Awards 2015

24th May 2015
Congratulations to all the students who received awards at this year’s Awards Day. Ms. Eustace as always prepared a great ceremony and awards were presented to a vast number of students who have excelled in sport, academics, social awareness and other extra curricular areas. Special congratulations to the winners of the major awards: Emerald Kenny – Marguerite O’Dwyer awards, Clíodhna Egan – Catherine McAuley award and Laoise Buchholtz – Student of the Year.

TY Ball

24th May 2015

The TY class of 2015 organised a benefit Ball earlier this month in aid of Killian Coughlan, a local young boy suffering from Luekemia and being treated in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin. This event was a new venture for students of Scoil Mhuire and was organised to an extrememly high standard. Following a number of issues securing a venue for the night, the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis was booked and the girls with their +1s arrived in style to enjoy a buffet style meal followed by music and dancing courtesy of DJ Gerry Sexton. The night was a huge success on every level raising €900 for the charity. Well done to all involved!

TY Portfolio Update

16th March 2015

Following a review with four transition year students and the two transition tutors, some documentation has been prepared for the TY Portfolio system. This is something new to Scoil Mhuire this year and is being engaged with well by all TYs to date. Each student has a folder with a number of Learning Statements (one for each subject plus some extra general learning statements). For each Learning Statement, the students must provide evidence that they have reached/achieved this Statement and also write a one page (max) summary of the evidence. The Statements in general are quite broad and allow the students interpret them in a number of different ways, encouraging personal reflection. Students are graded on a Pass, Merit, Distinction scale.

A copy of the provisional grade descriptors and learning statements will be available here soon.

Irish Flag Presentation

16th March 2015

On Friday 13th March the transition year prefects and vice prefects attended a presentation in Waterford where they received the Irish Flag. The Thomas Meagher Foundation presented the flag to 100 schools nationally and the presentation was made by President Michael D Higgins on the day. The school representatives were accompanied by Mrs. Uí Dhomhnalláin.

Business Studies Award

16th March 2015

Congratulations to Isabel Coleman, Orlaith Cotter, Aoibhe Cronin, Ciara McInerney and Elaine Shannon who attended the presentation ceremony in Kemmy Business School UL, for students who achieved A Grade in Junior Cert Business Studies, 2014. Well done also to their teacher Ms. Hynes.

CSPE Powerpoint

10th February 2015

Ms. O’Brien has compiled a Power Point for CSPE to help learn the various ministers. The PowerPoint can be found here.

Circuit Training

20th Jan 2015

Circuit Training started last Friday after school with 19 students and 2 teachers taking part. This will run each Friday until at least the Easter holidays (and possibly after). All students are invited to take part, regardless of fitness level. Exercise is important for a good healthy lifestye and will help with study focus.

For those starting this week, just bring normal PE gear as well as something substantial to eat at 11 o’clock break.

Young Scientist Success

13th Jan 2015

Huge congratulations must be extended to the three groups who represented Scoil Mhuire so well at this years BT Young Scientist competition. The students, along with Ms Sheridan, put massive work into their projects in the run up to the competition including 4 days in school over the Christmas holidays while the rest of us were still at home enjoying the break. They were in Dublin for the event from Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th. While all three projects were received very well by the judges, the “Perfect Cup of Tea” got a lot of press coverage during the event with “An investigation into the potential usage of Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus as a raw material for thermal energy production” also getting radio time. “A further investigation into the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties of North Clare seaweed extracts“ made the podium with Emma Greene, Rachel Hehir and Aideen Bonito winning third place in the Senior Group Projects in the Biological section.

First Years Numeracy Assessment

12th Jan 2015

On Tuesday Jan 13th all first years will take part in a Numeracy Assessment which will inform the Numeracy Strategy being developed for Scoil Mhuire. This is part of the School Self Evaluation Process which is in place for all schools.

Couch to 5k

18th Dec 2014

Since early October Ms Ryan, Ms Hooban and Ms Hynes have been leading a Couch to 5k training programme. WHile almost 40 people turned up to the initial meeting and approximately 15 started off the training, only students stuck with the training until the end. On Friday December 12th Rachel Sulley (6th year), Marie Flanagan (3rd year) and Ruth O’Halloran (3rd year) joined the three teachers and completed their 5k run around Ennis. Congratulations must be extended to all involved for their commitment to training (even on the cold wet days!) and the achievement of having completed the programme.

Rebecca Leahy Qualifies for Ireland Youth Award Finals

18th Dec 2014

In a week in which a Pakistan teacher, Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her outspoken commitment to the rights of girls to education, a student attending Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon has been recognised for her efforts in her local community.

Nominated by The Lions Club of Ennis, Rebecca Leahy, a founding member of Clare Youth Action Group has been selected at the Regional Finals in Roscrea, to contest the Lions Irish Youth Award Finals in Dublin next month.

The aim of the Youth Award is to recognise and encourage young people who are actively involved in the welfare of the community, supporting the best of Lions’ ideals.

Clare Youth Action was formed by a group of teenagers, Rebecca Leahy, Brona Byrne, Aoibhin Fahy, Clodagh Sulley and Saoirse Lightbourne. These girls were seeking to get involved in community projects in Ennistymon, and have already participated in various activities on a voluntary basis including helping in Upstairs Downstairs, a local charity shop, tidy towns, the North West Clare Mental Health Association, Midwest Rape Crisis Centre and The Lions Clubs Christmas food appeal.

In Roscrea, Rebecca outlined her involvement in CYA in front of a panel of judges, who afterwards commended her and her group for their humanitarian commitment and encouraged them to continue on their path of helping others.

Not yet 16, Rebecca is the eldest of four Children of Eddie and Shiela Leahy and is preparing for Junior Certificate Exams next June. She now has an All Ireland Final to participate in next month, and who knows, with her enthusiasm, further honors will come her way.

Pope John Paul II Awards

2nd Dec 2014

Congratulations to the following students who received their Pope John Paul II Award recently at St. Mary’s College, Galway: Aideen Bonito, Emma Greene, Aine O’Donoghue, Rebecca Collins, Michelle Malone, Rachel Hehir, Niamh Reidy, Aine Mullane, Aoife Fitzgibbon, Megan Gilligan, Ciara McMahon.

The award encourages young people to take an active part in the life of their Church, in the life of their community and society.  Throughout the past year, the girls have participated in their local parish church by reading and singing. They have fundraised for various charities in their school community and in their local parishes, such as Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal, Trocaire Campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness, ISPCC.  Also they have participated in organising and taking part in our school liturgies and our sacred space.

Congratulations to them all and thanks to Ms. Hooban who worked with them throughout the process!

Photos here.

Rachel and Naomi Harvey climb Kilimanjaro

2nd Dec 2014

Recently, Rachel Harvey (TY) and her sister Naomi (6th year) climbed Kilimanjaro to raise money for the No-Name club, as well as an orphanage in the area. We interviewed Rachel about her experience and here is what she had to say:

Recently, Rachel Harvey (TY) and her sister Naomi (6th year) climbed Kilimanjaro to raise

money for the No-Name club, as well as an orphanage in the area. We interviewed Rachel about her experience and here is what she had to say:

What made you want to go to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro?

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was for a good cause.

Did you have any concerns about the journey?

I was worried about having altitude sickness and not being able to make it to the top really scared me.

Was there much preparation for the climb?

We had a year of training and it involved a once a month group climb, walks every weekend and going to the gym a lot.

How many people were on the trip with you?

There were fourteen people with us, not including porters and doctors.

How was the flight?

It was eighteen hours long. We flew from Dublin to Istanbul and then went on to Kilimanjaro. It was the same on the way back.

What was the hardest part?

Getting no sleep on the mountain was really hard; it was so cold I hardly got any sleep.

What surprised you most about the experience?

The amount of staff that came to look after us, there was about fifty in total.

Was there any stand out moment from the entire experience?

Making it to the top of Kilimanjaro, it was amazing!

What was the weather like?

Most days it was warm until lunchtime, and then it rained in the evening. My last three days there were very warm.

What was the climb like?

There were two groups of people, fast and slow. The groups varied depending on who the altitude affected each day. The last night was freezing and my toes were numb for most of it.

What did you do after the climb?

We had five days to recover and visit areas of the town. We visited schools and orphanages.

What were the orphanages like?

The kids were so cute and very bright answering questions that were similar to those on our junior cert paper last year.

What were the schools like?

They were quite simple, having old benches as desks and chalkboards. The rooms were around the same size as our classrooms, some being overcrowded. The children were divided into classes by intelligence rather than age.

What was required before the trip?

Everyone going had to get 6 injections and had to have their bloods taken regularly.

What was the food on the mountain like?

It was great! When we woke up, we got a choice between porridge, fruit and pancakes.

We got soup for lunch and soup as a starter before dinner and the dinners were lovely. There was a table set up when we stopped that had snacks and drinks (i.e. tea/coffee/juices) for us to take.

What did you think of the trip overall?

It was amazing but I wouldn’t climb the mountain again!!

Sports News

23rd November 2014

Results from Friday: Ennistymon (4-6) v Borrisokane (2-7). Well done girls! Many thanks Munster senior camogie. 
Junior Munster camogie on Monday in Buttevant Cork dep. 9 am back at 4 approx. No uniform needed but bring lunch! Bus €6
Senior football vs Kilkee on Friday 28th (times tbc).

Talent Show

11th November 2014

The TYs are organising a Talent Show competition that will take place in December. Auditions are open to all students but you must sign up in advance on the sign-up sheet on the music notice board or in Room 14. If you have any queries, please speak to Róisín Flynn, Gráinne Conville or Michelle Flanagan in TYA.

Young Scientist Competition

11th November 2014

This year three groups have been accepted into the Young Scientist Competition that will take place in the RDS in January.
Ciara McInerney (TYB) and Aoibhe Cronin (TYA) are carrying out an “Investigation the Calorific Value of Seaweed” while their fellow TYs Aoibhín O’Sullivan (TYB), Isabel Coleman (TYA) and Suzanne Conneely (TYB) will be looking for “The Perfect Cup of Tea”. Emma Greene, Rachel Hehir and Aideen Bonita (all from 5A) are carrying on a project from last year and are doing a “Further Investigation into the Anti-Oxidant and Anti Bacterial Properties of Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosis” (or seaweed to most of us!!). Good luck to all students and their teacher Ms. Sheridan as they prepare their projects.

3rd Year Retreat Rescheduled

6th November 2014

The 3rd year Religion retreat to Knock was due to take place on Wednesday the 5th of November but has had to be rescheduled due to an illness at the retreat centre. We have had no control over the cancellation and did our best to pick a new date that would be suitable. The new date is Monday 24th November. All 3rd year students have received a letter outlining the details about and procedures for the day. We will leave the church carpark at 8am sharp and return at approximately 5.30. The cost is €22 payable on/before Wednesday 19th November.

Rest In Peace Hughie Kivlehan

22nd October 2014
Scoil Mhuire was shocked by the sudden passing of Hughie Kivlehan, husband of Deputy Principal Liz Collins, on Sunday the 19th October. Our thoughts and prayers have been with Ms. Collins and her family, as well as with the Kivlehan family, over the past few days. We also extend our sympathies to his colleagues and students in Mary Immaculate school, Lisdoonvarna. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Video of Kodaline Cover Popular on Facebook

22nd October 2014

A group of Leaving Cert students accompanied by Laura Galvin (2nd year) recorded a cover of Kodaline’s ‘All I Want’ in preparation for the Mental Health Awareness Concert. This video was posted to the school Facebook page on Saturday 18th and as of now (10.30am on Wed 22nd Oct) it has received almost 5000 views. It is the most succussful post ever on the school page and the views and likes are continuing to grow along with bringing 72 new likes to the page!! Well done again girls!

Public Access to Law

14th October 2014

Article written by Alison Cotter

On the 9th and 10th of October 2014, Transition Years participated in a Law Education for Schools module taught by Mr. James T. Fahy, a practicing barrister. The course ran over two days. The first day consisted of general knowledge about law and the second day was a mock trial. The trials were held the same way a real trial was and it gave the TYs a flavour for what a real courtroom is like. Overall the TYs really enjoyed the two days and might even be taking part in the National Mock Trials Competition in the near future.

More information about the programme is available on Mr. Fahy’s website: http://www.laweducationforschools.com/

Mental Health Awareness Concert

14th October 2014

Congratulations to the girls who took part in the Mental Health Awareness Concert in Lahinch on Friday October 10th. The girls prepared and performed three songs under the guidance of Ms. Deirdre O’Brien including a cover of Kodline’s All I Want which they sang for the assembly that morning in school. A video of their rehearsal will be available on Facebook in the coming days.

Scoil Mhuire – Top School in Clare

14th October 2014
Last month saw the publication of the countries top 400 schools. In this list were 15 schools from Co. Clare and Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon came out on top of the 15! We were placed 46th overall which was a jump of 8 places from the previous year. Looking at all girs school, Scoil Mhuire placed at number 19 in Ireland. The top 400 are ranked by the average proportion of students gaining places in autumn 2011, 2012 and 2013 at one of the nine universities on the island of Ireland. This publication affirms all the hard work and dedicatio by staff ad students alike in the school.

We’re on Instagram!

14th October 2014

Scoil Mhuire is always trying to keep up with the times and have recently started an Instagram account. You can find us at ScoilMhuireEnnistymon. Any students taking part in school events are encouraged to borrow the school camera (through the office) to take photos. For more details, please speak to Ms. Ryan.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

7th October 2014
October is the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and the TY class have started great fundraising. On Thursday 3rd they all took part in the street collection raising almost €800. A no-uniform day in the school will also raise further funds.

New Tutors, Head Girl, Prefects and Vice-Prefects

7th October 2014

This year sees the introduction of tutors to Scoil Mhuire. Tutors have been assigned to each class and will look after the pastoral welfare of the students in each class. Students are encouraged to speak with their tutor if they have any issues.

Head Girls (congratulations Ailish Hanrahan!), Prefects and Vice-Prefects have also now been elected across the school. Below shows the structure within the school this year:

TYs Trip to the Ploughling Championships

7th October 2014

Article written by Bróna Galvin-Byrne

On Tuesday 23^rd of September, Scoil Mhuires transition year class of 49 students visited the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Stradbally, co Laois.

There was a great atmosphere as most of the students had never been to the event before and they were very excited to see what it was all about.

We left at 6am Tuesday morning in order to enjoy a full day of activities as there were many different stalls to visit and sample from food stands to clothes stands to machinery and much much more.

We got a lovely day for it which added to the enjoyment of our experience and we would like to thank Ciara and Elaine for their hard work in organising the trip and to Ms Eustace and Ms Ahern for making themselves available to accompany us on our trip. A great day was had by all. 

TY Walk

17th Sept 2014

Article written by Alison Cotter & Bróna Galvin-Byrne:

On the 2^nd of September 2014, TYs and two very brave teachers, embarked on what was to be the first of many adventures this year. The Transition Years spent the first of two days trekking through the Burren en route to The Doolin Hostel where they stayed overnight.

They were woken promptly the next morning to a continental breakfast and a packed lunch compliments of the hostel. They spent the final day on a coastal walk from Doolin to the beautiful Hag’s Head 5kms away from the busy Cliff’s of Moher visitors centre.

With beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean the Transition Years were never bored as they completed the final leg of their journey.

After two days and one night, the Transition Years arrived back in Ennistymon to catch buses home. Everyone had a great time on the walk and with sore feet went home to have a good night’s sleep.