Mock Written Examinations
Mock Examinations are underway for 3rd and 6th year students. We wish the students every success in their examinations. They have worked hard and we know how stressful exams can be. Our Guidance Counsellor Ms Ruane is on hand for any students who require support.
Mock Oral Examination
Leaving Certificate mock oral exams for modern languages will commence on February 20th and February 27th for Gaeilge.
Guidance
6th Year students have been busy registering for the CAO to apply for places in university. Ms Ruane has facilitated one-to-one interviews and provided guidance on all the options available to the students.
Students in 3rd and 4th year have been busy deciding on programme and subject opions for senior cycle.
Ms Ruane has prepared a presentation for parents on choosing subjects. It can be accessed HERE
SciFest
A workshop for second years, facilitated by SciFest representative Billy Fleming, took place on January 20th to help students explore ideas and concepts for their SciFest projects. The girls are getting ready for their SciFest Fair in March.
Jigsaw
Our new Peer Educator team participated in a training session in the Carmelite Centre as part of Jigsaw’s One Good School mental health programme. The Jigsaw peer education programme is a health promotion approach that uses peer networks to deliver educational and skill-building material to promote health and wellbeing. Peers play an important role in young people’s lives. Young people are most likely to seek support from their friends. Their behaviour is often heavily influenced by their peer group. We wish our new team of peer educators every success.
Building Works
The internal works are now complete. The school is warm and comfortable and it has been a blessing on the frosty mornings. The works are now focusing on completing the outside of the building: rendering and painting the outside wrap around and adding colour to our window frames.
STEM Workshop
5th and 6th Year students took part in an exciting STEM Workshop facilitated by Formula Female and subsidised by Aspire2. The workshops encourage students to consider traditional male-dominated STEM careers and sport. The feedback on the workshop was very positive and the girls had a lot of fun.
Rowing Ireland
Transition Years are participating in an open water introduction to rowing course with fantastic coach and past pupil Joan O’Connell. Thanks to Rowing Ireland for the opportunity.
Internet Safety
Senior students participated in a research project regarding internet safety conducted by the We protect global Alliance in conjunction with Webwise. The workshop was held at the Ombudsman for Children’s office. It focused on the practice of sharing of personal images and what can go wrong. The girls were outstanding and represented the school very well at the event.
Calendar
- The school will close on Monday February 6th for the Bank Holiday
- The midterm break will take place from Monday February 13th – Friday, February 17th.
- A Department of Education training day is scheduled for February 27th.
- Our calendar for the year can be viewed HERE
Entrance Test
The entrance test for new entrants was held today Friday, January 27th. The students also got a tour of the school and had lunch provided. We are delighted to welcome our new entrants to St. Mary’s and wish them good luck in secondary school. Thanks to our senior leaders who helped give the, guided tours around the school. The leaders were a credit to the school and are excellent role models.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
Mock Interviews for LCVP took place on January 9th. well done to all the LCVP candidates who prepared and performed so well.
Transition Year Updates
Transition Year provides a yearlong personal exploratory journey in which the students can learn more about themselves – their talents, abilities and attitudes to others and to society in general. Working within the broad education framework they learn new academic subjects and skills. They take responsibility for their own learning, and even evaluate their performance in basic areas of their lives. It is an exciting journey – in academic terms laying the foundation for further academic work. But, just as important, the students grow as people through reflection and experiential, practical learning.
Monday December 19th: The students joined forces with the boys from Chanel College for a morning of Bowling. This activity was aimed at fostering links before a future musical collaboration.
Tuesday December 19th: A hair care workshop took place at the school the aim of which was to teach new skills and to improve self-confidence.
Friday January 20th: The students attended a ‘Sexual Health’ workshop hosted by physicians and consultants from the Rotonda Hospital.
We look forward to many more exciting events for the rest of the year. The musical collaboration with Chanel, a robot battle event and the adventure trip to Tanagh to name but a few.
The students continue with varied and interesting work placements and seem engaged and challenged by their academic classes. They are becoming aware of the need to be more active citizens through their YSI projects. Their physical and mental health is promoted through PE class and the various trips and outings. When they leave the TY programme it is hoped that all students will have the self-belief and improved motivation to take on the challenges of the leaving Certificate programme with confidence.
Sport
First Year students participated in a basketball match against Maryfield. We are grateful to the company Grohe who sponsored the new kit.
Catholic Schools Week
During Catholic schools week, our students visited St. Brigid's Church and made St. Brigid's crosses for the local parishoners.
