Welcome to the new year!

We would like to welcome everybody back to school and a special welcome to new pupils and new staff. Welcome to Mr B. Kinsella who joins us in English and ICT, Mr A Malin in PE, Ms M. White in Music, Ms A. Wilson in RE and History, Mr L. Cullen in History and RE, and Ms M. Murphy as an additional Special Needs Assistant.
A great deal of work has been completed during the summer. In addition to normal painting and maintenance, new windows have been installed on the east, south and north facades of the school. Associated removal of asbestos has taken place in the office, library, art rooms and two laboratories. Handbasins have been replaced and tiling redone in some of the toilets and other tiling in various locations around the school. Five new data projectors have been fitted, Air conditioning has been fitted in the server room for the computers due to overheating last year – this should reduce downtime. Additional shelving has been provided in some classrooms as requested, various paved areas have been repaired, maintenance has taken place in two labs, the hockey carpet, the cricket net area and there has been a variety of other work completed as well. These jobs were completed according to an almost impossible timetable within the few weeks between the end of the exams and the beginning of term so congratulations are due to John Davis, the Administrator, Dr John Reid of the Grounds & Property Committee, all of the grounds and maintenance staff and to our contractors.
 

Getting the school ready for term:
Below Mr G. Draper, Mr T. Neiland
Above: Mr D. Tate
Above: Electrician Mr S. Greiner and Administrator Mr J. Davis examine a faulty light fitting
Top: Finishing off the new windows

Supervised study

Supervised study has recommenced. It takes place at 4.00 p.m. sharp. Fees must be paid on time and silence must be maintained. Please read the policy in the parent and pupil information handbook for further detail.

Private individual music lessons

Any pupil wishing to arrange violin, recorder, piano or theory lessons during or outside school hours, please contact Mrs Wakely 2988462.

Lost property

The lost property room on the B corridor will be opened each Tuesday morning at 8.30 and pupils will be able to reclaim items of clothing and books that they may have lost. Pupils should ensure that all personal belongings are clearly named.

Transition Year trip

There will be a Transition Year trip at Easter to Eastern Europe with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a voluntary organisation which facilitates people in the building of social housing worldwide.
Any Form 4 pupils interested in participating should come to B2 on Thursday at 1.30 p.m. for a short information meeting.
L. Watson, D. Thorp, V. Carson, I. Wilkinson

Calendar change

Exams begin for Forms 1,2,5 on Monday 28 May and for Form 4 on 29 May, not as published in the calendar.

Fixtures and training this week

Girls hockey
Sen 1, Jun A St Gerard's Wed 6 St Gerard's 2.00
Sen 2, Jun B St Gerard's Wed 6 St Gerard's 3.00
Min A St Gerard's Wed 6 Home 2.00
Min B St Gerard's Wed 6 Home 3.00
There will also be matches (details later on the noticeboards - remember to check) against Alexandra on Saturday 9th for Senior 1,2,3, Junior A,B,C Minor A,B,C

Rugby
JCT Newpark Sat 9 Newpark 11.00

Girls basketball
Training for 2nd year, Cadettes and Seniors at 4.00 p.m. on Friday 8th. Please inform Mrs Kavanagh by Friday 8th if you wish to play on a team.
See opposite for 1st year training.

Boys basketball
U 16 and U 19 training Wednesday afternoon 2-4 p.m. in the gym. 1st and 2nd year Saturdays 12-2 p.m. in the gym.

Badminton
Any students who wish to be eligible for team selection at Under 16 or Under 19 level this year must register with Ms Thorp in B2 before Thursday 7 September.
 

Form 1 activities list

Rugby - Monday afternoon 4.00-5.30 approx. (meet at pavilion) (Mr McNamara C4). Matches Wednesday/Saturday
Boys' hockey - Monday 4.00-5.30 approx (Mr Wilkinson B 27)
Girls' hockey - Friday and/or Tuesday 4.00-5.30 approx (Ms Levis - Gym)
Badminton - Tuesday afternoon (from 12 Sept.) to 5.00 p.m. (Ms Thorp B2)
Athletics/Cross Country - Monday afternoon to 5.00 p.m. (Mr Irwin C5)
Boys' basketball - Mr Malin is acting as coordinator. Saturday 12-2 pm gym.
Girls' basketball - Thursdays 4.00-5.30 gym (Mrs Kavanagh, Ms Levis)
Canoeing - will start on Friday 8 Sept. 4.00-5.15. If you are interested in trying out this fun and exciting sport you should see Mr Cryan in T3 or T5 for a consent form and furhter information. No previous experience needed.
Caving - occasional, by application after assembly announcements (Mr Wright B1)
Hillwalking - occasional, by application after assembly announcements (Mr Cryan T3)
Swimming - Ms Jones (Guidance office C floor) - this will begin when Terenure pool reopens in a few weeks. Listen in assembly.
Table-tennis - Reynolds Hall, Mondays 4.00-5.00 p.m. (Mr Sheridan)
Drama - This activity is still being arranged - listen for announcement in assembly for start date. Last year it was after Christmas.
Camera Club - Monday 4.00-5.20 C13 (Ms Killane C13)
Choir - Tuesday and Friday 12.55 to 1.15 Music Centre (Ms Bourke M2)
Orchestra - Tuesday 4.00 - 5.00 (Ms White M1)
Debating - still being arranged, usually during lunchtime
Science club - Monday, 4.00 to 4.45 (Dr Whitford C2)
Young Scientist Competition - Tuesday 4.00 - 4.45 (Dr Whitford C2)
Matches and competitions are additional to the above. Arrangements are subject to change from time to time.