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This year's First Year hockey players are gearing up for their first match on October 19th against Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. The team are showing great enthusiasm and are looking forward to all their upcoming matches. The team consists of Rachel Egan, Sarah Commins, Tara Cagney, Sophie Connors, Hannah Sutton, Orla Rice, Sadhbh Hogan, Aisling Moloney, Emer McCabe, Ruth Rigby, Lisa Mulvey, Louise Murray, Jade McMahon, Laura Fleming and Niamh McArdle.

 

Minor A

This year St. Mary's have 2 Minor Hockey teams competing in the Leinster School Hockey League. The Minor A team has to play Our Lady's Grove, Mt. Anville, St. Joseph's of Cluny and Alexandra College. To date we have played Our Lady's Grove in UCD. It was an extremely tough and competitive match but with a great team spirit and steely determination we won 2-0. The team consists of Sarah Clancy, Lorna Laide, Laura Kiely,Amy O'Brien, Romy Morrin, Peggy McKeown, Leah Hayden(Captain),Orla Lynch, Jane Fitzsimons, Louise Dillon, Síne Kenny, Cora Dempsey, Emma Casey, and Niamh Hegarty. The next match is on Wed.21st at home to Alexandra College. Best of luck to all for the coming year.

The first match of the season was against Our Lady's Grove in U.C.D.. The opposition played very well but St. Mary's were up to the task and two great goals by Laura Kiely and Laura Laide resulted in victory for St. Mary's with a score of 2-0. Star players for St. Mary's were Leah Hayden, Niamh Hegarty and Romy Morrin.

St. Mary's first home match was against Alexandra College and they put our team under pressure from the start. Late in the first half Alexandra took the lead through a well worked goal. St. Mary's upped their game in the second half but the equalising goal proved elusive. However, late in the game, Laura Kiely broke from defence, travelled up the wing and scored a great equaliser. Star players for St. Mary's were Laura Kiely, Sine Kenny and Laoise Dillon.

The second home match for St. Mary's was against Mount Anvil, a Dublin school with strong hockey traditions. It was to be St. Mary's toughest match to date. Before the home team could settle, Mount Anvil took the lead with a well deserved goal. Despite brilliant play from the St. Mary's team, Mount Anvil scored a second goal to put the match out of the reach of the home side. The 2-0 final score did not reflect the committment and great play of the St. Mary's team. Best on the day for St. Mary's were Peggie McKeon, Jane Fitzsimons and Eileen Woods.

St. Joseph of Cluny team was to be the final team to be played before Christmas. The match was played on a grit pitch, new to the St. Mary's girls. Due to great cordinated play from St. Mary's they led by 2 goals, scored by Jane Fitzsimons and Sarah Clancy, at half time. Despite numerous attempts by the St. Joseph of Cluny team they could not break through the strong defense of St. Mary's. Before the end of the match two further goals by Lorna Laide and Sarah Clancy saw St. Mary's winning by 4-0. Well done to all

MINOR B HOCKEY

In their first match against a very strong Mount Anville side, the Minor B's held the game scoreless in the first half but were really up against it in the second half. Mount Anville managed to squeeze three goals past our Goalie, Sinéad Begley. This was Sinéad's first game and she showed great skill and determination. In the return match St. Mary's put up a great fight but it was not quite enough to match the experience of the Mount Anville team. Their second game was against Teresians, Stillorgan Road. This game ended 2-0 but it was not difficult to see the improvement in the girls' play.

In the New Year, Dominican College, Wicklow, made the journey to Naas. The second half favoured the opposition but the St. Mary's B team have grown in experience and skill and will hopefully keep this up. We wish Niamh Hegarty, Leah Headon and Cora Dempsey a speedy recovery from their injuries. many thanks to Ms. Hennessy for her work with the team.

Minor Hockey team

JUNIOR HOCKEY

The Junior team got off to a great start this year with a 5-0 win over our local rivals, Newbridge College. Unfortunately this has turned out to be our only win to date as we suffered defeats against the biggest names in Leinster Schools' Hockey, namely, Sutton Park, Wesley College, Mount Anville and Muckross Park College. All the girls should be proud as they put in very strong performances. Well done to the team coach, Mr. Brogan. Such commitment and enthusiasm for the game should ensure a strong senior team in the school in the not too distant future. The Junior Hockey panel for 2009-2010 is : Aoife Hyde, Sine Kenny, Louise Madge, Laurie McCarthy, Medbh Dillon, Niamh Collins, Tara Anderson, Ciara Brown, Megan O'Brien, Peggy McKeown, Pauline Mc Keown (Captain), Rachael McGinn, Grace McLoughlin, Jessica Law, Ann Marie Byrne, Leah Hayden, Lorna Laide and Evelyn Goode.

SENIOR HOCKEY

The Senior Hockey team has had a very successful league to date. The season started with a convincing 5-2 win against St. Joseph of Cluny, Killiney. Next up was a tight victory against Notre Dame, Churchtown which was played in Naas. The team drew 1-1 against Newpark Blackrock with great play from Shona Brady, Sadhbh Higgins, Emma Stafford, Niamh O'Sullivan and Pauline McKeown. The girls kept the score at 1-0 to Newpark until the final minute of the game when Fiona Hill scored to level the match. In January the team had a decisive win against Loreto, Balbriggan and are now through to the quarter finals. Their next match will be against either St. Columba's Rathfarnham or John Scottus school. Best of luck to all the team and thanks to Ms. Briody for all her work. The Senior Team of 2009-2010 is Shona Brady, Emma Stafford, Sadhbh Higgins, Niamh O'Sullivan, Caroline Powell, Pauline McKeown, Caroline Hill, Hannah Denver, Helen O'Sullivan, Leah Whyte, Rachel Naughton, Fiona Hill, Niamh Ahern, Emer Kenny, Megan Ryan, Alison Kelly.

2010-2011 SEASON

Senior Hockey:

The Senior Hockey team got off to a disappointing start this year, losing a home game 3-0 to Manor House (Raheny). This defeat did not leave the girls disheartened; instead it made them even more committed, with many of them volunteering themselves for extra training sessions each week in preparation for fixtures that were to be played in November and December. Sadly these fixtures were unfortunate victims of the wintry weather and had to be postponed until the New Year.

The rescheduled fixtures were held in the last week of January, beginning with an away game against Our Lady’s Terenure. This was one of the most competitive games of Hockey played by this team, with very little separating the sides. Unfortunately, home advantage seemed to work for Terenure as they emerged victorious with 2 late goals. This defeat spurred the girls to work even harder for our next match the following day when we met Mount Sackville in a lunchtime fixture held on St. Mary's all weather pitch. Despite conceding an early goal, St.Mary’s emerged as 4-1 winners, with all 4 goals courtesy of centre forward and co-captain, Helen O’Sullivan. Next up for the girls was another away game, this time our bus took us to The High School, Rathgar. This was another great game and special mention must go to co-captain Hannah Denvir on a fantastic performance. The game ended 1-1, with a great goal from Grace McLaughlin.

Well done to all the girls on their level of commitment to the game and to representing St.Mary’s proudly. Special mention must go to Niamh Collins, Lauren Cooke, Alison Kelly, Pauline McKeown, Gráinne Pyke and Leah Whyte. Their attendance at almost every training session is a true testament of their dedication to the team and to the school.

The Senior Hockey Team 2010/2011 :
Shóna Brady (6th), Ann Marie Byrne (TY), Kelly Byrne (6th), Megan Casserly (6th), Niamh Collins (5th), Lauren Cooke (5th), Hannah Denvir (5th), Meadhbh Guidera (TY), Fiona Hill (6th), Aoife Hyde (TY), Alison Kelly (5th), Rebecca Lowe (5th), Louise Madge (TY), Laurie McCarthy (5th), Rachel McGinn (TY), Pauline McKeown (TY), Grace McLaughlin (TY), Aoife Morris (5th), Megan O’Brien (TY), Helen O’Sullivan (6th), Gráinne Pyke (TY), Emma Stafford (6th) Leah Whyte (5th).  Team Captains: Helen O’Sullivan and Hannah Denvir. Coach: Mr. Brogan.

St. Mary's Senior Hockey Team 2010-2011

The Junior hockey team are doing very well in the Leinster Schools hockey league with wins against Alexandra College, Our Lady’s Terenure, Holy Child Killiney and St Josephs of Cluny with one more match to go before Christmas to hopefully win out the section.

Well done to the Junior team who qualified for the Leinster Schools finals by beating Wesley College. Goals were scored by Laura Kiely (3 goals), Sarah Clany (2 goals) and Lorna Laide (2 goals).

FIRST YEAR HOCKEY

Well done to the 1st year hockey team who played Mount Sackville on Thursday. All players played really well and were very unlucky to lose out on a draw when Mount Sackville snuck in a goal in the last thirty seconds. Led by Jean McLoughlin in goals, Siobhan Delaney, Sophie O'Reilly, Maria Crowley-Smith and Niamh Bergin, showed outstanding committemnt on the day.

March 2011

St Mary's travelled to Muckress to play the Leinster schools semi-final. A very evenly fought game with both defences on top resulting in very few chances. At the end of normal time the score was nil all. Twenty minutes of extra time was yielded, no score, so the match went to penalties. St Mary's were first up and scored one, three and five. Muckress needed to score their fifth to send the tie to sudden death but a brilliant save by goalkeeper Sine Kenny sent St Mary's through to the final. Penalties were scored by Sarah Clancy, Peggy McKeown and Leah Hayden.
  St Mary's travelled to Three Rock Rovers for their first ever appearances in a Leinster final. Large support of parents and students of both teams insured a great occasion. A tense game with much at stake for both teams. St Marys managed to break through but the goal was rled out for an infringement. Score at the end of normal time was nil all. St Mary's began extra time impressively, and Peggy McKeown scored following a short corner. However following sustained pressure Mount Anville equalised with the last action of the first half.
Mount Anville's pressure continued in the second half and on occasions they seemed destined to score. With time running out St Mary's produced a stunning counter attack which resulted in a fien goal sored by Laoise Dillon. They held on for the final nervous minutes to record a famous victory for St Marys College Naas. The team consisted of Leah Hayden (captain), Sine Kenny, Sinead Begley, Cora Dempsey, Romy Morrin, Rosey Reed, Emma Casey, Jane Fitzsimmons, Lorna Laide, Sarah Clancy, Laura Kiely, Sinead Sweeney, Laoise Dillon, Peggy McKeown, Naoise Gallagher, Kate Kiernan, Chantelle Victoria, Clodagh Nic Ghiolla Rua, Claire Grogan and Amy O'Brien. The whole team would like to thank Ms. McMahon for all her hard work with the team.

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Well done to all those athletes who competed in the Hallowe'en race on 20th October during lunch time. Congrats to Siobhán McArdle who led home the 2nd-5th years and to Ciara Gallagher who was first home in the 1st year competition. Special thanks to Ms. Carroll and Mr. Campbell who organised the event.

December 2010 St. Mary's College have had a magnificent start to the cross country season this year, winning three titles in the recent Three Counties Cross Country league. This league is held over three races in Laois and Kildare with the final round taking place in Carlow. The Minor A team consisting of Caoimhe Jameson, Ciara Gallagher, Anna Cleary and Siobhán Delaney made it three wins in a row to clinch the Division 1 title, while the B team, laura Naughton, Chelsea Tynan Jay and Anna Harney, took third in Division 2. The Junior A team also made it three wins in a row and took the Division 1 title. The team was Niamh O'Connor, Siobhán McArdle, Naoise Gallagher and Niamh Hegarty. Also at Junior level, the B team, rachel Egan, Emer Mc Cabe, Claire meagher and Louise Murray, won Division 2 with the C team, Sarah Fitzsimons, Lisa Mulvey, Nollaig McGuire and Brónagh Bergin, coming second. In the Intermediate race the A team, Aisling Doyle, Lorna Laide, Peggie McKeown and Emma Noughton, put in a brave performance and finished fourth in Division 1, while in Division 2 the St. Mary's girls, Jade Reid, Caoimhe Brady, Eadaoin Burke and Claire Campbell, had a clean sweep of the medals taking first, second and third in this division. January 2011 Congratulations to all the athletes who competed in the South Leinster Cross Country Championships in Carlow. The Minor team remains unbeaten. Ciara Gallagher led from the front taking 1st place, followed by Siobhan Delaney in 12th and Caoimhe Jameson in 13th. Laura Naughton and Anna Harney are the other members on the team. The Junior team wereled by Siobhán McArdle and Naoise Gallagher. The team finished fourth so they did not qualify for the team event but they qualified as individuals. March 2011 Congratulations to the Minor team consisting of Ciara Gallagher, Anna Cleary, Caoimhe Jameson, Siobhán Delaney, Laura Naughton and Anna Harney who became Leinster Cross Country Champions. In very difficult under-foot conditions the girls ran extremely well. This team still remains unbeaten all season and will next compete in the All-Ireland Championships in March. In the Junior race Siobhan McArdle and Naoise Gallagher both ran well but just missed out on qualification.   Congratulations to the Minor team consisting of Ciara Galllagher, Anna Cleary, Caoimhe Jameson, Siobhan Delaney, Laura Naughton and Anna Harney who won bronze medals in the All-Ireland Cross Country Championships in Dublin. Anna Cleary was the first girl home for St Mary's and finished in 10th position overall.   Back to Top

Meitheal 

Meitheal is a Diocesan run project in which senior students are selected and trained by diocesan personnel to mentor 1st year pupils.

The aim of Meitheal is to ease the transition of pupils from Primary to Secondary education.

The Meitheal leaders meet the 1st years on the morning they arrive and spend time with them in their first days in their new school, helping them in whatever way they can.

Throughout the year the Meitheal team visit the class at least twice a week and organise class and year activities for them and they are always on hand to advise and listen to pupils.

They work closely with the class tutor, counsellor and Year Head in an effort to make the transition to secondary school as happy as possible for all pupils.

The Meitheal Team for the coming year is:

Meitheal Team 2009-2010

Chloe Campbell- Chairperson	Clodagh McDonnell
Ruth Healy - Secretary	Amy Nolan
Emer Caplice	Carrie O'Brien
Orla Fitzpatrick	Shelly Ann O'Dea
Gillian Heavey	Laura Quirke
Mary McDermott	Niamh Russell

 

The Meitheal team this year have been very busy organising such events as a table quiz for their First years. On Wednesday night 21st October the school was alive with ghoulds, fairies, characters from films, vampires and ghosts as the annual Halloween Party took place. Even the Mona Lisa paid a visit for the night. The events started at 8pm and for the next two hours fun and games were the priority. The Ghost train, spooky tales, pin the tail on the witch and the Fancy Dress parade kept all students and the Meitheal Leaders occupied.

 

Since November, the Meitheal team has been working in conjunction with the CBS Meitheal team in organising the First year Disco. It was a great success and all enjoyed it. Recently, Meitheal leaders held a Liturgical service with their First year classes which presented them with a prayerful time to reflect on the year so far. As 1st of February was the traditional date for the First year Retreat, the Meitheal team was on hand to help with the making of St. Brigid's crosses during the day.

2010-2011

First Years enjoying Table Quiz organised by Meitheal Leaders - September 2010

Meitheal - 1st Year
 Halloween Party 

St. Mary's V C.B.S. Soccer match to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland

BLIND DATE 2011

The Student Council held a Blind Date on February 2nd 2011. The contestants were from St. Mary's and the C.B.S. It was held at lunch time with pupils from both schools packing into the Assembly hall to enjoy the fun. The hosts, Anna Power, Evie Sammon and Michael Broderick kept both the contestants and the audience entertained with their hilarious questions. Based on the answers to these questions, each contestant had to choose from one of three mystery dates. All contestants went home satisfied and the lucky couples will be treated to a meal in McDonalds.

All money collected on the day is going to the charity that trains guide dogs and a cheque will be presented in the near future. Overall the event was a huge success and all enjoyed it.

BLIND DATE 2011 IN ST. MARY'S

 

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6th Year dancers who performed at the Fashion Show in Keadeen Hotel

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Awards Day 21st May 2010

Sports Stars of the Year - Volleyball, Camogie and Hockey	Cup winners in Volleyball and Camogie
Senior Art winners	Junior Art winners
Outgoing Cinnire and Leaschinnire with Ms.O'Neill	Junior Student of the Year 2010 with Ms. O'Neill
Silver Gaisce Medal Winners	Senior Camogie Team - Leinster Winners
Senior Student of the Year 2010	Outgoing and Incoming Cinnirí and Leaschinnirí with Ms. O'Neill

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Transition Year

Harvest Festival

Transition year got off to a great start with a gelling trip to Manchester in early September. While there students visited Old Trafford and had a very entertaining Talent Show that evening in the hostel. They spent the following day in Alton Towers. The trip was a great success and a great time was had by all.

All activities for transition year have commenced. The girls are undertaking a committment to Gaisce which involves a personal skill, community involvement and personal development. They are hoping to achieve the Bronze Gaisce Award this year.

Some Transition Year pupils are getting involved in the Best Buddies programme. This organisation helps to fight the loneliness and isolation often experienced by a person with an intellectual disability. The objective is to match students and people with an intellectual disability in one to one friendships. Over the year they will also have to organise fundraising events and organise outings for their buddies. So far this year the TY students have helped fundraise for the Homeless and Zambia International.

As part of their P.E. progamme, all students are doing Yoga, step aerobics and fitness, rock climbing and absailing. In the near future, as part of their English course, all pupils will attend a day course on film studies in Maynooth. They attended the National Ploughing Championships in September and are undertaking two modules, Road Safely and Environmental Studies. Mini companies are up and running and work is in progress in all classes as pupils try to make a difference in their community in the SEAP programme (Social Enterprise Action Programme).

TY students completed a Law course on 8th October when three barristers spent the day teaching them about the Irish Legal System. They will be completing an exam on this course and will receive certificates later in the year.

With the help of their Religion teachers, TY students held a Harvest Festival on 13th October and on 23rd October all were enthralled by the Forensic Science workshop.

In November all Transition years will do one week of Work Shadowing. This will be a very valuable experience to them and allow them to sample a wide range of work environments.

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Transition Year Harvest Festival

On Tuesday, Oct. 13th, 2009, T.Y. students celebrated Harvest and Autumn in a day long festival in the Assembly Hall. After final practices were done and preparation complete, the students and R.E. teachers gathered around a colourful, vibrant, fruit and vegetable laden centre piece.

The Centre Piece of the Harvest Festival

The festival consisted of music and song, prayers and intercessions, readings and instrumentals, sacred dance, movement and mime.

Traditions from rural Ireland in the 1700 and 1800's were re-enacted, much to the delight of everyone. Following lunch, games from Hallowe'en were played by all the students. For eight frenzied minutes, girls strove to complete all 8 games, ranging from guessing the body parts to completing a dare to bobbing for apples and much more.

Evaluation afterwards confirmed that a day of fun, learning and enjoyment had been had by all - well done everyone.

Transition Year 08-09 Gaisce and Fáinne

Presentation of Awards

Transition Year Musical January 2010

Rehearsals are well under way for this year's T.Y. Musical, 'Honk'. This is the story of the ugly duckling and it has something for everyone from great songs to an entertaining storyline. This year a new director, Noel Mc Donough, is at the helm. Noel's credits include The Merry Widow and Die Fledermaus in the National Concert Hall with Glasnevin Musical Society. He has been very successful at the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera winning the Best Professional Director Award seven times with Mack and Mabel, Chicago, Cabaret, Barnum, Chess and the Irish Premier of Evita for Arthur's team.He also directed the Premier of A Slice of Saturday Night, Seussical, the Musical, and the World Premier of Rebecca Storm's Hollywood Ladies and Brian O' Reilly's Buskin at the Tivoli Theatre. In 2006 Noel directed Jekyll and Hyde for Wexford Light Opera which won the Best Show in the AIMS, winning four awards.

In 2006 he produced and directed 'Honk' in the Helix with a cast of 350 children from 15 primary schools for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority which won the 2006 Allianz Award for Culture in the Community.

The musical will run from 3rd -6th of March 2010. Good luck to everyone involved.

Transition Year Design a Recycled Hat Competition

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Transition Year Social Innovation Projects

Transition year students at the Farmers' Market in Naas selling their home made produce

Transition year students at their Fashion Show	Ready for the show
Transiton Year student group Garden of Memories present cheque	Student Council members presenting cheque to St. Vincent de Paul

Transition year Social Enterprise Action Project Group T.Y. Bakery visiting Nás na Ríogh Housing Project to present cheque.

Transition year 'Why take the risk' Social Enterprise Action project group present Graces pub with beer mats advertising taxi services in Naas.

Transition Year - End of Year Ceremony

On Thursday 27th May, Transition year students held their end of year and Parents' night ceremony. From the previous day they had been designing, erecting and compiling their displays in four classrooms. A hive of activity was evident and was the proof that great work had been done all year by the students and indicated that they were determined to show off all their activities on the night. After much practice and rehearsing of hymns, songs, readings and reflections, after much cellotape, blue tack, coloures pencils, numerous trips to the computer room, the time had finally come and at 7pm all was ready for their final event in the school as TYs.

A selection of Transition Year displays 2010

MUSICAL 2011

A Day in the life of a Transition Year musical 2011 cast member

by Hannah Crowley (Dorothy)

Monday and Friday are considered the mother of all musical rehearsals days. On a Monday generally 4-5 classes are given over to the musical each week. However, this will definitely increase as the deadline for the musical draws increasingly close. On Fridays about three classes are given to the musical, where the work for the choruses and the Munchkins are done. It’s after school when the real work begins. So far this year all of the main principals have had to stay back every Friday this year. I personally don’t mind it because I love the show we’re doing but it can be physically and mentally draining at times, having to stay in character, sing, dance and act. The Wicked Witch of the West played by Gráinne Jameson is really demanding of her voice due to the sheer amount of cackling and manic laughter required. We finish at around 4’00 on a Friday afternoon, having finished our work for the day in the assembly hall, library or music room. Rehearsing on stage is the best because there is so much room and it really gives you a feel for what the Real McCoy will be like.
I have to say that the Art teachers and Stage crew have really outdone themselves with this year’s show. The flying house looks incredible, with thanks to some of the teachers and parents who helped make it. The main dancers are amazing and work constantly with choreographer Deirdre Brown in order to get every move in the dance routines perfected. The costumes that Ms.Cleary and Ms.Buckely have made are amazing. The blue gingham dress that I wear looks identical to that of the original. Noel MacDonagh has been a great help as a director and gives really useful acting tips. Our musical directors Mr.Lanagan and Ms. Hayes work endlessly with the various choruses and solo singers so that everybody can be heard, sing in harmony, sing in tune and bring the best out of their song. ‘If I only had the nerve’ is a classic example of this. Grainne Pyke who plays the lion has to switch from different emotions in a matter of seconds and strut her stuff ‘round the stage while singing perfectly. The same has to be said for Heather Clancy and Sarah O’Hanlon who play the Scarecrow and the Tinman.
The hardest song I have had to sing so far is the classic ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’. It’s not that it’s just hard to sing, oh no, it’s that everybody has seen ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and has high expectations due to the fact that Judy Garland rose to fame with it and basically owns the song. There are so many emotions that you have to express, dreaminess, sadness, longing, happiness. I could go on forever until my head explodes!
Fundraising is a big part for the musical. At the end of the day money is what makes the world go ‘round. We have to raise money for costumes, scenery, wages and much more. We have had two successful bake sales so far and have received much advertisement from local businesses. Parents also have contributed an awful lot of money to see the show performed by T.Y.
From the moment that the cast list was given out. Everybody has contributed so much time and effort into trying to make their character the best as they could. We all have watched the film a number of times now and it’s nearly at the stage where we can lip-sync the dialogue! I myself did a lot of research into my character (Dorothy) so I could really get into her frame of mind and develop her idiosyncrasies such as wearing a permanently shocked face.
I feel that the musical is such a huge part of T.Y and i greatly look forward to clicking my ruby slippers and saying ‘there’s no place like home’. 

 

Student Enterprise Awards

        Toughers in Naas held a lot of budding business people last Tuesday March 1st as it hosted the annual Student Enterprise Award qualifiers. The competitors were made up of Transition Year students from St. Mary’s College, Naas CBS and Piper’s Hill.
        The Award is a national competition which aims to find the entrepreneurs of tomorrow as up to 15,000 students research, set-up and manage their own real-life enterprises with support and resources from the County Enterprise Boards. This hands-on approach is seen as an innovative way to stimulate interest in business and entrepreneurship at a young age. At present, 4.3% of Ireland’s population are entrepreneurs, compared to just 2.7% in mainland Europe and 2.9% in the UK. The Awards are seen as a way to maintain this high percentage in the future and also as an important step in the rollout of Ireland’s smart economy.
      Arriving at 9.30, each company had to assemble a professional and attractive stall at which to display their product. The quality of this display contributed to the team’s overall performance in the competition. The St. Mary’s stands were by far the best out of the three schools; each had an individual theme that represented their product.
     “Kt’s Butterflies” had a beautiful artistic stall with hand crafted butterflies draped around the wooden posts. “Benebabe” had chosen to add a feminine flair to their stand and it stood out from the crowd with a pink back-drop and images of screen sirens and idols. “Singing In The Rain” had a great summer and Oxegen theme complete with a colourful tent, sleeping bag, old fashioned radio and sunglasses.
     Each team had submitted a Business Report before the February Mid-Term break, which was read by one of the three judges before they interviewed the teams. The students were quizzed on their company’s sales, finances, market research, promotion, conflict within the group and future expectations for business growth.
     At half past 12, the stalls were dismantled as the judges deliberated over which teams would be short-listed for the Kildare County Final. It was announced that out of the twelve places available, over half had been given to St. Mary’s companies. The news was greeted with delight from the girls.
    The celebratory students returned to the bus and arrived back in school in time for a well deserved lunch.
     Well done to all St. Mary’s businesses who represented the school at the competition and a special congratulations to the 7 who were successful in being short-listed ; Fix-U, Soda Savers, Charming Reminders, Music With A Twist, Ringing In The Rain, USB Bracelets and Kt’s Butterflies.

Two companies succeeded in qualifying for the County Final. “Charming Reminders” and “Ringing In The Rain” represented St. Mary’s in The Osprey on Monday March 14th. The hard work put in by both teams was evident and they were in with a chance of scooping a prize

However, despite their best efforts neither team won an award but congratulations to Ms. Kelly who won one of the teacher’s awards.
  Well done to all involved in the competition and best of luck to all budding entrepreneurs with business ventures in the future.

A Selection of Transition Year Mini Companies 2011

Amnesty International is a campaigning organisation that seeks to challenge human rights abuses and to support the full realisation of human rights standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. St. Mary's College has had an Amnesty Group since the late 1980s. This year we are a group of about 12/15 students from Ist year to 6th Year. We meet at least once a fortnight at lunchtime. We write letters on behalf of people whose human rights have been violated.

In November we took part in Amnesty's Youth Week of Action which focused on human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. We put up posters around the school, gave information each morning over the intercom and had a petition signing event at lunchtime. We are currently participating in Amnesty International's Greeting Card Campaign - sending cards to human rights defenders and to people whose human rights have been violated in countries such as Mexico, Iran, Israel and the Occupied Palestian Territories and Zimbabwe.

St. Mary's Amnesty Group 2009-2010

 

Parents' Council Newsletter April 2010

                                         

It has been another busy but rewarding academic year for the Parents’ Council. In September 2009   twenty two parents went forward for nomination to the Council and were accepted. Out of the twenty  two there was a good mixture of new faces and experienced committee members. Each school year is represented on the committee.

A lot of hard work has been done and monthly meetings have been extremely well attended with lots of lively discussion, debate and banter. Despite the work involved each meeting lasted approximately one hour with a lot of good humour throughout.

On behalf of the Council I would like to thank Marie O’Neill and Teresa Nolan for attending our meetings and for keeping us up to date in relation to all the school activities.

To conclude: joining the Parents’ Council can be a very worthwhile and  informative experience. It affords one the opportunity to meet other parents and it allows you to get to know the workings of  your daughter’s school.

For the first time, the Board of Management invited the Parents Association to a meeting.  This was very successful and it was agreed that such a meeting should take place on an annual basis.

Committee Members

*  Mary Bennett (Asst. Sec.)

*  Geraldine Cummins(Parents Rep)

*  Kay Egan

*  Patricia Gallagher

*  Catherine Hughes (Chairperson)

*  Ita Kenny-Hill  (PRO)

*  Ursula MacGabhann

*  Geraldine McCormack

*  Nora Maloney

*  Gemma Morrin  (Asst. PRO)

*  Audrey Mulvey

*  Karen Murdock  Asst. Treasurer)

*  Denise Murray (Secretary)

*  Martina Nolan-Byrne

*  Ann O’Brien

*  Therese O’Reilly

*  Margaret O’Sullivan

* Barbara Prendergast

* Barbara Stafford

* Justin  Sheehan (Treasurer)

* Deirdre Sheehy (Asst. Chairperson)

*Miriam Redmond

Finances       

€4,676  (2008) was received in subscriptions. A further €5,357  (2008)  was collected at the flag day. Flag day money went towards the refurbishment of the assembly hall. This included painting of the hall, sanding and varnishing   of the floor, new curtains were purchased for the surrounding windows and the stage curtains were refitted.

€4,487 (2009) subscriptions  received.

€5,150 was raised on the Flag Day.

€1990 was raised in bag packing -  Nov. 2010. The €1,990 went towards the T.Y  Musical.

The Parents assisted with the Sponsored Walk which raised almost €30,000.

Thank you to all the collectors and all who  supported us on the day.

 Drama

Music and Drama play an important part in the lives of St. Mary’s Transition Year students.   This year’s performance was the lively “Honk”. The show was a complete success running for 4 nights and played to a  packed audience each night concluding on the final night when the cast received a standing ovation. We extend our gratitude and congratulations  to the teaching staff  of  St. Mary’s for their support and co-ordination  in staging a wonderful production of “Honk”. The assistance from parents with the reception, front of house and organising the car park was greatly appreciated and is always welcome.

A truly team effort.

Useful Websites & Reading

National Parents’ Council (Secondary) : www.npcpp.ie

Qualifax (National database of 3rd Level Courses) :  www.qualifax.ie

Teaching Council of Ireland:

www.teachingcouncil.ie

Parents’ Council  National Leaving Cert. Helpline : Ph 1800 265 165

Schoolbooks : www.schoolbooksonline.ie

Adolescence: The survival guide for Parents.

Fenwick E. & Smith T. – Dorling Kindersle , 1993.

When Parents Separate Helping

Your children to cope.

Veritas  publications  2001.

A note from the Principal

Congratulations to the Parents' Council on the publication of their Annual Newsletter.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Council for the huge contribution they make to the school community each year.

Talks this year.

Each year the  Parents’ Council invite two speakers to talk to parents, one at  the beginning of the school year and the other in spring.

Mental well being for Teenagers

In 2008/2009 The Autumn speaker gave parents advice on study methods. This was followed up by the  speaker going into the class room and giving the students further advice.

The Spring speakers were Mr. Liam McCarthy and Ms. Josephine Murphy who gave a talk on mental well being for teenagers.

In 2009-2010,  the Autumn speaker was Elaine Murray, a dietician  who gave a talk on Nutrition & Healthy Eating for Teenagers.

Our Spring talk was given by Caroline Murphy.  She gave valuable advice on the art of communication – both within the family and towards people we meet in our everyday lives. 

Volunteers

With so many activities taking place during the school year, volunteers are always required to help. Areas where your support would be appreciated:

Travel with a bus group.

Coach a specific game/sport

Help with various receptions

Assist with fund raising.

If you should wish to contact the Parents’ Association or assist with any of the above, please leave your name at the school office. 

 Graduation

The 6th year Graduation night and Mass will be on Thursday 20th May 2010 in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballycane.  Following the ceremony refreshments will be served to the graduates and their

parents. 

Transition Year

The 4th year graduation will take place on 27th May.  This includes a prayer service and graduation ceremony. An exhibition of the students work carried out during the year will be on display.

Interviews

Mock Interviews for  5th years took place on 26th April, 2010. Thanks to all the interviewers who participated and gave of their time and advice.  This is invaluable experience to the students.

Saturday Morning Study

Study for Leaving Cert students is organized by  a member of the Parents’ Association.  A roster is set up and parents of the exam students supervise.

There are 2 sessions:                             9. 30a.m.    –  11.00 a.m.

11.30a.m.   –    1.00 p.m.

This has been ongoing for the past number of years and has been very successful.

Sports News

St. Mary’s College had another successful year in a number of sports.  We would like to thank all the teachers who give their time in coaching the various teams, without their help and encouragement we would not have the successes we enjoy.  Congratulations to the following teams who performed brilliantly and brought great successes to the school: Athletics, Gaelic Football, Camogie, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton,  Hockey, and Tennis.

Training   

The National Parents Council post-primary(NPCpp) are organising a training programme for Parents on Parents’ Associations.  They are seeking volunteers to train and they in turn will impart the training they have received to  other interested parents. The proposed dates & locations:

15/5/2010  Vocational School,

Kilkenny Road, Carlow.

12/6/2010 Loreto High School Beaufort,  Grange Road,

Rathfarnham.

If any parents is interested in availing of the course,  please contact  the school. 

Fund Raising 

FASHION SPECTACULAR

As part of the ongoing fundraising activities for the new sports

facilities, St Mary's College hosted   a Gala Fashion Show in the Hotel Keadeen, Newbridge

This was the 3rd fashion show and has become an annual event in the life of the school. It is the main fund raiser of the year.  The funding goes towards reducing the debt incurred in providing the new out-door facility of the astro turf and grass pitches.  A great night’s entertainment was had by all with wonderful prizes.  Congratulations to all the dedicated members on the committee who worked so hard with early morning meetings to make the evening a memorable and enjoyable event.

And Finally

The Parents’ Council would like to wish the 3rd year and 6th year girls the very best of luck in their forthcoming  examinations.

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