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Dear Parents/Guardians Season’s greetings to you all. At time of writing the school is buzzing with activity; staff and students are busily engaged in preparations for the end of term exams CBAs and our Christmas carol service. In the true spirit of Christmas, our students have been working with staff to fundraise for those in need. They have contributed to the Christmas Child Appeal by preparing gift boxes for children in the developing countries. Closer to home students are fundraising for our local St Vincent de Paul conference and Pieta House. The hampers were organised by Ms Hetherton, our Chaplain Mr McQuillan and a team of TY students. The level of our students’ awareness of the plight of others, both at home and abroad and their willingness to act and not be bystanders to injustice and poverty is truly commendable. Our 1st and 2nd year students raised €4,586.00 from their sponsored
walk. This was organised by Ms Ni Bhaoill and her TY team. The funds have been donated to the Irish Cancer Society. The term has been a happy and successful one for our students, both in terms of their academic studies and their co and extra-curricular activities. Supervised study got underway in November and will continue next term. Students who find it difficult to establish a study routine at home are strongly encouraged to participate in supervised study. Academic mentoring for our 3rd and 6th year students has provided a very positive focus for our exam students. Thank you for engaging with us in this initiative. Throughout the term, staff and students have been involved in a vast array of activities many of which are highlighted in this newsletter. St Aidan’s is fortunate to have a very dedicated, professional staff who so generously give of their time and expertise, both within the classroom and
in extra- curricular activities which enhance the education of our students. Thank you and well done to all the staff and students who have organised and /or participated in these activities and to you our parents for your continued support. On behalf of the students and staff, we would like to thank Audrey Benson and the Luke Benson Memorial Fund for providing us with replacement batteries and accessories for our defibrillator. Their generosity is very much appreciated. Mr Ross continues to train our students in CPR. We hope to have all classes in the school trained by the year end. On Friday 15th November we had the presentation of our 5th Green Flag for biodiversity by Mr Cathal Boylan to Ms Scanlon and her team of students. That day also saw the presentation of the Health Promoting School Flag to St Aidan’s. Ms Drury and Ms Gallagher and team have worked over the years with Ms Monica McClorey of the
NEWSLETTER CHRISTMAS 2019
HSE on strategies to promote the health and well-being of students and staff. The official opening of our new Hearing Impaired Classroom also took place on Friday 15th. The ribbon was cut by Ms Amanda Duffy, the visiting support teacher for the Hearing Impaired. Ms Lynch. Ms Brady and Ms Sherlock were accompanied by our students who avail of support in the classroom. Louise Moore used her sign-language skills while Ms Lynch welcomed those present to the new classroom. Our local representatives Mr Joe O’Reilly, Mr Brendan Smith, Ms Niamh Smyth, Mr Robbie Gallagher, Ms Carmel Brady attended and the opportunity was used to further our plea for delivery of our long overdue building needs in terms of a gym, social area and updated practical rooms! We hope that the plea fell on listening ears! Our school has been involved in the Well Read Project led by Ms Hetherton. The project has been on-going for the past two years and aims to encourage students to read and read! Following a great deal of work the school was
presented with the ‘Well Read’ Award in Athlone on Thursday 21st November. Our Senior Prefects, Student Council and Prefects took part in training on Wednesday 20th November. This was organised by Ms Scanlon and delivered by Mr Ger Robinson from Supergeneration. Open night took place on Thursday 21st November. Our students and staff worked in subject areas, provided tours, musical entertainment and refreshments for all who attended. We were delighted to welcome so many families to our school. Our assessment day for incoming first years will take place on Saturday 8th February 2020. Over the past few months students have been busy working on our school musical production of ‘High School Musical’. Mr Gavin Quigley and Paige Cunningham choreographed the show while Ms Maguire was the musical director. This was the focal point of the year for the Transition Year so Ms Sweeney and her team co-ordinated the event. We had all our National school feeder schools in for the dress rehearsal
which took place on Monday 11th November. The show took place on Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th November. The whole show from start to finish was a tribute to the on and off stage talent of all our students and staff and provided many lasting happy memories.
The Christmas exams will begin on Monday 16th December and finish Thursday 19th December and reports will not be posted until mid-January. Any student who is absent for any/all of their Christmas exams will have to sit their exams on their return to school in January before they may resume their place in their year group.
Finally we would like to wish our students, you their parents/guardians and your families a Merry Christmas and a happy, peaceful and safe New Year.
Maryann Smith Niall McGee
A day out to Trim
Castle by Katelyn Benson
Hello, today I’m going to
talk to you about the
First-Year trip to Trim
Castle and Bective Abbey.
It was very interesting
when the tour guide
showed us three different
models of Trim castle,
from when it was first
built to now and how
architecture has grown,
and people have come up
with different ways to
defend a castle.
After registration we
hopped on the bus and
headed on our journey
for Trim castle. It was a
fun but long ride, when
we got off the bus, we
were handed a sheet and
clipboard and told not to
lose them. We walked for
about 3 or 4 minutes until
we got to Trim Castle,
when we got there we
went in the gate.
We went over to the
castle and stood there,
while the tour guide told
us a bit about the history
of Trim Castle. As soon as
you saw the castle you
knew it was a magnificent
place. Then we headed
inside.
When we went in we
stood in the first room.
The guide told us a bit
about what
happened
in that
room and
what it was
used for.
Then we
headed to
take a little
look at the
models.
They were very
interesting and beautiful,
and they showed the
different stages in the
castle’s construction.
Then headed up the
steps. They were very
narrow and scary to
climb. When we got up
the first flight, we walked
through the hall and saw
some of the murder
holes. Then we went onto
the roof where we were
allowed to walk around
and take pictures
because it was an
outstanding view.
We went downstairs and
started our sheets that
we were give
We could ask a few
questions if we needed
help, you could tell the
tour guide knew loads
about the castle. We
went outside, and you
could take a little look
around.
We got back on the bus
and headed for Bective
Abbey. On our sheets we
had a section for Bective
Abbey we had to look
around and try find a
cloister and then draw it.
We took a picture of the
cloister to draw later.
Thank you for reading
this article, I hope you
now know a little more
about what we did on the
History trip. It was a very
enjoyable day.
1st Year
A warm welcome to our
98 new 1st year students.
The students have settled
in very well and are
enjoying school life. They
have been formed into
four tutor groups Rang
Daire, Rang Diarmuid,
Rang Dearbhla and Rang
Doireann. They have four
wonderful tutors Ms. Mc
Quaid, Ms Ni Bhaoil, Ms.
Lynch and Mr McQuillan
who have guided and
supported them over the
last 10 weeks.
The students have shown a wonderful sense of
kindness and compassion for those in need. They have been involved in the annual Shoe Box appeal and our sponsored walk. They are currently working on the St Vincent de Paul Hampers for Christmas.
I encourage our students to continue with their involvement in the wide range of sporting and extra- curricular activities on offer in St. Aidan’s.
I wish the first years of 2019/20 every success and happiness in their time in St. Aidan’s. I hope that they grasp all of the opportunities available to them in terms of achieving the very best they can academically, on stage, on the sports field and in all aspects of school life.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students that here in St. Aidan’s we have a dedicated pastoral care team consisting of tutor, year head, chaplain, guidance counsellor, deputy principal and principal and we endeavour to ensure that all our students are safe and happy in school.
On behalf of your tutors and myself I want to wish all the first years and their families a very
happy and peaceful Christmas.
Breege Doherty Year Head
Second Year I would like to wish each and every one of you success in the upcoming Christmas exams. Remember that success will only be achieved through diligence and hard work. Achieving your full potential starts with small achievements such as doing your homework well, studying each night, completing CBAs to a high standard and achieving good results in class tests. A special welcome to the new students who have joined the year group, Nedas Karciauskas, Ines Saz Grana and Zoe Molitor. Congratulations to the following students who were elected prefects and deputy prefects for the academic year 2019-2020. – Rang Iarla.– Hugh Smith and Hannah Morris, Rang Ina– Ben Brennan and Mireta Valentaviciute Rang Ide. Hannah Carelton and Shane Shalvey. Our student representatives are Lila Mc Caul and Emily Reynolds. We wish them a successful year as they carry out their duties. Second year students enjoyed a 6 week module on resilience run by Pieta
House and an Amazing Brains workshop to help with study techniques and revision. We hope these workshops will help in the preparation for exams. Again I would like to thank second years for their generosity towards the Irish Cancer Society and the Operation Christmas Child - shoe box appeal. Your kindness and support were greatly appreciated. Well done to the talented students who took part in High School Musical. You showed huge commitment to rehearsals and you did yourselves, your families and the school proud. Well done to the many students who take part in the sporting activities that are offered. We wish you continued success for 2020. I would like to encourage second years to use the support services that are available to you in the school, to discuss any worries or concerns you may have. However small the problem may seem our door is always open. Wishing you and your families a joyful Christmas season and see you all in the new year
Ms. Maguire Year Head
Friday 15/11/19
Official opening of HIC
(hearing impaired
classroom) in St. Aidan’s
Comprehensive School,
Cootehill the awarding of
the Green Flag for
Biodiversity and the
Health Promoting School
Flag.
Pictured are students
and staff involved in
the work of the HIU
and Green School
Committee as well as
local politicians and
representatives of
Health Promoting
Schools and Cavan
County Council.
Photo
Front l-r
Sarah Lee, Emily Reynolds, Sean Nevin, Ben McElroy, Shakira Stewart, Dearbhla
McCormick, Alysia Carolan, Megan Moynagh, Sophie Murphy
Middle l-r Bronagh Rudden, Louise Moore, Genevieve Gallagher, Joe O’Reilly,
Mary Lennon, Shirley Hall, Robbie Gallagher, Marianne Smith, Carmel Reilly,
Anita Lynch
Back l-r Martin McBreen, Brendan Smith, Niamh Smyth, Mary Scanlon, Tanya
Brady, Debbie Sherlock, Cathal Boylan, Monica McCrory, Amanda Duffy
The annual shoebox appeal for Team Hope was very successful this year. Students and staff
carefully wrapped shoeboxes, filled them with essential and fun items for this appeal. 205
shoeboxes were collected from the school on Thursday 21st November. These shoeboxes will now
be distributed to children in some of the world’s poorest countries in time for Christmas. A huge
thank you to all who contributed to this appeal and demonstrated great kindness. Well done to all!
TEAM HOPE SHOE BOX APPEAL
OPENING OF HEARING IMPAIRED CLASSROOM
Cups Against Cancer-On
Thursday, 10th October, a
bake sale and coffee
morning was organised
in St. Aidan’s to raise
money for the Irish
Cancer Society and their
“Cups Against Breast
Cancer” fundraiser.
Teachers and students
worked together to bake
many delicious treats
such as apple tarts, cup
cakes & biscuit cake.
These were then sold to
the staff and students.
€266.50 was raised
during the bake sale
Ms. Ní Bhaoill along with
her TY students, Chloe
Sherlock, Laura Bannon,
Emma Greenan and
Lauren Whyte would like
to thank everyone in St.
Aidan’s who bought a
Pink Ribbon Pin in
supporting Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
On Wednesday 20th
November, all the 1st
years and a group of TY
students participated in a
10K sponsored walk,
organised by Ms. Ní
Bhaoill, to raise money
for The Irish Cancer
Society. The Irish cancer
Society is a charity that
works to raise awareness
and money for cancer
research and help people
whose lives have been
affected by cancer.
The 1st year students
began gaining
sponsorship for the walk
in October, which was
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
The school also sold
Pink Ribbon pins and
had a bake sale.
€4,586.00 was raised
by St. Aidan’s for The
Irish Cancer Society.
3rd Year Report
As the term draws to a
close, I would like to
thank all 3rd year students
for their ongoing hard
work and cooperation.
The Christmas exams are
fast approaching and 3rd
years are also busy
working on a number of
classroom based
assessments (CBAs).
I would like to take this
opportunity to wish all 3rd
Years the best of luck in
the work that lies ahead.
It is a busy time for all
between now and the
Christmas holidays!
Congratulations to the
students in 3rd Year who
were involved in our
highly successful musical
– High School Musical.
Well done to Ms Maguire
and the students
involved.
Well done to all 3rd Years
who contributed to the
Christmas Shoebox
Appeal under the
direction of Ms Vogan. A
big thank you for your
generosity!
A special word of thanks
to your tutors – Ms
Brady, Ms Kiernan & Mr
Mayne, for their help and
continuous support
throughout this term.
Finally, I would like to
wish all 3rd Year students
& their families a very
happy and safe
Christmas. Also, I wish
you health & happiness in
2020.
I look forward to seeing
you all in the New Year.
D. Coss. Year Head.
POETRY CORNER
The Place I Left My
Memories
by Aoife Doyle
We were sitting on the roof
Of her little plastic playhouse
Watching the cars go by
At the end of her party, each year.
We never did much, talked,
laughed,
The way childhood friends do.
Sitting at ease, so calm with
another,
Acting like fools, alone, yet
together.
I still miss her, since I’ve moved
away.
I wish we’d never fallen apart,
Wish we met up some time,
Wishing we’d never fought.
I’d like to go back, but
Not like this, not right now.
I’d like to go back in time,
And finish growing up with her.
But I don’t think I can bring myself
to go back
To The Place I Left My Memories
LGBYI+ WEEK
As part of the LGBTI+ week in St
Aidan’s students signed to
demonstrate their support of out
LGBTI+ students. Being an 'Ally'
makes all students feel included
and safe in St Aidans. We got over
300 signatures of support on the
day, well done St Aidan's.
Shared Education
Partnership and
Funding 2019-2020
We are happy to
announce that we have
been able to secure
funding this year for a
Shared Education
numeracy project with St.
Kevin’s College, Lisnaskea
under the PEACE IV
Collaboration and Sharing
in Education Project. This
is our second year
involved with the
programme.
By working in partnership
with schools of a
different type to ours,
students will have the
chance to meet and learn
with young people from a
wide range of different
backgrounds. Our
teaching staff will also
have this opportunity and
through this new-shared
education partnership,
we will not only be
promoting good relations
but also working together
to improve educational
outcomes for all the
children in our
community.
We intend to meet with
our partner school for
different curricular-based
activities and shared
classes throughout the
year and we will keep you
informed of the dates
and content of all of
these sessions. You
should also keep an eye
on the school website for
photos and videos.
The students have had
their first outing
‘Icebreaker activity’
which occurred on
Thursday the 24th of
November with students
from both schools
participating in loads of
fun sports activities in the
peace links facilities in
Clones. Both schools got
to know each other and
are looking forward to
their next workshop
which St Aidan’s will host,
centred on Physical
activity and Numeracy.
Thanks to Mr Lennon and
Ms English, both teachers
involved in co-ordinating
the programme.
Christmas Trivia
The Blackberry Bush by Dearbhla McCormick
I remember going up on my mother’s
shoulders;
Legs dangling, eyes squinting in the
autumn sun
Walking on my own now that I’m
older
Feeling the squelch and the slap as
my boots hit the mud
Every autumn walking to the old
blackberry bush
Collecting the little black bunches of
raindrops
Eating as we go
The tart sweetness exploding across
our tongues
Dying both our lips and tongues a
garish purple
Every berry making a small tap as it
hits the bowl
We take them inside
To our prepared crumble
And watch as the berries burst and
bubble in the oven
As if dancing
And no matter how old I grow
I will always remember
Each September
Arms swinging
Eyes sparkling
Walking towards the blackberry bush
SOME MORE POETRY
Christmas Stocking- This
tradition was started
by three girls who could not
afford a dowry to get married.
So, they were doomed to live
life as penniless maids. One
night, they hung their stockings
by the fire to dry. In the
morning, they woke to find
each stocking had gold coins
in them, and they now had a
dowry to marry. A kindly man
called St. Nicholas of Myra
used to go around and help
the poor and underprivileged.
He heard about the girls and
the dilemma they were in. So
one night, he went past and
dropped the coins down
the chimney and they fell into
the stockings – a tradition was
started.
Read more
Transition Year News
Transition Year has had a
very successful start this
year with a very
impressive 78 students
participating in the
programme. TY1 is under
the guidance of Mr.
Greenan, TY2, Mr. Sharpe
and TY3, Ms. Marren. A
very special word of
welcome to our new
international students,
and to our other new
students who have joined
us from other schools:
Cian Daly, Conor Leddy
and Jane Mc Kay, we wish
you all every success on
your time in St. Aidan’s.
A huge congratulations is
extended to the following
TY students who have
been elected as prefects
and deputy prefects for
this academic year:
Christian Hennessy &
Adrian Mc Donald (TY1),
Joseph Byrne and Niamh
Rice (TY2), and Hannah
Moynagh & Dominic
Connell (TY3). Well done
and the very best of luck
to you as you carry out
your duties this year.
September saw the TY’s
enjoying a journey of self-
discovery and goal setting
during their initial
induction, which included
a full day of team building
activities in school with
the Limerick based
Develop Me TY team
building and Leadership
Programme and then led
onto the annual trip to
the National Ploughing
Championships in Carlow.
As the sun shone the TY
students literally got
‘stuck in’ and had a great
day together. The
participative nature of
the TY programme is
further reflected in the
many projects and
competitions running this
year, for example the
“Cook-It!”, St. Vincent de
Paul Youth for Justice
project, Disability
Awareness Programme,
Cavan Sports Partnership
training programmes,
along with First Aid
training, Drive for Life,
and Enterprise all of
which are just the tip of
the iceberg when it
comes to what’s going on
in the TY programme this
year.
As usual, the TY students
are busy creating their
own mini enterprises in
the fields of Art and
Woodwork. Several
company ideas and
incentives are being
launched, and we
certainly wish all the TY
students every success
with the running of their
businesses and hope the
whole school community
will support them in their
work. This year the TYs
are also participating in a
number of brand new
programmes, including
the Future Leaders
Programme which is a
Sports based qualification
run by the GAA, a
debating programme, a
Lego Brix workshop, a
visit to the annual
Comhairle na nÓg youth
conference in Castle
Saunderson, a Road
Safety Seminar run by an
Garda Siochanna and a
Youth for Justice
workshop in
Carrickmacross.
I would like to wish the
TY group every success
with the programme as it
unfolds this year. It is
certainly an action
packed year with lots of
adventure and learning
already experienced and
yet to come, so well done
on being part of the TY
team and every good
wish for the remaining
term and the months to
come. As always we are
indebted to the goodwill
and support of teachers,
parents and the broader
community in the
provision of Transition
Year and sincerely
appreciate the
contribution of all.
Jackie Sweeney TY Co-ordinator & Year head. Transition Year Induction in St. Aidan’s 2019 Transition Year has made a very successful start in St. Aidan’s. At the beginning of the term 80 students participated in an Induction programme which included a team building day in school with the ‘Develop Me’ project, delivered by Gerard O Shea, David O Shea and Owen O Brien of ‘Develop Me’. As per
the Transition Year guidelines for schools, Transition Year “provides a bridge to help students make the transition from a highly-structured environment to one where they will take greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making”. During this project the TY students participated in learning strategies which were active and
experiential, and which helped them to develop a range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills which they will carry forward into the senior cycle. Throughout the
day the TY students participated in two main workshops, THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST DUTCHMAN’S GOLD MINE, which was a quest designed to develop an understanding of the key components of project management and personal performance, and secondly SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF TOM’S CANYON FORD, a challenge designed to develop a deep understanding of the key behaviours of successful teams and the principle dysfunctions that inhibit team performance. As can be seen from the accompanying images this certainly was a fun-filled, active and highly
informative day for all the TY’s in St. Aidan’s. TY trip to the national ploughing championships.
On the 18th of September transition year students attended their annual trip to the second day of the national ploughing championships in Fenagh, County Carlow. Students had an early start, leaving the school at 7:30am. The tiresome bus journey took about three and a half hours but the singing from the back raised everyone's spirits. The
traffic jams alerted us to our proximity to the event. Luckily, we weren’t stuck in traffic for too long, and we finally made a timely arrival at 11:00am ready to explore the massive site. The huge size of the event could be seen as we arrived, like a city had appeared in the middle of nowhere. After posing for a group photo everyone got onto a tractor trailer and headed in the direction of the entrance. Everyone was happy to bask in the glorious sunshine. The skies were clear, and the ground was dry. Once inside everyone split into groups and began heading off through the crowds in different directions exploring all of the stands and stalls. There was a great atmosphere inside and everyone was having a good time.
There was lots of new machinery, cars, livestock, new inventions, show animals, sheep shearing, food stalls, and a funfair. Some went to see the main event which was of course the ploughing. Tractors of all sizes flawlessly ploughed the fields. The sheep shearing also attracted many people. There was
music from Richie Kavanaugh and Derek Ryan, this meant that there was something for everyone. At 4:00pm we got back onto the bus and headed back to Cootehill. At 8:00pm we arrived wearily back at St. Aidan’s. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed the trip, and the great weather was an added bonus.
by Chloe Sherlock
Local History Project-Last
year transition year
students undertook a
local history project in
conjunction with Creative
Ireland and the Johnston
Cavan Library to record
old photos, memories,
recordings and local
folklore to preserve local
history.
The findings of the
project were then
uploaded
and
converted
into a
Sway
website
that can
be
updated in
the future
forming an online book
on history of the local
area. The website was
officially launched by
Cathaoirleach Shane P.
O’Reilly on Tuesday 5th of
November 2019 in Cavan
Library and was attended
by a number of students,
their teacher Miss Brady
as well as Seán Ó Cualáin
and Seosamh Ó
Suilleabháin who have
pioneered this work in
their local area in
Connemara, Co. Galway.
Well done to all those
involved.
https://sway.office.com/
VqKpR9XJcgGilkIj?ref=em
ail
Fifth Year Report As Christmas draws near, I would like to congratulate the fifth year students on their co-operation and hard work during this term. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Fifth Year students the very best as they
focus on their studies and prepare for their Christmas exams. I
encourage each one of you to try your very best and success will be yours!
I would like to congratulate the appointments of the fifth year Class prefects. Class prefects and deputies have been elected and they have an important role to play in assisting the tutor amongst other duties. These students are Colin McCauley and Hannah McCann (B1), Jake Whyte Duffy and Megan Donegan (B2), Jenny Garland and Sean McMahon (B3) and Caoimhe Rudden and Gavin Fitzpatrick (B4). The sports arena is well represented by fifth year students–particularly in soccer, Gaelic football, camogie and in basketball. Well done! The generosity of our fifth year students must be commended. In particular, I would like to congratulate and thank all the fifth year students who took part in the Christmas shoe box appeal under the guidance and direction of Ms. Vogan. A special word of thanks must go to our talented fifth year students who performed in our recent musical – High School Musical. Your hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and talent provided a show stopping
performance. Well done to all involved. I would like to extend a massive thank you to your tutors Mr. Farrell, Mr. McKenna, Mr. Ross and Ms. Vogan for all their help and support throughout this term. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Best wishes
Ms. Hanna (Year Head)
LCA NEWS
All LCA students are busy preparing for task deadlines, interviews and work experience. The students of A5 have four tasks to complete this year. The students will each complete a portfolio and will be interviewed early next year by a visiting examiner. Halloween examinations have taken place and students are commended for their hard work and dedication to date. Work experience is an integral part of the LCA curriculum and the A5 students will be participating in work experience on the 18th November for a two-week block. We wish them every success in their placements. This is a
great opportunity for all students to explore an area of work which interests them and perhaps gain experience for their future careers. We would sincerely like to thank all local employers who continue to support our school and students. A special word of thanks must go to the talented A5 students who performed in our recent musical – High School Musical. You were fantastic!! A big thank you must go to the makeup artists extraordinaire and the car park team. Your hard work and enthusiasm was greatly appreciated. Well done to all involved. Finally, on behalf of your teachers and tutor Mr. Fitzsimons, I wish you all a very relaxing and peaceful Christmas. Ms. Hanna (LCA Coordinator)
St. Aidan’s visit to Cavan County Museum The Hotel Tourism & Catering class accompanied Ms. Hetherton and Mr Mc
Quillan visited the Cavan County Museum. The County Museum is situated in Ballyjamesduff in Cavan. The Museum is part of the Irelands Ancient East tourist experience. It was opened in 1996 and is a magnificent 19th century building. The building was a former Convent. The Museum houses the material culture of County Cavan and the surrounding districts. Exhibition galleries feature unique Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron age and medieval artefacts. A tour of the Museum provided us with an insight into the heritage of Cavan from antiquity to recent times. The main items of interest was the three-faced pre- Christian Corleck Head, the original of which is in the National Museum in Dublin and was found in the parish of Knockbride in Co. Cavan. The story of the GAA in Cavan was of great interest and we were all amazed by the display of a piece of 2000 year old “bog Butter”. After exploring in inside of the Museum we then went outside to visit the World War 1 Trench Experience. We got a little insight into what life was like for the soldiers in the trenches during the war. There was a
fabulous re- construction of the front of the G.P.O. which looked exactly like the GPO in Dublin. We Finished our Tour in the Peace Garden , where we sat for a while in the winter sunshine after a very enjoyable experience at the Museum. We would highly recommend a visit to the Museum .
SIXTH YEARS
I would like to extend a special welcome to Amanda Cogtiali, Martina Pitzalis, Cecilia Ghitti, Lucia Beckova, Matilde Scianne and Lauren Healy on joining the year group. Congratulations to the following students who have been elected as class and deputy prefects for this academic school year, Sophie Hill and Alyssa O Reilly for A1, Aysia Carolan and Megan Moynagh for A2, Valentinas Ciapas and Hannah Mc Phillips for A3 and Louise Moore and Bernadette Moore in A5. I would like to congratulate all sixth years who have been involved in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities within the school this term. This has been a busy time for the year group with a trip to the RDS in Dublin for a careers exhibition
followed by an information evening here in school on applying to college through the various systems.
As we approach Christmas, I would like to compliment all of you for your continuous hard work and co-operation during this term. As your end of term exams are fast approaching, I encourage each one of you to continue to work at every subject, follow the guidance of your subject teachers, focus on on-going revision and engage positively in study in preparation for these Christmas assessments and remember the more effort you put in the better your results will be. Both the tutors and I wish each one of you every success in your Christmas examinations.
Huge thanks to your tutors Ms. Mc Donald, Mr. Watters, Mr. Lennon and Mr Fitzsimmons for their tremendous help and continuous support throughout this term. Remember the support services in school are available to help you all get the best from your years in St. Aidan’s.
Finally, as Christmas
draws near I want to take
this opportunity to wish
you all and your families
a very happy and safe
Christmas and good
health and happiness in
2020 and look forward to
seeing you all in the New
Year. G Meehan Year Head.
Wild Words Festival and book launch, June 2019 by Caoimhe Rudden
"Wild Words" is an annual writing festival based in Carrick on Shannon. It gives teenagers with an interest in creative writing the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. Over the course of two days, they take part in workshops with Irish writers, poets and playwrights. Every year at the festival, a book filled with short stories and poems written by these teenagers is published, but in order to have yours included you must enter your work before the deadline and even then, only a few are chosen This year I was lucky enough to have my work chosen for publication in Wild Words Volume 7. When I submitted my short story A Queen’s Curse in March, I was hopeful but still didn't expect much. So when I received a letter
confirming that my work had been chosen I was over the moon! June 28th eventually arrived and my family and I headed off to Carrick on Shannon. We arrived at The Docks building at 10am, and I received a badge with my name on it and a little green star. My star colour was to be my group for the next two days. The green group were sent to the auditorium, where there were a few tables and chairs set up with a flipchart board. We took our seats and glanced around at each other, everyone too shy to say anything. We waited a few moments in silence before a woman entered and greeted us, introducing herself as Sarah Maria Griffin, an author from Dublin. She was softly spoken but clearly passionate about her craft, telling us all about her novel, Other Words for Smoke. The first task she assigned us was to think of words to describe the moon. “Circle', was one suggestion. “Luminescent' was another, and so on. She wrote them up on her flipchart with a marker. The she asked us to write
about the moon without using any of the words written down. We stared at her as if she had three heads and she laughed, but encouraged us nonetheless, assuring us that she wouldn't make us read out what we had written. Surprisingly it was easy enough and Sarah said the point of it was to get us away from the 'easy words'. The rest of the session included us writing about a city and what it had seen and things larger than us. Time flew and suddenly it was lunchtime. Our next workshop was with playwright Tom Swift, who paired us up and asked us to learn all we could about our partners. Then we had to introduce them to the rest of the group. It was a fun icebreaker and we were all more relaxed now that we were familiar with each other. He showed us some of his work and a video of a short film he directed. He then began to talk about fairy tales and showed us some notes on a PowerPoint that explained there are only seven plots that a story could follow.
Tom then put us in groups and handed us a sheet and a marker and told us to talk about our favourite fairy tale and summarise the plot. Once we had done that he asked us to rewrite the fairy tales and when we were finished we read them to the group. Some of the things that people had written were hilarious and by the time 4pm rolled around, we were the best of friends.
At 4:30pm there was a panel with all of the professional writers and Helen Carr, the senior editor of this year’s anthology. She asked them all questions about their writing and their inspirations and asked them to share any tips they had for us young writers The next day we were back in our groups and we met with Anna Carey, an author who writes mostly YA fiction. She read out the first line of a famous novel and asked us to write a short story with it. After twenty minutes she went around the table and we all had to read what we had written. Once again we had a good laugh at some of the short stories, especially when it was revealed that someone had written about an
alternate universe where Michael D Higgins was a dictator! We did the same again but with the last line of a novel and afterwards we began talking about clichés and which ones we hated the most. Anna then told us to use the anger we felt towards clichés to fuel us to write the most clichéd short story we could think of! It wasn't hard, especially since there are so many overused clichés in writing. At the end of the session we spoke with her about what being an author was like and she explained how she got herself published, encouraging us to never give up when it came to finding a publisher, especially if writing is something we want to pursue. After an hour long lunch break we were back for our final workshop with poet Colm Keegan. Going in to the workshop I had assumed that we would just be writing poetry, but for the next hour and a half we spoke with Colm about how most poetry doesn't get into the "deep end" of emotions. Then he asked us to anonymously write down our deepest secrets and he would read them out. Some of the things people wrote were heart-
breaking and inspirational at the same time and once we were all overflowing with raw emotion, Colm asked us to write something. It didn't have to be poetry but that's what the majority of us chose. We read out what we had come up with and he made sure that we stood tall and read with confidence. At the end, we all left with mixed emotions, but it quickly gave way to excitement as the group of us headed down to the nearby hotel for the book launch. We received our copies and after a quick speech from the coordinator we signed our names in each other's books. I was eager to read the stories that all of my new friends had written and they certainly didn't disappoint!
It was an amazing weekend and I enjoyed meeting others who have such an incredible passion for writing. I can do nothing but hope that in a few years’ time I might be buying novels written by some familiar names!
Memories
by Aoife Doyle
We were sitting on the roof
Of her little plastic playhouse
Watching the cars go by
At the end of her party, each year.
For a Christmas to be
officially classified as “white”
a single snow flake needs to
be observed falling in the 24
hours of 25th December on
the rooftop of the Met Office
HQ in London.
Causey Farm- Habitat
Study 24/09/2019
The Grassland ecosystem
was thoroughly
investigated by 6th years
from St. Aidan’s
Comprehensive school
recently on their Ecology
field trip. Habitats within
the ecosystem, trees
present in the ecosystem,
organisms, flora and
fauna were all identified
and analysed.
Populations studies were
carried out as well as
light intensity and wind
speed measurements.
Predators, the food chain
and food web featured
also.
All in all, it was a fun and
highly informative and
useful trip.
Student Training
The facilitator Ger Robinson from
"The Super Generation Inspiring
Futures Company" came to St.
Aidan’s on 20/11/19 to train
Senior Prefects, Bus Prefects and
Student Council. This was a most
useful and informative day.
Amazing Brains Courtesy of Bernard Thompson from the company Amazing Brains, students from 2nd- 6th year in St. Aidan’s Comprehensive recently attended informative workshops to assist them to develop the study techniques and strategies
essential for success. Through practical, meaningful and relevant activities, students discovered the merits of active learning, the importance of perseverance and the role of a 'can do' attitude.
Students are expected to think and act more independently, be more self-disciplined, mature and responsible. At this stage students ultimately really begin to take responsibility for and control of their own learning.
BENSON FAMILY PRESENTATION
Audrey Benson replaced pads and battery in our defibrillator in October 2019. This was funded by the Mike Benson
Memorial Fund.
Computer Science
The initial cohort of
students studying
Computer Science in St.
Aidan’s Comprehensive
School, Cootehill were
among the other
students in Ireland who
undertook the Computer
Science Trial of
Examination
arrangements on
Wednesday 23rd October
under the guidance of
their teacher Ms Noone.
This will be the first
Leaving Certificate
subject to be assessed
with an online
examination held in May
2020 worth 70% and a
project worth 30% which
will be issued in January.
There is a strong
emphasis on group work
and project management
with 4 group projects,
Applied Learning Tasks
(ALTs) completed over
the two years. The
second phase of this pilot
subject has commenced
with 5th year students
studying Computer
Science.
Computer Science Trip to
Bletchley Park March
2020
The Computer Science
students are eagerly
looking forward to their
visit to Bletchley Park in
March to visit the
locations were the WW2
Code-Breaking team
successfully broke the
German code using a
Turing Machine
developed by Alan Turing
along with a visit to The
National Museum of
Computing.
Coding-The current 3rd
year coding class will be
the first group of
students to complete a
Coding short course in St.
Aidan’s Comprehensive
School. There is no
examination at Junior
Cycle for a short course
instead they are assessed
through their Classroom
Based Assessments. The
current first year coding
class are also studying
Digital Media Literacy,
they will be the first class
in St. Aidan’s to complete
two short courses in their
Junior Cycle studies. A
clear pathway from
Junior Cycle to Leaving
Certificate for all students
interested in a career in
computing now exists in
St. Aidan’s
Comprehensive School.
Bebras-Coding and
Computer Science
students in all year
groups participated in the
national annual Bebras
Computational Thinking
Challenge during the first
week in November. The
students who perform
the best in the country
get invited to National
Finals which are usually
held in NUIM. All
students who
participated will receive a
certificate.
The Bebras Computing
Challenge introduces
computational thinking to
students, by allowing
them to solve interactive
tasks online. It is run in
over 40 countries and
takes place every
November. The tasks can
be answered without
prior knowledge about
computational thinking or
information and
communication
technology. The aim of
Bebras is to get students
all over the world excited
about computing.
Keith Quille Workshop
with 6th year Computer
Science Students
Keith Quille from TUD
travelled to Cootehill to
work with the 6th year
Computer Science
students. The students
enjoyed an introduction
to JavaScript. Keith was
very impressed with the
work undertaken by
Matthew Foster and
Oistin Rutledge where
the used their
programming skills to
develop a website to
convert CAO points into
UCAS points. Both
Matthew & Oistin got
inspired while completing
their UCAS applications.
ST. AIDAN’S COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, COOTEHILL NATIONAL WELLREAD AWARD .
St. Aidan’s
Comprehensive received
the “National Wellread
Award” on Thursday 21st
November 2019 at a
ceremony in the Hodson
Bay Hotel, Athlone. The
Wellread Initiative is
designed and organised
by the Professional
Development Service for
Teachers (P.D.S.T. ) . It is
a whole School initiative
involving students,
parents, staff and the
wider community taking
part in a range of reading
and associated activities.
This Wellread Award
awarded in recognition of
our efforts in creating a
reading culture in our
school which we believe
will bring about an
overall improvement in
students’ literacy skills in
a fun and engaging
way. Our journey is just
beginning. We hope to
maintain this award over
the coming years by
continuing to nurture a
reading culture in our
school by encouraging
students and staff to
borrow some of the many
books we provide in the
Ó Mórdha Library and by
having various reading
initiative throughout our
school Community.
A sincere word of thanks
to everyone in our school
and the wider community
for embracing this
initiative and a huge
thank you to Ms. Aoife
McQuaid and Ms
Hetherton for their work.
We are very proud of this
award which belongs to
everyone at St. Aidan’s.
Lauryna Simanskyte and
Domnic Connell (Library
committee members)
along with Ms Hetherton
accepted the Award on
behalf of the School .
Wellread Awards
2019 : (L-R)Ms.
Hetherton (teacher at St
Aidan’s Comprehensive )
Patricia Forde (Author),
Domnic Connell and
Lauryna Simanskyte (Ó
Mórdha Library
committee) and Mona
Metcalfe (P.D.S.T)
HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS
There are many different
coding initiatives and
competitions which are
open to all students to
enter. Students
interested in entering any
of the competitions listed
should speak with Ms
Noone.
1. Hour of Code –
December
9th – 15th
The Hour of Code takes
place each year
during Computer Science
Education Week
December 9th –
December 15th.
Computer Science
Education Week is held
annually in recognition of
the birthday of
computing
pioneer Admiral Grace
Murray
Hopper (December 9,
1906). All students who
complete their Hour of
Code will receive a
certificate.
2. Do Your Bit
Microbit
Challenge –
Closing Date 28th
February 2020
A new BBC
micro:bit
challenge for
children and teens to
combine creativity and
technology in solutions
for the Global Goals. This
challenge will focus on
Global Goals 14 and 15.
We want you to come up
with innovative ways to
use your micro:bit to help
protect life on land and
below water. 6 winners,
teams or individuals,
from regions across the
world will win a trip to
London, UK, to take part
in an exciting do your :bit
event and receive a
selection of micro:bit
goodies.
3. Google Doodle –
Opens on 6th
January 2020
Entries for the
annual Google
Doodle
competition open
on 6th January
2020. The prizes
in recent years for
winners included
a Google
Chromebook and
€5,000 college
scholarship for
the winner along
with a €10,000
Technology Grant
for the school.
The details of
themes and prizes
for 2020 will be
released shortly.
4. Scratch – Closing
date 10th
February
2020
The next
National Scratch
Competition is
open for entries
and deadline for
project
submissions
is 10th February
2020. All
students who take
part and enter a
project will
receive a
certificate. Project
entries can be
from an individual
or from a team of
not more than 3
students per
team. The Scratch
National Final will
take place during
Tech Week 2020
(28 March-3
April).
5th Green Flag Success
for St. Aidan’s under
the theme of
Biodiversity
St. Aidan’s has achieved
the success of five Green
Flags since 2006 under
the themes of Litter &
Waste (2006), Energy
(2010), Water (2012),
Travel (2015) and
Biodiversity (2019). The
success criteria behind
the Green Flags began by
instilling an awareness in
the student body on the
importance of
environmental issues and
to think of protecting our
environment for future
generations to come. In
2016 St. Aidan’s
celebrated 50 years of
education in the Cootehill
area. To link in our
Green-Schools theme
under Biodiversity a
beautiful garden was
designed by Barry
Kavanagh as a living
memory dedicated to
past and present staff
and students. The garden
includes a wetland area,
a woodland area, native
hedge rows, a wildflower
area, a range of
shrubbery, a living wall,
bat boxes, bird feeders
and an outdoor
classroom with a range of
benches dedicated to
past, present and future
staff and students
designed by Mr.
Fitzsimons (Woodwork
Teacher) A time capsule
is placed in the centre of
the design. A huge thank
you must go to our
horticulture teacher Ms.
Joanne Corbett who
worked on the planning
of our Biodiversity
garden. Our Green Flag
success has made both
staff and students more
aware of their
contribution to
conserving our
environment and
reducing our carbon
footprint in the years and
decades ahead. A huge
thank you to everybody
who helped in any way in
achieving our Green Flag
success. Go raibh míle
maith agaibh!
Dearbhla McCormick / Sophie Murphy (3rd Year students) / Cathal Boylan (Waste Management Section Cavan County Council) Ms. Scanlon( ( (Green Schools Co-ordinator)
Cycling by Caolan Roberts
The trees’ green coats had been
Strewn on the ground.
Light crept through their bare branches
and scattered,
On the small country road.
Cavities were dotted across it
and train tracks of grass
Grew down it.
Upon it – I was a clockwork toy
Fully wound up,
My legs like spinning turbines.
Behind me – My parents
Their feet skimming the ground,
Ripples of dust from each step.
Their smiles stark on their faces.
I charged on
Between the guard of honour
Over the incline
and into the horizon.
5th Year Physics Wind Farm Trip
Our 5th year students enjoyed a
presentation and site visit on the
nearby Mountain Lodge farm site.
Two ESB employees came into the
school and gave the students an
overview on the operation and
construction of the site and the
power output capabilities.
We were then taken onsite and given
a tour of the sub-station and control
rooms before being brought up to
one of the turbines and given access
to the inside of the turbine to see
first-hand how it all comes together.
It was a very interesting and
informative visit and all the students
really enjoyed it and were taken back
at the sheer scale and size of these
machines and their capabilities.
Lidl Competition Winners 2019 St Aidan’s
Comprehensive were
very fortunate to win this
year’s Lidl Serious
support competition for
secondary schools.
Selected schools take
part in a brand new
#SeriousSupport
programme delivered by
LGFA county level players
which aims to show girls
the benefits of playing
sport both on and off the
pitch. We have already
had visits from Donegal
Senior Ladies Footballer
and AFL player Katy
Herron. We also collected
a brand new set of
jerseys, footballs, cones,
bibs and water bottles.
Shoppers were invited to
nominate their local LGFA
post-primary school by
logging on to
www.lidl.ie/jerseys and
entering the 10 digit
unique code found at the
end of all till receipts. So
we thank everyone that
helped us to
Since 2016, over €3.5
million has already been
invested in The Ladies
Gaelic Football
Association by Lidl Ireland
through programmes
which include Lidl’s
Future Stars, Post
Primary Schools and Club
competitions which
continue to drive
awareness of the sport
across the country
Pictured at the Lidl store in Cavan at the prize hand-over for the Lidl LGFA post-primary schools store competition are students and representatives from St.
Aidan's Comprehensive school LGFA team with their Teacher Ms. English and Lidl Cavan Store Manager.
As part of the competition, Lidl donated jerseys and equipment,
worth €250,000 to 145 post-primary school teams across Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to serious support for ladies' GAA at all levels.
New Season Kicks Off
in St. Aidan’s
The U19 team began their campaign against a well-organised Bawnboy team who worked exceptionally hard throughout. Eventually the team managed to overcome their opponents on a 3-0 score line. In their second game, they faced up to an excellent Collegiate side who had some superb footballers within their ranks. The team worked well and played some lovely football, but twice had to come from behind. They did have chances to win the game, but overall both teams deserved a draw on their efforts. They now await their next game. The U17 side began their campaign away to Belturbet. They were the superior team on the day and hard as Belturbet tried they had no answer to the tempo of the Aidan’s boys. They await their next fixture against
the Royal in the near future.
The U15 team also began with a win defeating a hardworking Collegiate side 4-0 on the day. They have two further games to play against Inver and Colaiste Oiriall.
SENIOR GIRLS vs AQUINAS
Our Senior Girls Gaelic
team bowed out of the
Ulster competition at the
quarter final stage on
Friday the 22nd of
November. The girls met
a strong team from
Aquinas Belfast who
stormed to a 5 goal lead
in the first half with St
Aidan’s only putting 1.05
on the scoreboard.
However, our girls went
out all guns blazing in the
second half winning the
throw up and grabbing a
goal to start the second
half off. The next two
scores were also goals
for St Aidan’s and the
comeback was on.
Unfortunately, the
mountain was too tall to
climb and Aquinas
finished the half with a
penalty goal slotted into
the corner calmly. The
game finished St Aidan’s
5.08 to Aquinas 8.08.
Well done to all the girls
for their commitment all
year and special word of
thanks goes to our
Leaving certs for their
commitment over the
past 6 years.
U20 ULSTER LADIES
GAELIC BLITZ, CLOGHAN,
MONDAY 7TH OCTOBER
2019
St Aidan’s senior girls
Gaelic team participated
in the Ulster U20 blitz in
Cloghan on Monday the
7th of October. The girls
played very well in all
games. In game one St
Aidan’s beat Breifne
College on a score line of
3.05 to 0.01 with Sarah
Clarke and Aoibhe Morris
in flying form. St Aidan’s
went on to play Inver
College in game two, this
was a tougher test but St
Aidan’s played some
great football. Solid
performances came from
Amy Hall and Catherine
Ahearne and St Aidan’s
won by 2.03 in the end.
St Aidan’s topped their
group and met
ST AIDAN’S SPORT
St Joseph’s from
Crossmaglen in the semi-
final. This game saw
plenty of goals with Leah
Cosgrove in form in the
forward line and Siobhan
McCabe covering every
blade of grass on the
pitch. Megan Moynagh
and Ellen Clegg starred in
the back line. St Aidan’s
won on a score line of
2.05 to 6.03 setting them
up for a final spot against
St Pat’s Keady, last year’s
Ulster Finalists. This was
the toughest game of the
day especially as legs had
started to tire. St Aidan’s
went in at half time 1.04
to 0.00 at half time and
left themselves with too
much to do. In fairness to
the girls they battled hard
and only conceded one
point in the second half.
Unfortunately they just
came up short losing out
narrowly by 1.05 to 0.04.
This places St Aidan’s into
the quarter finals of the
cup competition. Best of
luck to the girls in the
next match.
Senior Hurling
Our U19 senior boys began the year with a preliminary group stage
containing Monaghan/Cavan schools and faced schools from
Monaghan Town and Carrickmacross. Despite few training sessions the
lads glued together and performed very well. Some excellent
performances included those from Sean McMahon, Oliver Leddy, and
Gavin Fitzpatrick. St. Aidans topped this group and secured themselves
in an Ulster quarter final.
In the Ulster quarter Final, St. Aidans faced a gallant Co. Tyrone team,
St. Joesphs of Donaghmore. The boys had put in the effort at training
and although considering the students of St. Joesphs had recent
success with local clubs at minor level, the boys were unfazed.
Unbelievable performances from each player on the day seen St.
Aidans secure a 22 point victory over the opponents. The boys showed
extreme character and skill with outstanding performances from Phillip
McCabe, Rian Delaney, Cian Smith and Brandon McGerty.
In the Ulster Semi Final, St. Aidans faced a very strong St. Columb’s
College from the Hurling Strong hold of Derry. The game was held in
Tyrone GAA centre of excellence, Garvaghy. With extreme weather
conditions on the day St. Aidans played into a powerful wind during the
first half and were trailing at the interval. With the wind on their back
during the second half, leading figures such as James Tully, Conor
Bannon and brothers, Cillian & Darragh Boyle brought along the lads
with a much better 2nd half performance. Unfortunately the gap was
too large and it wasn’t to be St. Aidan’s day.
Well done to all the lads involved on reaching an Ulster Semi Final !
Team: Rian Delaney, Daire Dillion, Jack Morris, Cian Smith, Kian Donohoe,
Sean McMahon, Darragh Boyle, Conor Bannon, Phillip McCabe, Morgan Hall,
Gavin Fitzpatrick, Oliver Leddy, Cillian Boyle, James Tully, Dylan Adams,
Aaron Crowe, Conn Dillion, Cian Farrelly, Oisin Lynch, Christopher Dunn,
Kain O’Connor, Adam Clarke, Joe McQuillian, Oisin Harkin, Colin McCauley,
Jack Rutledge, Andrew Raz
1st Year Hurling
Our 1st years competed in a
Monaghan/Cavan schools, Hurling
competition in the Monaghan
GAA centre of excellence back in
October. The boys played 4 games
on the day winning all games. The
boys had a very enjoyable day and
showed they are some great
future stars for St. Aidans
On Thursday the 3rd of
October we travelled to
Breffnie College to
kickstart our campaign.
We got off to a very good
start and were winning
well at the end of the
first quarter. Breffni
really got into the game
in the second quarter
and it was nip and tuck
for both the second and
third quarter. We put up
a good fight but
unfortunately, we missed
too many chances. In the
end the home side were
the better team on the
day.
St. Aidan’s U16 girls’
basketball team travelled
to Kingscourt to play
Colaiste Dun An Ri on the
8th of October. We got off
to a good start with Ines
Martinez scoring three
brilliant baskets in the
opening quarter. It was
another tight battle and
in the second quarter the
home side edged ahead,
and we couldn’t catch up.
Colaiste Dun An Ri ran
out the
winners with
the score line
of 28-14. It
was an
intense game,
but luck
wasn’t on our
side. We had
too many
missed
opportunities
with our
shooting. Our next game
will be on the 23rd of
October.
U16 Girls Gaelic .V. Ballybay CS Thursday 26th September 2019
St Aidan’s: 2.10 Ballybay C.S: 3.07
The U16 Girls Gaelic team started their 2019 campaign off on Thursday 26th September 2019 with a
home game against Ballybay CS. The game started off slow with Ballybay getting onto the scoreboard
first. Captain Amy Hall, Catherine Ahearne and Molly Smith battled hard in the first half to keep the
scores close. Eva O’Grady palmed a lovely ball to the net for St Aidan’s also. St Aidan’s went in at half
time 1.01 down with it all to do in the second half. Lavina McGill slotted over a number of points early
in the second half and Jorja O’Reilly kept the Ballybay attack quiet at the back. St Aidan’s had all the
possession but accumulated too many wides. It finished up St Aidan’s 2.10 to Ballybay C.S 3.07 and a
draw was a very fair result after a tough contest between too very strong teams. St Aidan’s play Largy
C.S next.
U16 Girls’ Basketball 2019 Campaign
Senior Camogie
On 14th October St
Aidan’s Senior Camogie
team took to the field to
play their first match of
the year. St Aidan’s
started strong and were
victorious over Lurgan.
Next up were old rivals
Castleblaney and again St
Aidan’s went out strong
and played another great
game to beat Blaney.
This set us up for our last
game against a strong, fit
and unbeaten Dean
Maguire team from
Carrickmore. It was point
for point and very little
separated the teams but
in the end we were
defeated narrowly by just
2 points. We
were
Disappointed to
lose this game
but we were
setup for a
playoff with
neighbouring
rivals Breifne
College. Breifne
are no strangers to
ourselves having played
many competitive
matches over the years
so this was never going to
be an easy challenge.
St Aidan’s met Breifne in
Breifne Park Cavan and
the competitive game
began. Again, there was
little between the sides
throughout the game and
at half-time. In the
second half St Aidan’s
pushed on knowing that
victory would ensure an
Ulster semi-final place.
This was enough to
encourage and motivate
our players to get over
the line and ensured
victory once again.
Well done girls on a great
first term and best of luck
as you face Gleann na Ró
Limavady in the semi-
final on Wednesday 27th.
Ádh mór!!
ST AIDAN’S SENIOR FOOTBALL TEAM
Well done to our senior boys team who have qualified for the Ulster quarter final last week. In our qualification
group we beat Sacred Heart Omagh and Lismore Craigavon both comprehensively to get to the next stage. The
boys are training 2/3 per week as they get ready for their up coming games. They don’t know our next
opponents in the Ulster quarter final yet. We also play Baileborough next week in the Cavan semi final next
week so we wish them all the best in their up coming games.
St Aidan’s Students Shine in School Musical!
by TY Students Aislingh Brady, Caolan Fitzsimons, and Hannah Moynagh
From the 12th to the 14th of November, St. Aidans’ students performed their take on Disney’s “High School Musical”. The show was directed by Born 2 Perform’s Gavin Quigley, choreographed by the incredible Paige Cunningham, and had Siobhan Maguire’s passionate and irreplaceable musical direction. We also had assistance from many of the most hard working teachers in the school, who took the time out of their evenings and weekends to make sure everything ran smoothly.
The process for this show began all the way back in June 2019, when the first auditions were held. Over that summer, roles were cast, and the rehearsal process began in August. The leads were casted by Siobhan Maguire and Gavin Quigley. The whole cast agrees that Gabriella Montez could not have been played better than by Oniosa Fitzsimons, and
Hannah McPhillips was a flawless Sharpay Evans. The male lead, Troy Bolton was played naturally by St. Aidan’s resident “Male Lead” Oisin Lynch, and newcomer to musical theatre, Caolan Fitzsimons portrayed Ryan Evans particularly well.
Since the first day we received the script, it was abundantly clear that this show was going to take a lot of effort and help from all sides. We began to learn our lines, memorize our dances, plan a set, and form friendships with our cast. This show formed so many new bonds between members of cast and crew, and it was an incredible experience, even from the initial rehearsals.
In the months leading up to the show, work was tireless. Near-daily singing practices, weekly dance rehearsals, and not to mention all the backstage work being done. All of the students building sets, writing programs, designing and searching out costumes, building and seeking out props, and assisting teachers when things got too hectic were the backbone of this
show. All of the background work that usually goes unnoticed was done so thoughtfully and professionally, and this show wouldn’t have looked so good if it wasn’t for them.
Yes, the work grew exhausting, but it was definitely worth it when we got to the actual show. We would like to thank everyone who came to see it, as the show was so fun to perform. All of our hard work really came to fruition on the show dates. Singing those songs and saying those lines truly felt different when we had such a great audience. Once we got our costumes on for the first time, everything felt so different. The show now may be over, but the friendships made over this show will last a lifetime- and we will never get those songs out of our heads.
St. Aidan’s Comprehensive recent production of “High School Musical” was the result of a great deal of hard work on the part of all involved. The cast was drawn from all year groups within the school and each member was very focused in preparing for their various roles.
The musical offered us a chance to harness the great musical talent we have in the school and to nurture new talents. Huge work has gone on behind the scenes over the last number of months and credit must be given to all staff members who rowed in right from day one to make this production the huge success it was. Such productions are only possible with the generosity of a staff that gives freely of their time and expertise in many different roles and areas.
The financial support for this production from our local community has been incredible. Without the generous advertisers, sponsors and donors, a show like this would not be possible.
The final word must go to the students – the budding stars of the show who really demonstrated maturity and commitment to the show. It was a joy to see many students, who barely mustered the courage to put themselves forward and audition, transform into confident young actors, singers and
dancers! Those onstage were ably supported by their invisible peers who made it all work and flow seamlessly. It was a superb team effort – well done to all involved!
Oisín Lynch Troy
Oníosa Fitzsimons Gabriella
Caolán Fitzsimons Ryan
Hannah Mc Phillips Sharpay
Christian Hennessy Chad
Hannah Mc Cann Taylor
David Calvert Zeke
Ciara Mc Donagh Martha
Laura BannonMs Darbus
Adrian Mc DonaldCoach Bolton
Aislingh BradyJackie Scott
Kayla FarrellKelsi
Joseph Byrne Mr Tenney
Brainiacs
Tríona Morris, Lauren Whyte, Aoife Brazil, Liam Smith, Lauryna Simanskyte, Annita Chuenglin, Mai Murdock, Aoife Mc Cullagh,
Claudia Armengol, Emma Greenan, Ashling McCracken Roche, Carlota Jimenez, Sheila Viera Gonzalez, Claudia Toledo, Ellen Mc Caul.
Thespians
Lee Pepper, Eoghan Mc Caul, Darragh Hall, Ava
Tate, Rebecca Vogan,
Naomi Gibson, Brona Joyce, Tara Mc Glynn, Katie Ward, Emma Mc Mullen, Dearbhla Mc Cormick, Liana Liene Meldere, Kaitlyn Mooney, Iwo Chmura, Micaela Prior, Niamh Rice, Amy Farrelly, Chloe McCabe, Dominic Connell, Zilvinas Jonaitis
Jocks:
Dean Carroll, Callum O’Reilly, Cillian Boyle, Owen Comiskey, Ryan Conroy, Jamie Shanley, Cian Daly, Gabriel Pugnaire.
Cheerleaders:
Ines Saz Grana, Lila Mc Caul, Kaitlin Hughes, Katie Kelly, Ellen Gallagher, Kate Mc Caul, Cody Mc Dermott, Ellen Maguire, Megan Lynch, Katie Foster, Caitlin Rice, Bernadette Moore, Sofia Giacalone.
Side Choir:
Lauren Moynagh, Lily Moynagh, Leah Woods, Laura Mc Caul, Rebeka Brady, Cecilia Ghitti, Martina Pitzalis, Shainel Davies, Paula Luedecke, Franziska Bender, Megan Mills, Teresa Patella, Anita West, Mailysse Galy, Corinne Mc Dermott, Jane Mc Kay,Laura Pujol.
Stress Management Course All leaving certificate students participated in stress management through the use of essential oils and Indian head massage. The workshops was given by Ms. Ciara Kirk a Therapist in the Sulius Centre in Carrickmacross.
Maynooth University Ms. Kay Mitchel gave a presentation to all leaving certificate students about the options available to them in NUI Maynooth.
Top tips for Mental Health and Wellbeing for Christmas
1. Take care of
yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep and exercise. Control your alcohol consumption and limit your indulgence in high fat or sugary foods which leads to low mood and anxiety.
2. Recognize signs of stress and use relaxation techniques
when you begin to get irritated or upset such taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk or taking a break.
3. Have realistic expectations of family and friends. Just because it is Christmas,
does not mean the attitudes or behaviours of relatives and friends will change. Accept this and plan how you will respond to help keep the Christmas spirit.
4. Make time for yourself.
This time does not need to cost anything and can include going for a walk or reading a book. Schedule time for yourself during the busy Christmas period.
5. Study or not to study??? We all need a break so plan now the days you are taking off the usual Christmas eve, Christmas day, St Stephens day the day after (as you will probably be going out) New year’s Eve and New Year’s day. Study then on the days you have not booked off, but work at you best time. If you need to sleep till 12 then do and
study after that. But do a few hours every day. This will help to reduce stress and anxiety when you have a plan. Dedicate a subject /topic you wish to do on that day. You’ll feel great once you have it done.
6. If you experience
persistent low mood or anxiety, consider professional help. There is a wealth of experience and expertise available to deal with mental health difficulties.
Drugs and Alcohol Helpline 1800459 459
AWARE (depression) helpline 1890 303 302
Samaritans (all issues) 1850 60 90 90
SENIOR PREFECTS
Back (Left to Right): Alysia Carolan, Megan Moynagh, Rebecca Greenan, Dara Moffett, Chloe Connolly, Hannah McPhillips
Front (Left to Right): Tara Tiernan, Amy Garland, Lauren Clerkin, Claire McCaul, Leah Cosgrove
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Week No Date No of
days Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Week 17 D
ece
mb
er
2nd-6th 5
3rd & 5th Year PTM
Week 18 9th-13th 5
Week 19 16th-20th 5
Mentoring/Christmas Exams
TY Work exp x 1 week Staff Day
Week 20 23rd-27th 0 Christmas
Week 21
Jan
uar
y
30th-3rd 0 Christmas
Week 22 6th-10th 5
Week 23 13th-17th 5 Planning
JCT Cluster Day No School
Week 24 20th-24th 5
Week 25
Feb
ruar
y
27th-31st 5
TY & 1st Year PTM
Week 26 3rd-7th 5 Mock Exams
Incoming 1st Year Assess
8th
Week 27 10th-14th 5
Mock Exams/LCVP Work exp TY Trip
Week 28 17th-22nd 0 Mid Term
Week 29 24th-28th 5
Planning /Geog Field Trip LC
Week 30
Week 31
Mar
ch
2nd-6th 5 LCA Work exp 1 wk
ACCS Convention
ACCS Convention
ACCS Convention
Week 32 9th-13th 5
Catholic School Week TY Mass Planning 1st Year Retreat
Week 33 16th-20th 4 Spanish Group
St Patrick's Day
Week 34 23rd-27th 5
Week 35
Ap
ril
30th-3rd 5 Planning
Week 36 6th-10th 0 Easter
Week 37 13th-17th 0 Easter
Week 38 20th-24th 5
Week 39
May
27th-1st 5
Week 40 4th-8th 4 Bank Holiday
ACCS Ed Conf
Week 41 11th-15th 5 TY Grad/NS Blitz
18th-22nd 5 TY Work exp x1 wk 6th Year Grad
In House Prize
Week 42
Jun
e
25th-29th 5 TY Work exp x1 wk
In house Exams Staff Day
Week 43
Week 44 1st-6th 0 LC Begins