NewslinkCHRISTMAS 2015

MOATE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Amy Hughes, Rachel Duffy, Colin Doyle and Annalise Peredo performing a key scene in the hit musical - ‘Disco Inferno’.

From the Principal…

L A D I E S L E A DL E I N ST E R

Burn, Baby Burn...!

Moate Community School girls continued their trail of glory when theycaptured the ‘B’ Leinster title with a very comprehensive victory overCross and Passion, Kilcullen in Mountmellick on Tuesday 15th Decemberwith a score of 4-14 to 4-2.Their talents and skills were exceptional on the day and they providedtheir supporters with an outstanding display of determination, passionand commitment. Ciara Heavin was awarded Player of the Match for herinvaluable contribution at wing-back. The backbone of the team consistsof many of our Sixth Years with youth and energy provided by ourTransition Year and Junior students – so the future looks very bright forladies football in our school.Several members of this panel are already looking forward to a secondLeinster Final at Under 16 level on January 18th 2016 while the Seniorsprepare for the All-Ireland Semi Final against the Munster champions onFebruary 16th 2016 – so watch this space!!

The first term at MCS drew to an exciting close withthe production of the school musical. Disco Infernois another chapter in the enchanting story of ourmusical heritage. It demonstrated the school’simmense spirit of teamwork and commitment as it

showcased the remarkable talents of our students, whoperformed to a captive-audience over four nights.Audiences were enthralled with glitz, glam, glitter androusing renditions of many classic musical hitsincluding powerful solo performances and intricate

group dance routines. The atmosphere each night waselectric as students lit up the school stage. Nights likethis require extraordinary collective effort from theschool community and our heartfelt thanks must go toeverybody involved in this wonderful production.

LADIES WIN U-16 LEINSTERBASKETBALL FINALMCS Ladies set out to win the Leinster Basketball Final against Saint Paul’s fromMonasterevin. The determination that the girls had to win the Cup was clear fromthe energy they put into the game from the throw-in. The girls knew how importantthis game was and put all they had learned into practice throughout the quarters.They wanted to be the first Basketball team from Moate to win a Leinster Final. Thescores raked up leaving Saint Paul’s behind. The girlsscored fourteen in this quarter and only allowedSaint Paul’s score twice. When the final whistle wasblown, delight and shock was evident on the facesof the girls when they realised what they had won.The final score was Moate 36 - Saint Paul’s 25. Thegirls celebrated their win with a trip to Supermacs.It was a great way to finish an exciting andrewarding day.

Right: Team captain Mary Harkin accepting the Leinster Cup. Below: Members of the victorious team pictured with the Leinster Cup.

On behalf of the staff and students, I wish you all a veryHappy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. It has beena very busy term in Moate Community School and Ihope that this Christmas edition of our Newslinkcontinues to give you some impression of the widevariety of activities which we are involved in and whichare available to all students. It has been a term where awonderful production of “Disco Inferno” took place andsome significant sporting successes - our Senior GirlsFootball team are Leinster Champions, our Under 16Girls Football team have reached the Leinster Final andour Ladies Basketball team won the Midland ‘C’Regional Basketball Competition, also our Senior Boysare now League champions.The academics, sporting and social opportunities forpersonal development are extensive and we encourageeach pupil to engage fully in as many activities aspossible. I look forward in the New Year to continueworking with you to ensure the best possible educationfor your children.Nollaig Shona agus atbhliain faoi mhaise dibh go leir.

EquestrianClub Go

Tally-Ho!This term saw the first outing of MCS EquestrianClub. Students ventured to Gaffey’s Equestrian Centrein Athlone for a lesson and an informative talk onstable management. Twenty four students took part inthis term’s outing and a great afternoon was had by all,with further outings planned in the next term.Students interested should contact Mr. Molloy or Ms.Sullivan for a membership form. Well done to all whoparticipated.

SOCCERMoate Community School Under 17 soccer teamprogressed to the second round of the Leinster Cupon the 19th October 2015. This time round Moatetravelled to Mullingar Athletics Club to faceRochfortbridge Secondary School. Mr. Flynn fieldedthe same starting team as the last day, who alldeserved their starting place. The score was 2-1 toMoate at half time, both sides attacked well but bothwere not as impressive down the opposite end of thefield. Rochfortbridge then pushed forward, determined forthe win but it wasn’t to be as Moate’s defenceimproved and captain Harry Cornally showed greatleadership to guide Moate to the third round of theCup. A great display from the team earned a deservedwin and they will now march on confidently to thethird round.

Students meet An Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the official opening of the new Greenway.

Fifth Year LCVP visit to ArrabawnThirty three FifthYear LCVPstudents travelledto ArrabawnDairies inKilconnell justoutside Ballinasloeto complete part oftheir LeavingCertificate course.Students were split into groups and were given a presentation in the boardroom and a tour of the factory.The tour was very thorough showing how milk gets from the farm to the carton and focused on the historyof Arrabawn and its future plans for expansion. The group thoroughly enjoyed the visit and wouldrecommend it to future LCVP students. All students left with a carton of Arrabawn milk to take home.

SENIOR GIRLS SECUREIMPRESSIVE FOOTBALL VICTORYMoate CS Senior girls travelled to Carlow for the last of the group stage games to secure a place in theLeinster semi-final on Monday 9th November. Despite the poor weather conditions the Moate ladies puton an excellent exhibition of football and beat their opponents Enniscorthy by an impressive 18 points.The girls led from the first five minutes after a quick goal scored by Kelly-Lei Lowry. Kelly-Lei scored afurther two goals and lifted the girls as they went on and scored points from Roisín Ennis, Amy GavinMangan, Rachel Keane, Ailbhe Sheridan and Tara Hughes. With just a few minutes left Kelly-Lei scoredanother excellent goal which left the half time score as 3-05 to Moate and 2-01 to Enniscorthy.The girls kept up their hard work in the second half and led from the start with another goal from Kelly-Lei. Points also came from Sarah McCormack, Ciara Heavin, Rachel Duffy and Jennifer Coughlan. Kelly-Lei kicked in her fifth goal and made the final winning score for Moate 6-14 to 4-02 and secures a place forthe girls in the Leinster semi-final.

ON YER BIKE!Students lead the way onnew Cycle Greenway

Kit Gillivan presents a cheque to Principal Tom Lowry following afundraising event which took place in the Grand Hotel Moate. This was sponsored by Moate Meats in conjunction with Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland.

Seven projects from MCS students exhibiting at theBT Young Scientists & Technology Exhibition at theRDS in January!Thirteen students from Transition and Fifth Year withtheir seven Science projects qualified to present at the BTYoung Scientists & Technology Exhibition in the RDS,January 6th - 9th. The students have been working hardwith their Science investigations ever since September. Wewould like to wish them well in the completion of theirprojects and presentation to the judges at the RDS in theearly New Year.

BT Young Scientists visit Clara BogKate McLoughlin and Anna Parker are investigating theimpact of Agricultural drains on the growth of theSphagnum Moss. The have received great support fromEcologists Dr. George Smyth from Blackthorn Ecology,and Dr. Shane Regan from Trinity College Dublin withtheir surveys at Clara Bog.

BTYS INFO UPDATE

CO R RY M E E L A EC U M E N I C A LCOM M U N I T Y V I S I T S M C STwo representatives from the Co. Antrimecumenical Corrymeela community visited andspoke to Third Year religion students recently. Aspart of their Junior Cert Religion project, studentshave to investigate how Corrymeela seek to bridgethe divide and promote respect betweenProtestants and Catholics in Ireland. Heather and

David Godfrey spoke very warmly about theirinvolvement with the Corrymeela Centre andexplained how the heart of the community strivesto create an “accepting and understandingenvironment” for all religious denominationsthroughout Ireland.

Men’s BasketballMoate Community School vs. Mountrath U16’sand U19’s Men’s BasketballU16’s: On November 11th, Jose Antonio Hernandezstarted the game on a high with three baskets, swiftlyfollowed by Matteo Suarez. Jose left the supports inawe scoring an impressive three pointer in the lastsecond. In the second and third quarter MCS defencewas proven inadequate giving Mountrath the lead. Itwas at this point Milan proved he was deserving of hisplace getting many rebounds. Javi Carillon scored abasket which brought MCS back into the game.However, Jose’s competitiveness shone throughfinishing the game with four baskets. Unfortunately,the final score was 28-25 to Mountrath. MCS wereclearly deeply disappointed but there were somepromising performances. U19’s: James Kealy started the game impressively witha basket seconds after the whistle was blown. Teamwork was a key aspect to MCS strength as KevinO’Flaherty, Eryk Wisniewski and Adam Buckleyscored a basket each. MCS revealed their skills in thesecond quarter. Conor Farrington scored twoimpressive baskets quickly followed by Eryk andMatthew Phealen. To MCS’s surprise Mountrath cameback with drive and determination in the third quarterleaving the MCS supporters tense. However, MCS didnot disappoint scoring six baskets thanks to Kevin,James and Eryk. The final score was 29-27 to MCS.They did MCS proud displaying skill, competitivenessand raw talent on the court.

Entrance ScholarshipAwardSuzie Gillivan, a formerstudent of Moate CSrecently received anEntrance Scholarshipat the University ofMaynooth. Thisscholarship is awardedto students who score525 points or more intheir LeavingCertificate exams.Suzie is currentlystudying Froebel Primary teaching in MaynoothUniversity. Best of luck to Suzie in her future studiesand career.

Senior Debating Team compete inLeinster Debating CompetitionEight Fifth Year students participated in Round 1of the Leinster Debating Society’s Competition inUniversity College Dublin on Thursday, October22nd. They were among fifty otherschools in Leinster taking part in theannual event. Two motions werediscussed: firstly that “This House wouldBan Advertising aimed at Children” andsecondly; that “This House would notFund Schools with Religious Affiliations”.Their coach, Ms. Jennifer Coughlan wasdelighted with their successful entry intothe next round. Moving straight intoRound 2 of the competition are Nia,

Adam, Chloe, Eleanor and Owen. We wish themall the best.

The eight pupils formed four teams of twoincluding: Ciarán Lynam and ChloeMcMahon, Nia Murray and Adam Buckley,Hannah Simpson and Áine Hamm andEleanor Guinan and Owen Cuskelly.

Moate Business College Graduation Moate Business College graduationceremony took place on Friday 20thNovember. This was an extremelyproud occasion for graduates as itmarked their achievements duringtheir time in Moate Business College.Director Frances Kelly and PrincipalTom Lowry addressed graduates on thenight and congratulated them on theirsuccess in achieving Level 5 or Level 6qualifications in QQI/FETAC. PastMBC student Barry Whelanencouraged graduates to build on theirachievements and always follow their dream.Barry studied Social Care in MBC, completed aBA Hons in Social Studies at AIT and is nowcompleting his H. Dip in Further Education atMaynooth University. He is also completing his

teaching practice back in Moate Business College.Special Achievement awards on the night werepresented to Lauren Keenehan, School of Art &Leisure; Treacy O’Brien School of Caring andGary Quigley School of Business & IT.

Business and Computing class celebrate graduation.

Fifteen budding Journalists and their teacher Ms.Ward embarked on a trip to Croke Park. Herethey attentively listened to Jacqui Hurley; the co-host of Sunday Sport on RTÉ. Jacqui who hasbeen a sports journalist for ten years revealed thetips and tricks of the trade that she has picked upover the years from other professionals in thebusiness. Jacqui explained how perseverance is keyto success. She began with only five minutes ofshow time every week on television and now co-hosts her own show on RTÉ. The best advice shegave was to always think as a journalist would; ifyou are at an event, take down notes on key eventsand draft up mini reports later to improve yourskill. Students then spent several hours in theinteractive games area in the GAA museum

testing their kicking and hand passing skills.Students finished their day in Croke Park with atour of the stadium, relaxing in the changingrooms and getting a feel for the atmospherearound Croke Park on match day and theexcitement ofwalking outfrom the tunnelsonto the pitchwith the wholestadium cheeringfor you.

BUDDING JOURNALISTS IN TY

Students were aware of all things scientific with arange of activities organised during Science Week 9th-13th November. Of special interest was a visit from aSenior Scientist from State Pathologists Laboratory.Fifth Year Biology students received a talk fromForensic Scientist, Laura Galligan who spoke abouther job and the tasks involved. She then went into thebackground behind why she loves her career and howeach of her days is completely different. She outlineddifferent sections of forensics and how many differentjobs involved in the whole process of solving a crime.She explained the steps involved in a post mortemexam and how it is very difficult to pinpoint how aperson has died. She went through how each organcan be damaged and showed diagrams to explain.Also, she showed the group fingerprints on glass thatwere identified by blood stains.She explained how to get into a career in forensics andwhat courses to take in college and what the futureprospects may hold in the job. Students were clearlyimpressed with the information. Cian Strolla stated:“Very interesting!” while Andrea Lynam said: “Iwould consider a career in forensics after the talk”.

Science Demos for First YearsTransition Year students Lorcan Daly, Cathal Byrneand PJ McCormack prepared their ScienceDemonstrations and took over the role of ScienceTeachers with the First Year students. Among theirdemonstrations, they showed the students how tocreate various coloured flames burning salts ofchemicals in the periodical table. Turning coppercoins to silver and gold, they explained the idea of thebrass alloy. The students all thoroughly enjoyed theactivity.Science QuizzesTransition Year students Michael Killian, Ben Coxand Colin Boland carried out Table Quizzes with thesix groups of Second Year students. Questions tested

their knowledge of the Junior Certificate course aswell as general Science. The table of three winnersfrom each class group take part in the final of theTable Quiz at lunch time on Friday.Two teams of Sixth Year students took part in theRegional Final of the ISTA Science Quiz at the AITon Thursday evening. Teams consisted of RachaelDolan, Jessica McCormack and Slavomir Vano, JamesFallon, Damien Byrne and Eoin Heavin. Both teamsperformed very well and came in the top ten teams.Questions tested their knowledge of the LeavingCertificate courses as well as topical Science news. The students at MCS found the activities fun andinteresting, stimulating their interest in Science in theworld around us!

STUDENTS MADABOUT SCIENCE

The Student Care Team at MCS organised theChristmas Shoebox Appeal for Team Hope. Anumber of TY students gave talks to our juniorreligion classes. The purpose of this was toencourage them to donate a box full of gifts for thechildren in the world who are in much need of joyin their lives. These shoeboxes from Ireland will goto refugee children, street children, orphans,

children in hospital or other needy situations inEastern Europe and Africa. This is our third year

organising this activity and this year we weredelighted that we collected over 150 boxes.

CHRISTMASShoebox Appeal

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Fiona Kelly and Dearbhla O'Reilly in the dressingroom at Croke Park.

UCD Scholarships Ciara Moran andNigel Flanagan,former students ofMoate CS receivetheir entrancescholarship awardsto UCD.

DOUBLE CELEBRATIONSas Moate CS U16 Teamjoin the Senior Team in

Leinster FinalsOn Thursday the 3rd of December the MoateU16 girls took on Colaiste Bríde in the semi-finalof the B Leinster championship. Full time score Moate 4-12, Colaiste Bríde 0-2.There were celebrations and sheer delight despitethe baltic conditions at the full time whistle. Thegirls now join their Senior counterparts inreaching Leinster Final status with seven of theseladies on both teams. This was a historical day forMCS as both the Senior and U16 teams havenever reached Finals in the same year. The girlslook forward to a meeting with Navan or LoretoWexford in the much anticipated final. Well doneto all.

In the Conference Room in Croke Park, Sorch Handy, Ciara Johnston, Mary Harkin, Clodagh Sheriden, Aisling McLoughlin and Áine Guinan.

Moate CS Fifth Year Biology students with Dr. Laura Galligan and Deputy Principal Maura Murray, MargaretMandal and Principal Tom Lowry.