Royal Russell Model United Nations 2009

Early on Saturday the 17th October, 8 students, with bags far bigger than themselves, along with Ms. Rellis arrived in Dublin Airport buzzing with excitement. After a quick flight to London we arrived via train and tram to the Royal Russell School in Croydon. Following a successful lobbying session and opening speeches we had our first disco which was a good ice-breaker with new people and also a good opportunity to meet up with old friends from previous conferences.
Three more days of 7 am starts and themed discos followed with High School delegates competently debating various topics and fulfilling the different roles within the United Nations such as the Security Council and the Economic and Social Committee.
It was quite late when we arrived home on the 20th and we were ridiculously tired, debating whether or not exhaustion was a legitimate illness to be kept home from school for!!
I would encourage all students to get involved in MUN, I for one think it was the most worthwhile experiences I’ve ever had. I’m certainly more aware of world issues and what can be done to help them. I’ve also learnt the top – secret art of ninjitsu, which you can only learn if you do MUN!!
Julie Farrell 5TK

Superb Trinity College performances

Congratulations to Debbie Blair, Jack Kelly, Jack O'Kennedy, Stephen Shaw, Olwen Smith and Joan Somers Donnelly of last year's Form 6 who were awarded Entrance Exhibitions to Trinity College on the basis of the excellence of their Leaving Certificate results. Six awards is a very good performance by any school.

Welcome

We would like to welcome Ms R McDonnell (photo right) to the school staff to replace Mr K Clarke who resigned at the end of August.
Ms McDonnell is a qualified Guidance Counsellor and will be working part time in the Guidance Department with Ms T. Jones, especially with pupils in the junior cycle of the school. As well as careers and personal development guidance, the counsellors can provide support with various difficulties encountered from time to time.

Poppy Ireland

The Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland Branch wishes to acknowledge the receipt of €150 collected by the students of the school in the Poppy Day collection last week. This money is used to assist towards the needs of Irish ex-servicemen and women who served in the British armed forces.

Concern Fast What a difference a day makes!

The concern fast takes place this year on the 3rd of December. Students can fast on that day or any day during the first week of December. If you cannot go without food for the day you can fast from other things for 24 hours - texting, computer games, TV etc. To register for the fast and to collect sponsorship forms see Mrs Hutchinson Edgar in A22. Remember your small effort will go a big way in helping the lives of others.

5th Year play (pictures above right)

Tickets are on sale this week during lunch breaks adults €10, students €7, for performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 19-21 November.

National public service strike

Please note that it is expected that the school will have to close on Tuesday 24 November 2009 due to a one day strike by public service unions, including the ASTI.

Showjumping

Nathaniel (right) represented the school recently in the Inter Schools Show Jumping League. He achieved a 6th place award in the first leg of the competition at Killosery Lodge Stud, Swords, jumping with his pony Prince Ollie in a challenging round against strong competition.

Student Council Meeting

The student council has elected the president for this year- Guy Prendergast and the Secretary - Cormac Jordan. Congratulations to both. Representatives for each form should note the importance of attending meetings in order to give your class a voice. The next meeting of the council is Wednesday 18th November. There is a suggestion box in the library organized by the council for any students who wish to bring up any issue to the council. Also please see the notice board for any council announcements

Fixtures and training this week

Rugby
1st XV (L) Kilkenny Wed 18 Away 2.30
2nd XV Kilkenny Wed 18 Away 2.30
U 14 A Templeogue Wed 18 Away 2.30
1st XV Royal Armagh Sat 21 Away 12.30
2nd XV Royal Armagh Sat 21 Away 12.30
JCT Royal Armagh Sat 21 Away 12.30
U 14 A King's Hospital Sat 21 Home 2.30
U 14 B King's Hospital Sat 21 Home 2.30

Girls hockey
Sen 1 (L) King's Hospital Wed 18 Away 2.30
1st Yr B (L) St Mary's Arklow Wed 18 Home 1.30
Sen 3 St Andrew's Wed 18 Home 2.30
Min B St Andrew's Wed 18 Away 2.15
Min C St Andrew's Wed 18 Away 3.15
Jun C (L) Holy Child Killiney Sat 21 Home 9.00
Min A (L) Alexandra Sat 21 Home 11.00
Sen 4 Mt Sackville Sat 21 Away 9.00
Jun B Mt Sackville Sat 21 Away 10.00
Jun A Mt Sackville Sat 21 Home 10.00
Min B Mt Sackville Sat 21 Home 9.00
1st Yr C Mt Sackville Sat 21 Home 10.00
1st Yr B Mt Sackville Sat 21 Home 11.00

Boys hockey
Senior Wesley Wed 18 Home 2.00
Minor St Kilian's Wed 18 Away 3.30
1st Yr St Columba's Fri 20 Away 3.00

Results - well done
In rugby, the U 13 A beat De La Salle 36-0 and the U 13 B beat Gonzaga 36-7. In boys basketball the U 16 beat St Conleth's 48-27. In boys hockey the Juniors beat John Scottus 5-1 in the Junior B league and the 1st Years beat Wesley 5-1 in the Under 13 B league.