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SANCTA MARIA COLLEGE, BALLYROAN, DUBLIN 16. Http://www.sanctamariacollege.com Email [email protected] 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 16 th 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 no w 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 24 th 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 19 th 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

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Page 1: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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

Page 2: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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.

Page 3: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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

Page 4: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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

Page 5: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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 !

Page 6: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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

Page 7: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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!

Page 8: 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 R O A N , D U B L I N 1 6 . Volume 9, Issue 1 H t t p : / / w w w . s a n c t a

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.