Open Evening
It was great to be able to host an in-person Open Evening on Tuesday, September 13th. Thanks to everyone who attended. A special mention for our student guides who gave up their time to showcase the school to prospective students. A thank you also to the Parents Association who registered parents as they arrived. Well done to the choir members who performed so beautifully led by Ms Harrington. Our head Girl Aimee Fagan gave the opening address. For further information about enrolling your daughter at St. Mary's, please follow this LINK.
Geography Field Trip
Leaving Certificate students travelled to Howth on Wednesday, September 14th to carry out their Geographical Investigation on Ballyscadden beach. The written geographical investigation completed by students uses the evidence gathered on the field study and is worth 20% of the final Leaving Certificate exam.
TY Trip to Glasnevin Cemetery
Transition Year students had their first History trip of the year to Glasnevin Cemetery. The girls enjoyed a guided tour of one of Dublin’s historical sites, seeing the final resting places of many people they learn about in Irish history. They visited the Round Tower to see the resting place of Daniel O’Connell and saw the grave of Michael Collins, still covered in flowers each day. They also viewed the cemetery’s interactive research room where they could look up extra information on those interred in the cemetery.
Gaelic Training
Gaelic training will take place after school each Thursday at 4pm led by Ms Leetch.
Rugby
A new rugby coach Grainne Vaugh from Leinsiter Rugby will provide rugby training for all year groups after school from Friday the September, 16th.
TY Trip to the Botanic Gardens
Transition Year students enjoyed a horticultural tour as well as a "Sculpture in Context" art exhibition in the Botanical Gardens
Parents Association AGM
The Parents Association AGM will take place on ZOOM on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022. A link and further information about our programme for the evening will issue shortly.
School Closure
Please be reminded that the school will be closed on the following days:
October 3rd - Occasional Holiday
October 11th - Department of Education CPD
First Year Transition Programme
As part of their transfer programme, First Year students will participate in a workshop on Wednesday, September 28th. The workshop will be facilitated by the outside agency Brainbox and is entitled: Settling Into Secondary School.
This dynamic programme ensures 1st years get off to the best possible start in secondary school. Covering topics such as organisational skills, friendship, note making and much more, this highly interactive workshop will build students’ confidence and help them to quickly adapt to life in their new schools. Each student receives our Settling Into Secondary School survival guide packed with organisational tips and useful advice on health and well-being.
First Year Standardised Test
A standardised test for all first years will be held on Friday, September 23rd, 2022 at 9.30am until 12.00 noon and all students should be in attendance. Students will be permitted to go straight home after the test.
Energy Retrofit
Our building works are progressing very well and the weather has been kind. The external wrap is being applied currently and new radiators have been installed internally.
After School Study
After School Study commenced on the 14th of September. It runs every day from 3.45pm to 5.40pm. Refreshments are provided before study begins. €120 for this resource is payable on Easy Payments.
Uniform
The students look impeccable everyday. They are excellent at presenting to school so well each day. A reminder that school PE gear (navy/black leggings, white polo shirt and navy hoodie) is worn on days students have PE class on their timetable. For students partaking in extracurricular sporting activities PE gear should be brought into school to change before training begins after school.
Black trousers are not part of the uniform and are not permitted.
Plain black shoes only please.
Home School Community Liaison Coordinator
Our Home School Liaison Co-ordinator Ms Dreeling is on hand to support parents/guardians navigate post-primary school. She can be contacted by emailing sdreeling@hfk.ie
Jigsaw
All teachers have been fully trained on mental health by the agency and workshops will be delivered this term to all classes in the school. Along with Ms Burke and Ms Durkin, we have expanded our jigsaw team members to include Ms Dreeling, Ms Leetch and Ms Byrne and we welcome more parents to come on board to support this important work. Contact mburke@hfk.ie if you can attend meetings late afternoon.
Aspire2
A new Youth Advisor Panel has been formed in fifth year to plan support interventions to help their year group througout this year. Mentors from industry will provide mentoring sessions for fifth years and sixth years in October.