s a n c t a m a r i a c o l l e g e , b a l l y r … a n c t a m a r i a c o l l e g e , b a l l y...
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S A N C T A M A R I A C O L L E G E , B A L L Y R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 .
H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a m a r i a c o l l e g e . c o m
E m a i l i n f o @ s a n c t a m a r i a c o l l e g e . c o m
JubileeNews
Volume 9, Issue 1 Autumn 2010
I would like to take this opportunity to send greetings to all our staff, students and families
and to say ―welcome‖ to you, in this, the first newsletter of our new school year, and my
first newsletter as Principal of Sancta Maria College. This is, as you already know, a very
special year in the history of this College as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee and I, person-
ally, feel very privileged to be able to celebrate this Jubilee with you. As a past pupil of a
Mercy Secondary School I am extremely aware of the rich legacy that we have inherited
from the Mercy Sisters and welcome this opportunity to lead the celebration in SMC.
I think that it could honestly be said that the 2010/11 school year took off with a bang and
there was very little time to dwell on the usual hiccups that occur in the first weeks of term.
As always, of course, our first priority was teaching and learning at SMC and ensuring that
every student‘s needs were met to the best of our ability was, of course, at the top of our
agenda.
However, being our Golden Jubilee Year also meant that there were a host of events to be
organised, invitations to be sent out and a little dusting and polishing to be done! The highlight of the first half term, without
any doubt, was the visit of President Mary McAleese on September 16th and, I think that all will agree, it was a truly joyful and
memorable occasion.
This year, our Golden Jubilee Year, is a wonderful year of celebration for Sancta Maria College and also a time of celebration
as our students, once again, performed excellently in the state examinations. Last year‘s Leaving Certificate students are now
well settled in to their respective third level courses and we wish them well as they
embark on the next stage of their life‘s journey.
Education was never more important than it is in the current uncertain economic cli-
mate and we know that our students leave Sancta Maria College well equipped to
meet the challenges that lie ahead and can confidently and deservedly take their
places at life‘s top table!
President McAleese, having lived, she said, through seven economic recessions dis-
tinguished between two types of people, those who are radiators of hope and those
who are drains. She challenges each one of us to reflect a little on which of these two
types of people we wish to be – ―a radiator or a drain‖! The radiators, she explains,
are ―the people who get things done‖ and this, President McAleese, points out, is
what, for example, ―keeps the energy in our school and keeps the school going.‖ The Sisters of Mercy were, the President said
the epitome of ―radiators of hope‖.
President McAleese thanks the Sisters for their gift to young women over the many years of their work in education. She
thanks them ―for allowing the genius in so many young women to flourish‖ and, points out that ―we have seen the flourishing
of our country in a way that it wouldn‘t have been possible without the Sisters.‖ The President also shared the fact that she her-
self had the privilege of a Mercy education and was deeply appreciative of this gift.
September 24th is the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy and the anniversary of the day in 1827 when Catherine McAuley opened the
House of Mercy on Baggot Street. Catherine was a Dublin woman who saw the needs of her time and had the initiative and
resourcefulness to do something about those needs. In the early 19th century she travelled to France to research the best methods
of education available and she equipped the women who gathered around her with the skills to assist her in her work.
While socio – economic circumstances, the position of women, and State provision of services had all changed, her values
guided the opening of Sancta Maria College in 1960 and still guide us in our work here today. At SMC we are committed, as
Catherine McAuley was, to excellence and to continually improving the quality of teaching and learning. We are also commit-
ted to supporting the vulnerable and to ensuring that their needs are met to the best of
our ability.
I would like to wish all in our school community and, all parents and friends of
Sancta Maria College, well over the coming school year. I look forward to meeting
you at some of the many events that are planned during this first term – celebratory,
parent/teacher meetings Open Days etc . If you have a concern relating to your
daughter‘s welfare and you feel that we can help, please feel free to call us and be
assured of our immediate attention.
Gerardine Kennedy
Principal
Maintenance
Sancta Maria College is blessed with its location.
Our natural surroundings are the envy of many and our
grounds should be valued and enjoyed by the whole
school community and I am sure you will agree that
following the recent works programme carried out on
the grounds, Sancta Maria has never looked better!
Well, not for a long time at least!
This works programme was undertaken as part of our
jubilee year celebrations, and the historical visit of
President McAleese to our school on September 16th
gave us an ambitious target, and an even greater
challenge!!
So, spearheaded by the Parents Association, Septem-
ber the 4th was the day that saw the beginning of hard labour - which involved many evenings and Satur-
day mornings, weeding, and digging, cutting, and mowing, laughing and joking, …and some crying and
weeping!!
But it really was fabulous to see the mixture of parents, staff and students giving of their time so gener-
ously, and they all deserve great credit for their perseverance to get the job done on time, and for the dif-
ference that their continuing endeavours have made to the school. Thank you all very, very much.
Particular praise has to go to Megan Thompson from 1st year for all her trojan work, in hail, rain or shine.
Well done Megan!!
We hope you have noticed and enjoyed all the improvements that have been made and if you have been
unable to lend a hand as yet…. We will be in touch!! Thank You.
9 ‘A’ Honours – 900 Points!
Congratulations to Nikita Kamraj and Mitchell Chisvo on their
outstanding results in the Junior Cert. Examinations.
As Nikita‘s marks in science and maths were so high she has been
shortlisted, with five other students to represent Ireland at either
the International Junior Science Olympiad or the European
Olympiad.
Díospóireachtaí Gaeilge Arís.
This year two teams will participate in Comórtas Díospóireachtaí an Phiarsaigh. The junior team is from
second year and the senior team will be fourth year students. Competition starts after mid-term. Go néirí
an tádh libh, a chailiní. R. Williams.
Study Skills
On 10th/11th November all 6th Years and 3rd Years attended a study skills seminar to ensure they have
all the necessary skills for success in the state exams. An information meeting on 10th Nov. explained
to parents and guardians how they can best support the students in the busy months ahead.
All 6th years have been busy since Sept. researching suitable courses, points and C.A.O. applications.
Courses sought vary from medicine in Trinity College, Arts in Maynooth to Jewellery Design and
Childcare with a view to ensuring they are prepared for the forthcoming College Open Days during
November and December.
Schedule of Events
Celebrating Golden Jubilee September 16 Thursday Launch of the Jubilee.
Visit of the President, Mary McAleese 11.30am
24 Friday Mercy Day. Hockey match: SMC Past
Students V Students in Education
November 2010
12 Friday from 6.00pm Buffet Evening for Past Stu-
dents and Staff in College
14 Sunday 12 noon Mass and light lunch in Ballyroan
for Past Students and Staff
19 Friday Art Exhibition of Past Students in Bally-
roan Community Centre. 6.00—8.00 p.m.
De ValeraVisit 1964 Oat field now Templeroan 1952 Water Tower 1956 Convent 1953
School Play 1967 School Bus 1963 View from Convent 1962 Boys Class 1965 Childrens Ward 1960
T.B. Hospital 1951 Courtyard 1952 Sports Day 1964 ―Old School‖ 1964
Sr. Basil, Sr. Edith, Mary Crimmins and Breeda Dalton have done a huge amount of work collect-
ing and sorting memorabilia as part of the Jubilee Celebrations. The pictures below are a flavour of the
treasures that have been uncovered. If you can add to the collection in any way PLEASE contact the
school so we can add to our display.
Sancta Maria/Ballyroan Serving the Community since the 1950s
Thursday 16th Setember. President McAleese visits Sancta Maria College
D. Burns, Sr. Sebastian, G. Kennedy, Sr. Basil and Sr. Loreto (inset)
Principals of Sancta Maria College
Fermanagh ‗10
We all left for Fermanagh with high expectations. After our stop in Virginia, we arrived at Share Adventure
Centre, and were given our rooms. That night we had a table quiz and a prize was given out for the silliest
comment the teachers had heard since getting on the bus that afternoon, which Rebecca Tannam deservedly
won. We were split up into 4 different groups to do our activities each day. We went sailing, canoeing , ba-
nana boating, played team games and undertook combating through the woods wearing full camouflage
gear. As you can imagine, seeing Mr. Flynn fully dressed from head-to-toe in camouflage and face paint …
is quite hilarious! It was equally fun having Mrs.Atkinson and Ms.Fogarty joining us in the sailing, canoe-
ing and banana boating. But the trip wouldn‘t have been the same without them, so thank you for putting up
with us ! In the evenings the teachers had organised a trip to the cinema, the local shopping centre and Mc
Donalds! On the last night we also had a pyjama disco ! We all had an amazing time, it brought us all much
closer together and it is something we will never forget!
Mercy Day To celebrate Mercy Day a team of students Past was selected to play against Present in a hockey match.
The event was a huge success and enjoyed by all the school community. P.P.s won 5-3 !
Sancta Maria Students win 1st and 2nd Prize. The Italian Cultural Institute of Dublin invited entries from schools all over Ireland for the
tenth ―Italian Language Week in the World‖ competition. The Italian classes of 4th and 5th
Year in Sancta Maria submitted twelve entries. ―Let‘s Book Italy‖ by the Fifth Year class
won first prize and ― Venice through the Eyes of a Venetian Mask‖ by Lauren Manning
won second place. Of the sixteen entries chosen for exhibition in the Italian Cultural Institute
in Fitzwilliam Square, twelve are entries from the students of Sancta Maria. Congratulations
to all who took part and Italian teacher, Mrs. Atkinson.
COMPLIMENTI – SIETE GRANDI !
The College Collection
19 – 26 November 2010
Ballyroan Community Centre
10.00 – 17.00 Daily
Sancta Maria College Ballyroan is delighted to present an exhibition of art and design work
by past pupils.
Over the last 50 years Sancta Maria College has developed an outstanding reputation as one
of the top creative schools in the country with many of its pupils progressing to study art and
design in third level colleges. The majority of these students have continued to forge out-
standing careers within creative fields both nationally and internationally. It is for this rea-
son that as part of the Sancta Maria College Jubilee Celebration it is fitting that we highlight
the exemplary achievements of the art teachers and the students themselves over the many
generations.
Past pupils include internationally celebrated artist Isabel Nolan who represented Ire-
land in the 2005 Venice Biennale and Niamh Mc Cann, who presented a solo exhibition in
The Hugh Lane Dublin City Gallery and who is currently nominated for the 2010 A.I.B.
Prize. Both are represented in the collection of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The exhi-
bition will also feature works from curators, industrial designers, textile and multi-media
artists among others. The exhibition spans generations of Sancta Maria College graduates
from the late 70s to more recent graduates who are only beginning their creative pathways.
More than anything else this exhibition is a celebration of the creativity and ambi-
tion that was nurtured within Sancta Maria College over the last 50 years and will serve as
an inspiration to the students who pass through the college doors for the next 50.
Opening Friday 19 November 18.00 — 20.00
The exhibition will be opened by Nigel Cheney, Lecturer in Embroidery, National College
of Art and Design.
For further information please contact Eimear O Raw at [email protected] or
Mairead O Byrne at [email protected]
Jubilee Art Exhibition
Flying the flag for Ireland. Nicole Perry (3a2) Ciara Hackett (4a1) are members of the WSKF Ballyroan Karate Academy.
Both were selected in July 2010 to be on the Irish Team.
The girls will be representing Ireland in the first Karate World Cup in Cyprus. Both will be
fighting, Nicole for Juniors and Ciara for Youth/Senior.
There are 22 competitors in total on the Irish Team, seven juniors (under eighteen) and 15 seniors.
The competition will take place on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th.
Kenya. On Wednesday 6th October
past students who have vis-
ited Kenya met with Sister
May Kileen, Sister Basil,
Mr. Flynn and Ms. Gaughen
to hear the latest news from
Kenya. Sancta Maria is em-
barking on a fifth trip to Nai-
robi next June. The selection
of students is ongoing and
fundraising will begin after
the midterm break.
S.M.C. Parents Association News. The Parents Association of Sancta Maria held their first fundraiser of the year with the annual bag
packing event in our local Tesco store on 7th 8th and 9th October. This event is well supported by the
students who turn up every year eager to pack shopping bags. The Parents Association would like to
thank all those students who took part this year. The Parents Association provide support and
assistance during the event. This annual event kicks off our fundraising drive for the year and usually
raises a tidy sum to help us fund some vital equipment for the school. Last year the fundraising or-
ganised by the Parents Association helped to purchase the following items for the school – a new
flag and flagpole, a digital piano, A replacement kit for basketball, set of 24 singlets for athletics,
equipment for hockey teams, soccer equipment and a data projector. Many thanks to all the parents
and students who helped us raise funds in the school last year. We hope fundraising will be just as
successful this year!
The Green School Committee
In anticipation of the Presidential visit we saw the entire
school bond together to help clean, organise and decorate
the school. I ask on behalf of the Green School Commit-
tee that the united effort of staff and students continues as
we enter into the final leg of the race for the green flag.
We have a green flag inspector making surprise inspec-
tions between now and Christmas so the support of the
school more important than ever. Simply using the green
bins correctly will make a huge difference.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE no fruit, sandwiches or
yoghurts! These are NOT recyclable! When you dispose
of your leftovers consider those of us who have to re-
move the rotting, mouldy food from the green bins.
Those artists among you can support our campaign by
entering our poster competition to help promote recy-
cling. CASH PRIZE (details of entry posted on notice
board in GP room).
With a little hard work and community spirit we will
have our first green flag hanging proudly in front of our
school this time next year.
Transition Year P. E.
All students took part in a sponsored walk to
Pearse Park in aid of the Pakistan Flood
Appeal. To date, the girls have raised
€1,175. Well done everyone for a great
response!
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES LUNCH TIME AFTER SCHOOL
MONDAY 1ST YR. HOCKEY SOCCER (U.14)
GAELIC FOOTBALL (ALL)
TUESDAY CAMOGIE (2nd – 6th YR.) BADMINTON (U.14 & U.16)
KNOCKLYON COM. CENTRE
WEDNESDAY CHOIR (ALL) HOCKEY ( SENIOR)
THURSDAY 2ND YR. HOCKEY SPEECH & DRAMA/
CAMOGIE ( 1ST YR.) CREATIVE WRITING (ALL)
BADMINTON (U.19)
FRIDAY ATHLETICS (ALL)
Gaelic Football Result. Sancta Maria College 4-06 v 1-02 St. Mac Dara‘s C.C.