Edmund Rice Schools Trust Spring 2016 Issue 11Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Spring 2016 • Issue 11ffStudents from Enniscorthy CBS celebrate Proclamation Day by planting the Tricolour

Edmund Rice Schools Trust • Spring 2016 • Issue 11

ff Students from Enniscorthy CBS celebrate Proclamation Day by planting the Tricolour on Vinegar Hill.

Síol Newsletter

Thank you for sending in to us the articles, anecdotes and stories of the life of your schools. It is so energising and uplifting to read the many life affirming contributions that our schools are making in your local communities, your charitable work, your real concern for justice here in Ireland, and throughout the world, and the celebrations, successes and positive developments in our schools.

This issue of Síol also records in words and pictures how our Edmund Rice schools marked Proclamation Day 2016. As a school network we have a unique association with the 1916 Proclamation. Three of the seven signatories, Padraig Pearse, Seán Mac Diarmada and Éamonn Ceannt were educated by the Christian Brothers.

The Proclamation states that, “The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally…”, sentiments which echo the vision of the founder of our schools, Blessed Edmund Rice and the values of our Charter.

As part of the centenary celebrations, students in each of our schools developed their “Proclamation for a new generation”, unveiled and celebrated on Proclamation Day. The values of Edmund Rice are evident in these proclamations with themes such as everyone having a safe place to live, a welcoming place to go to school and access to health care appearing frequently.

Just as Edmund Rice took action to address the needs of society in 1816 and the past pupils of his schools created the

Proclamation of 1916, so we in 2016 are challenged to work towards the guarantee of human dignity for all enshrined in the original Proclamation and the Proclamation for a new generation.

Homelessness has emerged as one of the main themes of the Proclamation for a new generation in our schools and the Edmund Rice Schools Trust has adopted this issue as our key campaign this year.

Homelessness is the single most urgent, most pressing and most serious issue of our time. Having a home, a place to live, is central to everything that makes us grow and develop as people. It is essential for our health, and especially our mental health. But, today, thousands of families across Ireland are living without a place to call home – without this essential human right.

Homelessness can and must be tackled. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust schools are standing together to say that the homelessness crisis must be solved. So I call on all of our students to sign the homelessness petition that will be in all of our 95 schools in Ireland, on Edmund Rice Day, May 5th, 2016.

By standing together we are saying that there is a better way. There is a way to solve homelessness. Together.

Blessings to you all. Every good wish,

Gerry Bennett Chief Executive

Greetings from the Edmund Rice Schools Trust

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Honouring the heroes of 1916!Scoil Chiaráin CBS

At the start of the year each class wrote their own proclamation. A section from each proclamation was chosen and used to create our school proclamation for our flag raising ceremony. In October we all gathered in Craobh Chiaráin GAA club because two army soldiers came to present us with a copy of the Proclamation and an

Irish flag. After the presentation we asked the soldiers a few questions. After they answered all our questions, they explained about the importance of the Proclamation and how to mind a country’s national flag. At the end there were refreshments for all who attended.

Each class prepared their own project on the 1916 Rising and these were on display for all to see. The areas covered were leaders of the Rising, buildings in the Rising, life at the time, Dublin then and now and children of the Rising. Sixth class

presented a dramatic interpretation about the events of Easter Week.

The flag we received was used for our flag raising ceremony. On March 15th, we had our flag raising ceremony. A boy was picked from each class to read a part of our new school proclamation. After that, these boys represented all pupils and raised the flag. Each person who came to celebrate with us in this special ceremony got a mini Irish flag.

Robbie Codreanu and Rohit Unnikrishnan (Rang 4)

We, the children of Scoil Chiaráin Drama Club went to the Smock Alley Theatre and Gaiety School of Acting for a trip. We got to go on this trip because we performed in a Talent show! So we got a trip out!

We started the day by getting on the bus. When we got off the bus, we walked to the Smock Alley Theatre. We got a tour of the building. The theatre was established in 1662 and it used to be a church. The biggest room in the building used to be a place where they put dead bodies after a funeral. That is where the main shows are played. There were three rows. If you were in the bottom (the pit), you were working class. If

you were in the middle row, you were rich. If you were on the top row you were a servant to the people on the second row.

Then we went to the Gaiety School of Acting where we had an acting lesson with a girl named Kate. She told us how to warm up parts of our bodies for acting like our voices, body and our imagination. We had to shout out our names, then we had to act out a photograph. Then Kate gave us a story to act out.

We really enjoyed our day out and learned a lot about being an actor!

Eric Lambert and Joe Fitzgerald (Rang 5)

Actors in the making!Scoil Chiaráin CBS

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Why Scoil Chiaráin CBS is the Best Scoil Chiaráin CBS

To most, Scoil Chiaráin CBS is an average, everyday school, but not to the pupils, the parents and the community. Scoil Chiaráin is so much more than just a primary school in Dublin. It’s a school where everyone has a chance to do something great, a place where everyone is welcome from all parts of the world, no matter what race or religion they are.

The teachers here at Scoil Chiaráin strive to give the children the best education as possible. The principal of our school, Ms Harte, is a loving and caring person. She always tries her best to look after every student as best as she can. She is responsible for bringing in new initiatives such as a yearly talent exhibition, an active and green school committee, healthy eating and a student council. The staff in our school are also great. They give out helpful tips and advice to any boy in need. They help us if there is ever a problem. All grownups do their job to the highest standard, from second class all the way up to Room 10, 11 and 6.

The school is packed with fun activities. We always get to try out new things, like golf, kick-boxing, rowing and much more. Everyone has great fun playing these games. Recently, our old backfield, battered and muddy, was converted into a brand new all-weather pitch by a company called Pride Sports. Boys can now use the pitch before for P.E., training and athletic events. As we have just pointed out, Scoil Chiaráin is not just an ordinary school, it’s our school and in our school, we will always say that Scoil Chiaráin CBS is the best school in Ireland.

By Darren Kearney Saul and Adam Poole Flanagan (Rang 6)

“Running for Life”Coláiste Choilm

The “Running for Life” programme began in September, 2014. This is the third very successful year of it. The objectives of this initiative are to improve our students’ physical and mental well-being in a society of increasing pressures on our young people. Our hope is that the programme will also enhance students’ self-esteem and confidence.

The initiative draws its inspiration from two ideas: Operation Transformation and the notion of the marathon. Students aim to complete a marathon distance (42km) over 5 weeks plus a “catch-up” week; 5km after school on a Tuesday and 3km at the beginning of students’ P.E. class (8km per week). Students are placed into groups according to their cardiovascular fitness (bleep test). Eight teacher volunteers run with the students and lead a group each week. The T.Y. class also mentor and help to lead a group and this year we have second years also mentoring individual first year students to help support and encourage them as they run/jog/walk. We also run this programme for second years in September of each year and then for first years after February

mid-term. Many other students including 6th years choose to run with us. Each student receives a “marathon chart” which is stamped for every kilometer they complete. A presentation occurs at the end of the school year awarding students with medals/certificates for their personal achievement.

This programme is specifically tailored and designed for all students, not just the elite sports people. It’s not about winning, but participation and personal improvement. Because of this, the initiative is a compulsory part of students’ P.E. programme. It is also in line with the Department of Education’s guidelines requesting schools to educate our students with regard to health and fitness.

More importantly we have found that students feel good about their achievements and about themselves. Some pupils gain in fitness and others find that they love running and exercise more than they ever imagined they would. What’s more, there is an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere surrounding the runs and the rapport between teachers and students is enhanced as students and teachers alike battle the same hills and the same winds! The odd day the wind is even at our backs!

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Zambia Immersion ProjectSt. Fintan’s High School

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’St. Fintan’s High School

St. Fintan’s High School, Sutton, Dublin 13, staged a remarkable production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream over three nights in March. Eighteen contemporary boyband and girlband hit songs were inserted into the narrative which recounts mismatched and mixed up couples in an enchanted wood, where the interference of some mischievous fairies and sprites causes more problems for all!

Staged entirely ‘in house’ by the St. Fintan’s staff team of Ms Ruth Barry (Art Design & Set Design), Ms Louise Neylon (Costumier), Ms Sophie Buckley (Choreographer) and Mr Stephen Slattery (Director), the show played to three sold out audiences.

This was the tenth consecutive musical staged with students from the TY group. Girls from the neighbouring St. Dominic’s Santa Sabina again filled out half the cast and crew membership.

Since 2013 St. Fintan’s HS has been involved with a Zambia Immersion Project based in Kabwe, Zambia. Kabwe is a small town situated around two hours north of Lusaka, the capital city of the country, with a population of just over 200,000 people. St. Fintan’s HS has raised close to €40,000 for the project since we started fundraising 4 years ago. The money raised goes directly towards the building and maintenance of a new school in the town, called Sables, which benefits a large group of disadvantaged local children (aged 7yrs – 16yrs) living in the area. The children are from a local slum called Makalulu and some have to walk two hours every morning to reach

Sables. Most live in basic makeshift mud huts and experience daily poverty that we in Ireland would find hard to comprehend. Many of them have lost one or both of their parents at a young age. Despite this, they are the happiest, fun-loving children that you could ever wish to meet and take great delight in attending the school every day. The love that they receive in the school acts as a source of hope in their lives.

We have visited Kabwe twice, in 2013 and 2015, to help with the building of Sables and to spend time with the kids there. A group of teachers and Transition Year students are currently preparing to visit again in June 2017.

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Carlow 1916 Centenery CelebrationsSt. Fintan’s High School

Proclamation DayCBS Waterpark

Waterpark CBS marked 15th March it was National Proclamation Day and each school in the country had to mark the occasion with various aspects/themes that recognise our national identity. We began the day with our Principal Mr. Beecher explaining the significance and history behind our National Flag and then, accompanied by the 1st year students, we raised the flag at the front of our school.

Later in the day the students gathered in the School Hall and as part of the novel event, they explored the last 100 years on this island, celebrating the momentous occasion through means of song, drama, music and poetry.

We were joined by guest speaker, Julie Phelan who gave an account of how her family had direct links to the signing of the Proclamation and she encouraged us all to trace our ancestors who were alive at the time of the ‘Rising’ to see what part they played in securing Ireland’s Independence.

5th Year student, Conor Donegan wrote a poem encompassing the events of 1916 and another 5th Year student, Nathan Carey produced a scene from the battle of the GPO which was re-enacted by our drama students.

Caoimhe O’Shea performed some Irish dancing while Mr. Wheatley, Mr. Culloty, Ms. French and Stephen Nolan performed some traditional Irish music.

The event concluded with all the students giving a resounding rendition of Amhrán Na Bhfiann.

ff Waterpark Student Reads The Proclamation

ff Waterpark CBS students display the National Flag with Principal Mr Tom Beecher

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Homeless Awareness EventArdscoil na Mara

On the 9th March the Peace and Justice group of Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore, Co. Waterford launched the ‘One Campaign for Change’ in an effort to end the homelessness crisis in Ireland. Together with the Romero Institute of Peace and Justice, the Peter McVerry Trust, CBS Midleton and Abbey Community School Co Kilkenny, they have worked on designing the campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness among young people around Ireland about the issue of homelessness in Ireland and it calls on them to be advocates for change in the Ireland they live in.

The event was attended by many other schools in the ERST network such as CBS Arklow, Coláiste Éanna, Ballyroan, Ardscoil Rís in Limerick, Life Centre in Cork and Waterford schools such as Waterpark College.

We were delighted to have as our keynote speaker Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, or Sr. Stan as she is affectionately known. As founder of Focus Ireland and social innovator she had so much to contribute to the event. She spoke of the reasons she founded Focus Ireland and the immense work they do. She also commended the students on their work to date but called on them to continue to pursue the issue until they see change occur.

Also on the day we had two visiting exhibitions from Belfast called “Hidden Quarter and “Hidden Voices” on display. The photographic exhibition had images representing the experience of homelessness through the artistic vision of people who are or were once homeless themselves. Cormac McAirt of the Westcourt Centre in Belfast talked us through the exhibition and gave input on how advocacy can be extremely powerful in making a change.

The High Hopes Choir were also in attendance and they performed for us and were interviewed by Dr. Phil Brennan from the Romero institute of Peace and Justice in order to give us an insight into the reality of homelessness. Their true life stories brought to light the truth about homelessness, that no one ever wishes to be homeless and it can happen to anyone.

Members of the Peace and Justice groups in Ardscoil Na Mara, CBS Midleton and Abbey Community School Co Kilkenny then presented the information on the ‘One Campaign for Change’ and gave an easy step by step explanation on how each school

can get involved. They strongly encouraged all to follow their Facebook page ‘One Campaign for Change’

The Young Irish Filmmakers then aired their documentary on the issue of homelessness that they made in Kilkenny and this brought the event to a close.

The event was truly uplifting as the passion of the young people involved was palpable but there was definitely a challenge to all that attended. The challenge was in the startling statistics on homelessness in Ireland in 2016 and how these statistics are actually everyone’s responsibility. There is a need for us to walk together on this campaign road and to get those in power to take action to end the crisis.

It was hoped that the outcome of the event would be to increase the support for the ‘One campaign for Change ‘ and to invite other schools to join us on the road as we advocate for those in our country who are homeless. This is already coming to light as more schools have shown interest in joining the campaign.

Artifice 2016Ardscoil na Mara

Artifice is an innovative education project devised by Lismore Castle Arts in collaboration with schools through Co. Waterford.

Ardscoil na Mara were delighted to be one of the eight specially selected schools to produce vibrant and imaginative works for this year’s exhibition which took place at Lismore Castle.

Miss Driver (Art Teacher) and 4th year students all travelled to Lismore Castle for the official launch of Artifice 2016 and had a fantastic night. Parents, Staff and Management all attended the launch to support the students and admire the work on display.

ff Mr Paul Kelly, Deputy Principal, Midleton CBS, Dr Phil Brennan, Romera Institute, Mount Sion, at the One Campaign For Change event in Ardscoil na Mara

ff Mr Dan O’Leary, Cork Life Centre; Mr Cormac McAirt, Westcourt Centre, Belfast; Ms Aoife Denton, Ardscoil na Mara; Mr Padraig Cawley, Principal, Ardscoil na Mara

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Centenary celebrations commenced in Ardscoil na Mara with the arrival of the Third Battalion of the armed forces from the South Kilkenny Barracks. Lieutenant Shane Flood led a flag raising ceremony of the Irish tricolour on the school grounds which was accompanied by Amhran na bhFiann, on the bagpipes.

Within the school foyer the festivities continued amidst the bunting of green, white and orange. Fitting tribute was paid to national figures such as Thomas Francis Meagher who first flew the tricolour and Padraig Pearse who read the Irish Proclamation of Independence outside the G.P.O. Students then enacted the Easter Rising of 1916 in a play where the activities throughout Dublin were brought to life. Traditional Irish music echoed throughout the school as the lyrics of Oro se do Bheatha Bhaile were sung, a fitting choice as this was the

song that Pearse whistled on the way to his execution. Talented poets read aloud self -composed poetry about life in 1916. A rendition of the poem “1916” by W. B Yeats was delivered reminding everyone how “a terrible beauty was born”.

Part of the 1916 commemorations focused on making the Proclamation of Independence relevant to the youth of today. How better to do this than to encourage students to draft their version of a “Proclamation for a New Generation, 2016”? Students read aloud their aspirations for the future of Ireland, ideals of equality, peace and respect. Indeed, the romantic heroes of Ireland were revered, history was brought to life and the culture of Ardscoil na Mara was enriched while celebrating Proclamation Day.

Comóradh 1916Gaelscoil Sáirséal, Luimneach

Faoi spéir gheal ghorm ar an 15ú Márta d’ardaigh Máirín Uí Ruairc-Tuathaigh bratach na hÉireann ar son pobal Gaelscoil Sáirséal. Tá Máirín bainteach leis an scoil ó thús mar bhall den Bhord Bainistíochta agus mar mhúinteoir rince. D’oibrigh daltaí agus foireann na scoile go dian chun clár iontach cultúrtha a chur faoi bhráid an slua mór a d’fhreastal ar an ócáid.

Under a bright blue sky on March 15th, Máirín Uí Ruairc-Tuathaigh raised the Tricolour on behalf of the Gaelscoil Sáirséal Community. Máirín, a former member of our Board of Management and our dancing teacher has been with us since our foundation in 1990 and it was a great honour for us to invite her to raise our national flag. Our pupils and staff worked tirelessly to prepare a wonderful cultural programme in celebration of the 1916 centenary & Proclamation Day.

Proclamation DayArdscoil na Mara

Cumann Naomh Uinseann de PólGaelscoil Sáirséal, Luimneach

Bhain daltaí na scoile úsáid as a gcuid scileanna ceoil ar lá fhuar gheimhridh chun airgead a thiomsú ar son Cumann áitiúil Naomh Uinseann de Pól. Chan siad agus sheinn siad carúil Nollag ar Shráid Uí Chonaill, Luimneach agus bhailigh siad €254. Tháinig Mícheál Ó Murchú, Leas-Uachtarán Náisiúnta an chumainn chun na scoileann chun an t-airgead, a fhanfaidh sa cheantar, a bhailiú.

Our very talented pupils took to the streets on a bright winter’s morning just before Christmas to raise money for the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society. They entertained the Christmas Shoppers on O’Connell St in Limerick with their singing and traditional music, collecting a fantastic €254 in just 1 hour! The National Vice-President of the SVP called to the school to collect the money and assured us that the money our pupils raised would help needy families in our local community.

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CBS Secondary School Students Present Fundraise for Marie Keating FoundationCBS, Carrick-On-Suir

A cheque for €210 was presented to Marie Keating Foundation representative, Maeve Fitzgerald, Community Information Nurse for the Munster region, by the CBS Secondary School Students Council on Wednesday 15th April. Funds were raised through a recent non-uniform day organised by the Students Council and supported by all students. A talk was given to 5th year students by Maeve Fitzgerald on cancer to raise awareness of the disease, its many forms and the importance of early detection. Leaflets and information on the many forms of cancer were also available to the students along with advice on making the right choices to lead a healthy life. She thanked the students for their kind donation to the Marie Keating Foundation Charity. A cheque for €210, also raised from the non-uniform day, has been donated to the charity, 3T’s (Turn The Tide of Suicide).

Kilkenny Hurler Henry Shefflin Visits CBS Secondary School in CarrickCBS, Carrick-On-Suir

CBS Secondary School students and staff welcomed the legendary Kilkenny Senior Hurler Henry Shefflin as he arrived with Bank of Ireland Carrick Branch representatives to talk to senior students on the virtues of saving and sport. The visit, organized by the school Bank of Ireland TY student management team, was a successful drive to encourage the TY year and 5th year students to open an account and save. Henry who works for the BOI was a welcome guest as his lifelong passion for sport and high profile as a brilliant hurler intrigued the young students. Henry spoke about the opportunity to save and budget from a young age under the guidance of the School Bank incentive. He compared working with colleagues at the BOI or indeed in any career and life experiences, as applying the same characteristics and skillsets learned, earned and shared in the world of sports. “Hard work, training, commitment, loyalty, passion and loving what you are doing and keeping at it, is what drives you forward” he told the students. Henry talked about his school days and how hurling was very much a part of his life. The transition from Ballyhale NS to the big environment of St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny was a huge challenge to his confidence. However he worked hard and during hurling practice he worked on his left hand side especially at home practicing against the gable wall. “Do that hard work and extra bit yourself and you will overcome challenges facing you,” he said. Henry praised his Ballyhale Club, which he said supported him and his teammates throughout their training, encouraging them to be the best they could in all walks of life. “I have had a great hurling career and have been very lucky and fortunate. I miss it and would love to be starting all over again”, said Henry “I am a Club player now and enjoy it all.” He encouraged the students to balance their training with the right recovery and right nutritional programmes and added ‘you learn more from your losses than your victories.’ A carved hurley on a stand was presented to Henry Shefflin by the students and Principal Billy O’Farrell thanked him for his visit and also the hard working BOI Carrick Branch Manager Donnacha Fahey and Anne Keating BOI School Branch Co-ordinator, who had accompanied him. Before leaving Henry took time to talk to 2nd year students who are in training for the U/14 Rice Cup and answered questions.

Our inaugural action- packed French Week - La Semaine FrancaiseCBS, Carrick-On-Suir

Highlighting various aspects of the language and culture, French Week kicked off with a poster display and competition involving First, Second and Transition Year students. Blue, white and red flags and bunting gave the school a “gallic flair” throughout the week.

Transition and First year classes sampled French breakfasts with cafe au lait, chocolat chaud and of course les croissants!

Talks on French cuisine and regional specialities were given by Chef Robyn O’Connell who brought along tasty samples for the lads.

French at third level and beyond was also part of the programme with a talk on French courses in the University of Limerick delivered by Catherine Jeanneau from the U.L. French Dept.

The school took on the appearance of a French village market when we welcomed Breton Crepe expert Fabrice. All classes got a chance to sample delicious crepes served by Fabrice in our recently opened canteen.

The week concluded with a visit by a French Theatre Company who entertained Second and Third year classes with interactive drama sketches, in French of course!

Well done and many thanks to French teacher Ms. Linda Barry who put huge effort into making this week such an enjoyable experience for all.

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CBS Secondary School Welcome Guest Speaker Fionnbar WalshCBS, Carrick-On-Suir

Special guest Fionnbar Walsh from Co. Kerry, the father of the late teenager Donal Walsh who died from cancer in May 2013, gave a poignant talk to 5th year and TY CBS students in Carrick. Donal, a healthy and sporty child from Tralee had been diagnosed with Osteo Sarcoma (bone cancer) at the age of 12 and battled his illness tirelessly, through treatments and operations for four years before dying at the age of 16. During this time he fundraised to help provide age appropriate teenage facilities in hospital and hospice centres and raised funds of €50,000 for St. John’s Cancer Ward in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, which rose to €65,000 following his death. His father spoke passionately about his son who was angry at teenage suicide while he tried to get as much out of life as possible in the time he had left. Donal wrote a heart -wrenching article, one of many, in which he stated, “I feel angry that these people choose to take their life to ruin their family and to leave behind a mess that no one can clean up while here I am with no choice in my sentence, trying as best I can to prepare my family and friends for what’s about to come and to leave as little mess as possible.” These profound words were taken from an article written by Donal as a call to his peers encouraging them to live life to the fullest. The CBS Student Council and Principal Billy O’Farrell thanked Fionnbar for visiting their school and taking time to talk to the students. They presented him with a cheque for €200 in aid of the ‘Donal Walsh #Livelife Foundation’ set up by his family to promote Donal’s anti-suicide message as well as forwarding his cause of providing age appropriate teenage facilities in hospital and hospice centres.

CBS Students Enter MSD Bright Ideas Competition CBS, Carrick-On-Suir

Three 2nd year students from CBS Secondary School in Carrick-on-Suir are participating in MSD Bright Ideas Competition. Laurence Ahearn, Christopher Walsh and Andrew Dermody are researching, observing, recording and investigating hands-on for their scientific analysis on their chosen challenge and how this may be resolved based on their experiments and conclusive evidence.

Laurence is studying the growth of salmonella in chickens and Christopher and Andrew are raising awareness of bovine TB among the local farming community.

The Merck Sharp and Dohme new science competition is open to all secondary school students and the Ballydine Plant in Tipperary is fully supportive of encouraging young students to become involved in scientific research where they can singly or collectively study behavior and lifestyles of people, plants and animals and identify areas where science may help them, through the use of apps, helpful devices and modifications of these to improve their circumstances. It is hoped that this will encourage students to take an interest in the world of science which offers potential for vast exploration in to medical research and the development of devices to identify issues and help with the preservation and quality of life and health for all living beings, animals, fauna and flora for the future.

Proclamation Day CommemorationWexford Primary School

The centre-piece of the Proclamation Day Commemoration Ceremonies in CBS Primary School, Loch Garman was the dedication of a new space – Gairdín na Saoirse – in the newly-developed car park.

The Mayor of Wexford planted the last of 16 native yew trees which represent both the year of the Rising and its Centenary.

The youngest girl and boy in the school unveiled a specially commissioned black marble plaque. The seven-sided plaque represents the Seven Signatories of the Proclamation and bears the official logo of the Centenary. The inscription on the plaque reads ‘Cherishing all our Children Equally’, which is inspired by the aspirations expressed in the Proclamation.

The commemoration was also attended by four members of the Defence Forces, three of whom are recent past-pupils and one a mother of a recent-past-pupil. They read the Proclamation and were presented with the Tri-colour which they raised to the sound of a trumpet.

Special guests on the occasion were

the parents of the late Cadet David Jevens, a past-pupil and member of the Air Corps who was killed in a flying accident while training in 2009.

The school choir sang ‘Grace’ and pupil representatives of each class read their Class Proclamations. An outdoor concert of Irish music, song and dance followed the singing by the whole assembly of Amhrán na bhFiann.

Photographs by Ger Dwyer, Caretaker

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Technology success in CBSCBS Kilkenny

Warmest congratulations to Cathal O’Dwyer O’Brien who received third place in Ireland in Technology in his Leaving Certificate in 2015. Cathal’s achievement and that of his teacher Mr. PJ McCormack was recognised at the Annual Technology Teachers National awards on Saturday 5th March 2016 in GMIT Galway.

This is not the first time Mr McCormack’s achievements have been recognised nationally. Dylan Dooley was placed third in Ireland in his Leaving Certificate Technology in 2014, and a Department of Education Inspection report in 2014 highly praised Mr. McCormack’s teaching methods and outcomes.

This was a fantastic achievement for Cathal who designed an automatic tablet dispenser for use in refugee camps. Cathal is currently studying Engineering in University College Dublin.

All-Ireland Equestrian success for AndyCBS Kilkenny

First year student, Andy O’Donnell, won the All-Ireland Inter-Schools Hunter Trials on March 12th 2016. Hosted by Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, more than 170 competitors battled it out in the Junior Competition. Andy completed the fastest clear round of the day. On his pony, Onyx, Andy completed the 24 fence round in an impressive 4.39 minutes. Very well done, Andy. It is a great achievement.

Cantwell wins PExpo National TitleCBS Kilkenny

On March 11 2016, fifth year student Conor Cantwell competed in PExpo 2016 in Trinity Comprehensive School in Ballymun Dublin. There were more than 400 students competing at the event. All projects at the competition were sports related. Conor’s project was functional movement training in Young GAA players which won the performance and sports psychology category. Conor also won the overall prize and will now present to students in University of Limerick as well as at the PE Teachers conference in Cork next October.

CBS Kilkenny golfing triumphCBS Kilkenny

Every year, CBS Kilkenny fields a school golf team. This year, the standard is very high, with the team recently winning the Leinster Schools Senior Matchplay Final at Carlow Golf Club, to progress to the All-Ireland stages. Under the tutelage and guidance of Mr. Sean Breathnach, the students have gone from strength to strength in the schools competitions.

Well done to the winners from Bobby O’Mahony, Jack Walsh, Martin Power, Kevin Power and Mackenzie Davin.

Tráth na gCeistCBS Kilkenny

Ghlac trí fhoireann ó Mheánscoil na mBráithre páirt i gcomórtas Tráth na gCeist eagraithe ag Feachtas a bhí ar siúl i gColáiste Pobail Osraí an tseachtain seo chaite. D’éirigh go maith leo agus chríochnaigh ceann de na foirne ó Mhéanscoil na mBráithre sa chéad áit. Ghlac an fhoireann sin páirte i gCraobh na hÉireann i mBaile Átha Cliath i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016. Chríochnaigh said sa dara áit.

Comhghairdeas le Caoimhín de Baróid, Jeaic Ó Geargáin, Ultan Ó Conraoi agusMarc Ó Coinne i gCraobh na hÉireann.

Three teams from CBS took part in the Tráth na gCeist competition organised by Feachtas in Coláiste Pobail Osraí last week. They got on well and one of the teams from CBS finished in first place. That team took part in the All-Ireland Finals in Dublin during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016, but unfortunately missed out narrowly on first place.

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Caitríona O’Brien - RIP, In Loving Memory of a Dear ColleagueCBS Kilkenny

It is with great sadness that the CBS Kilkenny community learned of the passing of Caitríona O’Brien, a much loved and highly respected colleague, teacher and friend.

Caitriona passed away peacefully on March 1st 2016 and will be sorely missed by her friends in CBS Kilkenny. Over the

course of her twenty five years in the school, Caitríona brought cheer, positivity and a terrific sense of humour to her many interactions with students and staff. Caitríona was a highly regarded teacher of Geography and Maths to Leaving Certificate Higher level.

Among the many extra-curricular areas in which she played a part, Caitríona was a formidable driving force behind the equestrian success of the school and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the teams over the years. Separately, Caitriona was very involved in hockey

in the South East and at national level and held many roles, including President of the Branch. She went on to become President of the Irish Ladies Hockey Union from 1999-2000 and was a key figure in the amalgamation of the two former Unions, ILHU & IHU, in May 2000.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Noel and Mary Ellen, and both the O’Brien and Hayes families on their loss. She will be very fondly remembered in CBS Kilkenny.

Ní bheidh a leithéid inár measc arís, RIP.

CBS Kilkenny

The school community is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Tony O’Brien RIP, friend and benefactor of the school, and after whom the Tony O’Brien Scholarship Fund was named.

A native of Piltown, Co.Kilkenny and a CBS Carrick on Suir man himself, Tony lived most of his life in Dublin but never really left Kilkenny. His greatest thrill was to witness his home county win yet another All Ireland Senior Hurling Final and both his working and leisure life were organised around that first Sunday in September in the hope that Kilkenny would make the final. He was overjoyed when on a visit to the school Mr. Matt Ruth let him hold, for his first time, the Liam McCarthy!

Tony O’Brien was one of the leading business executives of his day. He served as Chief Executive of C&C for 21 years, was Director of CRH, Past President of IBEC and Chairman of the Review Body on higher remuneration in the Public Service. In 2002 he was appointed Chairman of C&C, a position he held until his retirement in 2010 having spent 40 years with the group. C&C plc established the Tony O’Brien Scholarship Fund to honour this Kilkenny man who had contributed so much to industry in general and to C&C in particular. This was Tony’s wish, that students of this school would be enabled to attend UCD’s Quinn Business School and perhaps follow in his footsteps. To date nine students have been worthy winners of this most generous and prestigious award.

When news of his death filtered through the school on Friday Dec 18 2015, the students were so impressed that a man could so value education and be so personally generous that they wished to form a guard of honour at his funeral and offer their sympathies to his wife Frances who is also a good friend of the school, his son Shane and his extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís.

New Pitch for CBS KilkennyCBS Kilkenny

On Monday, October 19 2015, we were delighted to welcome Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, to officially cut the ribbon at the redeveloped Brothers’ Field on Stephens Street. On a day that marked the end of five years of work and fundraising by CBS Kilkenny primary and secondary schools, the sun shone down unseasonably and added great enjoyment to the occasion.

For the last five years, both schools and their respective Boards of Management have worked hard to fundraise and oversee the redevelopment of the field into a top-class pitch. In his address, Mr Ó Fearghail paid tribute to principals Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Donal McCarthy and his predecessor Mr Denis O’Reilly. Foresight, energy and determination were the main attributes which brought the work to fruition on the day. He told the gathered crowd that sport helped not only our physical wellbeing, but also our mental wellbeing. He also graciously acknowledged that he was in the county where the best hurlers in the world lived! His address was warmly received as he

praised the school communities, teaching staff, the Dept of Education & Skills (DES), local businesses and supporters. Representing the DES on the day was a great supporter and past pupil of CBS KIlkenny, Bill Kavanagh.

To mark the opening of the pitch, CBS Kilkenny secondary school hosted the annual Jim Langton Tournament. The son of Jim Langton, also Jim, presented the Jim Langton cup to the victorious team, CBS Midleton. Bishop of Ossory, Seamus Freeman, did the honour of blessing the pitch.

Mr Clarke thanked all those who had contributed in so many ways to the project, and remembered the many decades of hard work and dedication which the Christian Brothers have so generously given to the community. Mr McCarthy reiterated the sentiments of Mr Ó Fearghail’s inaugural address as Uachtarán Chumann Luthchleas Gael, when he said that every person in the community plays an important role in the promotion of sport and physical prowess in our young people. The benefits sport brings are manifold.

Mr Eddie Holohan from the CBS Secondary Board of Management performed his role of master of ceremonies with ease and eloquence.

Tony O’Brien RIP, friend and benefactor of CBS Kilkenny

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October marked an exciting new chapter in the history of the CBS Roscommon, with the official opening of the school’s state of the art Autism Centre.

The event, which took place on a blustery October morning, celebrated the amazing transformation of the old monastery - an historic building which had fallen into serious disrepair - into a stunning, bright and inspirational space. The Centre pays homage to its esteemed past, with many of the building’s beautiful original features having been carefully preserved.

History merges seamlessly with modernity throughout the Centre – it contains a new multi-media sensory room and classrooms which are equipped with up-to-the-minute resources to help students along the autistic spectrum to achieve their potential.

Principal Ms. Fiona Gallagher, welcomed all those who attended the event - past and present members of the staff, management and Board of Management – and recounted the journey that had occurred since the school first received word that they had received the funding for the Centre. She emphasised that it was a Centre as opposed to a Unit, because it was not a standalone entity, but an integral part of the school community and the CBS campus. Ms. Gallagher commended the work of the teachers

and students who were wholeheartedly embracing this new element of school life. People have tended to call this the autism unit. We are calling it as you can see the Edmund Rice Autism Centre. A unit is one part of a whole. The centre is at the core, and this is now at the core of who we are here at Roscommon CBS.

Two Kerry writers lived in Listowel, John B. Keane and Bryan McMahon. When one was asked did he get on with the other, he said, we live in the same square but we move in different circles!

This is the centre of our circle here at Roscommon CBS.

It was the vision of Edmund Rice to bring those in need to the centre, and here we are keenly aware that we need to cater and create a vibrant educational environment for all.

It is significant that this was the Brothers’ home. How wonderful a sign of their continuing legacy to our education. And we want those who are educated here to be at home.

The Centre’s first student – Dec Healy – and his teacher Ms. Grainne Sheerin spoke about the wide range of subjects that they cover in the Centre. Traditional music was provided by Alan Hill, Lennox Musa and Roddie McGuinness. Teacher Ms. Karen Flynn also played the accordion.

Brother Michael Heffernan cfc, a past principal of the school and a former resident of the old monastery spoke about the life of Edmund Rice and the educational legacy he had created in Roscommon. He fondly remembered his time within the house and was astounded by the transformation that had taken place there since he had left. Another student of the Centre - Paul Adetunji - presented Br. Michael with a framed picture “Buiochas” from Ethel Kelly, Knockcroghery in County Roscommon.

This was followed by a tour of the building, where Monsignor Travers gave prayers of blessing for the new Centre. It was then officially opened by Br. Michael Heffernan to much applause.

Overall, it was an emotional and joyful day for the entire school community as they recognised and celebrated the colossal work that went into making this Centre a reality, and the hugely positive impact it will have on the CBS and its surrounding areas. The school was privileged to be a part of such a worthwhile and inclusive project and look forward to seeing it grow and thrive along with its students over the coming years. We wish to thank all those who helped out, including the students who came in especially to help on the day.

Edmund Rice Autism Centre Officially OpenedCBS Roscommon

Summer 2016 Page 13

Zambia Revisited – Millimo’s story…Oatlands College

Seventeen students and five teachers spent two weeks working with the Christian Brothers network in Zambia in May 2013. Most of our time was spent in the town of Kabwe, a town in the north of Zambia, where Brother Stephen has built and developed a community centre to serve the needs of the local community.

Young people receive education and training in the community centre and there is a computer room in which they can learn basic computer skills to enable them to secure employment. I worked with them on basic CVs and formal letters of application as well as issues of personal presentation, self-esteem and how to conduct oneself in a formal interview.

One young woman, Millimo Hamukombo, who was part of the team running the centre wanted to explore further how she could improve her CV and preparation for the world of work. I discovered that in an ideal world she would have loved to progress onto nursing school but, due to her personal family circumstances and the fees of higher education in Zambia, this would not be possible.

After my discussion with her I raised her case with my fellow teachers and we decided to do what we could to support her if she were to proceed to nursing training. Between us and supported by the fund raising we had undertaken before the trip we encouraged her to apply for a place in her local nursing training school. This she did in the summer of 2013.

Millimo is now in the middle of her second year of her nursing training supported by students and staff of

Oatlands College. She has secured top marks in every exam she has taken to date. Before Christmas this year she went to work for a month as a trainee nurse to a small town in rural Zambia called Mpunde. On her return she sent us this report. “My experience in Mpunde was so educational. I had the experience of giving immunization to children from birth up until the time they get fully immunised. We could give them a BCG vaccine against tuberculosis, PCV vaccine against pneumonia, OPV vaccine against poliomyelitis, Rota vaccine against severe diarrhoea plus the measles vaccine.

I also learnt how to manage a pregnant mother who came for her first antenatal booking and how to withdraw blood for most investigations such as RPR for syphilis, HIV and HB. I learnt how to give them iron supplements like ferrous sulphate and folic acid. I could educate them on signs of danger during pregnancy which includes oedema of the legs, drowsiness and severe headaches which may indicate anaemia, which predisposes the foetus to foetal distress due to reduced flow of blood to the placenta. I was able to handle the delivery of four babies competently alone though under supervision, because we were being assessed and given marks according to how we got on.”

In reading Millimo’s account of her work in Mpunde one cannot but be struck by

the level of medical support she is already giving to the wider population after only eighteen months of nursing training. This is an indication of how much we, who are so much more financially blessed than our African brothers, can achieve with relatively small investments of time and energy. It should show us that even small initiatives on our part can have huge long term effects in the less developed parts of our world.

Over the coming decades our work in Oatlands in fundraising for our work in Zambia will bear fruit in the work of the Christian Brothers’ project which we will continue to support. Alongside that, in 2016 Millimo Hamukombo will qualify as a nurse and our work in supporting her will have transformed what she will be capable of providing to her community during her working life.

Hopefully, when next Oatlands College sends another group of students and teachers to work with the Christian Brothers in Zambia, they will see the benefits of the work of previous student groups from the college. We live in an interdependent world and we may well discover that the support that we have freely given to our brothers and sisters in Africa will return to us tenfold in benefits to our own society in the years ahead.

Guys & DollsOatlands College

The Transition Year students of Oatlands College and the Dominican College Sion Hill enjoyed great success with their March production of musical Broadway classic “Guys and Dolls”. Oatlands College has a rich and successful musical history, with this year’s production marking the eleventh successive year. The boys from Oatlands have teamed up with the girls from Sion Hill to work on a musical project. In previous years, Oatlands has enjoyed great success with productions as diverse as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables and Hairspray. 2016’s Guys and Dolls featured classic Broadway hits such as “Luck Be a Lady”, “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat”, performed by over 150 TY students.

ff Millimo Hamukombo

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Zambia Immersion ProjectColáiste Éamann Rís. Callan. Co.Kilkenny

Gamal Abdel Nasser said of his African nation “We are a sentimental people, we prefer a few kind words rather than millions of dollars given in a humiliating way”

It is this warmth and welcome to visitors that will remain central in the minds of the two teachers Martina Griffin and James Murtagh from Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan, Co Kilkenny who spent their Easter holidays in Lusaka, Zambia. This trip commenced preparation for the return immersion programme next Easter with 15 students and third teacher Cian Ryan.

Over the two and a half weeks in Africa James and Martina were hosted by the local Christian Brothers at the International Spiritual Centre at Avondale, Lusaka. James and Martina joined Br Nsamu Moonga on his daily visits to homes, schools and orphanages.

Blessed Edmund Rice opened his whole heart to the poor; compassion was at the heart of what he was about. Immersion such as this is a unique and inspirational expression of the Edmund Rice ethos. Both teachers felt privileged to have encountered first hand victims of poverty and injustice.

Our return group of students will act as ambassadors for their school, parishes and families as they forge links through charitable work on farms, in schools, orphanages and housing compounds. Preparation for our return involves two elements- preparing the students for their immersion with useful information on African culture and a fundraising aspect.

Significant time is also given on reflections to nourish the students’ well being, in a spiritual, physical and emotional sense- before, during and after the trip.

We are no doubt as to the rewards that will be reaped by our young students in terms of character building and personal growth as a result of this trip.

In the words of Nelson Mandela-

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”

Juvenile Hurling

U-14 Hurling in the school provided a number of wins for Coláiste Éamann Rís. Unbeaten in the league campaign with victories over Ramsgrange, Ballyhale and Grennan it was looking as if the Callan boys could compete for silverware in the South Leinster Championship. However, coming up against a very strong Carnew side in the quarter final proved to be a stumbling block for Coláiste Éamann Rís as they bowed out of the competition. All panel members put in a huge effort throughout the year training and playing challenge matches in all sorts of conditions. The future looks bright for hurling in Coláiste Éamann Ris!

Badminton

Coláiste Éamann Rís brought a record 12 students to the badminton competition held in the Watershed this year playing a total of 78 games, competing at U-14, U-16 and U-19 levels. Coach Mr D. Walton said overall it was a very successful year in Badminton for Coláiste Éamann Rís with titles at U16 and U19 level. Badminton is just one of the many sports offered at our school providing the pupils with a wide range of activities to get involved in outside of the classroom.

1916 Commemoration DayColáiste Éamann Rís. Co.Kilkenny

On 15th March Coláiste Éamann Rís had a commemorative event to mark 100 years since the 1916 rising. In this event we had songs, guest speakers, the reading of the proclamation, re-enactments and the raising of the tri-colour to mention but a few of the activities involved. The mayor of Kilkenny Joe Malone, along with County Councillors Matt Doran and David Kennedy attended on the day. Guest speaker on the day was Jim Meagher, author of The Flying Columns in west Kilkenny”. Former teacher of our school, and piper Mr. Denis Ryan, returned to play the National Anthem at the end of the event. Among the guests was former Principal of the school Frank McKenna, members of Board of Management and Parents Council who all thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Irish TV visited the school to film the special event and it aired on TV a number of weeks later, showing all that is good in Coláiste Éamann Rís.

Many thanks to all teachers and staff who participated in what was a very memorable day for our school. A special mention must be given to Mr. Hickey, Mr. Casey and Mr. Butler who dedicated a lot of time and effort in the preparations for the day.

Summer 2016 Page 15

The boys in St. Joseph’s along with the general school community have shown a solid commitment to the spirit of Edmund Rice throughout this year.

During the month of November a Copper Hunt was initiated in the school and over a fortnight period the brown coins collection grew steadily. Sixth class boys then took on the task of counting, bagging and weighing in preparation for banking. A very creditable €340 had been amassed to be donated to the Edmund Rice Development Fund. The lesson of how we should never underestimate the value of a

little brown coin was not lost on the pupils – from the little acorn the large oak!

In March, 6th class boys taking part in the Louth Junior Entrepreneur Programme, having faced the “Dragons in the Den” chose to organise the “St. Joseph’s School Second Hand Sale” giving a share of the proceeds to the local “Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre” which very gratefully received a cheque for €250 from the boys.

Non uniform days in the school have benefitted Trócaire and local Boomerang

Youth Centre also to sums of €350 and €250 respectively.

The school is also actively engaged this year in achieving the Active Schools Flag and our Biodiversity 5th Green Flag.

The 1916 Commemoration Day on March 15th was a huge success as all members of our school community were represented at the flag raising ceremony and the outdoor celebration consisting of drama, poetry and song was greatly enjoyed. It was a commendable marking of the occasion.

Drogheda UpdateSt. Joseph’s CBS, Drogheda.

KCLR Broadcast Live Coláiste Éamann Rís, Co.Kilkenny

Coláiste Éamann Rís were delighted to welcome local radio station KCLR out to our school where they broadcasted live for the morning. The KCLR team interviewed pupils and staff about a whole range of topics such as sports, music, drama, subjects, school trips and much more. It was a great opportunity for the pupils and teachers to portray all the great things that happen in our school. The students enjoyed the opportunity to speak on the radio and express their views of school life in Coláiste Éamann Rís.

Soar Team Visit Coláiste Éamann RísColáiste Éamann Rís. Co.Kilkenny

On Tuesday, 23rd February, Tony Griffin (Clare ex-hurler) visited the school with the Soar Team. Soar creates and delivers interactive workshops with young people in Primary and Secondary schools throughout Ireland. These workshops offer young people a unique space where they can have honest conversations about their dreams and any challenges that stop them from being free to be who they want. Our group of students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to express themselves and discuss issues that arise in the everyday life of a teenager.

What is Soar? Soar is a collective

movement which believes that there is greatness within all young people. Soar act on this by creating and delivering early intervention-preventative wellness workshops inside and outside of the school system for young people aged 12 to 18 years from all backgrounds.

Soar believes that within all young people is an immense greatness that often lies beneath fear, self-doubt and a sense of disengagement from society. The youth of Ireland need our collective support to believe in themselves. Soar is 100% dedicated to playing our part in changing this story. Soar want our young people to be true to their hearts call, to live their best life possible.

By empowering each young person to take ownership of their lives and exploring what is important to them, Soar is igniting a major shift in attitude amongst young people all around Ireland.

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Celebrating 200 years since the Christian Brothers first came to Limerick 1816-2016Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street

2016 has been earmarked for some time as an important occasion in the life of the community of CBS Sexton Street, with a number of celebrations planned to mark the bicentenary of the arrival of the Christian Brothers in Limerick. Central to the celebrations planned was the Bi-Centenary Mass in St. John’s Cathedral, a 600 page book entitled CBS 200 and a Carol Service in St. Michael’s Church, the parish in which the schools, both primary and secondary, are located.

Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street has and continues to have a huge influence locally, nationally and internationally. The Christian Brothers first came to Limerick in 1816, Following an invitation to Br. Edmund Rice, by the then Catholic Bishop of Limerick, Most Rev. Dr Charles Tuohy.

The Bicentenary Mass was the first celebration during this important year for the CBS Sexton Street community and took place in St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday 7th February 2016.

Echoing the events of the centenary of the arrival of the Christian Brothers to Limerick in 1916, when a band led the Congregation back up to the school from St. John’s Cathedral, the 2016 congregation were pipped back up to nearby Sexton Street by the CBS Pipe Band. It is interesting to note that the planned centenary celebrations were

curtailed as martial law was in place in the city as a result of the events of the Easter Rising of 1916.

CBS 200

CBS 200 - 624 pages from 1816-2016. The book, CBS 200, gives a wonderful account of the impact of Sexton Street on its alumni, on its city, on its country and further afield. Many of these memories are retold and relived as evidenced in the pages of this wonderful book, rich in stories and memories about, amongst others, Ned Daly (executed in 1916 and educated in Sexton Street); Philip Holland (inventor of the first working submarine and former teacher in Sexton Street); the many Harty Cup triumphs; the 22 mayors

of Limerick the school has produced and countless more entertaining and fascinating recollections of the influence of CBS Sexton Street.

For generations of young men CBS Sexton Street has provided them with an education both inside and outside the classroom, with a strong emphasis on the academic side of school life, balanced with the extra-curricular activities on the sports fields and in the area of music, drama and art. A rich narrative of this broad Sexton Street education illuminates all 624 pages of this book.

What has also become evident in the writing of this book are the strong friendships formed between the students of Sexton Street during their time in this school.

CBS Sexton Street has always sought, and continues to seek, to equip students for life after school and does so by offering a strong academic base coupled with a broad extra-curricular programme where students learn the value of working as part of a team. CBS Sexton Street is unique amongst secondary schools in its sporting history in having won the senior provincial cups in hurling (the Harty Cup), football (Corn UI Mhuirí), the Munster Schools Senior Rugby Cup and the Munster Schools Senior Soccer Cup.

The school has kept at its core its mission of providing a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition, including those of different faiths and none.

Coláiste Mhichíl, CBS Sexton Street today is a school of 500 pupils from 37

ff Bishop Leahy Concelebrating The Bicentenary Mass ff The famous “Sexton Street CBS”

Summer 2016 Page 17

Deerpark CBS Proclaims its HeritageDeerpark

Tuesday 15th March 2016, or Proclamation Day, was a very special day as Irish schools across the country held a series of events that marked the centenary of the 1916 Rising. In Deerpark CBS, a small DEIS school in the Edmund Rice tradition on the south-side of Cork City, the occasion was particularly notable as, apart from the raising of the Irish Flag at noon, students and staff held a range of special events and activities to proclaim their heritage.

The day was deemed a Lá Glas (a non-uniform day when students were encouraged to wear green rather than the uniform) and T.F. Meagher Foundation pin badges were sold with the proceeds going to charity. The staff members joined in enthusiastically on the day and, given that the school was already bedecked in green white and orange for Seachtain na Gaeilge, there was a real sense of occasion and national pride for all concerned on the day.

In the afternoon, the entire school gathered in the hall for the Principal’s 1916 Centenary Address. Principal Mr Kevin Barry initially spoke about the Irish flag and its origins and symbolism of peace. He then outlined the main events leading to the 1916 Rising and its international context, the terrible loss of life that occurred on both sides and how the event heralded a new reality for Anglo-Irish relations.

Mr Barry then linked how his own name and family connection to the great Cork Nationalist and Republican Tadhg Barry helps him to relate personally to the ensuing struggle for Irish independence,

even from the distance of a full century. He also drew from his own personal experiences working in Africa to illustrate what it means to be Irish today and of how we should take great pride in how we are viewed internationally.

Mr Barry then distributed copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic to students. Special attention was given to certain sections of the Proclamation which hold particular significance for the rights and responsibilities we each enjoy today as citizens of a free nation.

The students were then treated to a military display of the Irish Volunteer uniforms, with local historian Noel McCarthy and senior student Adam Duggan wearing the volunteer and officer uniforms respectively. Mr McCarthy spoke eloquently of the history and function of the various elements of the uniform and of what life as a volunteer would have been like one hundred years ago.

The History Department then held a very successful Tráth na gCeist (a table quiz) for the students on the history and legacy of the 1916 Rising. Following this, the students and staff members ended the commemoration by rising to sing Amhrán na bhFiann with a new found sense of pride and place.

different nationalities, reflective of a welcoming, vibrant and diverse Sexton Street that continues to make a significant contribution to its community. The strong academic tradition continues and can be seen in the 152 past pupils who have won a JP McManus CBS Sexton Street Scholarship since 1997 and which are awarded to the top 8 Leaving Certificate students each year. Success on the sports fields continues, most recently in soccer and athletics with many Munster and All-Ireland Cups brought back to Sexton Street. Music continues with the CBS Pipe Band now over 50 years old, as well as the school’s work with Music Generation which is showcasing the talents of yet another generation of singers and musicians from Sexton Street. Those unique school friendships continue to be formed in CBS and will last well into adulthood, whereby the memories of the current cohort of Sexton Street students will be recalled in reunions in the years to come.

It is indeed very exciting times for the current and future students of CBS Sexton Street as the school has been included in the most recent Major School Building Projects announced by the Department of Education and Skills in November 2015, with ambitious plans for major refurbishment of the iconic 1820s and 1840s buildings coupled with modern annexes.

A huge debt of gratitude is owed to all those involved in the various Bi-centenary celebrations for the enormous amount of time and effort they have given to make this a year to remember and a Bi-Centenary to remember for all associated with CBS Sexton Street.

Tom Prendergast, Principal, Coláiste Mhichíl, BS Sexton Street

ff A 1916 Centenary Address by Mr Kevin Barry, Principal, Deerpark CBS.

ff Celebrating Proclamation Day in Deerpark CBS.

ff Br Edmund Garvey & Principal Tom Prendergast at the launch of the CBS 200 in Limerick.

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1916 Commemorative EventSt Joseph’s Fairview

On Tuesday the 26th January, 2016, the Past Pupils Union, under the leadership of its president, Seán Ó Connell, hosted a well-attended and universally praised event to mark the hundredth anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Among the attendance at this auspicious event were the following guests: Rev. Fr. James McInerney OFM, C.C., Rev Br. Pat Madigan, C.F.C., the principals of St Joseph’s Primary and Secondary Schools, O’Connell’s, Brunswick Street, Synge Street, Westland Row and Belvedere College S.J., representative teachers and pupils from those schools as well as the Presidents of their respective Past Pupil Unions. There were also other invited guests from the local parishes and Parents Councils and so forth.

All in all, this fitting and moving commemoration was universally enjoyed and enthusiastically praised by all those in attendance. Mr. Cullen extended his thanks to the Principal and staff of the Primary school for hosting the event, to Sean O’Connell, President of St Joseph’s P.P.U. for organising such a fitting and successful presentation. The occasion was recorded on video for posterity. The morning ended with a light reception hosted by St Joseph’s primary School.

ff Pictured above clockwise from left are Mr Kevin Gillen (Primary Principal), Mr. Gerry Cullen (Secondary Principal) Mr Seán O’Connell (President St Joseph’s P.P.U.) and Mrs G. O’Connell with Mr Joe Duffy (RTE).

Lenten Campaign 2016St Joseph’s Fairview

All classes organised a variety of events, from sponsored walks and mini – marathons, to soccer tournaments.

Well in excess of €40,000 has been raised by the boys and their families since our Lenten campaign started in 2001. To date this year we have managed to raise approximately €2,500. We are very proud of them for their generous spirit and commitment to helping people less fortunate than themselves.

The great work of the Christian Brothers abroad and a variety of our home based charities have benefited from the financial support over the years.

CBS Boys’ ChoirSt Joseph’s Fairview

The choir boys from 3rd class in preparation for the Confirmation in St Mary’s Cathedral which was held on Saturday, 12th March. This is an introduction to full membership of the choir which they will join next September. From then onwards they will participate in all choir activities including, training in musicianship, vocal technique and public performance.

Following a very successful and enjoyable Choir Trip to Manchester last June and a wonderful performance at the Lions Concert just before Christmas, the senior choir is preparing for a very special ‘performance’ in early July - at the wedding of former choir member, now teacher, Mr. Conor Leahy.

We would like to sincerely thank Mr. Seamus Brennan, Choirmaster of the CBS Boys’ Choir, for his dedication, time and generosity in sharing his expertise with the members of the school choir over the last thirty five years. A legacy of great memories and accomplished singers follow him and his work.

Green School 2016Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny

In our quest to achieve our third green flag for water conservation, the CBS Kilkenny has not only been awarded the Green Flag, but have also been awarded “Southern Region Water School of the Year”. The school is one of only four primary schools chosen nationwide. This flag is an award for all our hard work and effort with conserving water in the school over the last two years.

The first green flag was awarded for litter and waste management and the second green flag was in recognition of our work conserving energy.

It is a huge achievement for the school and a testament to the hard work and determination of Ms. Boyle and her Green School Committee.

The green flag and the very prestigous award, together with prize money of €750 and a trophy, will be presented to Ms. Caroline Boyle and representatives of the school at a ceremony in Dublin this May.

Who knows but the title of National Water School of the Year 2016 may yet be coming to Scoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny.

Summer 2016 Page 19

Active School FlagScoil Iognáid Rís, Kilkenny

Ambassador’s Visit:Blarney St CBS.

Blarney Street was delighted to welcome his excellency Ambassador Séamus O’ Grady to our school yesterday. His visit was part of the 5th class Irish Aid Awards project. Blarney Street CBS has a long association with helping education projects in Zambia, the most recent of which include fundraising jumble sales, cake sales and even a whole school musical “Joseph” with proceeds going to a school in Kabwe.

Ambassador O’ Grady spoke to the whole school about his role as Irish Ambassador to Zambia and conducted a Questions & Answers session with the 5th class. It was a great honour for the school to host such a prestigious guest and we are very grateful to Ambassador O’ Grady for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us. Go raibh maith agat a Shéamuis!

Our school is working towards achieving an Active School’s Flag. An Active School is a school that strives to achieve a physically educated and physically active school community.

We have signed up for the Laya Healthcare Super Troopers programme where every child receives a physical activity homework journal and completes exercises and activities each night with family and friends as homework.

Designed by health and fitness experts, it’s hoped the mix of high-intensity, family-based exercise routines and tips on nutrition will help school children and parents form long-term healthier attitudes and behaviours. Children are encouraged to spend 10-15 minutes doing each activity and parents are asked to sign off each activity at the end of the week, just as they would regular school work. Prizes will be awarded for children who make an effort to be active each day,

and those who show improvements in physical activity.

We have set up a number of initiatives to get children more physically active throughout the school day:

1. ‘Move-It Monday’: children are involved in aerobic exercises in their line after both lunch breaks. Exercise ranges from jumps, squats and jogs to burpees.

2. ‘Wake- up Wednesday’: the boys jog or walk around the pitch at their leisure before school and their aim is to achieve their own potential. The children are trying to improve the number of laps they can do each week, some boys are even timing their laps!

3. Children are participating in classroom activities every Thursday at 12 o’clock. Each class has a Go Noodle account and they work up exercise minutes.

4. Winter Hurling leagues are in full swing every Tuesday and Thursday.

5. The field is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for all classes to improve their hurling skills.

There is a strong focus on PE at the moment with teachers planning together and ensuring the children get 60 minutes of physical education each week. All ideas are welcome and can be placed in the ‘Suggestion Box’ upstairs or downstairs beside the Active Schools Board.

We would like to thank Mr. Bergin, Ms. O’Grady and the Active School Committee for their commitment and hard work in ensuring the success of this initiative.

A big thank you also to Mr. Bergin, Ms. O’Grady, Mr. Prendergast, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Reidy for promoting hurling by refereeing matches, coaching and helping the boys to improve their hurling skills.

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Over 1,000 Pack The Brandon To See GAA Stars In ‘The Kube’CBS The Green, Tralee

KERRY’S Darran O’Sullivan may be quick on the football field, but it appears he is even more quick-witted off it as he beat his team-mates to win ‘The Kube’.

He was joined by a host of GAA stars, radio stars and local politicians in the Brandon Hotel where an incredible crowd of over 1,000 people watched the CBS The Green fundraiser sponsored by Lee Strand Protein+ Milk and Moriarty Construction.

Darran beat Colm Cooper into second to take the top prize of €2,000 for his chosen charity, The Irish Heart Foundation, along with helping to raise funds for an all-weather pitch on the grounds of CBS The Green, which was the main reason for the event.

‘The Kube’ charity fundraiser is based on the popular UK TV show ‘The Cube’, which challenges contestants to perform straight forward tasks with a difficult twist inside an enclosed area.

Along with The Gooch and Darran, taking part were James O’Donoghue, Kieran Donaghy, Aidan O’Mahony, Marc Ó Sé, Barry John Keane, Tomas Ó Sé, Donnacha Walsh, Tommy Walsh and David Moran.

Representing the Kerry hurlers was last year’s Christy Ring winning captain, John ‘Tweek’ Griffin.

Local GAA clubs, Na Gaeil, Austin Stacks, Kerins O Rahilly’s, John Mitchells, as well as St Brendan’s Basketball and Tralee Rugby Club were also represented, along with CBS students and teachers and Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella and Andrew Morrissey.

Eoin Liston, Mick Galwey and Ogie Moran were also there as well as Fianna Fail TD John Brassil and Michael Healy Rae. A great night of entertainment and loads of money raised for The Green.

In the end there could be only one winner and Kerry GAA star Darran O’Sullivan proved the most adept to the game to beat off the challenge of Colm Cooper.

ff The contestants, students and staff of CBS at the CBS The Green ‘The Kube’ event in the Brandon Conference Centre on Wednesday night.

CBS The Green Plans Special 1916 Centenary CelebrationsCBS The Green, Tralee

Careful planning went into the 1916 Centenary Commemorations that took place in CBS, The Green. The inaugural “History week” commenced on March 8th-15th and concluded in a well thought out Proclamation Day on March 15th. Students and teachers of the school were joined on the day by invited special guests to remember the Rising and those executed as well as learn about the role Kerry played in the Rising.

The Commemoration began with a welcome address and the reading of the Proclamation by two senior students, Alan McLoughlin and Michael Kenny. Musically gifted students of the school played a medley of ballads associated with the Rising. Danny Goggins sang his rendition of ‘Foggy Dew’ and Gearóid O’ Connor read his insightful interpretation of the Proclamation for today’s world. The role of each of the 15 men executed at the time of the Rising and Roger Casement was discussed in a presentation by the Transition Year Students who had individually researched the Executed of the Rising. Generous members of the Tralee Pipe Band offered to volunteer their morning to pipe the group outside for the raising of a specially commissioned tricolour.

The flag was collected at Croke Park during a ‘Flag Week’ ceremony for secondary schools from President Higgins. To conclude the commemorations there was a lecture series given by two local Kerry historians, (both of whom are past pupils of the CBS) T. Ryle Dwyer and Dr. Tim Horgan, to history students on “Kerry’s involvement in the Rising”.

Summer 2016 Page 21

CBS The Green Team Wins All-Ireland Badmiton TitleCBS The Green, Tralee

TRALEE has new All-Ireland champions after CBS The Green’s Under 14 team won in Gormanstown College in Co Meath.

Having won the county and provincial championships over the past few months, the team of Sean Kennedy, Kevin Griffin, Seamus Bradley, David Smith along with team managers Aine Knightly and Billy Lacey travelled to the Royal county for the finals.

Played on the round robin system, the Tralee school first met Castlebar, the Connacht champions and triumphed by 5 games to 1.

Next in line were Coleraine, the Ulster kingpins and the Kerry boys came out on top by 4-2. Finally they met Kilkenny, the Leinster champions and what an encounter this proved to be with no quarter asked or taken.

After a torrid battle the sides finished level on three games each. However, on the total points accumulated after the three games Tralee were declared All Ireland champions by five aces

3 Year Class’s Walk For JackHigh School, Clonmel

The 3rd year class walking St. Declan’s Way in memory of their classmate, Jack Hogan, who passed away last June. They were also fundraising for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. All at the High School Clonmel are very proud of them. Special thanks to Mr Tom Kenna & class Heaney for organising this event. Jack would have loved it.

High School Target Positivity & ResilienceHigh School, Clonmel

Wednesday 24th of February saw the launch of the High Schools Positivity & Resilience week. In attendance was Mr. Alan Quinlan, former International Rugby Player, who shared his own story around Mental Health and gave the boys fantastic positive advice on navigating the difficult years of being a teenager. Alan was followed later that day with a visit from Henry Shefflin, the former Kilkenny hurler who talked to the boys about perseverance, goal setting and getting up after a fall.

During this week the Student Leadership team launched the revived and redesigned student anti bullying Charter and classroom rules and the BOM publish the revised Anti Bullying Policy on the school website. A number of initiatives are ongoing this week e.g. Anti-Bullying workshops, Random Acts of Kindness Tree & Positive Mental Health Assemblies. The theme of the week is Positivity & Resilience. The message to the school community is clear, the High School want their students to know what Positive Mental Health looks like, recognise when they need help, know where to get it and understand that difficult times are part of life and that the skill of getting up after a fall is paramount. Having achieved the Amber Flag status last year the High School are committed to continuing to support parents in their role by the development of Positive Mental Health strategies and building resilience amongst their student population.

ff CBS The Green U14 Badminton team, who were victorious in the All-Ireland final (pictured here prior to going to the finals). From left: David Smith, Kevin Griffin, Seamus Bradley, Sean Kennedy and coach Aine Knightly

ff Ms Karen Steenson (Principal), Alan Quinlan, Henry Shefflin and Jerry O’Dwyer (Deputy Principal) and students from The High School Clonmel.

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It was a great honour for the students of Bunscoil McAuley Rice to commemorate the Easter Rising of 1916 and to raise the National Flag with pride, in unison with schools across the country.

The students were joined by members of the Board of Management,Parents’ Association, school staff, Fr. Dalton and and members of the Irish army past and present, including Lieutenant Caroline Dawson, her father Michael Dawson who played the pipes for the occasion and Thomas Mackey.

The children of sixth class read out their ‘Proclamation for a New Generation’. Fr. Dalton blessed the flag and it was raised by John Croke together with James Ahern from Junior Infants and Hannah Keher from 6th class.

The students sang the National Anthem and finished off the ceremony with John

Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, an anthem for a new generation.

The students reminded all present of how our history and our future can be celebrated:

‘We are grateful for our past, we are thankful for our present and we are hopeful for our future.

Bunscoil McAuley Rice Commemorates 1916Bunscoil McAuley Rice

1916 CelebrationCBS James’s Street

CBS James’s Street hosted a wonderful celebration to mark the Centenary of 1916 by having a Pop-Up Museum and invited guests to an event to reflect and celebrate the Easter Rising.

In attendance were the Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, ERST Head of Governance Helen O’Brien and members of the Board of Management, alongside the students, parents, staff and friends of Jamebo. The Pop-up Museum was the work of students and staff as a cross curricular DEIS initiative to learn and appreciate the impact of the Rising in the Dublin 8 area.

The Pop-Up Museum, called ‘Jamebo Remembering 1916’ involved posters, recreated artefacts, photographs, replicas of the chalice and paten that were used in Kilmainham Gaol, along with cardboard replicas of the streets and surroundings in 1916. It was quite poignant that the children of 2016 were remembering not only the locality, the historical figures but also the 40 children who lost their lives over the 6 days of the Rising. The work of the first year students in particular, remembered one of those children, Joseph Murray through their Sackville

Street Project and ‘Make a Book’ exhibition with the JCSP library and woodwork department. Their wooden tenement was displayed in the Dublin City Council Offices on Wood Quay, and on O’Connell Street on Easter Monday, and is now residing in the Botanic Gardens.

All teachers and students are embracing the 1916 commemorations, through their own subjects and cross curricular projects including the Pop-up Museum and remembering our historical past. On the day, after speeches by Principal Paul Mac Entee, Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh and students commemorating the lives of young people a century past, the two youngest members of the school community held the Proclomation and raised the flag while Amhrán na bhFiann was sung proudly.

It was a particular honour to have Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave in attendance on the 43rd Anniversary of his term as Taoiseach. Former students and brothers John and Frank Lawlor attended, both members of Scouting Ireland and of which John is the current CEO. The celebrations ended with the Parents Council Easter Raffle, and refreshments in the JCSP library which also hosted the Maths department powerpoint on the numbers of the revolution.

Summer 2016 Page 23

Soccer

Our u17 soccer team won the Tom Ticher Junior Leinster Cup on Wednesday 2nd March, 2016 after defeating Wexford CBS 2-1 in a dramatic and pulsating encounter held in the grounds of Arklow Town FC. Tiredness was a slight concern for our players heading into the final having played the quarter final and semi final at the end of February but an early goal from the impressive Yasser Mahrouk was just the tonic the team needed to soothe any concerns of a sluggish performance. Wexford CBS fought back well to equalise with just 4 minutes remaining. With extra time looming Conor Maguire fired home from close range in the dying seconds of normal time to seal a

dramatic but well deserved win for our team. With Ross Strong outstanding in midfield and a defence superbly marshalled by Paul Cleary and Emmet Allen, Lucan were the better team throughout and only fine goalkeeping prevented the team from winning more comfortably. The victory represented the 6th Leinster Cup for the school since 2007 and the 9th major title in all age groups since 2012 (4 Leinster Cups, 4 Dublin Leagues and 1 All Ireland title). The team, under the guidance of Mr. Rafter and Mr. Tarpey, advanced to the National Final on Monday 14th March where they were unfortunately beaten 2-1 by Calasanctius College Oranmore but they can look back with pride on another glorious sporting achievement for the school in winning the prestigious Junior Leinster Cup.

Basketball

Many congratulations to our u16 Basketball team who were crowned u16A National Cup Champions after a dramatic 45-44 win against St. Malachy’s Belfast in a pulsating and nerve wracking encounter at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Monday 25th January 2016. Roared on by our raucous supporters, the team showed incredible resilience and fight to recover from 6 points with just 3 minutes remaining to snatch victory in the dying seconds thanks to team captain Kris Arcilla who displayed nerves of steel to sink two free throws with just 3 seconds left on the clock. The win was the school’s 5th major basketball title in just 3 years with a lot of this particular panel being responsible for most of the victories. There were also brilliant scenes back in the school as everyone was watching the game on a live stream so this really added to the sense of occasion. Lucan’s u16 Irish International Kris Arcilla was awarded MVP while his International team-mate Max Amadasun top scored for the team with 16 points. Brian Monaghan had a brilliant game and added a vital 7 points while Kabir Akanbi scored some crucial late baskets. Samuel Mohamed also scored 2 important baskets as the team claimed their 15th successive win in all competitions at “A” grade this campaign. Congratulations to the team and to mentors Mr. Gray and Ms. Gough who have done brilliant work with the team all year. The team were given a guard of honour by our students back in the school and rarely has such an honour been more deserved.

Proclamation DayColáiste Phádraig, CBS Lucan

As part of the National Proclamation Day to commemorate the 1916 Rising in schools across the country, our students took part in a series of symbolic and moving events on Tuesday 15th March. The Government-sponsored initiative saw every educational institute receive a flag and a copy of the Proclamation read out by Pádraig Pearse in front of the GPO a century ago. The day’s events, superbly organised by Mr. Sweetman and Ms. Kelly, started after lunch as 40 students walked slowly from nearby Woodies, through Roselawn Estate and into the school holding aloft green balloons. Attached to the balloons were the names,

ages and details of the deaths of 39 young people who were killed during the Easter Rising. Each individual card was then read out on the loudspeaker to nearly 600 students gathered in the school yard as the balloons were released individually into the air. A 40th balloon, this one white, was released to symbolise peace as well as everyone else who died in the Rising. It was a very solemn and moving occasion which our students respectfully remained completely silent and reflective for. Two students were selected to raise the two special flags, delivered to all schools, on specially installed flagpoles on the school grounds. First year Sam Keogh raised the Irish Free State Flag while sixth year Dean O’ Brien raised the Tricolour while suitable music played in the background. Ámhrán

na bhFiann was then sung by all in attendance. Five students, Liam Bradley, James Kebana, Brendan McCann, John Regan and David Zrielskis, then stepped up to read a section of the Proclamation. Dáire Byrne then read out a re-imagined student version of the Proclamation which reflected their hopes, dreams and expectations for contemporary Ireland. The students are to be highly commended for their attentiveness, respect and complete co-operation throughout the afternoon’s events. Well done also to the students for the many fantastic posters and projects they put together in their history classes and displayed all around the school. The whole school was transformed into an educational tour of the 1916 Rising.

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On Friday 6th November at 8.00pm the CBS community in Ennistymon- staff, parents and students past and present- gathered together to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our students in the State examinations last June.

When our students enrol with us they are young boys, when they leave us five or six years later they are men ready to embark on adulthood. While we celebrate their results both at Junior Cert and Leaving Cert level we understand that so much work other than academic has brought the students to this evening.

At CBS Ennistymon we are a community. From the time the boys first join that community we want them always to feel safe, valued and challenged to be the best students they can be. As part of our Open Night each year, we invite two parents and two students along to talk about their experience of CBS Ennistymon to prospective parents and students. The sense of belonging and community came across strongly in all of their addresses. One mother quoted her son as saying “You’re not there long before it feels like family”.

Our 1st year students are assigned student mentors on their first day in school with us. All students in the school have an assigned class teacher, year tutor and dean of discipline. Along with this the school has a learning centre and an extensive range of supports for students with additional learning needs. The school also has a guidance counsellor and a school counsellor on staff to look after

the boys at all stages of their time with us.

Sport of course is a central and abiding feature of life at the monastery. Gaelic Games are synonymous with our school. The school has produced many Inter County footballers over the years including Alan Clohessy, Lawrence Healy, David Keane, the Rouines, Niall and Kieran Considine, the O’Keeffes, Keelan Sexton and many more. We are proud that three of our current students Paul Tubridy, Cormac Murray, James O’ Connor and three past students Seán O’ Brien, Enda O’ Gorman and Eoin O’ Brien were on the Miltown Malbay panel that won the recent County Championship.

Hurling was only introduced to the school in 2001. Since then the “small ball” has enjoyed great success such as Clare Colleges titles in 2008 and 2009. Past pupil Cathal Malone won an All-Ireland U21 Hurling medal with Clare in 2013. Last year under the captaincy of Jason McCarthy our senior hurlers were Munster D Champions.

Since the introduction of Basketball, we have taken part in three All Ireland Basketball Finals, U16 and U19 and won the All Ireland Basketball Final in 2010 with an U19 Team. Basketball has been going from strength to strength, with players involved in Irish Teams and squads and in the North-West Regional Teams. Ciarán Devitt has played on the Irish International team. A number of our past students have gone on to play basketball at university level. James Leigh has just made the u17 Regional West basketball team 2015

Golf is also played in the CBS. Our junior team brought the school its first ever golfing victory last year when Jonathan Keane, Niall O Sullivan and Darragh Connelly won the West Munster Schools Junior Golf Championship.

Athletics are also a feature at the school and this year the school hosted an athletics workshop with Br. Colm and Ian Kiprop, international coaches of Olympic gold medallist David Rudisha.

Recently, two of our students, Joseph Miniter and Eoin Rouine received Community games all-stars awards. Of course, while these are the main sports played in the school there are a number of other sports played each year also.

But not every student is interested in sports and we have an extensive program of liberal arts with engagement in song writing, poetry and short-story writing. We produce an annual school concert and a school magazine. We have a traditional music group with fiddles, flutes, concertinas, banjos, accordions, guitars and tin whistles and of course the school rock bands!!

We have a cutting edge technology club and the school has invested heavily in technology over the past few years.

Our Guest of Honour on the Awards night was Dr Alan Hynes director of The Collaborative Centre for Applied Nanotechnology (CCAN). Alan is himself a past pupil of the school. He spoke about how the education he had received in the CBS had travelled with him through his life and his career and praised his

The Small School with a Proud Tradition and a Big HeartEnnistymon

Summer 2016 Page 25

teachers, a number of whom were present on the night. He also touched on how important it was to think creatively in business and science and again praised the education he had received in CBS.

Dr Hynes was joined by Mr Eddie Bourke of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, in acknowledging the many achievements of our students at both Junior and Senior cycle, Mr Bourke reminded us on the night that CBS Ennistymon is part of the larger CBS family of schools. He spoke about the evidence of a strong school spirit evident in CBS Ennistymon.

We are understandably proud of the fact that over 95% of our students secured places at Third Level. Among the courses being studied by our students are; Financial Maths, Law & Accounting, Environmental Science, Arts, Primary Teaching, Science Teaching, Construction Teaching, Business , Computer Programming , Civil Law, Social Care and Music Technology and Production. However, while we choose to celebrate the fantastic academic success enjoyed by our students, we also rewarded those boys who persevered, who improved, who stretched themselves and supported their friends and truly lived up to the Edmund Rice spirit.

Thanks to generous support from the Tomar Trust and from Great National Hotels, last year’s students received bursaries in excess of €9,000 as well as laptops, pen sets and certification.

On the night we also celebrated the recent refurbishment of our school. The current secondary school was built in the 1970s. By the 1980s the school had outgrown its facilities. The first prefabs arrived on site in the 1980s with more arriving during the ‘90s. The addition of the old Christian Brothers primary school building during the first decade of the century helped to alleviate the demands for more space and for specialist rooms. But by last year the school was once again crying out for additional classrooms and the original prefabs were in very poor repair.

The matter was raised by Deputy Pat Breen in the Dáil last November and the need for action was acknowledged by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O Sullivan. Funding was secured for the removal of the four existing prefabs and their replacement with eight new rooms: 2 resource rooms and 6 additional classrooms.

Work commenced on the project late in the summer and it was a race to ensure that the new classrooms would be ready for students by September. Thankfully the new classrooms, garden area, footpaths, play area and covered walkway were completed for the beginning of the new school year.

During this time the school building also underwent some renovation with changes to the corridors, the creation of a new general purpose area and the refurbishment of the computer room and Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) lab. In keeping with the school’s dedication to digital literacy and expansion an additional computer room was added and the entire IT system within the school was overhauled and updated. Thanks were extended to Mr. P Beirne, Builder, for his work on the project and to Castlecabin, FSL Security, Formula Networks, Janus Design and Purtill Engineering.

The Board of Management, staff and students of CBS Ennistymon are excited to meet the challenge of providing excellence in teaching and learning in our 3rd Century on the Monastery site.

Proclamation Day Ennistymon

The students and staff of CBS Ennistymon joined together to celebrate the centenary of 1916 in glorious spring sunshine.

Standing outside in respectful silence students and teachers presented work on the history of the flag, the 1916 rising and the leaders of the uprising. Other students read the proclamation in English and in Irish and then a number of students read their poems on a new proclamation. These poems were written during an eight week poetry/song writing workshop. And being a Clare school, of course there was music and song.

The Principal addressed the boys briefly and challenged them to take the skills and talents they have developed in their homes and schools to take on the next 100 years of the state and to realise some of the goals expressed in the proclamation not yet reached.

The raising of the tri-colour and the minute silence that followed was for many the highlight of the afternoon.

Green Schools Success – Another Step in an Interesting JourneyEnnistymon

A Greens schools committee was set up to lead a school-wide change of attitude towards our school building and its role in our lives. The committee worked tirelessly for 18 months with the student body, staff and school management. The school got two compost bins in operation to help reduce our waste going to landfill, and dedicated recycling bins were placed strategically throughout the school and on the school grounds to further highlight the importance of maintaining a clean environment. Our waste bills from our service provider were monitored to track and measure our footprint on what we recycle and what goes to landfill.

We attended a green schools seminar in Clare County Council headquarters in Ennis recently and gained great tips and ideas. A member of Clare County Council’s environment section attended our green committee meetings from time to time and monitored how we were doing and discussed progress to date.

All students were kept up to date with our designated green notice board.

Links were forged with businesses, residents and the local tidy towns committee. Slowly at first, things began to change but once the process had started it gathered momentum. It became common to see ‘Monastery boys’ out picking up litter around the school, waste sorting and recycling or composting waste. This effort and improvement culminated in a recent successful green schools inspection. But not ones to rest on their laurels the committee are already making plans for phase two of school improvement - water conservation. Well done to all of the students and staff for their work and commitment to this project.

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There was a certain air of expectation and excitement as the pupils of our school awaited the arrival of the very distinguished and well known celebrity Mr. J.P. Mc Manus. Mr. Mc Manus was invited to the school to hoist our fourth Green Flag.

Mr. Sean Hartigan the Education Officer with An Taisce also joined in the celebrations and commended the pupils and staff of the school for their trojan work on gaining the fourth Green Flag.

Mr. Mc Manus was accompanied by Mr. Noel Earley. Before the ceremony he spoke to all the pupils individually and asked us what we would like to do when we finish school.

Our Green Flag was attained by reducing our carbon footprint. We cycled and walked to school on Wednesdays.

Four pupils from the school travelled to the Silver Springs Hotel to collect the flag on behalf of the school while the 5th and 6th Class pupils wrote a letter to Mr. Mc Manus inviting him to the school to raise the flag.

Mr. Mc Manus sponsors the Limerick hurling and Football teams. He has a big interest in horses.

This was a great day for our school.

JP McManus raised our flag and said the pupils are a credit to the school. Men from Doon raised many white flags for the triumphant Limerick U21 hurlers in recent months - but now it was time for a green one.

JP McManus hoisted the fourth Green Flag of Doon CBS Primary School on Friday. Fifth and sixth class pupils wrote to him and all signed the letter. Before the ceremony Mr McManus spoke to every boy in the school.

“They are such a lovely bunch of young students. I know we will have a lot of them wearing the Limerick jersey in the future. From speaking to them, they all aspire to be inter-county hurlers,” said Mr McManus.

Br James Dormer, principal, said they asked Mr McManus to do the honours due to his interest in the environment. The Christian Brother referred to the inaugural Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC)

initiative – organised by the JP McManus Foundation – which saw thousands roll up their sleeves for the good of their community.

“In order to obtain our fourth Green Flag which is for travel, we had a number of events such as WOW (Walk on Wednesdays) and cycling to school. Staff also took pupils on a number of nature walks. In previous projects we had a big emphasis on litter and water with pupils taking home their own disposable waste.

“A water well was sunk in the school grounds and we now have our own supply of clean water,” said Br Dormer, who added that these were just a “sample of our efforts to instil in the boys an awareness of the importance of caring for the environment”.

He thanked Elizabeth Breen, Green Schools co-ordinator, her hard-working committee, all the pupils, parents, staff and Mr McManus for attending.

Mr McManus told the boys that the future cleanliness of the county and country is going to be in their hands. “It is great to look around the classrooms and yard

and see how tidy you keep it. I’m sure you keep your bedrooms clean at home,” he joked.

“It is appreciated by us older people. We know the effort it takes, and it is a big effort, to keep the place tidy. I know you will continue to do it.

Thank you again for inviting me, it was a pleasure. I met all the young lads. They are a credit to the community and school and I’m sure your parents are very proud,” said Mr McManus, who brought a Limerick lapel pin for everyone.

He also picked the names of Tommy Ryan and Emmet Roche out of a hat. They won a Limerick jersey signed by JP and a hurley autographed by the 2015 Limerick minor hurling panel.

Conor Kelly, sixth class, was chosen to jointly raise the flag due to his work on the green schools committee. A course on cycle safety and how to fix a puncture was very beneficial he said. Sean Hartigan, of An Taisce, said the travel flag boiled down to avoiding driving to school and Doon was a fine exponent.

ff J.P Mc Manus with staff of the Doon CBS Primary school. Front row: Joanne O’ Connell (Deputy Principal), Br. James Dormer (Principal), Mr. J.P. Mc Manus, Ms. Elizabeth Breen. Back row: Mary O’ Dwyer, Denis Moloney, Cormac Heffernan, Caroline Coleman, Kay Byrne.

JP Mc Manus raises the 4th Green Flag at Doon CBSDoon CBS

Summer 2016 Page 27

Golden Mile EventDoon CBS

Pupils from Doon CBS with Hurling sensation Conor Whelan at our Golden Mile Event as part of our Active Schools Week.

Indoor Hurling ChampionshipsDoon CBS

4th class pupils won the Indoor Hurling competiton. They are photographed with their trainer and teacher, Mr. Heffernan.

The Justice League Coláiste Éanna

The Justice League in Colásite Éanna was created on foot of our India Immersion Programme visit to Kolkata in 2014. The Justice League seeks to raise awareness about justice issues and to undertake fundraising. Some of the activities the Justice League are actively involved in include:

Support and fundraising for a local national school library. The school which has DEIS status has many children from difficult backgrounds.

Support and fundraising for Sophia House which is a charity that works with homeless women and children. The main involvement has been in working with Sophia’s newest project in Churchtown, Dublin.

Involvement with the Thomas F. Meagher charitable community fund.

Giving presentations to all class groups in the school on anti-bullying and the work of the Anti-bullying Team.

Giving presentations and creating awareness of the value of water as a resource in the world.

Organisation and distribution of Christmas hampers.

Membership of the Justice League is open to all students in the school and meets weekly. 15 members of the League who were in Transition Year went to Taizé, France for a week at the end of May 2015 and a further 20 TYs are travelling to Taizé in May this year.

The motto of the Justice League comes from St. Francis;

Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words…….

The Politics Society at Coláiste ÉannaColáiste Éanna

The Politics Society is emerging from a frenetic period of activity over the past months. In the weeks leading up to the General Election it invited candidates from all the political parties and independents to its weekly lunchtime meetings. Members of the Politics Society attended the count in the RDS for the General Election. There has been a voter registration campaign for the past three years and many sixth year students have voted for the first time as a result. The Politics Society has invited the Representative for Scotland from the British Embassy to address them over the implications of the ‘Brexit’ referendum and are planning a field trip to visit the Houses of Parliament in London in September. Boys from Coláiste Éanna are also very involved in the European Youth Parliament and two senior students have represented Ireland last year and two other students have been selected to represent Ireland this year. Coláiste Éanna hosted the Leinster regional session of the European Youth Parliament in October 2015 and will host again next year.

ff Doon CBS 5th and 6th Class Confirmation Candidates at Birthplace of Edmund Rice in Callan Co. Kilkenny.

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ff Regional Heat Adjudicator, WIT lecturer Fionnuala Brennan presenting Tadhg with his certificate of participation.

The date was the 14th March and the destination for a bus of thirty Transition Year students from CBS Dungarvan was Lismore Castle. It was evening time when the gallery in Lismore Castle, which featured all entries submitted by TY students, was opened for Artifice 2016 and when we arrived. Most students from six different schools in Waterford, (including Ard Scoil na Deise, Blackwater Community School & Meanscoil san Nioclas) had made a piece of art to be displayed in this gallery and a great evening was had up at Lismore, with everyone in formal outfits.

Eamonn from Lismore Arts, who was MC for the night, gave an introductory speech before thanking a few people and inviting Michael Quinn to speak. Michael Quinn was a representative from The Three

Sisters (Waterford, Wexford & Kilkenny) bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2020 and he spoke about the importance of events like these and how young people should get involved because it will be big for their future.

The winners of the two different prizes were then announced, with a girl from the Ard Scoil and a girl from the Meanscoil picking up the accolades. Overall though, it wasn’t about winning, it was more about being proud to stand beside a piece of art that you had created while also being able to discuss yours and be open to look at others’ creations.

A brilliant night was had at this tremendous facility in Lismore Castle and I think all parents were very happy (and possibly shocked!) with their children’s artwork.

Lismore Arts 2016Dungarvan CBS

ARTiculation Regional HeatsDungarvan CBS

Fifth Year student, Tadhg Cosgrove recently represented Dungarvan CBS in the Waterford Regional Heat of the Lismore Castle Arts’ public speaking competition ARTiculation in Garte Lane. Tadhg’s presentation was well executed on the day. However he did not reach the final. Tadhg was commended by Regional Heat Adjudicator, WIT lecturer Fionnuala Brennan, on the day for his outstanding presentation on Van Gogh’s Starry Night and in particular his link with the topic of Mental Health. Well done to Tadhg who certainly displayed public speaking skills that would put any politician to shame!

1916 CelebrationsDungarvan CBS

Students from the Drama Club performed a re-enactment of the execution of the rebels by the British soldiers. The proclamation was also read by Frank Heffernan, Transition Year student. Following on from this the Irish Flag was raised and the National Anthem was sung by all of the students. The celebration ended with a Proclamation written by Transition Year Student, Liam Buck which outlined the hopes and dreams for the future of Ireland.

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Spring has SprungCBS Primary, Tralee

One of the first signs of spring at CBS Primary Tralee is the school garden coming to life again. Last month has seen it become a haven of activity, as the Junior Infants were the first gardeners to start planting this year. With the help of Mr Begley, we prepared and weeded our garden to make it suitable, and decided to plant onions together. We loved planting our own bulbs and are checking every day to see if there is anything peeping out of the soil. We are planning for more planting over the next few weeks as the weather improves, and have chosen to plant potatoes, carrots, beetroot, peas and lettuce this year. We also hope to expand our herb garden to appeal to all the senses. We are enjoying watching all of the lovely visitors to our garden, but we must make sure our scarecrow is in tip top shape to keep the crows away from our bulbs!

Grandparent’s Day at CBS PrimaryCBS Primary, Tralee

CBS Primary Tralee opened its doors to the grandparents of the school community in February. The students were so excited and proud to bring their Nanas and Grandads to school for the morning. The morning began with a celebratory prayer service in the school hall, where students sat with their grandparents and gave thanks for them. The grandchildren blessed their grandparents and expressed their thanks for having them in their lives. After the service, the teas and coffees were flowing as well as the stories and memories which were shared. Many of the grandparents were past pupils of the school and enjoyed seeing all of the changes and developments since their school days. We enjoyed listening to stories of their primary years and the children in particular were amazed at how different things were in the past. Friendships were also rekindled on the day, as Nanas and Grandads recognised some of their old school friends. The day was a fabulous reminder of how important our grandparents are to us all, and we hope that all of the Nanas and Grandads left the school feeling loved, cherished and celebrated. We encouraged them not to wait until next year for their next visit!

Donal Walsh Live Life National Film CompetitionCBS Primary, Tralee

The fifth class pupils at CBS Primary were delighted to learn that their video had been shortlisted for an award at the Donal Walsh Live Life National Film Awards earlier this year. The task for the competition was to create a short film using the theme “Our World”. The students chose to create a short video

depicting their school life, and how happy they were to be together and having fun learning. Their winning video can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/94754911. The awards concert was held in the Brandon Hotel and was a fantastic celebration of life, with inspirational words from Dónal’s family members and people who knew him best. We also enjoyed music from Hermitage Green, Chapter 2 and other up and coming acts. The day was hugely enjoyable and inspiring, and we all look forward to taking part again next year and helping to spread Dónal’s message.

All Ireland Schools Cross CountryNaas CBS

Congratulations to the Junior boys under 15 team who finished in second place in the All Ireland Schools Cross Country in Sligo on March 5th, especially to Matthew Whelan, Mikey Lawlor and Josh Derham. Mathew Whelan also qualified for the Irish School boys team.

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“Life-changing, inspirational, enlightening”, these were some of the words that us 8 students and 3 teachers used to describe our journey of a lifetime to Mufulira, Zambia. Our Zambian Immersion Project commenced in early May 2014 when students were asked to submit essays to be considered for the project. After going through a tough interview and fundraising process the 8 students were chosen as Diarmaid Meagher, Alex Murphy, Fionn McCartan, James Hammersley, Daniel Matthews, William Creedon, Darragh Byrne and Eugene Ryan while the 3 teachers Oliver Kelly, Teresa Hogan and Caroline Ahearne led the group. During the next year and a half many fundraisers occurred including cake sales, sponsored cycles, church-gate collections, two formal balls, table tennis tournaments, a tractor run, Easter raffles and table quiz. We managed to bring over €17,000 which went directly to the people of Zambia through Brother Michael O’Donoghue and the Christian Brothers, thanks to the generosity of the pupils and staff of CBS Thurles and the local community.

We left Thurles to embark on our journey on the 13th of October, 2015. An early morning bus journey was followed by a 7 hour flight to Dubai where we would then change over to travel an 8 hour flight to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Honestly, we were shocked when we arrived in Zambia. The conditions in the capital city were poor, poverty seemed high and there was no comparison between the facilities here at home and the Zambian infrastructure and facilities. It was here where we met Brother Michael O’Donoghue who is a former principal of CBS Thurles and we then faced an 8 hour bus journey to reach our final destination of Mufulira.

Upon our arrival to Mufulira we were kindly welcomed by the local community. The enthusiasm and optimism was evident on their faces and this, accompanied by their kindness made our arrival to Mufulira very special. On our full first day in Mufulira we visited the Chibolya Primary school which has over 370 students. Br. Francis and Br. Lubasi both teach here and our eyes were opened as to how the young Zambian children place a huge emphasis on getting the best education they possibly can, as they see it as the best chance they have of improving their lives. The importance of relationships was highlighted as we saw how just by spending a small amount of time with the children put a smile on their faces.

We sang songs and danced with the pupils and it was here

where we first experienced traditional Zambian culture. Later we visited the Tipperary Plots which gets its name from the kind donations of CBS Thurles down through the years. This is a huge agriculture project in the village of Murundu where over 70 acres of irrigated land is used to grow various crops throughout the year. During our time in Murundu we also got a tour of the area and it was in this village that we witnessed the true poverty of the country. Families living in very poor conditions, trying to make homes out of anything they can get their hands on like wood, pallets or any type of sheeting to protect themselves from the sun or rain and kids with little clothing, left a harrowing feeling with us and made us think of all the things we take for granted in Ireland like a house, electricity and heating.

Another day we visited the orphanage which is run by the Mercy sisters. Here we played games, sang and danced with the children and while it felt heart-warming to put a smile on their faces we couldn’t help but think of how lonely and difficult the lives of these children must be. We had similar feelings when we visited the elderly housing in Mufulira. This was a daunting experience as we met people who had no families to look after them and many were deaf, blind or had serious disabilities. This is where we truly came to appreciate what we have in Ireland as this visit left a harrowing chill on every single one of us.

Religion plays a big part in the lives of the Zambian people. Not only do they value religion but it is also a form of comfort and hope for them. We couldn’t get over the great work the various religious organisations do in Zambia and it was a great experience for us to see the similarities and differences between mass in Ireland and Zambia.

Over the course of our trip we have made bonds and memories with the people of Mufulira and Murundu that we will never forget for the rest of our lives. We have learned so much from Br. Michael and how the Christian Brothers live their lives that it has changed our values greatly. We now truly appreciate what we have here in Ireland and begin to realise all the things that we take for granted. The trip has put a huge emphasis on the value of relationships and made us question the need for all the modern technology we have in our lives today. To see the enthusiasm, optimism and pride that the Zambian people have shown has inspired every single one of us and has made this trip a once in a life time experience.

Zambian Immersion 2015CBS Thurles

Summer 2016 Page 31

Croke Cup SuccessCBS Thurles

Regardless of the result in the final, the Croke Cup was destined to come to CBS Thurles as the final was contested by two teams from the school. It was the first time in the history of this Tipperary U 15 competition that 2 teams from the same school were in the final. Both teams had success over Nenagh, Templemore, Carrick on Suir and Clonmel on their way to the final. The teams were captained by Darren Flood and James Synnott. The final provided the crowd with a very entertaining spectacle that, perhaps fittingly, ended in a draw. The final score was 3-12 to 2-15

All Ireland Basketball successCBS Thurles

CBS Thurles under 16 basketball team enjoyed enormous success this year, winning both the Midlands League and the National Cup competitions and finally capturing the League Final. This recent success is testament to the growth of the sport in the school over recent years

1916 commemorationBunscoil Ennis

As part of their 1916 commemoration, the 6th class children of CBS Primary School, Ennis, took part in an ‘Artist in Schools’ project with local sculptor David O’Rourke. The project was funded by Clare County Council.

The students extensively researched significant Dublin buildings of the 1916 Rising. They then recreated the building designs using 3D modelling software and printed the replicas using the school’s 3-D printer. The printed buildings were presented on a street map of Dublin.

Griangrafanna Scoil Iognáid Rís Daingean uí Chúis, Ciarraí Scoil Iognaid Rís Dingle

ff Jennifer Healy and Brian Mc Nulty, 6th Class, both of whom had relatives involved in the 1916 Rising.

ff JPG 061:Duaiseanna Gaolainne do Seachtain Na Gaeilge

ff JPG 056: An leabhar “Walking through Dingle” á láinseáil ag rang 5 agus 6 don togra J.E.P

ff JPG 001: Brat na hÉireann á bhronnadh ag Arm na hÉireann ar Scoil Iognáid Rís

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Break Time in Buenos AiresBlarney St CBS.

It’s spring in Buenos Aires and my wife, Nan, and I are enjoying a career break here with our twelve-year-old son, Darragh.

Luckily, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) had been developing links between Christian Brothers Schools. A new initiative Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) sought to share the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice and promote partnership between schools nationally and internationally. Through this initiative, an opportunity arose to base myself in Buenos Aires for six months.

So we took the plunge, leased out our house and took Twain’s advice to ‘throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’

Our school is Cardinal Newman College, a Christian Brothers College situated just outside Buenos Aires. It operates in the Edmund Rice tradition and values academic achievement, faith formation, sport, community and parental involvement.

We needn’t have been nervous about fitting in. We received the most heart-warming welcome from staff and students. They were really delighted we had come to their school; they hugged and kissed us on the cheek. Both the men and women!

The school community is enchanted by Ireland and is very curious about Irish history and customs.. Many staff have Irish surnames. Valerie Murray teaches 5th grade, Maria Kenny teaches 6th. The school secretary is Maureen Flynn.

Teachers have different qualifications here depending on the course studied so most are only qualified to teach either in the Spanish section or the English section.

I work mornings in the secondary and spend my time preparing small groups for Oral English exams such as IELTS or Trinity. I do team-teaching and substitute work too so it’s very varied.

Later, in the primary I support the Principal and DP who are very interested in Blarney Street’s reading initiatives; they’ve asked me to talk to the staff about Graded Readers, Station Teaching and Reading Recovery.

The concepts are very new to them so they found the PDST website a great resource. The school has introduced station teaching so at least I feel that my visit has been of some value

My wife, Nan, has taken a break from teaching and has relaxed and been involved with some of the school’s work to support the needy in the barrios.

The three of us are enjoying the experience in our own way.

There is a huge social divide in Argentina so Newman is very aware of its Edmund Rice Ethos and has many pastoral and social justice projects in operation. We have had the lovely experience of helping out in a less fortunate school nearby that Newman supports.

Darragh is having a ball. I see him outside now smiling with his buddies in the playground. I hope that twenty years from now, he will have happy memories, friends and new skills from his travels in Latin America. The three of us are having a great break, it hasn’t disappointed, Mr Twain!

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Edmund Rice Schools Celebration DayColáiste Mhuire, Mullingar

It was with great pride and pleasure that myself and two other students from Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar had the opportunity to represent our school at the Edmund Rice Schools Celebration Day on the 8th of March 2016. Accompanied by our teacher Mrs. Hourican, we travelled to O’Connells secondary school in Dublin to meet other students and teachers also representing their Edmund Rice School and showcase what we have been doing within our school to promote and preserve the ideas of Edmund Rice. The main thing that struck me over the course of the day was the positivity and friendship shown by every student, teacher and Brother that was there. It was amazing to see everybody interacting and mixing with one another regardless of who they were and what school they came from. I’m sure Edmund himself would have been proud!

From a personal point of view, I found it inspiring listening to the tireless time and work that is being put in by students and teachers of other schools on a local, national and in some cases even an international scale. To see students coming up with projects and charitable works in the name of Edmund Rice 172 years after his death is truly amazing and some of the stories that were told really put life into perspective.

Myself and my two classmates also got the chance to stand up in front of everybody and describe what our school have been doing to preserve the vision of Edmund Rice. This was a great opportunity to showcase what we have been doing over the last number of years to help those who may be less fortunate

than us. One of our main projects over the last few years is our work with St. Brigid’s primary and secondary school. St. Brigid’s educates children with general learning disabilities and our aim over the last few years was to visit the students on a weekly basis and to create art-work and projects alongside them. At first, they were shy but as the weeks went on and friendship and communication grew, we began to really get to know the students in a way I never expected to. Hearing some students talk about how they had been excluded from groups and teams because of their disabilities really made us realise that what we were doing was actually having a positive impact on their lives. Seeing the smiles on their faces and their contentment with working alongside us really made us feel that all was worthwhile. Over the last few years we have done projects based on Gullivers Travels and lamh signing but our most recent was a mosaic depicting the story of the Children of Lir. This was particularly effective as this myth is based in our locality so we all had a good idea of what we were working with before we even began.

Apart from our work with St. Brigid’s, we also do regular charity work for the Saint Vincent de Paul, TEAM, Goal and the Simon Community. Over the past year alone, we have had jersey days, non-uniform days, bag-packing in local supermarkets, food and clothes collection schemes, bake sales and many more. This encourages the continuation of Edmund Rice’s vision of social justice and equality while also helping those in our locality who are less fortunate than us. The work that has been done in our school over the last few years has been exceptional and we plan to continue and build on this work in the coming years. It is amazing to think that 172 years on from his death, Edmund Rice’s vision is still being carried out within our school.

All Ireland Senior ‘B’ Hurling Champions 2016Abbey School Tipperary

Abbey CBS Tipperary 2-19 St. Louis Ballymena 2-13

Easter Monday proved to be historic on a number of fronts as the Nation celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising. The Abbey School in Tipperary Town celebrated winning its third All Ireland Senior ‘B’ hurling title in Semple Stadium Thurles. The Abbey were pushed all the way to extra time by a superb St. Louis Grammer School Ballymena to go with the Abbey’s two previous titles in 1992 and 2002.

Beaten in the All Ireland Senior B Football final in 2015, the Abbey boys were not willing to let this title slip from their grasp and having trailed the St. Louis’s boys for much of the game, when the match was in the melting pot the Abbey boys showed great character and resolve to take the game to extra time.

In extra time the fitness and strength of the Abbey team showed through and finished with a brace of goals from Daire Egan and his teammate Shane Power, who showed tremendous strength and resolve to play a storming game at centre forward having tragically buried his sister Fiona just the day before the final. A fitting tribute to his sister who supported Shane and the Abbey in the previous games including the semi-final win over Johnstown Kilkenny just weeks earlier.

Huge credit goes to the boys and their coaches Kieran Hickey, Jim Ryan and Darragh O’Donovan who were richly rewarded for the extra training sessions and games during the Christmas and mid-term break.

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Bicentenary CelebrationsCBS Thurles

We in CBS Thurles are celebrating our Bicentenary this year. Our school was founded in 1816 by William and Thomas Cahill. The composite monastery and school was situated in what was then known as Pudding Lane.

To mark this wonderful achievement, we will be holding a number of events over the year.

The first event held was Thurles CBS All Stars V Tipperary – Bicentennial Exhibition Match, held on January 17th @ 2pm in The Ragg, Thurles

The Thurles CBS All Stars joint managers were Pat Henderson and Fr. Tom Fogarty. Pat Henderson from Fenians won a Dean Ryan medal (Munster under 16.5) in 1960, five All-Irelands as a player, three as manager, two all-stars and hurler of the year 1974. Fr Tom Fogarty from Moyne-Templetuohy has managed Tipperary at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level and also managed the Offaly Senior Hurlers.

There was an 80 page Memorabilia Programme produced for the occasion while there was a Primary Schools students exhibition game at half-time with over 90 children taking part.

Past pupils who played with Tipperary or Kilkenny seniors, or were on training panels, made up the Thurles CBS All Stars panel. Over 40 past pupils of All Stars were available which Pat Henderson and Fr. Tom Fogarty had to choose from reflecting the huge range of talent which has gone through the school down through the many generations. The match provided fantastic entertainment for a very large crowd on the day. The Tipperary team were victorious on the day with a win of 0-14 to 1-7.

‘A Guide to Apps’St. Aidan’s Whitehall

Every minute of every day, a certain number of the older members of our society drift further away from us and feel more isolated. As the world of technology speeds ahead at breakneck speed, many elderly people are left behind.

So many daily tasks today depend on technology, and most of these require a certain level of IT experience. Checking the voting register, paying a bill or simply communicating with friends and family have become more and more difficult to carry out for a large number of people.

With this is mind, a groups of us St Aidan’s CBS TY students in conjunction with DCU Intergenerational Learning Programme launched ‘A Guide to Apps’. This booklet is aimed at helping those who struggle with IT access to commonly used apps on Apple and android devices. It gives simple and clear step-by-step instructions on using the apps. We compiled the booklet after carrying out focus groups with groups of senior citizens and launched it on Thurs, 10th March.

At the moment, we just have hard copies of the booklet but we hope to soon launch an iBook version which can be easily accessed by anyone who requires it. The entire project was a hugely enjoyable one for us and took us to the national finals of Young Social Innovators. Hopefully, the fruits of our labour will be of use for years to come.

Summer 2016 Page 35

Cycle To LourdesCBS Enniscorthy

CBS students James Fortune and Ryan Murray cycled to Lourdes on Tuesday 15th March without ever leaving the school grounds. The two students came up with the idea of cycling to Lourdes on a stationary bike to raise funds for their upcoming pilgrimage to Lourdes. They set off on Tuesday morning by cycling a half hour each and they were well supported by their fellow students and teachers who also cycled for ten, fifteen or thirty minute slots during the day. By the end of the day they had cycled 258 kilometres, the equivalent of the sea distance between Ireland and France.

The boys went to Lourdes with the Enniscorthy Group 94 section of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust on Easter Sunday and they had a memorable and rewarding pilgrimage.

Proclamation DayCBS Enniscorthy

Proclamation Day in the CBS Enniscorthy began with a group of transition year students retracing the historic steps taken back in 1848 when the National Tricolour Flag was flown for the first time in Vinegar Hill. Thomas Francis Meaghar raised the tricolour in Waterford in March 1848 but it is believed that the Tricolour flag was also flown from the top of Vinegar Hill during the same week in March 1848.

The CBS students carried the flag from the CBS school to Vinegar Hill on Tuesday morning and then continued in procession to the Atheneum where the Tricolour was flown during the Rising in Enniscorthy in 1916. The flag was the centre point of the Proclamation Day ceremony in St Mary’s CBS where it was raised at 12 noon followed by a reading of the Proclamation. The Proclamation was read by three students who have achieved many public speaking plaudits over the years, namely, Pierce Sinnott, David Manley and Colm Corcoran.

In a further link with the past, the flag was raised in the school by two students who have a direct family connection with the participants of the Rising in Enniscorthy. Ronan O’Leary, a first year student, had a great grandfather, John Doyle, in the rising while sixth year student, Diarmuid Byrne, also had a great grandfather, James Doolan, involved in the Rising.

The ceremony at noon was witnessed by all the students and teachers in the school and was attend by local dignitaries Mr James Browne T.D, Mr Paddy Kavanagh, Chair of the Enniscorthy district of Wexford County Council and councillors Keith Doyle and Johnny Mythen.

On Thursday February 11th, a total of 42 Midleton CBS student volunteers from 4th and 5th year braved the cold and the rain as they staged a sponsored “12-hour Sleepout” in aid of the Cork Simon Community on the CBS grounds.

The “Heroes for the Homeless” event as it was called, was aimed at raising awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness and gave participants an opportunity to experience some of the struggles of homeless people for themselves. Cork Simon visited the school on two occasions during the previous week to conduct workshops with the students prior to the hosting of the event.

Approximately half of the sleepout group travelled to Cork City as part of their “Heroes” experience to walk the streets and visit the familiar hangouts and gathering places of the city’s homeless. Their experience on the city streets helped reinforce the message and the reality of what homelessness is actually like for those trapped in its grip. Upon returning to the school the boys joined with the other student “Heroes” outside the entrance for the sleepout experience.

In the early hours of the morning all participants were provided with hot soup and bread in a simulation of a Soup

Kitchen experience before they were given an opportunity to move inside the school building for a few hours’ sleep on the bare floor on cardboard, on mats and sleeping bags - much like a squat or a homeless hostel.

At the conclusion of the event every participant was given a breakfast roll and tea at 8am before they washed and put on their school uniform to face into the normality of a regular school day.

Students quickly realised how difficult it was for them and just how it would be for a homeless person to try and function somewhat normally in a job or occupation while sleeping rough every night. The students had roughed it for just one night in a controlled and relatively comfortable environment and found it difficult to manage next day. It was easy to understand how alcohol or drug addiction or mental health issues or a combination of all could quickly lead to a chaotic lifestyle on the streets if someone were to find themselves in such circumstances.

The “Heroes for the Homeless” event forms part of a national campaign for schools in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust which was launched by Fr. Peter McVerry a number of weeks ago in the Edmund Rice Centre in Waterford. It is called

“One Campaign for Change” and aims to advocate for the homeless, to raise awareness and gather as many signatures as possible over the coming months from students and their families across Ireland to a petition calling for an end to the homeless crisis in our country.

The One Campaign intends to use social media as much as possible as a means to reach the youth of Ireland and get them involved. The social media aspect of the campaign was launched at the beginning of March. The One Campaign will conclude on the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice on May 5th when it is planned to have representatives from all participating schools throughout the country hand thousands of signed petitions on behalf of the homeless to representatives of the newly formed Government to address the homeless crisis.

Students from Midleton CBS were invited to participate in a Homeless Photo Exhibition and Concert hosted by Ard Scoil na Mara in Tramore on March 9th. The Waterford High Hopes Choir also participated.

Our thanks to all the students who participated in the homeless sleep-out experience.

Published at Áras Éamainn RísMeadow ValeBlackrockCo. DublinA94 YN96Tel: 01 289 7511

Tel: 01 289 7511 Fax: 01 289 7540e-mail: [email protected] web: www.erst.ie

Midleton CBS Students “Heroes for the Homeless” SleepoutMidleton CBS