Wednesday 2nd April 2014
Weather Update
Due to the inclement weather conditions, 3rd class girls football, 3rd class boys football and 4th class girls football has been cancelled.
Cross country training has also been cancelled for today.
The Senior girls Camogie game and training scheduled for this evening have also been called off.
Friday 28 March 2014
Our New House Captains
This week saw the introduction of 12 new house captains to the six houses of Gartan, Moville, Doire, Iona, Kells and Tír Chonaill. The position of house captain is an important and much sought-after title in the school. Our House Captains are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities, good social skills plus the determination and initiative to spearhead important projects within the school. We say thanks to the outgoing captains who have served well since their installation in September and welcome the new captains
Gartan Emma Nolan, Darragh Cullen
Moville Lauren Gavin, Charlie Doohan
Doire Hannah McNellis, Paul Costello
Iona Áine Dunne, Sean Flaherty
Kells Kate Lyons, Ion Stefu
TírChonaill Amy O’Hare, Ronan Shanley
Trath na gCeist: Quiz
At a quiz in Balyroan Library this week the school was excellently represented by our two school’s quiz teams. Quiz teams members are Rohak Khakhar, Jamie King, Charlie Doohan, Ciara Duffy, Daniel Ryan, David Keegan, Hannah Sommerville and Ion Stefu. Against stiff opposition from nine other teams they finished just 3 points behind the eventual winners. Many thanks to Mr Patten for organising and supporting the team.
Friday 28 February 2014
Córfhéile na Scoileanna
Córfhéile has for many years provided the students of St. Colmcille’s SNS with an impetus to strive for excellence in singing, musicianship and drama. It is a non-profit making, voluntary organization that aims to provide an opportunity for children in primary school right around Dublin to perform in a non-competitive music festival. The children who perform in the Córfhéile do so for the enjoyment of singing, for the love of playing music or the desire to participate in a play or drama. The opportunity to play in front of a large audience, in a large venue with full technical support was grasped by a number of musical groups in St. Colmcille’s. These included the Grúpa Traidisiúnta tutored by Ms Woods and Mr Brennan, The Folk Group under the watchful eyes of Ms Kitt, Ms Murphy and Ms Minogue, Scoil Rock managed by Ms Cummins and Mr Casey and a lovely singing group from 3rd and 4th classes led by a guitar-slinging Mr Maguire and a highly energetic conductor in the shape of Mr Patten. All the groups did themselves proud and were highly complimented by the judges on the night. It is safe to say that music, in many different guises, is alive and well in St. Colmcille’s.
Confirmation 2014
Confirmation provides one of the highlights of the school year and this year was no exception. On Tuesday and Thursday of last week, Bishop Eamonn Walsh led the ceremonies assisted by Fr Éanna, Fr Michael, Fr Martin and Fr. Seán.
In his homily, Bishop Eamonn urged the pupils presenting for Confirmation to take their commitment seriously and to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in fruitful ways. To this end, he gave each child a card containing a quotation from the Gospel of St. Matthew. In all there were six different quotations:
- ‘You are the salt of the earth’.
- ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.
- ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself’.
- ‘Happy the Peace maker’.
- ‘Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right’.
- ‘You are the Light of the World’.
Bishop Eamonn encouraged each pupil to reflect quietly on his/her card daily and to try to discern how to live the message each day. He also quoted the words of Ghandi ‘Dig one deep well’ – as he encouraged the candidates to invest themselves in their faith and experience God’s unconditional love. The School Choir and Grúpa Tradisiúnta provided beautiful music for the occasion and Ms Ruth Kelly, as always, deserves our sincere gratitude for her accompaniment on the piano.
Friday 28 February 2014
Stung by the Spelling Bee
Following several rounds of hotly-contested heats organised by Ms Maher, the St. Colmcille’s School spelling champion recently emerged. The holder of this auspicious title turned out to be one Oisín Keating-Mac Dermott, who went on to represent the school at the Dublin finals of a national spelling competition this week. Here again, Oisin faced tough opposition with over 100 spelling champions from other schools ranged against him. He was successful in several preliminary rounds, outlasting about 80% of his rivals. Oisín has set a high standard for others to follow in the years ahead.
Seisiún Cheoil sa Scoil
Following last year’s successful musical collaboration with Taobh na Coille school, our own Grúpa Traidisiúnta hosted musicians from the Stepaside school along with those from Scoil Lorcáin, Monkstown in the school hall this week. The event afforded our young traditional musicians an opportunity to play in session with other musicians and to perform solos and appreciate the soloing expertise of other young performers. All who were involved enjoyed and learned a great deal from the experience and its success will surely encourage organisers, Ms Woods and Mr Brennan, to continue this musical event in the future.
Friday 28 February 2014
Best of luck to our teachers and past pupils taking part in the Ballyboden Strictly Come Dancing event tonight. Mr. Maguire and Ms. Walshe have been following a strict training programme for the last few months and are sure to dazzle and amaze the audience in Citywest tonight. Pictured below are Ms. Walshe's and Mr. Maguire's classes trying to drum up a bit of support for their teachers. It's amazing what some people do for votes!
Friday 14 February 2014
Birdman Lands
Did you know that our fastest bird is the swift which can reach aerial speeds of up to 220miles per hour? This incredible little bird spends the first three years of its life in the air without landing – it even sleeps while airborne!
These and many other ornithological facts were revealed to a rapt audience of fourth and fifth class students during the week by renowned bird expert Eric Dempsey. Author of many books on our feathered friends and regular contributor to RTE’s ‘Mooney’ programme, Eric is director and founder of Birds Ireland.com. He has been fascinated with wildlife and birds since childhood and is now one of Ireland’s leading bird experts. His genuine passion for the subject was clearly evident as he held groups of children in thrall, revealing fascinating insights into the world of birds. Sessions with Eric lasted up to one and a half hours but you could hear a pin drop as he spoke. The questions afterwards showed how intently the children had listened and how much they had learned from Eric’s presentation. He may even have ignited a passion for birds, similar to his own, in some of our students – Time will tell.
Green Song Contest
The recently reported heats for this event were strongly contested and avidly watched by participants and spectators from all classes in the school the week before last. This week, the finalists – after much deliberation by the judges – were announced. They will get one last chance to show their green credentials on Wednesday and we shall soon be able to announce the winner of the coveted Áine Ní Chíosáin trophy. Watch this space
Friday 7 February 2014
Grass Skirts, Green Hair and Great Lyrics
Over the years, the Green Song Contest has gathered considerable momentum so it was no surprise this year when a record number of entrants from Third, Fourth and Fifth Classes took part. The theme this year was ‘Biodiversity’ – not the most simple of concepts to pen a tune about but, undeterred, dozens of resolute students took to the stage to showcase their talents and shine a light on the idea of allowing all forms of life around us to flourish. The standard this year was astounding as the audience was treated to everything from rock to rap and from power ballads to pure poetry. Outrageous costumes, dyed hair, painted faces and creative choreography were all par for the course as the contestants tried to woo the votes of our three adjudicators. Indeed the three hapless judges were so bewildered by the dazzling array of talent that they had to continue their decision-making into the weekend. We await the outcome of their deliberations with bated breath!
Service of Light
The Service of Light – a ceremony which is part of the preparations for Confirmation – has become a focal point in the school year. This year the Service was lead by Fr Éanna and it involved the participation of our Sixth Class students. From the beautiful hand-painted glass candle holders to the artwork on the walls and the thoughtfully composed prayers from each child on the prayer tree, each and every candidate for Confirmation was represented as an essential participant in the ceremony. The event focuses on the belief that we, as practising Christians, are ‘lights’ for the rest of the world. We are lights in the sense that our way of living is an outward sign of the faith we carry inside. To help the children’s understanding of this idea, they studied the lives of six witnesses who, by their own lives, show us how we might bear witness to our own faith and be a light to others. Accompanied by Ruth Kelly the school choir provided the music for the occasion and the evening finished with an uplifting rendition of the song ‘Love Shine a Light’ in which the entire congregation participated. The Ceremony of Light remains a very special event in the life of the school community.
Wednesday 5 February 2014
Please note: Camogie scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
Friday 31 January 2014
Catholic Schools Week
This week, the school as a whole reflected on its identity as a Catholic school working within the parish community. Co-ordinated by Ms Murphy, the week involved classroom activities as well as school-wide prayer services on two days of the week. In addition, each year group attended a special Mass in the school hall celebrated by Fr Éanna and Fr Seán. As part of Catholic Schools Week, the role of grandparents was highlighted. Their invaluable enrichment of the lives of the children in the school was acknowledged and celebrated. Sincere thanks to the many grandparents who made their way to the school this week – some travelling considerable distances to be with their grandchildren for this special event.
Peace Proms Concert
As part of the Peace Proms project, our School Choir travelled to City West last Saturday night to sing along with 2000 other children, renowned soloists and the internationally acclaimed Peace Proms Orchestra. It was a remarkable event and is sure to live in the memories of all the children who were lucky enough to be a part of it.
Wednesday 29 January 2014
Please note that all Camogie scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled due to inclement weather conditions.
Tuesday 28 January 2014
Please Note
All senior Hurling today is cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions. The next session for all senior hurlers will take place on Thursday after school.
Friday 24 January 2014
‘Connect with Respect’
The Garda Síochána launched the ‘Respectful Online Communication’ programme for schools in 2012. This Garda initiative forms part of the overall Garda Primary Schools Programme which is a comprehensive education programme for pupils in Primary Schools throughout the country.
As part of this programme, our good friend, Community Garda Pat Tarrant, spent two days in the school this week visiting our fifth and sixth classes. He spoke about the new technologies- Internet, social media, smart phones etc - which the children are using and outlined ways in which these tools can be dangerous when not used sensibly. There was also an emphasis on care and respect for others and the children themselves were encouraged to be responsible in their dealings with others online.
The ‘Connect with Respect’ leaflet gives the following website addresses for advice on this issue. These include:
www.webwise.ie
www.watchyourspace.ie
www.internetsafety.ie
Visiting Speaker
As they approach Confirmation, our sixth class students are encouraged to consider the implications of substance abuse and to consider taking a pledge to abstain from drinking alcohol until they reach an age when they are mature enough to do so. On Monday last, Gerry Cooney of the Rutland Centre visited the school and spoke to the sixth classes. He shared with the children his experience and advice as someone involved in helping individuals and families struggling with a range of addictions to substances including alcohol and drugs. Part of the Confirmation programme involves an analysis of decision-making and it aims to equip students with the tools to make good choices in their lives. Hopefully Mr. Cooney’s words will stay with them and help them to avoid the dangers of substance abuse as they face into their young-adult lives.
Monday 20 January 2014
A Time for Reflection
By the end of this week, as part of their preparation for their forthcoming Confirmation, all of our sixth classes will have undertaken a Day of Reflection in the Iona Centre. Under the guidance of Fr. Éanna, Ann Loughman and Geraldine Glasgow, the students will deepen their understanding of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and learn the importance of looking after one another. The pupils will also have a session of Meditation and will end the day with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebrated by six Carmelite friars from Gort Muire and our own parish of Knocklyon.
Hurling and Camogie
The Hurling and Camogie season began in earnest last week with our senior hurlers getting a taste of how tough a game it can be when they played Scoil San Treasa Mount Merrion in a challenge match. Both the boys and the girls turned out in large numbers and they will be seen training before and after school, as well as at lunchtimes, in the weeks ahead. We wish them and their coaches the very best of luck in the season to come. Go n-éirí libh.
Friday 10 January 2014
Peace Proms
The School Choir hit the ground running after the holidays in preparation for the Peace Proms which will take place in Citywest on February 8 next. On Thursday this week they travelled to DCU to prepare with the well-known conductor Gearóíd Grant for the big event.
From small beginnings, almost seventeen years ago, the Peace Proms programme now involves over 7,000 children from all over Ireland. ”Peace Proms” is a unique and very special music education programme which gives young people the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra at some of the country’s top venues, and work with some of the Ireland’s leading professional musicians and conductors.
Watch this space for more news of this special event nearer to the performance date.
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Last week, Miss Glennon's class visited IMMA and Kilmainham Gaol. Check out the Gallery section to read their reports on the trip into town.
Friday 13 December 2013
Christmas Plays
Some would say you can tell a lot about a teacher from the play they choose to do with their class. Mr Patten – still discommoded by events in Croke Park in September – is doing ‘The Grumpy Sheep’, while Messrs Maguire and Murphy are doing ‘The Bossy Christmas Fairy’. Miss Kitt and her class are singing the blues in ‘Santa Sings the Blues’ and Miss Walsh is doing the traditional ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. And just in case anyone is feeling too frivolous around Christmas time, Mr Dundon and his class sound ‘A Global Warning’. The school hall has been a hive of thespian and musical activity for the last few weeks and everyone is hoping for an invitation to one of these presentations in the last week of term. If you are one of the lucky ones, grab your seat and don’t miss out.
Friday 6 December 2013
Christmas – Pure and Simple
Last Thursday marked the end of vocal rehearsals, instrument practice and soundchecks as every musical element in the school combined to stage the St Colmcille’s Christmas Oíche Cheoil – a delightful evening of musical performances which really seemed to capture the true spirit of Christmas.
The Junior Folk Group began proceedings with a programme that included a Christmas Medley and Mc Fly’s – ‘It’s All About You’. Following them was the school choir singing a trio of songs which included their recently recorded version of ‘Don’t Stop’. Next onstage was the Grúpa Traidisiúnta with jigs and polkas and a rendition of the song ‘Mo Ghile Mear’. The choir returned to perform some Christmas favourites which included’ Oh Holy Night’ and ‘Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’. After this the decibel count was raised as Scoil Rock took the stage and gave a gutsy performance of the rock classics ‘Wonderwall’ and ’I’m a Believer’. Later in the evening all four groups combined in an ambitious arrangement of Pompeii’s ‘Bastille’. And just when you thought there couldn’t be any more, a gang of teachers arrived to lead the audience singing ‘Wagon Wheel’ and’ Fairytale of New York’.
It was a night of musical excellence and a celebration of the talents and collaborative abilities of the teachers and pupils of our school. But it was also something more – amid the clamour, commotion and commercialisation of a modern Christmas, it was a reflection of what Christmas is really about – coming together and sharing in a simple, joyful way.
Friday 22 November 2013
Debating Success
Our 6th class Debating Team is going from strength to strength. Three members of our six member team - Megan Fenlon, Amy O’Hare and Daniel Ryan pitched their talents against St Brigid’s B.N.S. in Foxrock this week. The motion was ‘i-Pads Should Replace All School Books’, with our team opposing. In this knock-out series of debates our team won the votes of both adjudicators and find themselves competing in the fourth round of the competition. A great deal of preparation, research and practice goes into a successful debating team and we congratulate the students on their hard work and dedication. Thanks are due to the team’s mentors Ms. O Gara, Ms. Maher and Ms. Fahy who have lent a great deal of experience, advice and expertise to this initiative.
Remembering
All four year groups were involved in separate celebrations of Mass in the school hall this week. The theme common to all four masses was ‘Remembering Our Loved Ones Who Have Gone To God’. Fr Éanna who celebrated at all four Masses focused on the idea that we are still connected to those we love who have passed away; they are still an important part of our community of friends. This was Fr Éanna’s first time to celebrate Mass in our school and we thank him sincerely for his thoughtful contribution this week.
Rathfarnham Castle
Exploring local history is an important element of our education and with this in mind our intrepid fifth classes took to the roads and walked the not insignificant distance to Rathfarnham Castle last week. Although a structure has existed on this site since Norman times, most of the current building dates back to the fourteenth century when it was the residence of Adam Loftus – Lord Chancellor of Ireland and Archbishop of Dublin. The fascinating history of this building was revealed to the children through artefacts and anecdotes by the well-versed guides who gave a thoroughly engaging insight into the daily life of the castle’s various inhabitants – both ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’. Unfortunately the castle is now closed to visitors as the OPW undertakes significant restoration work. We look forward to its re-opening in all its splendour sometime in the New Year.
Friday 8 November 2013
A Croke Park Final
The first day of the new half-term was a bit unusual. Instead of a return to familiar routines and regular schoolwork, the entire school decamped to Croke Park to witness our senior boys football team challenging for the Sciath Kitterick at gaelic games most prestigious venue. Their opposition were the boys of Drimnagh Castle - a strong physical side who showed they meant business from the word go. Our boys fought hard but were a little overawed in the first half and reached half-time several points behind. However, they rallied well after the break and managed to draw even going into the final ten minutes. Unfortunately it was not their day and, despite heroic performances all round, their opponents ran out winners in the end. Despite their disappointment the boys’ coaches, Mr Maguire and Mr Patten, were more than pleased with the performance of the team. So too were the hundreds of fans who cheered and sang ‘gan stad’ from beginning to end. Both our supporters and our footballers did us proud. Molaimíd sibh go léír.
Classical Music and Ballet
The unusual start to the half-term continued for the students of Fifth Class who were treated to a morning of high culture in Griffith College auditorium on Tuesday last. After several weeks of studying the works of Saint Saens, Mussorgsky and Smetana the children had the privilege of hearing the pieces performed by the Dublin Youth Orchestra who gave breathtaking performances of these highly dramatic musical works. To add to the occasion, the vivid pictures conveyed by the music were represented in movement by the dancers form the Irish National Youth Ballet Company.
Annual Book Fair
The week ahead promises to be a very busy one with parent-teacher conferences for all classes and our annual book fair which will be held in the school hall. Parents are asked to support the fair by sending in unwanted books and by picking up a few bargains at the fair before or after their parent-teacher meeting.
Friday 25 October 2013
Debating:
For the first time ever, St. Colmcille's S.N.S. is taking part in an inter-school debating competition for primary schools. Our first debate was last Thursday against St. Joseph's Boys National School, Terenure. St. Colmcille's proposed the motion "Homework is a waste of time". Our team comprised of six members Amy O'Hare, Megan Fenlon, Daniel Ryan, Kate Lyons, Maeve Kelehan and Clare hannigan. The latter three spoke on Thursday. They did themselves proud, winning a very tight competition by a single point. Very well done girls!
Book Week
Beginning shortly after the Halloween break on November 11th will be our annual Book Fair – Aonach na Leabhar. Every year this creates a great buzz school-wide about books and reading and we’re hoping to make this fair the best one yet. Children are asked to bring in books from home for the sale and the holidays are probably a good time to go hunting for them around the house.
As part of our on-going review and evaluation of literacy within the school, the promotion of recreational reading or reading for pleasure has been identified by the staff as a priority for the year ahead. To this end there has been an emphasis on library visits to choose and borrow books as well as engagement with Ballyroan Library to put the children in touch with authors, illustrators and storytellers. Reading is promoted in a variety of ways in classrooms and you too can play a part in this process by showing that you think reading is an important activity. With a little encouragement your child will read more and before you know it ‘the reading bug’ will take hold. At that point, a lifelong love of reading will have taken root and your child will wonder how they survived without books.
So – over the Halloween break - why not visit the local library or bookshop or download reading material for your child. And while you’re at it, dive into a good book and rediscover the joy of reading for yourself.
Hallowe'en
Kids love the magic of Hallowe'en and all the activities associated with it. We hope every one of them enjoys a great break and that they will be sensible and stay safe during the week ahead.
See you all in school on Monday 4th when the magic will continue with our trip to Croke Park to cheer on our senior boys.
Go n-éirí leo.
Friday 18 October 2013
A Croke Park Final!
Our senior boys football team have secured a place in the Croke Park final of the their competition. Under the guidance of Mr Maguire and Mr Patten they won, what was for a long time, a tight match against Scoil Eoin Bosco in Russell Park Castleknock this week. The boys showed great skill and determination and ran out convincing winners in the end.
Having met the Dublin All-Ireland champions only a week ago, the boys find themselves following in their heroes’ footsteps. Their own Croke Park final is scheduled for Monday November 4th (the first day back after the Halloween break). We’ll all be there to cheer them on. Go n-éirí leo.
Maths Week
This was Maths Week – a week in which we focus on that subject in the school and try to emphasise the unusual and entertaining aspects of Mathematics.
There were maths trails, maths games and puzzles aplenty. In addition, inter-house maths quizzes were staged to find the maths champions in each year group. There are opportunities to promote maths everywhere in the environment. Why not look for them in activities such as shopping, cooking, D.I.Y., driving etc. and increase your child’s interest in this subject. Here are some useful maths websites for you to look up with your child:
Topmarks, Mathszone, kidsmathsgamesonline and woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk
Wednesday 16 October 2013
Please note - all third class hurling and camogie has been cancelled today due to the inclement weather conditions. It will resume again next week as usual.
Please note that training for Ms. Maher's and Mr. Sweetnam's team scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled.
Friday 11 October 2013
Return of Sam
Passers-by stopped in their tracks last Wednesday as a riot of colour and noise erupted on the all-weather pitch. The reason for all the commotion was the arrival of a trio of Dublin heroes – Michael-Darragh Mc Auley, Darragh Nelson and Jim Gavin. They came weighed down by the trophies won by the Dublin Senior Football Team this season – among them, the Sam Maguire Cup. The three heroes talked to the 700 assembled students about their season, their successes and their inspirations as they answered questions posed by the young footballers of St Colmcille’s. It was clear from what they said that the winning of the All-Ireland came only as a result of huge commitment, dedication and consistent hard work.
In the sea of blue bobbed two red and green jerseys worn by two forlorn-looking Mayo-men – Mr Patten and Mr Ruddy who challenged the three visitors to a shooting competition. All five attempted to hit the crossbar of the goal and after many near misses, Darragh Nelson smacked the woodwork with a powerful shot. The Mayo-men had been put in their place once again by the boys from the capital.
It emerged that Mr Ruddy had coached the Dublin lads under-age for many years at Ballyboden St Endas and there were no sore losers as the five posed for photographs with the Sam Maguire. After an inspirational half-hour, the heroes departed with their hoard. As the strains of hundreds of young voices singing Molly Malone drifted after them we wondered if any of the young singers from St. Colmcille’s might one day return to our school with a major football trophy. Maybe the continuing dedication and commitment of our footballing boys and girls and their coaches will lead someone to the ultimate prize in years to come.
Wednesday 9 October 2013
We were honoured and fortunate to have had amongst us today none other than Sam Maguire! The pupils were treated to a visit from Sam with Ballyboden players Michael-Darragh MacAuley and Darragh Nelson along with the Dublin manager Jim Gavin.
Mr. Murphy introducing the Dublin heroes to the pupils
The entire school gathered on the all-weather pitch to greet their heroes and after fielding some very tricky questions there was a challenge of a different sort awaiting the lads. A Mayo challenge to be precise. Mr. Ruddy and Mr. Patten donned the green and red of Mayo to take on Michael-Darragh and Darragh in a Crossbar Challenge. For the Dublin lads, there was more on the line than pride - the winner would get to keep Sam! It was a close contest for a while, but in the end, just as in the All-Ireland, Dublin stepped up when it mattered most and Darragh Nelson, a past-pupil of the school, sealed victory much to the dismay of our Mayo colleagues. Maybe next year lads!
Two giants of the game going head to head
A huge thank you to Jim and the two lads for bringing Sam to visit us and for taking the time to speak to the pupils so well. Thanks also to Brian and Paul of Ballyboden St. Endas, who continue to work extremely hard with the school in promoting Gaelic Games in the locality.
Friday 4 October 2013
Debating
Debate is a formal argument, in which two opposing teams propose or oppose a given proposition or motion in a series of speeches - and that is exactly what Sixth Class were doing last week.
In a quest to find the best debaters in the school they wrote and presented speeches in the school hall broaching such topics as ‘Are celebrities good role models?’ and ‘Should i-pads replace books in schools?’
Debating is a complex activity which requires a range of literacy and presentation skills. Speaking to the Reading Association of Ireland recently, Dr Catherine Snow of Harvard Graduate School identified 3 critical literacy skills for the 21st Century. These were - using academic language, taking a perspective and being able to argue a position.
By the sound of it, Sixth Class are well on their way to mastering these skills. Maybe it’s time to take on outside competition. Watch this space.
Cycle Safely
We are proud of our title of ‘All-Ireland Cycling School of the Year 2013’ which we won due to the amazing interest in wheeling to school which has been generated in the school community over the last 2 years. However, as we approach winter, it is timely to reflect on safety considerations associated with cycling.
Firstly, a child must be competent to cycle his/her bike and this is something which parents must decide. Secondly, a bike should be roadworthy and suited to the age and size of the child using it. In addition, weather on a given day might make cycling unsuitable for some children. Conditions such as rain, high winds, fog, ice or snow present particular challenges which may be too much for inexperienced cyclists. Here again, parents must determine whether or not cycling is the safest option on a given day. And - last but not least – what your child wears when cycling is important. As well as wearing a helmet, being visible to other road users is essential. At the very least, cyclists should wear a hi-vis jacket. Talk to your child and advise him/her about the dangers of cycling.
It is great to see over 200 pupils a day scooting and cycling to school. Let’s make sure they stay safe on their wheels in the months ahead.
Wednesday 2 October 2013
1:30 PM - As of now, third class hurling and camogie will be going today unless there are very heavy showers at home time. Please note, today's session will take place on the All-Weather pitch.
Friday 27 September 2013
Fieldtrips
Fieldtrips – of the local history variety – continued as three more Fourth Classes took to the road this week. In the capable hands of Tomás Maher the students of Mr. Johnston, Ms.Kitt and Ms. Maher delved into the heritage of our local area as they investigated listed buildings and local monuments including a cross by renowned local sculptor Oisín Kelly.
Girls’ Football
All of our boys and girls football teams took to the field in competitions this week and it was the girls who took pride of place this time. Although the Senior B girls team were beaten by Loreto they put in a magnificent performance, much to the delight of their coaches Ms. Maher and Mr. Sweetnam, who can see great potential in this team.
The Senior A girls team were also in action. Pitched against St. Brigid’s Cabinteely – who were unbeaten so far this season – the girls created quite a stir when they emerged victorious in Kilbogget Park. Their coaches were justifiably proud as the girls’ winning performance showed guts, determination and no little skill. They can now look forward to a quarter final position as they emerge from the group stages of the competition.
Well done to both girls teams.
Monday 23 September 2013
Pictures in our Heads
Our old friend Niall de Búrca returned yesterday to delight and enchant everyone with his unique brand of story-telling. Swinging from ancient to modern, Irish to English and from cool to downright weird, he led adults and children alike through an array of fascinating places and characters. When he disappears, Niall always leaves the school in a slightly altered state to how he found it and yesterday was no exception!
Where did he go? When will he return? Who knows. Until then we’ll make do with the magical pictures, sounds and characters he left in our heads – and that’s plenty to be getting on with!
Start-of-Year Mass
On Wednesday this week over 700 of us walked to the Church of St Colmcille to attend Mass for the beginning of the new school year. It was also a new beginning for Fr Éanna who celebrated Mass with us for the first time. The theme of the Mass was ‘Talents’ and we were reminded that we all have talents – the important question being, ‘ How can I use my talents in the service of others?’
Walking Tours of Local Area
Despite the bad weather on some days, three of our Third Classes ventured out this week to discover the local history of Knocklyon. Among the landmarks they visited were Knocklyon Castle, Prospect House Gate Lodge and a cross sculpture by renowned local artist Oisin Kelly. The children were guided in their discoveries by another old friend of ours – Tomás Maher who is a well-known local historian and guide.
Tuesday 17 September 2013 - 13.18
Due to poor weather conditions both Boys Junior Football matches (4th class) scheduled for this afternoon are cancelled.
R. Walsh & S. Durkin.
Training for the Corn Austin Finn and Corn Irish Rubies scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled. Matches scheduled for tomorrow will go ahead as planned.
C. Keaney, N. Ní Fhearghail, R. Sweetnam and G. Maher
Corn Kitterick (Senior Boys) training scheduled for this afternoon will go ahead as planned. P. Patten
Friday 13 September 2013
Gaelic Football
Our girl footballers were out of the blocks for the start of the season this week. The senior girls A team were pitched against Scoil Lorcáin, Monkstown who opened up a formidable early lead. However St. Colmcilles stuck to their task, overhauled the deficit and emerged as winners in the end. Well done girls.
The girls B team was also in action this week but, despite a gutsy performance, they were beaten by a team from Our Lady of Good Council, Killiney. It was their first game of the season and, according to their coaches, the girls showed great determination and effort throughout. They are very hopeful of greater success ahead for the girls if they maintain this level of commitment.
Travel to school
Students continue to arrive to school in impressive numbers on bikes and scooters every morning. The count has been in excess of 200 every day this week.
Safety Plan - Notice to Motorists
If it is absolutely essential to bring your vehicle onto the school campus you are reminded that:
- If you enter the traffic system you must follow through the system. “U- turns” on the avenue create dangers for pupils, pedestrians and other motorists.
- Please park in the designated car-park area at the top of the system.
- If you are driving in to “set down” or “pick-up” a pupil, all “set down” or “pick ups” must be carried out in the car-park area at the top of the system.
- Pick-ups/set-downs are not permitted on the avenue.
- Set-down of pupils is to be carried out in the car-park area in such a manner that no pupil is required to cross through traffic.
- All motorists are required to follow the directions of the school appointed traffic stewards.
- As you exit the school campus at the main gates, a left turn only system applies. A left turn only also applies to motorists entering the system off the main road.
The Board of Management of St. Colmcille’s S.N.S. monitors the operation of the traffic system. It is the policy of the Board of Management to communicate in writing with any motorist who does not adhere to the protocols and if necessary to refer the matter to the Gardaí.
The Safety Plan has been devised and is implemented with the intention of creating the safest possible environment for the pupils and all users of the system.
** Motorists are requested not to park on double yellow lines/on corners in local estates.