ST. COLMCILLE’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL NEWS

The Smiles Say It All!
The first set of Junior Certificate results for St. Colmcille’s were released to the Students on September 10th. The results were simply outstanding. Teachers and parents along with our many partners in Education have good reason to be extremely proud of all that was achieved by the present TY and 5th Year students. A big well done to all.

Extra-curricular Activities
The new term has brought with it an offer of a wide range of extracurricular activities that will appeal to all tastes and enhance every talent. Our students are invited to participate in: interscholastic and intramural athletic programs; service and school clubs; music, art, and drama organisations; academic and vocational clubs. Usually conducted outside the normal school day, the activities are voluntary, and support the academic mission of our schools.

Transition Year News
Our first team of Transition Year students got off to a very positive start. The induction week included a visit to Blessington Adventure Centre that aimed to foster a positive team spirit. This proved to be a very popular exercise with both students and teachers. Since then the students have started their many varied modules including photography, textiles, computers, DIY & Interior Design. Some students have also visited the following places: Dublinia, Collins Barracks, St. Enda’s Park and Pearse Museum, Kilmainham Jail and the Spawell Pitch and Putt course. Some students have completed a certified kayaking course. All students will experience these trips as the year progresses. The first work placement will commence on 17th November for one week. There will be two further weeks planned for later in the academic year.

Welcome
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new students who have joined us in St. Colmcille’s at 2nd year and 5th year. We hope you have settled into our school community and avail of the rich variety of activities on offer.

French Exchange
At present some of our second year students are enjoying the hospitality of French families in L’ile! They have opted to participate in the first French Exchange programme co-ordinated by Mr. Flynn and Ms Callaghan. A week-long event in France will see new friendships develop and give rise to many new experiences. The opportunity to increase their knowledge of the French language will of course be the main focus of the trip. We look forward to hosting our French colleagues when they come to Ireland.

Liturgy For Opening Of New School Year
A big thank you to Ms Loughman Ms Williams, Ms Gilmer, Mr. Langan and Ms Bermingham and all participating students for the Liturgy celebrating the opening of the new school year. The theme chosen was ‘Friendship and Community’. A nice gentle, prayerful atmosphere pervaded the school during the Liturgy. The music and readings presented gave all who attended a focus on the life, responsibilities, and challenges of our school community and how we should embrace them all in a caring spirit.