Christmas Assessments
1st, 2nd and 5th Year Students will have assessments over the coming week. The timetable can be downloaded HERE. We wish the girls all the best in their exams. Students are following an exam timetable and should be in school only for the times when exams are scheduled.
Building Works
The building works are nearing completion. New windows have been installed throughout the school, new LED lighting, air to pump heating, internal and external insulation, roof replacement, new doors, additional fire doors. The warmth has been most welcome during our recent cold snap.
Christmas Outings
All year groups enjoyed outings to celebrate their hard work and effort throughout the last term.
First Year: Bowling
Second Year: Ice Skating
Third Year: Bowling
Fifth Year: Ice Skating
Sixth Year: Ice Skating
Carol service
A beautiful carol service was held at St. Brigid's Church on December 12th. Well done to all the soloists, readers and to the school choir. Thanks to Ms. Harrington, Ms. Smullen and the teachers in the Religion department for preparing the service with the students and to Fr. Alex who provided the homily.
Parents Craft Workshop
Thanks to all the parents who participated in our Christmas craft workshop led by Ms. Mairead Burke. A great time was had by all and some beautiful products were created by the end of the workshop.
Six-year Information Evening
A 6th Year information evening was held on December 7th. Ms Ruane, Guidance Counsellor outlined to parents the various pathways from Leaving Certificate to further and higher education and gave a comprehensive presentation which is available on our website. Ms Harrington spoke about the journey between now and the summer for six year students at the supports that are in place. The presentation can be viewed HERE.
Junior Cycle Success
Congratulations to all our 4th and 5th year students who received their Junior Cycle results. The results were excellent and we commend all the students on their achievements.
Sports News
- Both under 16s and under 19s basketball teams got through to the quarter final stages of Leinster League with excellent performances against St. Mary's Baldoyle, Scoil Chaitriona, Pobailscoil Neasain, Maryfield and Santa Sabina. 1st year and 2nd year leagues to commence after Christmas.
- New sponsorship from Grohe will mean new jerseys for the team. Greatly appreciated.
- Rugby teams performing well in competition. 1st year team showing great promise.
- Two teams of seniors represented Killester in ultimate Frisbee blitz in national sports campus. They did the school proud in their performance and sportsman like attitude.
- Transition Years completed coaching certificate with Leinster Rugby. Have started gym visits and will engage in 6 week rowing course with Rowing Ireland after Christmas.
Charity Fundraisers
The school was involved in two charity fundraisers for the Christmas season. Students prepared shoeboxes for the Hope Foundation and Ms Leetch's Young Social Innovation class raised money for Sybil Hill Nursing Home by organizing a cake sale. The students prepared gifts for the elderly especially those without relations. Well done to our entire school community for supporting these worthy causes.
Irish InspectionOur Irish department underwent a Department of Education inspection and received high praise for all elements of planning, teaching, learning and assessment. Comhghairdeas leis na múinteoirí a bhí páirteach sa chigireacht. Thanks to the students who participated in the focus group with the inspector.
Poetry Aloud
Poetry Aloud is an annual poetry speaking competition open to all post-primary students on the island of Ireland. It is organised by Poetry Ireland and the National Library of Ireland in partnership with University College Cork. Since it was launched in 2006, Poetry Aloud has grown from just a few hundred entries to almost 2,000 entries in 2017.The late Seamus Heaney was a significant supporter of Poetry Aloud.
We congratulate Brónach on winning the first stage of the Poetry Aloud competition , organised by the National Library, and who will represent St. Mary’s in the final stage of the competition at a future date.
In addition we extend congratulations to Abigail Purdue, also in 2nd year, who received a special commendation for her entry to the Poetry Aloud competition. Well done Abigail on this acknowledgment of the quality of your entry. We are so very proud of both students and grateful to Ms McGahey for co-ordinating this great initiative.
Beannachtaí na Nollag
Wishing our entire school community a happy and peaceful Christmas