of Limerick. Sandra is from Ballyvary and teaches Maths in Rice College.

Rice College is sad to record the early retirement of three of the best and most highly respected teachers to have taught and influenced the lives of students in Rice College over many years. Mr. Pat Fleming, a teacher of Economics, a native of Ballinrobe. He took a keen interest in sporting activities in the school, playing a major part in the development of the school gymnasium and playing pitch. Mr. Peter McManamon, a teacher of Physics. On “Open evenings” prospective students were always attracted to Peter’s physics dept., where they had hair-raising experiences with static electricity.Mr. Maurice Rice, a teacher of science, who was attracted into the realm of Remedial education and Counselling, which became his forte.For those retirees it can truly be vouched that they listened to, motivated, helped, encouraged, shared, inspired and imparted their skills to their students. Eventhough Rice College is left with the onerous task of filling their positions, we all wish those three stalwarts a very happy, healthy and fruitful retirement in the company of their families and friends.

Pat Fleming Peter McManamon Maurice Rice

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2013

Winning Team Pictured L - R: Chris O’Donnell, Barry McGreal,

Isaac Brickenden and Shane Mannion

Science Week 2013

Runners-up Pictured L -R: Jack Carroll,

Nial McManamon, Pádraig Walsh and Liam Foy

With Ms. Paula Behan & Ms. Sharon Costello

What parents can do about bullyingIf you are the parent of a child being bullied then you are

probably feeling a number of things, including anger towards the person hurting your child, frustration at how this could have happened and perhaps even helplessness if your child is not talking to you about it.

If you think your child is being bullied:Keep calm and trust your instincts. Be patient and wait for your child to feel confident enough to tell you what’s wrong. You can help this process by letting them know you want to listen to what they have to say and you want to help. Help your child to develop options. Decide if anyone needs to be contacted about the bullying concerns. It may be helpful if you let the school know of any concerning situations so that they can monitor it on school premises.If you are the parent of a child who is bullying others, then a positive response is needed from you.Do not merely tell your child to stop. Explore with your child if they know what bullying is, as bullying behaviour can sometimes be unintentional and the child does not realise the impact of their actions.Explore any worries or needs they might have, which might explain their negative bullying behaviour.Building empathy is also important. Explore how your child feels after they have bullied someone and how that other child might feel.Be a good role model, and remind your child that you love them and that you will be there to support them to change their behaviour.

Comedian Ruby Wax, who holds a master’s degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from Oxford University, spoke to the TY students from Rice College and Sacred Heart school recently when she visited Westport as a “Special Guest” on the occasion of the “Rolling Sun book festival”. We are very grateful to Ms. Marie Ruddy, Clew Bay Hotel for organising Ruby’s visit to Rice College where she spoke eloquently to the students about the issue of depression and how to best deal with it. She was very enlightening, capturing their full attention with her life experience and wonderful sense of humour.

John Paul II award ceremony 2013

Ms. Riona Prendergast and Ms. Niamh Hoban travelled to Tuam Cathedral recently where Rice College Leaving Cert student Dylan O’Neill received his Gold medal (John Paul 11 Award) from the Archbishop of Tuam Dr. Michael Neary. Dylan was one of 200 students from all over Ireland to receive an award. The theme for this year was “Discipleship and Mission”. Archbishop Neary extended a warm welcome to all the young people receiving the Awards, to their parents and families who have every reason to be very proud of them. He welcomed the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Trish O’ Brien and the Diocesan Youth Council, the Liaison Committee – Frs. Tod Nolan, Seán Cuningham and Charlie McDonnell and last but not least, the teachers who directed the students in their quest for the Award. Well done to all concerned.

Ms. Prendergast’s 1D class

Ms. Prendergast’s 1B class Ms. Prendergast’s 1C class

Ms. Mannion’s 1A class

Ruby Wax talks to T.Y. students

TY Co-ordinators Martin Gill - Rice College Gearóid ÓRíain - Sacred Heart School

L-R: Ms. Trish O’Brien, Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator; Ms. Riona Prendergast, Rice College teacher; Dylan O’Neill Gold medalist; Archbishop Michael Neary, Ms. Niamh Hoban, Rice College teacher; Peter McConnell, Special Guest (Climbed Mt. Everest this year).

Rice College has received four green-flags to date, in the areas of litter & waste, energy, water and travel. We are currently working on the theme of biodiversity, trying to make Rice College a home for nature. Mr McManamon’s TY woodwork class has been busy constructing bird huts and bird tables for the cold winter ahead. A massive amount of bulbs were planted by the First Year Greenschools Committee along the school’s driveway, in existing flower beds and around the bases of trees. It was tiring work, but the boys got stuck in and all agreed they deserved a nice warm cup of tea to reward their efforts! The remaining bulbs have been reserved for springtime, when we hope to plant the raised flower beds, that our Transition Years are currently making. We are looking forward to a bright and cheery Rice College in Springtime when the daffodils are in bloom! And it’s all thanks to the hard work of the students and the generous funding of Allergan Pharmaceuticals. A big thankyou to you all.

Greenschools UpdateBy Ms. Niamh Hoban

Christmas Time Christmas is coming- You can feel it in the air. A blanket of snow is all around And the trees have gone bare.

Christmas lights have been turned on, While Carol singers sing some songs. Children play in the snow- Hoping the holidays will go nice and slow.

But there’s so much more to Christmas, Than Santa on the way, Because a little boy named Jesus Christ Was born in a stable on this day.

So, since Christmas is finally here, It’s time to spread some cheer. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Ms. Susan Mannion’s Poetry Competition

Artists at work with Ms. Deirdre Hopkins

All working towardsa greener environment

Remembering Shane Bourke

Science week 2013 took place this year from 10th-17th November. The aim of science week is to promote the relevance of science in our everyday lives. This year’s theme was “explore extra ordinary inventions, planets, scientists, athletes, animals and lots more extra ordinary things all around us”On Tuesday, a science quiz was held for TY’s. There was immense competition amongst the participating teams. On Thursday evening two teams from 6th year travelled to GMIT, Galway to take part in the ISTA Science Quiz regional finals. Both teams did extremely well on the night against a total of 22 other teams from Mayo and Galway. The participating students were:

L - R: Niall McGovern, Joe Hastings,

Eoin Long, Robert Lee, Colin Campbell

and James Poole.

Ms. Mannion congratulates the winner Kevin Geraghty from 1D with his poem, “Christmas Time”

Dr. John Joyce, son Seán and Helen Joyce, Carrowholly, Westport graduated with First Class Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Obstetrics from NUIG. John is a past pupil of Carrowholly NS and Rice College, Westport. He has taken up his Internship at Galway University Hospital.

Dr. Ruairí Connolly, son of Martin and Máire Connolly, Croy, Westport graduated with an Hons. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Obstetrics from NUIG. Ruairí is a past pupil of St. Patrick’s Primary School and Rice College, Westport.

Past pupils graduate

“Team Hope” thanks the students of Rice College for their gift–filled shoe boxes which will go to needy children in communities, schools, hospitals, churches and orphanages all over Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Africa. You will light up a child’s life with a little of God’s love this Christmas with your shoe box.Some of these kids have very little food, maybe only one T shirt, nothing to play with, little hope for the future and very little love. You will help to change that with your present. Your shoebox full of gifts will make a child not only very excited and happy, but also valued and special. It may be the only gift they get this Christmas.

Ms. Riona Prendergast & Ms. Susan Mannion

We extend the sympathy of the Rice College community to Dick and Margaret Bourke and

family on the recent tragic loss of their son Shane. Shane, a past pupil of the school, will be remembered kindly as being always most courteous to his teachers and fellow students.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a annam.

“Death is something

inevitable. When a man has done

what he considers to be his duty to

his people and his country, he can

rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.”

~ Nelson Mandela 1996

anti-apartheid icon a “giant of history”

Pope Francis named ‘Time’ magazine Person of the Year 2013“It is a positive sign that one of the most prestigious recognitions by the international media has been given to a person who proclaims to the world spiritual, religious and moral values and speaks out forcefully in favor of peace and greater justice,” ~ Fr. Lombardi, Vatican spokesman

Students, having completed cycle training as part of their CSPE class, cycled to Newport along the Greenway together with their teachers Fergal Macken and Paula Behan. They were accompanied by Noel Gibbons, Mayo Road Safety Officer. Smarter Travel to and from Rice College is all about reducing our preference for the car as our default choice of transport and opting instead for more sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling, skateboarding. It’s a lifestyle change with health and well being benefits.

Rice College Smarter Travel

Fergal Macken, Sean O’Malley and Noel Gibbons lead the way

The TY year started off with a very enjoyable trip to Adventure Island. The students immersed themselves in water activities, pitching tents and trying to keep themselves warm during the night. It was a really positive start to the year. Auditions for the musical began in early September. When the parts were allocated the students from both schools put a massive effort into getting the show ready for the stage. The 6 shows drew in huge crowds and the students should be very proud of themselves for the fantastic performances they delivered.The students are currently completing many projects inside and outside the classroom, ranging from a Credit Union module to mini company and from motor mechanics to playing cards with Westport Active Retirement Group. We have had lots of guest speakers in school, representing various groups within our community. The highlight was the renowned comedian Ruby Wax, who delivered a talk to Rice College and Sacred Heart students on her experiences relating to positive mental health. They are currently working on Gaisce, Pope John Paul II and Young Social Innovators projects, which requires the students to complete work within the community. The students have applied themselves very well over the first term of the year.They also completed the cultural tour to Dublin with the Sacred Heart School. We had 152 students in Dublin for the week undertaking different activities from a performance by the National Concert Orchestra to a tour of Glasnevin Cemetery. It was a very enjoyable week and I hope the students had a positive experience.The first term has flown by and has been a very busy term. The students have really embraced what the year is all about. I hope the students engage with the second half of the programme as much as they did with the first half. Enjoy the Christmas holidays.

T. Y. ReportBy Martin Gill, TY Co-ordinator