Mary Immaculate Secondary School Lisdoonvarna
October 2018
Parents’ Association Meeting
A meeting of the Parents’ Association is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 7 November at 7.30 pm in St. Kevin’s room.
School Calendar 2018-2019
October Midterm Break – Monday 29th Oct. to Friday 2nd November
School - Monday 5th November to Friday 21st December.
7th November 2018 – School Closed – Junior Cycle CPD Day for Staff
Christmas Break – Monday 24th December 2018 to Friday 4th January 2019
Term 2 - Monday 7th January to Friday 15th February.
5th February 2019 – School Closed – JCT CPD Day for Staff
February Break – Monday 18th February to Friday 22nd February 2019
School - Monday 25th February to Friday 12th April
(Monday 18th March School closed bank holiday)
Easter Break – Monday 15th April to Friday 26th April 2019.
Term 3 - Monday 29th April to Friday 31st May.
(Monday 6th May 2018 School closed bank holiday)
Parent /Teacher Meetings
All PT Meetings take place from 4.15 pm to 6.45 pm. On evenings of a PT meeting school will finish 15 minutes earlier than usual. Please bring a list of your student’s subjects, teacher’s name and a list of questions you may wish to ask. Please come as early as possible.
Third Year Parent Teacher MeetingTuesday 13th November 2018
Sixth Year Parent Teacher MeetingMonday 19th November 2018
Fifth Year Parent Teacher Meeting:Thursday 17th January 2018
Frist Year Parent Teacher MeetingTuesday 29th January 2018
Second Year & Transition Year PT meetingWednesday 6th March 2018
Mary Immaculate celebrates Mercy Day
Mary Immaculate Secondary School celebrated Mercy Day with a school Mass held in Lisdoonvarna, Church on Friday 5th October. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Cunningham, the local parish priest and prepared by the religion teachers Ms O’Doherty and Mr. Slattery. A choir and musicians from the school enhanced the celebration by their musical contributions. Students, staff and parishioners attended.
Whole School Evaluation – Management Leadership and Learning
Our school awaits the report by the Department of Education and Science of its WSE-MLL inspection which took place over a week in September 2018. Overall the experience was very positive. Mentioned in the feedback by the inspectors included:
The high quality of governance by the BOM
The good and very good classroom practice observed in lesson visits
The work of the senior management and those with leadership roles and responsibilities in the school
The significant level of volunteerism and leadership shown also by staff who haven’t formal roles and responsibilities
the positive feedback of the parent, teacher and student surveys to inform school improvement
I wish to thank the all the students, all the staff, the Board of Management and the parents for your efforts in making the an excellent learning environment with a great sense of community spirit.
I also wish to thank the following Leaving Certificate students who supervised classes during the afternoon of the inspection feedback to staff.
Thank you to: Gulben Memet, Jessica Kelly, Fearghal Burke, Cian Burke, Joshua Roche, John Anthony Geraghty, Brianna Garrihy, Niall Sweeney, Killian Blood, Tadhg Kennedy, Isabelle Walsh and Ellen King
Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Mock Examinations
These are scheduled to take place for 3rd and 6th year students in February 2019. Each year the school subsidises the cost of these examinations. We endeavour to keep costs to a minimum and will keep cost to parents at the same rate as 2018 which was €100. You may pay this now or in instalments or in any event by Friday 21 December 2018. The Department of Education and Science does not meet any of the cost of these mock examinations.
Mass for deceased past pupils and staff
The annual mass for deceased past pupils and staff will take place in the school hall on Thursday 29th November 2018 at 8:00 pm. Relatives, friends and parishioners are all welcome. If you are aware of any past pupil who passed away during the past year, we would appreciate if you would let us know.
Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Results
Congratulations to all our Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate students who received results recently. The school is very proud of their achievement and wish to thank you the parents and their teachers who were a tremendous support to them
Outcome of Leaving Certificate Class 2018
24 students sat the Leaving Certificate in June 2018
Outcome%
Level 846
Level 721
Level 6 4
Level 521
Apprenticeship 4
Working 4
Charity Events
Operation Christmas Child - Shoe Box Appeal
The school’s annual “Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Appeal” will be carried out again this year. It is an international project run by “The Samaritans Purse”, which tries to inject hope into the lives of the world’s poorest children in nearly 30 countries. Students from all classes are invited to take part in this project.
All shoeboxes to be returned to school by Friday 10th November including the €4 required. The website www.teamhope.ie can be referenced for ideas or box labels can be printed. If you have no box labels we will put them on here for you but please reference the gender and age range on the outside of the box. Mr Slattery and our 6th years are co-ordinating this.
Sponsored School Sleepover for First Years
For yet another year, the school participated in the “schoolmates sponsored sleep over night” in aid of Focus Ireland for the homeless in Ireland. This took place on Friday 19th October. In order to make the experience more real the whole group slept in the school hall without any heating. Staff members and peer mentors supervised the event.
Sharing, bonding, fun and fundraising for a good cause is our main aim for hosting this event. Your support in sponsoring this worthy cause is greatly appreciated.
All monies have not been returned yet. To be reported in Xmas Newsletter.
Cahercalla Hospice Coffee Morning
The staff organised a coffee morning in September. Thanks to all who supported this event, €191 has been forwarded to Cahercalla Hospice
Bag Packing in Supervalu in aid of May Immaculate Secondary School
We wish to thank the parents who helped out on Saturday 8th September bag packing in Supervalu Ennistymon in aid of Mary Immaculate Secondary School.
Vera Clancy, Sally McNamara, Laura & Killian Burke, Bláthnaid Kenneally, Mary & Gavin Obrien, Ann O’Callaghan, Fiona McCormack, Caroline Guerin, Olwyn Egan, Breda Garrihy, Maura O’Loughlin, Denise Petty, Monica Hawes, Karen Duffy, Helen Mooney, Caroline Considine, Nuala Roche.
Student Council 2018/19
Student elections have taken place and the following students have been elected to the Student Council for the school year 2017/2018
Year 1 Paddy Haugh, Matthew Irwin, Roisin Sheedy, Susie King
Year 2 Sean Farrelly, Ailbhe Haran, Mary Kate O Dwyer, Fionn Shannon
Year3 Gerard Howard, Rachael Howley, Ashling O Brien, Cindy O Leary
Year 4 Emma Haran , Eoin McNamara, Callum Dobbin, Latisha Carr
Year 5 Kate Considine, Ailisha Leneghan, Darragh Flaherty Jamie Stack
Year 6 Niall Sweeney, Isabelle Walsh, Jessica Kelly, John A Geraghty
Peer Mentors 2018/19
Our Peer Mentors this year are : Ciara Costello, Ciara Fitzpatrick, Jessica Kelly , Cian Burke, Jane O’Loughlin , Jody Whelan, Thomas Hartigan, Ashling O’ Connell, Claire Reilly, Lucy O’Growney, Holly O’ Flaherty, Fearghal Burke, Ellen King, Melissa Roche, Brianna Garrihy, Erin Urquhart, Tadhg Kennedy, Isabelle Walsh
School Open Evening 24th October
This was held on Wednesday 24th October for the students and parents of September 2019 incoming first years. Our students were a fantastic help on the night. Thank you to Poppy Slevin, Aidan Kelly, Jack Rush for reading some poetry, to LC student Fearghal Burke and parent Olwyn Egan for sharing their experience with parents.
Musicians who played in the front hall as parents & students arrived:
Sally King, Aimee Burke, Laura Haugh, Caoimhe Burke, Caitlin Burke, Susie King, Maeve McMahon, Alice Davoren, Lucy King, Aoife Petty.
Helpers for Mr. Sims in the Science Lab : Thanks Dylan Egan, Holly Nilan, Ruth Costello, Harry Wainwright, Lisa Shannon, Eva Harrington, Cliona Stout, Sarah McNamara, Sarah Nagle, Alisha Leneghan, Emma Haran, Orlaith Petty, Amy Woods. Young scientists Céalan O’Neill, Cindy O’Leary, Maebh Meehan, Ella Mullins and Leah McNamara who helped out in the hall.
The following students helped Mr. Malone in the Woodwork room: John Anthony Geraghty, Thomas Griffey, Niall Sweeney, Thomas Flanagan, and Joshua Roche
Helpers for Mr. Conway for Technical Graphics included Killian Blood, Cian Burke, Mary Kate O’Dwyer, Fionn Shannon, and Nakai Chifungo.
The following are the students who helped Ms O’Doherty in the Home Economics room: Róisín McNamara, Aoife McNamara, Róisín Roche, Laura Griffey, Emma Healy, and Norah O’Dwyer.
Helpers For Mr. Burke in the Art Room : Charlee Flanagan, Mauricio Silva, Christopher Kelly, Ailbhe Haran, Julie Martin, Taidgh Farrelly, Keelan Keohane, Dan Garrihy, Francis Fogarty.
Thank you to Poppy Slevin, Aidan Kelly and Jack Rush who recited some poetry and Fearghal Burke, Leaving Cert student and Olwyn Egan parent who spoke to parents on the night.
A big thank you also to Eve McMahon, Grace Lynch and Aine Brennan who helped in the childcare room.
Peer mentors who met our parents in the hall Cian Burke, Niall Sweeney, Isabelle Walsh and Jane O’Loughlin.
Leaving Cert Higher Level Irish students visit An Triail in Galway
14 LC students attended with Ms. Arthur: Ciara Costello, Isabelle Walsh, Holly O'Flaherty, Claire Reilly, Tadhg Kennedy, Lucy O'Growney, Killian Blood, Ellen King, Clodagh Danaher, Dara Kenneally, Jessica Kelly, Ciara Fitzpatrick, Ashling O’Connell, Conor Clancy, and Jane O'Loughlin
Transition Year News
Flag Nights in aid of Transition Year Cultural & Educational Trips
Our Ty’s took part in 4 flag nights in total – every Friday night for the month of September. We would like to thank the following parents and students for their time
Parents – Marie Lynch, Marie & Bernard McNamara, Tracey O’Toole, Anneli Vaughan, Patrick Costello, Dympna Howley,
Students – Grace Lynch, Eoin McNamara, Cliona Stout, Ruth Costello, Harry Wainwright, Aine Brennan, Eoin Guerin, Tommy Garrahy, Roisin Roche, Dylan Egan, Gearoid Howley, Bláthnaid Marsh
Ploughing Championships
Students travelled to the Ploughing Championships in Co. Offaly on Wednesday 21st of September. Mr. Conway and Ms. Burke accompanied them. Unfortunately due to the storm it was called off as they arrived. Students visited Athlone Shopping Centre on the way home.
Cliff Walk
The students took part in a cliff walk on Wednesday 12th September. They were given a guided walk by Pat Sweeney who gave freely of his time and we wish to extend our thanks to him for this. We would also like thank Lisa O’Doherty and Cathal Malone for accompanying them. We wish to thank the Cliffs of Moher for arranging lunch for the students at the Cliffs of Moher.
Killary Outdoor Pursuits
Transition year students travelled to Killary Outdoor Pursuits on the 1st to 3rd October and had a very enjoyable time. Many thanks to their teachers who accompanied them, Mr. Conway and Mr. Mulqueeney.
Transition Year play “Grease”
The students will commence rehearsal for their production of the play “Grease” after midterm which will be performed in the pavilion in February. The dates for performances have yet to be confirmed.
Student Enterprise Awards
9 TY students attended the student enterprise in Armada Hotel on Tuesday 25th September - Aoife McNamara, Roisin McNamara, Eoin McNamara, Bláthnaid Marsh, Roisin Roche, Eve McMahon, Matthew Sheedy, Emma Vaughan, and Aine Brennan with Ms Quinn
Trip to cinema Black 47
Mr Burke and Ms Slattery accompanied the TY’s on a trip to Ennis to see the movie Black 47 – a movie about The Famine
DEAR Reading Programme
Students from first year to Fifth year are continuing the DEAR programme. We wish to acknowledge the student’s participation and enthusiasm and we appreciate the support of parents. Next term DEAR is from 11.10 to 11.20 each day
Poetry
Students from Mary Immaculate entered into the regional stage of the prestigious Poetry Aloud competition which took place in St. Munchin’s College in Limerick recently. Congratulations to all who participated and best of luck to Ailbhe Haran and Emily Cullinan who were selected to progress to the All-Ireland semi-final in Dublin in November 2018. Thank you Ms. Bradshaw
BT Young Scientists
Five projects from the school have been selected to take part in this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition, which is being held in the RDS from Wednesday 9th January to Saturday 11th January 2019.
Name
Project Title
Category
Maeve McMahon
Evaluation of The Use of Software As A Tool To Count Populations of Different Shellfish On Seashores
Biological and Ecological
Leah McNamara
Snail Communities In Three Habitat Types In The Burren
Biological and Ecological
Róisín McNamara
An Examination of Ash Die Back In The Ash Trees in an area of The Burren.
Biological and Ecological
Sarah McNamara
A Tale of Two Soils - A Comparative Study of Upland and Lowland Soils In The Burren
Biological and Ecological
Dylan Egan
Lifesaver - A New Automatic Lifejacket Inflation System
Technology
Certified Angus Beef finalists
The three students (Amy Woods, Seamus MacNamara and Katie Thomas) that won the 5 Irish Angus calves have been busy since the summer. During the Ploughing Championships, they were on the Certified Irish Angus beef stand full time talking to the public. The calves are now on the Wood’s farm in Ballyvaughan. They have been enjoying their time there eating the luscious grass and getting some nuts from Amy.
Over the past week, the students have visited all the national schools in the area telling the primary school students about their project. They are also running a competition to name the calves among primary school students throughout north Clare.
You can keep up with how the calves are progressing on their website: www.burrenwinteragefarmers.eu
Maths Ireland Week 2018
The school took part in Maths Week, which ran from October 15th to the 19th. Students designed posters that are on display throughout the school. Teachers organised a variety of activities in class to promote positive numeracy awareness.
Mary Immaculate student Dylan Egan achieves success in Mathematics and Science in the Junior Certificate 2018.
Congratulations to Dylan Egan and his teachers Ms. Burke and Mr. Sims for his selection as a high achiever by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) for his achievements in mathematics and science in Junior Cycle 2018.
Dylan has been invited to participate in the National Olympiad competition to be held in Dublin City University, to select 6 students to represent Ireland in the International Junior Science Olympiad in 2019. We at Mary Immaculate wish Dylan every success going forward.
Open Day to UL & LIT & Mary I Thursday 18th October
Leaving Cert and 5th year students travelled to the UL open days with their teacher Ms Lynch.
Sport
Interschool Show jumping: Congratulations to Shauna O’Kane and Beth Clark who represented the school in the Interschool show jumping competition in Ennis recently.
Soccer
On 11th October the Senior Boys Soccer team played Spanish Point in Lisdoonvarna pitch. They boys emerged victorious with a score of 3 goals to 2. Goal scorers were Cain Burke, Jamie Stack and Shane Fitzpatrick Man of the match was Cian Burke
The team consisted of: Michael Garrihy, Callum Dobbin Catto, Patrick Doherty, Tadhg Kennedy, Shane Fitzpatrick, Darragh Flaherty, Joseph Flanagan, Eoin Guerin, Denis O’Callaghan, Jamie Stack, Oisin Casasin Sheridan, Oisin O’Loughlin, Tommy Garrahy, Cian Burke, Robert O’Connell, Daniel Fogarty, Sean McNamara, Daniel O’Callaghan, Cian Burke, and Killian Blood.
Camogie
Our first year Camogie players travelled to St.Flannan’s College Ennis to take part in a 10 aside blitz. In the first Camogie campaign of the year they faced Colaiste Mhuire Ennis, St Joseph’s Tulla and St. Caimin’s Shannon. Unfortunately we didn’t have success in this venture but there was a huge improvement in each performance as the matches went on.
Camogie training takes place on Tuesdays from 4-4.45
Hurling training commenced last week and will be running every Thursday from 4- 4.45
Junior & Senior Boys Football
Our first years have participated in a North Clare Blitz where they were in a group of 3 against the CBS & Vocational Schools Ennistymon.
They will play in a competitive blitz after the midterm against 2 other schools. These blitz are being organised in conjunction with John Enright & Clare GAA to promote Games in schools.
The Under 15's lost in Munster against Castleisland Community College by a point on a score line of 4-14 to 6-7.
The Senior Munster campaign starts after the mid-term when they take on Rathkeale in the opening round.
1st Years Girls - The first year’s girls will compete in a first year blitz at a later date in the school year.
Senior Ladies Football Team
Our Senior Ladies team competed against Tulla Secondary School on Thurs 27th Sept in Tulla. The girls were victorious and the final score was 9-21 to 3-2.
The team consisted of : Ashling O’Connell, Kate Considine, Sally, King, Aimee Burke, Amy Woods, Emma Healy, Norah O’Dwyer, Aine Connole, Roisin Roche, Laura Griffey, Sarah McNamara, Lisa Shannon, Roisin McNamara, Latisha Carr MacNamara, Eve Harrington, Aine Hegarty, Shauna O’Kane, Beth Clark, Grace Howard, Rachael Howley, Teresa Collins, Sadhbh Blood and Rachel O’Keefe.
Our Senior Team had a convincing win over our sister CEIST school, Scoil Mhuire, on Fri 26th October in Lisdoonvarna. Well done in this sweet success and best of luck in the final against Kildysart Community School.
Junior Ladies Football Team
Our Junior Ladies Team played Spanish Point in Lisdoonvarna on 11th October. Unfortunately the girls did not emerge victorious in this game. The team consisted of: Róisín McNamara, Emma Healy, Norah O’Dwyer, Aine Connole, Róisín Roche, Laura Griffey, Lisa Shannon, Latisha Carr MacNamara, Eve Harrington, Aine Hegarty, Grace Howard, Shauna O’Kane, Rachel Howley, Beth Clarke, Julie Martin, Lynn McCormack, Caitlin Burke, Mary Kate O’Dwyer, Teresa Collins, Sadhbh Blood. Leah McNamara, April O’Callaghan, Myahh O’Connell, Ashling O’Donoghue, Jessica O’Donoghue, Aoife Petty, Susie King
Volleyball:
Mary Immaculate started off their Volleyball campaign with the junior boys Mini League in Loughrea on the 3rd October. Out of ten teams from all over Ireland, Conor O’Neill, Paddy Haugh, Oisin Marsh, Macdara Garrihy and Patrick Normoyle emerged victorious in a thrilling National Final against St. Brigid’s Loughrea. Winning the All Ireland in 2 sets, 15/13 and 17/15. The first National league title in many a year to return to North Clare. Congratulations to Conor O’Neill who won a plaque for MVP (Most Valuable Player).
Our Senior Boys played their first ever Volleyball match against Glenstal Abby in Limerick, at home in Ennistymon Community Centre. Winning convincingly in 2 straight sets, the team was Robert O’Connell (Capt.), Joseph Flanagan, Cian Howley, Taidgh Farrelly, Seamus MacNamara, Oisin Cassasín and Daniel O’Callaghan, supported by injured players, Oisin McNamara, Darragh Flaherty and Shane Fitzpatrick. Their next round is in Kiltimagh on November 6th, we wish them the best of luck.
The Cadet girls have struggled to make a team this year but are gaining great experience for next year, where they will all be Cadets again. They have played their two rounds without any wins on the 9th and 23rd October. Considering most Cadet Teams are TYs and 3rd years our mixed third and junior team has played very well but a lot of games going to the wire. The team was, Beth Clark, Shauna O’Kane, Rachel Howley, Ella Mullins, with Nataya White and Myahh O’Connell brought up from juniors to make up the team. A big thank you to 1st year Emily Maloney who filled in, last minute, last week as we were a player short due to injury and played a blinder.
Good luck to the first year Junior Girls Mini Volleyball team who start their campaign in Ennis on the 13th November.
With the Junior Boys and Junior Girls Volleyball league yet to start, it has been a great start to the Volleyball year.
School Lotto The school is part of community lotto which helps raise funds for day to day running costs of the school. I wish to thank all parents who contribute to the Lotto either through our school or by buying tickets locally. I would encourage each family to consider contributing €100 to the lotto for the year or €50 for the half year. You have a chance of winning the weekly lotto jackpot and you are helping to ensure that the school can offer a better service. Forms are available from the school office.
Lockers
Please ensure that your child has her/his locker key with them every day in school. In the event of a student, coming to school without their locker key you may be requested to bring the key into the school on behalf of your child to help ensure that learning is not compromised. The cost of a replacement key is €6.50
Uniforms Reminder
Each student must have two full uniforms. Please ensure that your child is in full school uniform every day.
Attendance and Punctuality
Students must be in school by 8:45 am and in their classrooms by 8:50am.
Students arriving late to class causes disruption and negatively affects teaching and learning for all. If your daughter/son is absent from school, please ring the school on 7074266 or text only on 0876173000 on the morning of the first absence and follow up with a note of explanation. Please use the detachable slips at the back of the school journal.
The management wishes to thank all parents who adhere to these guidelines. Missing time from school hinders academic success.
Please arrange family holidays in non-term time.
School Wellness Walk
Staff and students took part in a Wellness walk as part of our Wellbeing programme and raising awareness of the importance of exercise for our mental health and physical health. The Board of Management treated all students to a light snack afterwards in recognition of their contribution to school life and their co-operation during our recent WSE-MLL inspection.
School Fees
For 2nd – 6th students doing any of the following subjects Art, T.G. or Woodwork the relevant fee per subject is €10.
Students who requested to study Music and DCG after school please pay appropriate charge if not already given to the office.
Some students have yet to pay for Evening study.
Let me know if there is a particular difficulty in relation to any of the above.
World Meeting of Families
Five of last year’s Leaving Certificate students, Thomás McCormack, Patrick O’Rourke, Niall McNamara, Róisín O’Donoghue, and Shawna Flanagan, volunteered at the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in the Phoenix Park at the end of August. John O’Loughlin accompanied the students and stayed overnight with over 400 other CEIST students in at a sister CEIST school in Clondalkin. A wonderful uplifting and possibly once in a lifetime experience.
Reusable Bottles
As part of our care for the environment and to reduce the number of plastic single use plastic the school has installed an indoor water fountain whereby students can refill their reusable water bottles. After consultation with the Students Council next term we will look at banning single use plastic bottles in the school. This will be good for the environment and no need for students to buy bottled water.
Paying for School Activities using SEPA
You may, if you prefer, pay bills through the Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA),. A school receipt will issue in the usual way when the payment has been processed and appears on the school’s current account. Please ensure to reference the family name when putting through payment and send email to school to ensure we know whom payment is from.
The school’s bank details are as follows:
Account Name: Mary Immaculate Secondary School
Account Address: Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
Account No. 30187320
NSC: 904229
IBAN IE07BOFI90422930187320
Swift/Bic IEBOFIIE2D
Name of Bank Bank of Ireland
Address Ennistymon, Co. Clare
School Text (only) No: 0876173000. This number can be used for texting the school
Thank you for your continuing support
John O’Loughlin
Principal