St. Mary's Secondary School

New Ross, Co. Wexford

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                               newsletter Christmas 2006

Friendship Festival

St. Mary’s Friendship Week is an annual event that celebrates the joys of friendship while promoting good spirit and new friendships in the school. First run in 2002, it is celebrated the week after midterm break. Each year a theme is selected and then presented in artwork, drama, competitions, activities and music throughout the week. Volunteers are invited from every year and are led by the school Prefects, supported by school staff, in producing the year’s events. This year the organising committee included 1st, 2nd, TY, 5th, and 6th year students who did wonderful work for the school while having plenty fun doing it.

This year our theme is "Connections". Artwork and activities were developed using Dominoes to illustrate that we are all connected in some way. In PE this week all students took part in group challenges and activities that require good teamwork. Other events were happening during break times throughout the school. A new event this year, and one of the highlights was the "Connect 4 Championships" organised by the Prefects. We saw the return of annual favourites including the "Friendship Quiz" organised by 5th year students and the "Blindfold Obstacle Course" organised by 1st years. The school airways were filled once again with "Friendship FM" broadcasting over the school intercom at lunchtime and for the first time this year we had a breakfast show. TY students both presented and helped 1st year students to prepare shows.

Our lasting memories from this year will be the art work made from Dominoes, organised by the 2nd years, which is proudly displayed in school, the "Kind Words" and of course the lollipops!! Our thanks to everyone who took part in the week, without you it could not have been a success.

Mini Company 2006

Careers World

Once again this year, juniors in the school are taking part in the Celtic Enterprises mini-company challenge. Students are setting up their own businesses providing goods and services and are hoping to make a profit along the way. The students have been busy setting up their companies since September – they came up with ideas for products, carried out market research, made product samples, undertaken various marketing activities and showcased their work at our recent open night. There is a great buzz around the mini-companies and the girls are gaining great insight into the world of business through their involvement in the project. Many hours of hard work have gone into making a success of their companies and all this work is done outside school hours. Well done to all involved. There will be a school market day on December 18th where you will be able to come along and visit the girls at their stands and pick up some Christmas gifts.

Readathon/Irish Multiple Sclerosis Society

Students from 1st year have been very busy for the past number of weeks, reading books to raise funds for the Irish Multiple Sclerosis Society. As a result of their great effort a total of €904.20 was raised for this very worthy cause. This was a splendid and very commendable achievement. Well done to all concerned. The event was co-ordinated by Mrs. Kennedy along with the 1st year English teachers, Mrs. Larkin and Ms Fennelly and Mr. Deavy.

Music Workshop

The Junior and Senior Choir recently attended a Choral Workshop in the Helix, Dublin on Friday 17th November. The Renowned Choral Conductor Peter Hunt presented the Workshop. Over seven Hundred students from around the Country attended the event and the Workshop added a new dimension to the students Choral Work. Ms Corbett and Ms Shannon accompanied the group

Junior Football Victory

The Junior Football team continued with their recent success with another great victory, on this occasion beating Ramsgrange Community School. This win ensures the Junior team has progressed to the play-off stages of the competition, after finishing top of their group. The Match was played in appalling weather conditions in Ramsgrange. The team played with the advantage of a strong wind in the first half, building up a commanding lead, which Ramsgrange were unable to claw back. Our opponents in the next stage of the Competition are not yet known, well done to the Team and in particular to Leanne Murphy and Avril Mullery for all their hard work and dedication.

New Times for Detention for 2007

Detention will take place from 3.15 – 5.00 pm on a named Friday. Parents of students placed on Detention are required to take their daughter home at 5.00 pm. Detention results from the loss of 10 merits following infringements of our Code of Conduct.

We must emphasize that it is a serious matter to be placed on Detention and no Parent or Student should take it lightly. Parents of students placed on detention are asked to undertake to speak with their daughter about her conduct with a view to ensuring that from now on her behaviour will not result in valuable teaching and learning time being wasted. Our hope is that each student will be a source of good example to her fellow students. We celebrate any student who turns over a new leaf and makes a fresh start.

We trust that we can rely on the full cooperation of each and every Parent in this matter.

 

Credit Union

The Credit Union in the school reopened for business in November. The School Credit Union is run under the auspices of New Ross Credit Union. The main aim of the School Credit Union is to encourage Students to adopt a regular savings habit and thereby to sow the seeds of good financial management for the future. The School Credit Union is being run by three 6th year students; Melanie Cleary, Caroline Foley, Suzanne Phelan and by three 5th year students; Sinead Furlong, Fadzai Healy Magwa and Margaret Ann Kehoe. Their teacher Ms Colette Tinnelly assists the students in their role.

The Credit Union opens each Thursday in the Career Guidance room at 1.30 p.m. Students will be issued with Credit Union Account Books in their own names. A minimum of €7 is required to open the Account. Students may then save any amount per week from 50 cent upwards. During times when the Credit Union is not operating in school (e.g. holiday times) withdrawals and lodgements may be made in the offices of New Ross Credit Union in South Street.

We would like to thank our students for volunteering to run the Credit Union and a big thank you to Ms Aideen Doyle from New Ross Credit Union for all her support.

We welcome all new and existing members. Happy Christmas to all our members.

Ski Trip to New Hampshire, U.S.A – 30th Dec- 6th Jan

 

A fabulous ski trip is planned for 39 students and 5 teachers who are travelling to New Hampshire, via Boston on Dec 30th. The teachers, girls and their parents attended an information meeting regarding their final plans for the tour on Wed.6th Dec. Students travelling are from 3rd, 4th, and 5th years. They will be accompanied by Ms. Marie Winters, Ms. Mary Shannon, Mrs. Janet Kennedy, Ms. Colette Stafford, & Ms. Kathleen Woodcock. We hope that this is a successful and enjoyable tour and wish them well for the week.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE EXCELLENCE

St. Mary’s Students among top 3% Achievers at Trinity College

The Provost of Trinity College recently honoured three of our students and their parents at a reception in Trinity College. These girls were singled out, not for merely securing a place in this prestigious university but for being among the top students in their classes based on their Leaving Certificate Results. The Provost presented Entrance Awards to:

Therese Grace, daughter of Eileen and Sean, from Ballyanne

Saoirse Kennedy, daughter of Janet and Denis, from Tullogher

Caroline Walsh, daughter of Ann and Dermot, from The Rower.

We extend sincere congratulations to these girls and their families on such a great achievement.

UCD 150th Scholarship Award

To mark the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of University College Dublin the college awards a number of special scholarships. We are delighted that Emma Murphy was honoured by the UCD and awarded one of their 150th Scholarships. In a very dignified ceremony Emma was presented with her award in the presence of her justifiably proud mother, Mary from Irishtown Heights. This is a tremendous achievement and a great source of encouragement to other students.

Easter Week 1916 Commemoration Scholarships

Imagine the excitement when an Assistant to Minister for Education and Science, Mrs

Mary Hannifin phoned the school to say that the Minister wished to speak to one of our students. Minister Hannifin wanted to congratulate personally Therese Grace from Ballyanne on being awarded one of the Easter Week 1916 Commemoration Scholarships for obtaining the highest results in the whole country in English, Irish and Accountancy.

In commemoration of each of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence, the Minister for Education and Science awards seven third level scholarships to the students who obtain the highest result in particular groups of subjects in the Leaving Certificate. True to her word Minister Hannifin phoned Therese, who is a student of Business, Economics and Social Studies (BESS) in Trinity College and invited her to a special presentation in Marlborough House next January. She emphasised the wonderful achievement it is to obtain the highest results in Ireland in the combination of English, Irish and Accountancy. We are extremely blessed in the calibre of our teachers and Mr. Paul Deavy, Ms. Brid Fogarty and Ms. Colette Tinnelly are to be congratulated for their crucial roles in enabling Therese achieve her potential. Of course the last word has to go to Therese and to congratulate her and her parents, Sean and Eileen, on achieving such academic excellence.

 

 

 

TRANSITION YEAR NEWS

Glendalough- Nov 10th and 11th

As part of the Bronze Gaisce award the Transition Year students headed off to Co. Wicklow on the 10th Nov. and stayed at the Glendalough International youth hostel. During their stay they had to walk approx. 24 kms. The weather was very wet on the Friday but it didn’t dampen their spirits. They participated with good humour in the walk and guided tour of the monastic site. On Friday night the girls put on a very entertaining "concert". There are many walks in this beautiful area and on Saturday our walk gave us a view across the lake of the reputed bed of St.Kevin.

Trip to Dublin – 14th Nov

 

The Transition Years visited the National Concert Hall, Dublin for a "Music in the Classroom" performance by the National Concert Orchestra under the baton of Gearóid Grant. In the afternoon they headed to Croke Park for a guided tour of the ground and its facilities. While we were there, floodlights were being installed to facilitate the use of Croke Park for International soccer and rugby matches. They were accompanied by T.Y’s from the Good Counsel College & Ms. Woodcock.

Dr. Máire Cassidy – Fri 17th Nov.

As part of the Science week, the girls travelled to Waterford I.T to hear the State Pathologist Dr. Máire Cassidy speak about her job and all that is entailed in the life of a pathologist. A very interesting morning for all. Ms. Fennelly and Ms. McNamara accompanied the girls.

Work Experience – Nov 20th to Dec 1st

The Transition Years students have recently returned from their work experience placement having had a "taste" of a variety of careers, ranging from laboratory work, horse training, veterinary work to primary school. Each girl got an insight into possible career paths through this very worthwhile venture.

Soroptimists Public Speaking Competition

11 of the Transition Year girls decided to enter the Soroptimists public speaking competition this year to represent the Wexford, Kilkenny and Tipperary region. As there were so many entries to the competition only 4 students per school were allowed to compete on the night. An in-school competition was held one night during work experience, which was graciously adjudicated, by Mrs. Geraldine Larkin and Mrs. Eva Kelly. Only 4 students could be chosen, these were Taragh O’ Connor, Caoimhe Doyle, Leanne Rowe and Jennifer Phelan. These girls represented the school very well at the competition but unfortunately were not among the two to qualify from the region. Congratulations to all the girls who participated.

Religion News

Wicklow

On Tuesday 21st November, 6th year students along with their R.E teachers Mrs. Ward and Miss Walpole travelled to Wicklow where they took part in a Retreat day. The girls visited an Ecological and Spiritual farm where they spent the morning in reflection and doing activities. They spent the afternoon on the organic farm. The weather held up on the day and the girls greatly enjoyed themselves.

Remembrance

November is a month where we make an extra effort to remember those who have died. Fr. Joe McGrath celebrated a special mass of Remembrance on November 30th. This mass was held at lunchtime and a huge number of both students and staff attended

Advent

We are now in a new Christian Year and are midway through the first season in the liturgical year- Advent. Advent is a time of preparation. While we are all busy preparing for Christmas, it is important to remember the story and the reason for our celebrations. Try to prepare both spiritually and physically for this wonderful occasion. An Advent wreath is lighting in the Religion Room during this season.

Carol Service

Our annual carol service takes place on the afternoon of Dec 15th. This year’s service is based around the Jesse Tree. Ms. Tinnelly, Ms. Stafford and Mrs. Reidy are currently working very hard with the musicians and singers at lunchtimes to ensure the service will be a huge success. Ms. Corbett is also busy with her choir who will also sing on the day. Mrs. Ward and Ms. Walpole are preparing the Liturgy for the service. Many thanks to all the students who are working hard for the service.

TY Retreat

Transition Year students will be having their retreat on Monday 18th December in Mount Sion in Waterford. Their R.E teacher Miss Walpole will accompany the girls.

Hampers

Miss Walpole’s 6.2 Religion class are organising and co-ordinating the collection of goods for our Christmas Hampers. This is a voluntary contribution from all the students of St. Mary’s and all products collected will be offered up during our Carol Service before being handed over to local groups including New Ross Meals on Wheels. Many thanks to everyone who donated food.

Cúinne Na Gaeilge

Rud nua atá sa scoil anois ná cúinne compordach gaelach thuas staighre sa cheaintín. Áit bheag dheas í a chuireann fáilte roimh daltaí a scíth a ligint agus Gaeilge a labhairt ag an am céanna. Fáilte roimh gach dalta agus bain triail as Gaeilge a labhairt ann!

6th year Guidance News

Many 6th year students took the opportunity to attend an exhibition of 3rd level colleges in the Woodlands Hotel, Waterford on November 20th. At this event they were able to speak to representatives of 37 different education and training providers on courses that might be of interest to them for next year.

On Dec 4th, 6th year students will have the opportunity to attend a talk on careers in computers given by Mr TJ McDonald, Lecturer, WIT. With computers becoming more and more a part of our everyday lives it is worth considering a career in this area.

WIT Open Day was on Tuesday Dec 12th and 43 6th year students availed of a bus to the event organised by the school. Students were able to attend talks on all courses offered by the college and speak to lecturers and students at the many course stands that were on display.

3rd year Guidance News

In January 3rd year students will be asked to make important choices about courses and subjects for Senior Cycle. To help support and advise students in these serious decisions the DATs (Differential Aptitude Tests) were held in school on Tues 5th / Wed 6th December 2006. It is a tough day and we are very thankful to all 3rd year students for their co-operation, hard work and good humour during the day. Over the coming weeks during class time the courses and options available will be explained to all students. In January each student will have an individual meeting with a Guidance Counsellor to discuss their choices and the results of their DATs and the Career Interest Inventory done on the test day.

For parents of 3rd year students an information night to present and discuss Course/Subject Options was held on Wednesday, 13th December, at 8pm.

1st year Guidance News

Thanks to the 1st year students for their recent letters to Mr O’ Sullivan. Thank you for the thought and effort that went into them and for the comments and suggestions you made.

 

 

Green School news

This year is a big year for Greenschool in St. Mary’s as we compete to retain our Greenschool Flag for the third time. In 2004 our project was on Energy, in 2002 our project was on Water and in 2000 our project was on Litter. This year our challenge is to revise and develop all three previous projects to retain the Green Flag award. A big thank you to all students and staff who volunteered their time and creativity to undertake the challenge. This year Greenschool Committee has almost 100 members divided into 3 project groups.

Already this year Greenschool members have been raising awareness about environmental issues through the Friendship week – Hug a tree, and through Open night activities including Mother Earth, Deal or no Deal, and the Recycling Bin Challenge. As part of our "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" campaign St Mary’s, in conjunction with Mercy Waterford, recently sent a consignment of old schoolbooks to Liberia. Many thanks to the 3rd years who did the packing.

ESB Power Cut

The planned power cut that necessitated early school closure on Tuesday 12th November had not been notified to the school by the ESB. The Board of Management regrets the inconvenience this caused to so many families which was totally unavoidable. This matter is being formally addressed with the ESB.

GREETINGS

Best wishes for peace and happiness at Christmas and throughout 2007 are extended to all of our students and their families, to all members of staff and to all friends of St. Mary’s. May you be blessed with good health, peace and success in all of your endeavours. Thank you for your support during 2006. We look forward to working in co-operation with you in the New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 2005 Newsletter

To: Parents & Students

Welcome Back  

How quickly the summer goes! Welcome back to all our students and a special welcome to St. Mary’s to all our new students in 1st year and their parents and those new students joining us in other year groups. We hope that the year ahead will be a good and enjoyable year and that all our students will do their very best in all classes.

Staff Retirements

Best wishes for health and happiness are extended to:-

Mrs. Bernardine Dimond

Mrs. Maura Grennan

Mrs. Eva Kelly,

who have retired from teaching. Mrs. Dimond has been on the teaching staff since 1971 and over the years has taught all of the science subjects, Chemistry, Physics, Biology as well as Maths & Technical Graphics. For many years she has also worked with many Principals on the construction of the School Timetable.

Mrs. Grennan joined St. Marys in 1973 and was best known as a teacher of English & History. In recent years she was a Year Head.

Mrs. Kelly joined the teaching staff in 1989 and prior to that had worked in the VEC. She was a well known English teacher & encouraged may students in public speaking and drama.

Each of these teachers was involved in a wide range of extra curricular activities which added to the richness of the educational experience in St. Marys. In addition they were very involved in the pastoral care of students

The whole school community is indebted to these teachers for their dedication and care to generations of our students. They will be missed by all in St. Mary’s and we hope that whole new horizons of opportunity, success and happiness open up for them.

Reminder – Parent Council AGM at 8p.m on Monday 12th September

Please attend this meeting and support the valuable work they do on your behalf

Meeting to elect Parent Nominations for BOM on Monday 12th September at 8p.m.

A new Board of Management will commence their three year term of office on 15th October 2005. In agreeing to their appointment to a B.O.M., a member of a Board is undertaking the valuable task of helping to shape and manage the voluntary secondary school entrusted to their care.

A special debt of gratitude is owed to all those who serve on Boards of Management. This work is done on a voluntary basis and while much of it is routine, nevertheless, it requires a commitment in terms of time and goodwill that is, perhaps, sometimes taken for granted. With the involvement of parents, teachers and trustee nominees, Board of Management represent a true example of local partnership in action.

We acknowledge the generosity of the outgoing B.O.M whose term of office terminates in October.

 

The parents of children in the school elect two nominees for appointment to the Board. A general meeting of all parents will take place on Monday 12th September at 8p.m in the school during which nominations for election to the Board may be made. This will be followed by an election.

Student Leadership Positions 2005-2006

We congratulate Prefects & Meitheal Leaders who contribute so much to the life of the school

Headgirl Caoimhe Maloney - Ballymacar

Deputy Headgirls:-

Therese Grace - Ballyanne

Catherine Furlong - Ballintubber

3rd Year Prefects

Nicola Wall – New Ross

Aoife Marshall – New Ross

Genevieve Murphy – The Rower

2nd Year Prefects

Sarah Murphy – Ballinabanogue

Mary Nolan - Clonroche

Kate Breen - Campile

Saoirse Kennedy- Listerlin

Meitheal Leaders for 1st Year Students

Róisin Breen - Gusserane

Laura Barron – New Ross

Louise Chapman – New Ross

Eimear Cosgrave – Ballinaboola

Stephanie Foxe – Foulksmills

Dawn Furlong – Adamstown

Lisa Marie Gahan – Ballyleigh

Deirdre Kane – New Ross

Therese Lyng – The Rower

Diane Mooney - New Ross

Christina O’ Neill – New Ross

Katie Whelan - Foulksmills

Registration Day

Thank you to all parents who avail of our registration days. It makes a big difference to the school to have all registration details sorted out early in the school year. Our thanks to Carmel & Eileen who organized and co-ordinated the registration days. Anyone who has not yet looked after registration details please do so without further delay.

Leaving Certificate Results

Congratulations to all concerned with this years results. As always the results achieved by our students are excellent across all levels of ability. They are a great source of pride to the school and to our students and parents. To achieve good results requires dedication and hard work and a positive attitude towards school. the teaching staff of St. Marys set high standards and have high expectations of all students. When students, in turn set high standards for themselves and make an honest and sustained effort in their class work, homework and revision in co-operation with their teachers, top class results are always going to emerge at the end of each year. We are delighted to report that all year groups have made an excellent start to their studies. Let us all continue to work together to ensure each student achieves her potential.

Junior Certificate Results

These results are expected to arrive in schools on Wednesday 14th September. This will be confirmed in the media on the day before. There will be no classes on that day for students in 4th & 5th year. Students can collect their results in the Sports Hall Canteen from 10a.m – 12 noon.

 

School Mass

The annual school mass for the beginning of the new school year and celebrating Mercy Day will be held in the Sports Hall on Friday 23rd at 11.30a.m. Parents are most welcome to attend & join us to pray for a successful year ahead.

We wish all students and their parents and families a very rewarding and enjoyable school year ahead.

To mark Mercy Day and to celebrate the Junior Cert results there will be no school in the afternoon of Friday 23th September.

Meeting for Parents of 1st yr. Students

This will take place on Monday 10th October at 8 p.m and should last about an hour followed by refreshments.

Uniform

Sincere thanks to Parents for ensuring all students returned to school in correct uniform. Your continued support is appreciated very much.

The students have drawn very favourable comments for their uniform and appearance. We remind you that these uniforms are machine washable at low temperature- see label for details

As always, St. Mary’s has a proud tradition in providing comprehensive Pastoral Care. This is done through our Class Tutors, Year Heads , Chaplain and Guidance Counsellors

Summer Clean Up

The school has been cleaned from top to bottom over the summer months. Many hours of hard work have been put in by the care taking and cleaning staff of the school in making sure that the school is in the best possible condition for our students. We know that students and parents appreciate a clean and tidy school and we are asking everyone to make an extra special effort this year to keep the school in the fine condition that it is in now.

Chewing Gum is banned in the school and must not be brought into the school. Gum left lying around on floors and furniture leaves an awful mess and is very difficult and very unpleasant to remove. Students found with chewing gum will be asked to clean up the mess that chewing gum leaves around the school and will be subject to sanctions under the Code of Conduct.

Remember too that St. Mary’s is a Green School and we must continue to work hard to keep our Green School status. Please support our recovery and recycling programme. Our Green School crusade will be one of our top priorities as a school community for the year ahead.

School Refurbishment

During Registration Day many of you will have seen tremendous improvements throughout the school following a programme of renovation and redecoration over the summer. All of this work is possible only because of the generous support given to the school through the Family Contribution. Thanks to each of you for ensuring that St. Marys’ is a warm and comfortable learning /working environment for all our students and staff.

School Journal

Each student must have her journal in school with her every day. It is an essential means of communication between home and school. Any student who fails to have her journal in school with her must report to the Principal / Deputy Principal before 9 a.m.

The journal must be kept in a clean, neat and proper condition and it is to be used for official school purposes only. Journals that have been soiled, damaged, defaced or abused in anyway must be replaced at the cost of €10.

We ask Parents to indicate by their signature that they have checked their daughters’ journal each week. This will also ensure that journals are being kept in proper condition.

Student Absences

To comply with the Education Welfare Act, all absences from school must be explained in writing by parents on the day the student returns to the school. This is done by entering the details in the Explanations for Absence section in the Journal. The student must show this to her class tutor during her first tutor group class after she returns to school.

Conclusion

On behalf of the staff of St. Mary’s we thank you for your interest in our school. We look forward to working with you in the best interest of your daughter.

Please feel free to contact us if you feel we can be of help to you.

 

Yours sincerely

 

_______________ ______________

Gene O’ Sullivan Maureen Carroll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archives

 

STUDENT SCHOOL CALENDAR 2004/2005

 

Month

Year

Date

Information

August

2004

Monday 30th.

Staff planning/Inservice training

 

 

Tuesday 31st.

Staff planning/Inservice training

 

 

Wed 1st.

1 st/4th yrs, Prefects, Meitheal Leaders

Sept

2004

Thurs 2nd.

1 st/2nd + 6th yr students

 

 

Fri 3rd.

1 st/3rd + 5th yr students

 

 

Mon 6th.

All students

 

 

 

Fri 24th.

Feast of Our Lady of Mercy: Mass at 11.30.a.m. in PE Hall

 

 

 

Students can go home at 1.p.m. Supervision of students until 3.55.p.m. available on request.

 

 

 

 

Oct

2004

Mon 4th.

Meeting for Parents of 1st yr students 8.p.m.

 

 

Tues 5th.

Parents Council AGM at 8p.m in the school

 

 

Thur 21st.

6th yr. Parent - Teacher Meeting: 4.15p.m - 6.45 p.m

 

 

Mon 25th. - Fri 29th.

Half -term / Halloween Break: School closed for students

Nov

2004

Mon 1 st

School re-opens after Half-term

 

 

Thur 4th.

6th yr. Careers Evening for Parents and Students

 

 

Mon Sth.

OPEN NIGHT:

7.30.p.m. - 9.30.p.m.

 

 

Mon Sth.- Fri 19th.

Transition Year Work Experience

Dec

2004

Fri 3rd.

Staff Meeting: 2-4.30p.m - School closes at lunchtime. Supervjsed

 

 

 

study by prior arrangement until 4 p.m

 

 

Mon 6th.

3rd + 4th yr Parent-Teacher Meeting: 4.15.p.m. - 6.45.p.m.

 

 

Wed 8th.

Feast ofImmaculate Conception: No School for students

 

 

Thur 16th.

Carol Service

 

 

 

Fri 17th - Wed 22nd.

Christmas Tests

 

 

 

Wed 22nd.

Christmas Holidays start at lunchtime.

Jan

2005

Mon 10th.

School re-opens for all students

 

 

Tue 8th.

1 st yr Parent-Teacher Meeting:- 4.15p.m - 6.45p.m

Feb

2005

Mon 14th. - Fri I8th.

Mid-Term Break: School closed for students

 

 

Mon 21st.

Mocks

 

 

 

Mon 28th.

Transition year Work Experience begins

March

2005

Fri 11th.

Transition year Work Experience ends

 

 

Thurs 17th.

St. Patrick's DaylPublic Holiday: School closed

 

 

Fri 18th.

Parent-Teacher - no school for students

 

 

 

9.00 - 11.15 : 5th yr Parent Teacher meeting

 

 

 

12.45 - 2.45 : 2nd yr Parent Teacher Meeting

 

 

Thurs 24th

First day of Easter Holidays

April

2005

Mon 4th

School re-opens for all students

 

 

Mon ISth - Fri 22od

Transition year trip to Delphi

May

2005

Mon 2nd

Public Holiday - School closed

 

 

Tues 3rd

School closed for students

June

2005

Fri 3rd

Last day of term

 

 

 

Wed. 8th

Junior/Leavmg Cert examinations

 

HALLOWEEN 2004     NEWSLETTER.

Student Awards

Through its awards a school draws attention to achievements and personal characteristics it values in students. In St. Mary's our philosophy of  education is grounded in the Christian values promoted by Catherine McCauley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.  Our aim is to work in collaboration with students and their families to cultivate and nurture the talents that each girl is gifted with. We celebrate effort as well as achievement in all areas of the life of the school.

.  The introduction of a Merit System into our Code of Conduct emphasises the intrinsic value that each of our students possesses and we deliberately look for occasions to affirm and encourage all in our care.

The annual Student  Awards Ceremony is an occasion to draw particular attention to individual students who are a source of encouragement and inspiration to the whole school community. We congratulate these students and encourage them to continue to develop their talents and whenever possible, to show positive leadership to others. We invite all of our students to do their best in all areas of their lives and look forward to helping each girl in our care to achieve her potential.

School on 1st November 200

Recent media highlighting the issue of schools opening on Monday 1st. November referred to primary schools. St.. Mary's, along with many other Co. Wexford secondary schools will have a normal school day on 1st November and full attendance is expected.

Parent Teacher Meeting for 6th.Years

The Parent-Teacher Meeting for 6th yrs will take place on Thursday 21st.October from 4.1Sp.m. and will conclude at 6.4Sp.m. Entrance is via the Sports Hall and refreshments will be available in the canteen. We know that you will appreciate that it will be very demanding for Teachers to face into another 2 hours of intensive work after a full day of teaching 8 or 9 classes and ask you to do your best to ensure that the meeting starts and finishes on time. There will be a normal day's school on that day for all students until 3.40p.m when students who can be collected are allowed to go home. Those who go home by bus are to remain in their classrooms until the normal time that school is dismissed.

1st Year Inter-Class  Cross Country League

This above activity, organised by Ms. Ann Doyle, will be run in 4 stages. The top six finishers from each class will qualify for points. Prizes will be awarded for the best class performance and the first six individual runners. Best of luck to all concerned.

Adult Education

The adult education classes are up and running and are proving to be a great success. New courses are scheduled with a mid-January starting date.

Celtic Enterprises 1st and 2nd year Mini Companies.

Following the success of last years venture, over sixty 1 st and 2nd year students have signed up for this years event. Participants range from sole traders to groups of up to 5 students. This after ­school activity offers the girls the experience of the practical application of business concepts, such as marketing, the generation of ideas, finance, product development, sales, and of course profit making!. Co-ordinated by Ms. Noelle Carroll, the girls will naturally prepare goods for the Christmas market, whilst external adjudicators will select a number of enterprises for the county final in March.

Portfolio Preparation

Senior students considering courses in the Art and Design field are currently preparing portfolios under the direction of Ms. Cantlon. The group meet every Friday at 1.30p.m in the art room, and any 5th or 6th year student is welcome attend.

Tag Rugby

Great interest has been shown by 5th and 6th yr. Students in playing tag rugby. This is the first year that St. Mary's have entered a team in the senior competition, and coaches Ms. Shannon and Ms. Kidd have expressed delight at the commitment and enthusiasm of all the players. The team train every Friday at lunchtime and new members are always welcome.

Basketball

The senior and cadet basketball teams recently commenced their series of matches at their respective levels of the South East leagues and we take this opportunity to wish them well in their forthcoming matches.

Art Exhibitions

Congratulations to past pupils Emma Byrne and Pollie Venn on their recent exhibition in the Wexford Arts centre and S1. Michael' s Theatre respectively. We wish both artists continued success in the future.

Ploughi