Christmas message from the Principal
Welcome to the December 2015 issue of Guth Scéine.
It has been a long and eventful first term with incredible learning taking place both inside and outside the classroom. Walt Disney once said ‘You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful ideas in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality’. This is certainly the case as a Principal. The reality is that the learning experiences and projects that have taken place this year could not have happened without a great deal of commitment and support from the staff, parents, students and support of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine: I want to sincerely thank you all for this. As we prepare for Christmas, we are also conscious of the long hours of winter darkness and look forward to the brighter days ahead. For many, Christmas is not a joyous occasion and I ask you to reach out to those who may be alone or lonely and to help them get through to the brighter days on the other side of Christmas. Despite its commercialism, Christmas is essentially about celebrating the birth of Jesus and the love of our families and friends: this is the message we must all try to remember and to live out this Christmas.
I want to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Come back safely on January 6th.
Dermot Healy
Principal.
We welcomed our new 1st Years seen here eagerly awaiting to begin their new school life.
They were in good hands for their orientation from Ms.Foley Hayes, Ms. Hickey, Ms.Whitehead & Ms. Lanigan
1st Year Students 2015
Musical 2016
Preparations are well under way for this year’s Musical.
Local Musician accepted into National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.
Harry O’Connor, 16, moved to Kenmare when he was 6 years old and was lucky enough to meet Tom Deam and begin violin lessons with him. Tom nurtured Harry’s love of music and and he performed in many of Tom’s concerts in Kenmare. In 2011, Harry began learning piano with Frederiek Biesma and at the same time started secondary school in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine where he joined Veronica Whitehead’s music
class. These 3 teachers have been really supportive in Harry’s musical endeavours, providing guidance, encouragement, fun and friendship. Harry has played with the Kenmare Community Orchestra and the Kenmare String Quartet over the past few years and last year he joined the Cork Youth Orchestra (CYO).
Since September 2014 Harry has been studying music composition under C.S.L. Parker in the CIT Cork School of Music and Violin with Una Kindlon in Cork. This year, having auditioned for the NYOI, Harry was lucky enough to be accepted in on viola.
The NYOI will play a concert in the National Concert Hall in January and they will be supporting Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin in a series of concerts during the year. He will also be touring with the CYO in Tuscany, Italy in Summer 2016.
Other Music News……………..
It has been a lovely and busy term for all involved in the music life of Pobalscoil.
The term began with the school mass in Holy cross church, a joyful celebration to get the year going. A number of students from across various year groups provided the beautiful singing and music for it.
The Advent service`s music was performed by Caitriona Harrington, Padraic Randles,Harry O`Connor,Aaron Buckley,Jonathon Cronin and Sebastian Wharton. The JC3 and 2 music classes were the singers. Again, it was an emotional service culminating in a performance of “Man in the mirror”.
The pace has gathered momentum as the term has progressed. Practical exams continue on a regular basis,adding to the performance culture of our school.Many students have been rehearsing for the hotly anticipated end of term talent show.TYs have been carol singing throughout the town and community, entertaining one and all. JC3 music class have been writing ballads for the GAA`s 1916/2016 song competition and are being recorded by past pupil,Sean O`Sullivan. There has been a lot of work done for the upcoming musical ,”The Glastonbury Tales” between singing, playing, dancing,acting…..it`s going to be good!
Past pupils Aisling Urwin,Andy Yelen and Sean O`Sullivan ran an inaugural 6 week “School of Rock”course on Wednesdays after school. Great music making and fun was had by all involved and a super cd recording of Crazy by Gnarls Barkley was produced in the end.
We also welcomed 60 musicians from throughout Ireland in October.They were all members of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras. During their residential weekend,they held their rehearsals and performances in Pobalscoil .
On December 6 the Fleischmann choir and Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra performed in a spectacular concert in Pobalscoil.There were 240 performers and 3 soloists. Their programme was stunning and varied. A number of our students helped out and looked after the large group, while many music students atteneded the rehearsal and performance. The Cork visitors loved performing in the school and enjoyed their trip hugely.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for the music!
Newly elected Student Council President
Sean O’Sullivan.
Dear Teachers, Students & Parents, as Student President this year firstly may I say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Student President election. Secondly, it is an honour for me to serve all our students and to know that you trust in me to represent you. At this point in my ‘Term of Office’ I wish to recognise in particular the fantastic support and help we receive throughout the year from our Principal, Deputy Principal and teachers alike and I feel that I represent all students in saying that.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure my fellow students that I am continuing to work with our school management in order to achieve a positive outcome to the many requests I have received. I would like to pay compliments to this year’s TY’s for all the great fundraising events they have undertaken such as bake sales & nail painting through which they have so far collected a very impressive €600! I wish them all the best for the rest of the year in planning future events. Also I would like to wish the very best of luck to our Leaving Certs & Junior Certs in their mocks next term.
Lastly, I would like to wish all teachers and students, Principal and Vice Principal and all the staff a Very Happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful New Year!.
Sean O’ Sullivan
Student President 2015/2016
2nd Years trip to Firkin Crane.
Above: Ms Sanford’s JC2 English Class Students
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, 25 second years of class Íde and 25 of the Leaving Cert class of Ms. Sanford set off at 7 in the morning. It was a short Finnegan’s bus ride to Firkin Crane Theatre in Cork. After losing our way on the walk to the theatre, we soon reached our destination. We parted with the Leaving Certificate class, and went to take part in a Romeo and Juliet workshop. We received booklets which contained information on how the play would be performed and how the play was written. A friendly girl by the name Muireann gave us the workshop, teaching us about all the different scenes in the play. We saw in great detail, the characters personalities and traits. It also helped us understand the play a lot more when we watched it. We found this really helpful and interesting and we were very grateful to be given this opportunity.
After our workshop, we were very glad to hear Ms. Sanford announcing the next stop would be Centra for lunch. We were happy as Larry, eating outside and chatting to our classmates. Soon enough everyone had finished and we were returning to the theatre. All the while the Leaving certs were enjoying their workshop. There was great excitement walking up to the dome shaped theatre where many other classes from all different schools were outside waiting to go in.
Surprisingly, the line disappeared in seconds and we were welcomed by a lovely woman dressed in a long grey coat for effect which was really interesting. Then we were called up a long stairs and waited for the play to start. The play was really, really good, the characters were really well developed. After the play, we scuttled to the bus when we were allowed to go shopping in the city for just under an hour.
All in all we had a great day, it was really enjoyable on the way up and down and we are very grateful for the opportunity.
Tara O’Sullivan,Rhona Randles,Lucy O’Connor
Action Weeks
The Student support team, SPHE teachers and SPHE classes have been involved in the organisation of three action weeks so far this year.” Mental Health Week” in October,” LGBT Awareness Week” in November and “Friendship Week” in December. Throughout these weeks various activities and events took place. All SPHE classes took part in making and displaying posters on the various themes. Posters and slogans were displayed all over the school on notice boards, outside of classroom and on the digital display notice board. A poster competition during Mental Health Week attracted many great artists. Students were invited to wear “Funky Shoes” on the Friday of this week in order to experience what it was like to walk in somebody else’s shoes. The Limerick based drama group also visited the school to perform pieces on Mental Health, Bullying and Alcohol/Drug abuse. A big thanks to all the staff and students who got involved.
LGBT Awareness Week
In November we held ‘LGBT & Friendship Week’. Students showcased some very impressive and colourful posters on the ‘Read’ board and notice boards around the school to highlight the event. A sample of their work can be seen here.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness week was celebrated with a ‘Funky Shoes’ competition for the students!! Pictured are a selection of the staff ‘Funky Shoe’ creations worn on the day.
Velizara Stanislav Petkova, pictured right showing her ‘Funky Shoes’and winning poster on the day. Congratulations Velizara and well done!
Eva Gadsen (left) and Cuan O’Foghlu (right) were also winners for their posters on the day.
Amber Doran and Dylan Cusack ‘Funky Shoes’ winners
Eva Gadsen and Kathy Cronin JC1 Showing their ‘Funky Shoes’
Friendship Week
During ‘Friendship Week’ students take part in friendship awareness activities highlighting ‘Friendship’ and the importance of friendships in our lives.
Counselling Room
Our Counselling room at Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine is now complete and we would like to extend a sincere thanks to all involved in the project, and in particular to Teddy, for all the hard work and a special thanks to ‘Mango Crafts’ for their kind and generous donation of beautiful Lamps and table.
Above: Newly renovated Counselling Room
Above: Conor Spillane with his Junior Cert 2015 ‘A’ project in Materials Technology Wood. Congratulations Conor and well done!!!!
Left: Mr. Corcoran, Metalwork Teacher with Ash De Vos having received his Certificate of ‘Outstanding Achievement’ at the ETTA Special Awards Ceremony.
ETTA Awards
Congratulations and well done to fifth year student Ash De Vos pictured above with Metalwork teacher Tim Corcoran. Ash was one of the top ten Junior Certificate Metalwork students in Ireland last June from over 8000 students who studied the subject. He attained an ‘A’ grade at higher level and was then awarded a certificate of achievement for his outstanding metalwork project. The special awards ceremony for outstanding achievements in the State Examinations was held in the Clonmel Park Hotel last Saturday, the 21st of November, and was hosted by the Tipperary branch. Congratulations also to Ian O Connor, Will Gudgeon, and Ciaran O Sullivan who received A’s in the subject and were also awarded with certificates for their metalwork projects from the ETTA (Engineering Technology Teachers Association) area 2 ( Kerry limerick clare)
Well done to Ash and all the students on your outstanding achievement from Mr. Healy (principal), Mr. Corcoran (Metalwork Teacher), and all the staff at Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine.
Pictured below is Ash receiving his certificate from representatives of the ETTA, Chairperson Ciaran Callaghan and Senator Gerard Craughwell.
All Ireland Winners!
Victorious Kerry Minors return to school with their trophy! L to R: Dara O’Shea, John Mark Foley, Sean O’Shea & Stephen O’Sullivan pictured with Tom Connor & Tommy O’Sullivan.
Healthy Eating Week Jan 11th -15th
Healthy Eating Week Jan 11th -15th
Healthy eating week kicks off in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine on January 11th through to January 14th. This week involves activities such as
“Tasters” in the Canteen, which will be offering a Healthy Eating Option on its daily menu,
A poster campaign to highlight Healthy Eating
Demonstration tables to visibly show sugar content in popular foods!
The Red board will be alive with information detailing the calorific content of foods and the associated health impacts.
The School will also be applying for an “Active Flag” this year- more information to follow during the year!
Finally, after the huge success of our “Couch to 5K” last March, Pobalscoil will be holding the 5K run/walk again this year on March 16th.
Looking forward to seeing you all on this eagerly awaited date!
Here’s to a Healthy & Happy 2016 to you all!!
Gaeltacht Scholarship
An Ghaeltacht
Ar an gcéad seachtain de Mhí an Mheitheamh 2015, fuair mé an deis dul chuig Coláiste Chorca Dhuibhne. Bhí mo chursa ar siúl i gceantar álainn ; Fheothanach, ar feadh trí seachtaine. Chuaigh mé le mo bheirt cáirde agus rinneamar a lán cairde nua sa choláiste. Bhí Bean an Tí an – dheas agus rinne sí dinnear blasta gach oiche dúinn.
Bhí na ranganna ar siúl gach maidin go dtí am lóin, ach amháin Dé Domhnaigh nuair a bhí sos againn. Tar éis na ranganna, bhíodh spóirt ar siúl agus anois agus arís, nuair a bhí an aimsir go háilinn, chumar chuig an trá álainn. B’iad na céilithe, an rud ba mhó a thaitin liom sa choláiste, mar bhí craic againn ag damhsa gach oíche. Ar deireadh, bhí díoma an domhain orm ag fágáil.
Chabhraigh an choláiste go mór liom, mar bhí mé ag labhairt agus ag foghlaim na Gaeilge ar feadh trí seachtaine. I mo thuraimse, chabhraigh an Cholaiste go mór liom agus mé ag tabhairt faoin dTeastas Sóisearach i mbliana.
Lucy Wallace JC3
Winners of the 2016 Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine Irish Scholarship for Coláiste Chorcha Dhuibne all received full scholarship funding to attend a Gaeltacht course this summer.
Pictured from left to right: Siobhan O’Shea Lc1,Danielle Twomey Jc2, and Rachel Murphy Jc2
TY’s Halloween Howl Float
by Rebecca O’Donoghue
Margaret McCarthy came into our TY class to ask us if we would do something for the Halloween howl event in Kenmare. We decided to make a float to go in the parade. First we decided to come up with some ideas on what type of float we would make. We came up with a few ideas a harry potter theme float, a thriller theme float and a zombie school float. We all decided to do the zombie school float. Next was the task to create a terrifying float. We went to Mr Donnelly to see if we could get some ply wood for the base of the float. He made handles for us and attached them onto the float. Next we went to the art room and painted the float black and made bats, grave stones and a coffin. We borrowed the skeleton from the science room and got some leaves and twigs from outside. On the 31st of October we all gathered in the school at 5 o clock to get our face paint done. Then we carried the float to the creamery and waited for our Q to walk down the town. At 6 o clock the parade started. We took turns to carry the float. Lots of people were impressed and a bit scared of us and our float. It was a great success and was worth all the effort we put in.
Our finished float!
Halloween Fundraiser
This year the Halloween Fundraising Fancy Dress competition was the best ever!!! More students than ever before participated and the costumes were amazing. The effort and hard work showed what an artistic and fun bunch of students we are. We had great craic on the day especially sitting in class dressed like a ‘zombie’ or as ‘Bosco’ or ‘Wally’ !! We also had a Halloween writing competition which received lots of entries.
Sophie Daly, winner of the Senior Halloween Short Story writing competition pictured with Ms. Piggott, English teacher. Congratulations Sophie!
Winners of the Junior Halloween short story competition with Ms. Piggott are Ciaran O’Sullivan and Isobel Van De Venter. Congrats & Well Done!!!
Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine
Parents Association
The Parents Association is off to another great year. We had a very successful bag packing weekend in September. Next up in October was our AGM. At the AGM our new Officers for 2015/2016 were elected as follows: Chairperson: Stella Moran, Secretary: Penny Crowley, Treasurer: Suzanne Doran and Communication/Public Relations officer: Helen Quinn.. In addition our parent nominees to the Board of Management are Bernadette O’Sullivan and Joanne Bhamvra and our PACCS representatives are Ann Reeves, Helen Quinn and Joanne Bhamvra
Our primary function is to represent the views of the parents within the school community. We have a great working relationship with both the School Management and Students. All parents with children attending the school are automatically members.
We will start 2016 with a church gate collection on Jan 5/6, next up is our first meeting on January 14th. This will be followed by the School Musical at which we operate the shop. In February we are hosting the PACCS meeting here at Pobalscoil. This is a great opportunity to meet parents from other Community Schools along with getting valuable information about what happens at national level. In addition we have a guest speaker scheduled for February. In the Spring, we will be helping out at the 1st year Open Night for incoming students and parents on the 10th March. The Parents Association also helps out with uniform measuring and distribution and book covering. We have a Facebook page where you can find information on all this and more-check it out at https://www.facebook.com/pobalscoilinbscePA
It is not all work we have a great working committee and would love to see more parents attending our meetings. We are open to new faces and ideas. Why not come along and see what we are all about. Happy Holidays and we really hope to see you on January 14 at 8:00.
Supporting your Teenager
How often have you thought,” I wish there was some place I could go to get some advice on whats best for my teenager?” Well now there is: A new Course will run from 19th January for 8 weeks, in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. This will be facilitated by Mairéad O Sullivan, a psychotherapist who has been providing Counselling in Pobalscoil for many years and who runs many Parent First Courses all over Kerry in conjunction with the South West Counselling Centre, Killarney. The theme will be ‘Supporting your Teenager’ and will address the key challenges experienced by all parents. There is no doubt that connecting with other parents coupled with sound skills and strategies from an experienced Counsellor can really guide parents and their Teens through these, sometimes turbulent years. We are delighted to offer this New Years opportunity to both Mothers & Fathers.
Please share with friends that might be interested.
Details are as follows:
Dates: 8 weeks from 19th January
Time 7 – 9 pm
Location 8A in Pobalscoil
Contribution: €25
To confirm a place, call Pobalscoil on 064-6640846. Please book early as places are limited to 12.
Anam Cara Bereavement Support
Pictured from left to right: Fiadh Lucy, Emily Cronin, Rachel Hickey and Caoimhe O’Connor with their certificates received in recognition of their recent volunteer work in Tralee for Anam Cara, support group for bereaved parents. Well done girls!
How high can you go? Seamus Whitty with the first years class Caoimhe
Euroscola Strasbourg – TY’s
Helena O’Sullivan, Aine Holmes, Chloe Hawker & Jane O’Sullivan ‘Ready for Road’!
Nous Sommes Arrivé
Taking in some of the sights in the more traditional parts of Strasbourg.
Keeping an eye on the voting…………
College Awareness Week
Three significant events took place during College Awareness Week, which ran from November 23rd to 29th. On Monday November 23rd Carmel Kelly & Joe Kelly from Kerry College of Further Education spoke to LC2 & LCA2 students about the opportunities available in further education and the progression options available afterwards. Details of FE courses can be found at www.kerryfe.ie.
Photos show students with representatives from KCFE.
On Tuesday November 24th Caroline Kearney from CIT spoke to all interested LC1 students about the course options available in CIT. She highlighted the importance of thoroughly researching the module content of all courses.
Photos above show Caroline Kearney speaking to students. Also, Student President Sean O’Sullivan thanks Ms Kearney for visiting us.
On Thursday November 26th Sandra O’Herlihy from UCC spoke to LC1 students about the course options available in UCC and the modules studied in these courses. She also emphasised that it is extremely important to research the course modules thoroughly before starting a course. She also gave profiles of some current students in UCC.
Careers & Course Evening
Following the successful evening held in March 2014 we have decided to hold another Careers & Courses Evening on March 4th 2016. All previous participants have been invited again, with invitations also issued to many others. Should you have any queries about this event or would like to take part please email kenmarecareersnight@gmail.com.
Emer ORiordan
Guidance Counsellor
Build A Bank Challenge 2015
The following students have been selected to represent the school in the AIB Build A Bank Challenge 2015: Bank Manager Joanne McCarthy, Assistant Manager Niamh Crowley, Financial Controller Christopher Creedon, Sales & Marketing Niamh Finnegan, Customer Service Representative Cathal Whelton and Digital Officer Caoimhe o’ Connor.
Congratulations to the six members chosen and AIB would like to commend all students on the high standard displayed by all students in the Interview process. Look out for their special promotions and open up your AIB bank account in January.
Good luck to all!
JC2 Ruadhan wishing all in our school community a Happy Christmas!! The class undertook research on the languages and cultural backgrounds of all students. The result was the display of posters wishing Happy Christmas to all, in the 19 languages of our school community.
Student Enterprise Awards
Second year business studies students are participating in this year’s Student Enterprise Awards (SEAs). This is the biggest enterprise competition for students in Ireland. It helps students to grasp real life skills associated with running a real enterprise including working as part of a team, managing production and finances, organising a sales and marketing campaign and liaising directly with customers, judges and the media. The competition compliments the business studies curriculum and is a rewarding experience for all students involved. Introducing enterprise to students can only help to create more entrepreneurs in the future. Students are researching the market at the moment to see if there is a demand for their products and services. A babysitting service, hand crafted wooden gifts, candles, a book with all the best spots to check out in Kenmare and a half zip hoodie are some of the students ideas at the moment. Best of Luck to all Students involved and look out for their products and services over the next few months.
Activities in the Gym………..
Students practice their Gymnastics moves!!
Christmas Blessings
To all students, staff, parents and the wider community associated with Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. May the blessings of Christmas be with you all and may the peace and joy of the Holy Family reign in your homes. Stay safe throughout the season, take care of each other, and be kind and thoughtful to those you share your time with. Spare a thought for those who may struggle or even suffer during Christmas. Wishing you all good health, happiness for Christmas and many blessings for the New Year. I will close by leaving you with a beautiful reflection I came across recently. It is my wish for you this Christmas and the year ahead.
A Christmas Reflection
For Christmas and all throughout the year ahead May you always have an angel by your side. May you always have an angel by your side watching out for you in all the things you do.
Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days. Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to take you to beautiful places. Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun. Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide. May you always have love and comfort and courage.
And may you always have an angel by your side
May you always have an angel by your side. Someone there to catch you if you fall.
Encouraging your dreams .Inspiring your happiness. Holding your hand and helping you through it all.
In all of our days, our lives are always changing. Tears come along as well as smiles.
Along the roads you travel, may the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely.
May they give you the kind of Christmas gifts that never, ever end. Someone wonderful to love and a dear friend in whom you can confide.
May you have rainbows after every storm. May you have hopes to keep you warm. And may you always have an angel by your side.
(Emilia Larson)
Again, enjoy Christmas with your family and friends
Kind Wishes, Mairead Hickey (School Chaplain)
Wishing you a Happy Christmas
from the all the Staff & Management at
Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine