Newsletter Summer 2003
A DAY AT THE ZOO - AWARDS
CEREMONY 2003 – BASKETBALL - CAREERS FOR
LEAVING CERTS - Farewell to Xose - FIFTH YEAR FRENCH STUDENTS – GRADUATION NIGHT - HOCKEY
- HOME SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON - JUNIOR CERTIFICATE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME - LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL
PROGRAMME - MAURA MOONEY - ORLAITH FALLON - PLANS
FOR THE FUTURE - SECOND YEARS – HANDS ON - SPANISH STUDENTS IN TABLE QUIZ - STUDENT INVESTMENT CHALLENGE - Substance abuse - THE CHALLENGER PROGRAMME - THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION - THE STUDENT COUNCIL – SPECIAL OLYMPICS REPORT
- TRANSITION YEAR 2002-2003 - Treasa Boyle’s Retirement - UNDERAGE DRINKING – KNOW THE SCORE - WHERE SILENCE IS GOLDEN
First
Year Students went on a trip to the zoo in May.
We
went to school and the busses collected u at 10.20. When we got to the Zoo we
went to the information desk to get a map for the treasure hunt. After that we
were allowed to go wherever we wanted to – but only in groups.
We
saw he monkeys first – they were really cute. On the other hand, the gorilla
was so fat that he could not walk we went on to look at the wolves. Some of the
girls thought that this was too scary. The cheetahs had beautiful fur.
We
really enjoyed the seals because they were being fed and were jumping up and
down in the water and splashing everyone. We also saw the penguins being fed –
they were eating like savages.
We
saw animals that we had never even heard of in the “African Planes” area.
There were animals like the Red Log – it was really ugly.
It
was a great day for everyone and we would like to thank Ms.Lalor and all the
teachers for giving us a day out.
Celine Joyce
The
awards ceremony took place in the school gym on Monday, May 19th.
The guest speaker was MARIA GLEESON. Maria is a past pupil of Mercy College.
She is now head of the Department of Art and Design in the Liberties. Maria
made a short and encouraging speech. She then presented the awards.
A
huge number of students received awards. The main categories are as follows:
The
outgoing head girl, deputy head girl and the senior prefects
The
student council members,
The
librarians
Those
who got the best Leaving Cert. Results and the best Junior Cert. Results
Students
with full attendance
Students
with the best academic record in each class
Students
who made a supreme effort
Trophies
were awarded to the “Student of the Year” in each year group and the overall
“Student of the Year” was awarded to Pamela Carr.
Special
awards were made for outstanding contributions in the areas of Music, Art and
Sport.
Other
special awards were made to Amanda Evans for co-operation and commitment to
helping at parent teacher meetings. Jane Butler was presented with a
certificate in recognition of the fact that she raised E200 in the “Sponsor an
Athlete” fund raising. The “Best Kept Room” was awarded to room 12 and the
shield for the group with the “Best Class Spirit” went to room 6.
Room
11 were presented with an award for their care of the environment and for
organising the bottle re-cycling scheme. Room 9 received an award for their
work in maintaining room 13.
The
final part of the ceremony was when the new prefects for the year 2003 to 2004
were presented with their badges – they are
Jamie
Arthurs
Lesley
Brant
Elaine
Burke
Frances
Caffrey
Denise
Donoghue
Emma
Fagan
Leanne
Fitzsimons
Clare
Hampson
Emma
Kelly
Maeve
Killeen
Leanne
Lawless
Elizabeth
Mulvaney
Sarah
O’Connor
Tracey
Wade.
The
new head Girl is SABRINA WOODS.
The
new Deputy Head Girls are CAROLINE McCALL and MARGARET HOGAN.
We
wish them all the best of luck for next year.
Congratulations to all award winners.
Outstanding
success on the club scene.
It
has been a very exciting season for the Mercy basketball programme with
outstanding success for the club’s senior team. The senior ladies, comprising
past pupils from the school, won 4 major trophies. They won the Dublin Division
1 Title, Dublin Cup, National League Division 1 and the All Ireland
Championships.
This
resulted in the club being voted National League Division 1 “club
of the year.”
Our
under 19 team finished runners up in the Dublin League.
On
the school front it has been a quiet year. This is due to a drop off in the
amount of Third and Forth years playing. However we have a good group of
dedicated players in First year plus we have established a strong link with
Scoil Caitriona and most of these players will play next year. If we are to
keep the excellent name for basketball in Mercy College Coolock, we must
encourage more of our First and Second years to participate.
I
would like to thank Annette Ingle, Eleanor Curran, Lynsay Peat, Mick Brew and
Bobby Temple for assisting with the coaching and especially Ms. Maura Mooney
who has supported the basketball programme with such enthusiasm.
We
would like to extend our best wishes to her on her retirement.
Looking
forward to next season
MARK
INGLE
[Head
coach, Mercy Coolock Basketball]
Mercy
College Basket Ball has been enormously successful – especially over the past
12 years. Evidence of this success is on display in the school gym. A
collection of photographs shows the main events and the people involved..
Ms.Cassidy of the Art department has produced
a series of striking wall hangings listing the achievements of the
players. Hopefully we will be able to
add to this display in the near future.
Throughout
the year, guest speakers were invited to address the Leaving Cert. Classes on
issues concerning various careers. Many different career options were explored,
for example, nursing, teaching and aspects of business - to name but a few.
Students
attended open days throughout the year beginning with a visit to the R.D.S.
They also attended the Irish Times Higher Options open day.
The
links with D.C.U. continue to grow and many students have applied for the “North
Dublin Access Programme”.
Many
students have attended interviews for college places; indeed some have been
offered places already. Others must wait patiently until the C.A.O. make offers
for Universities or Institutes of Technology in mid August. Students, as usual,
have chosen from a wide variety of subject areas.
The
Sixth Years celebrated their graduation mass in St. Brendan’s Church, Coolock
on Tuesday May 20th. It was a moving experience with both laughter
and tears. The Head Girl, LORNA HOWARD
spoke of new beginnings. She wished the sixth Years to have courage crossing
the threshold to a new phase in life. She hoped that all the students would be
successful in their career choices.
Ms.
Heron also addressed the students. She encouraged them to continue to show the
generosity of spirit for which they were renowned during their years in Mercy
College.
Well
done for being such a great year group and good luck with the future.
EVELYN CONEELEY.
CAREERS TEACHER.
A
letter to Xose from his chief admirer.
Another
school year has passed by so quickly. But this year I have something to
remember it by and that’s you Xose. I am sure all of the Spanish classes would
agree that it has been a great help to us having you over in Ireland, teaching
us Spanish, telling us about the Spanish way of life and how you celebrate
Christmas, Easter and other occasions. I can remember the first class I ever
had with you and I know I will remember the last. You will always hold that
special place in our hearts. I will finish off now by saying, on behalf of
everyone in Mercy College, thanks for making our school year more enjoyable and
we hope to hear from you in the future.
Adios.
Lisa
McLoughlin.
Two
Fifth Year students, EMMA FAGAN and JENNIFER GOOD are going to France in
late July to study French. The Board of Management is supporting them in their
studies. We would like to wish them
“Bon Voyage” and look forward to their report on their experiences in
the next newsletter.
Gaeltacht
Scholarships.
Comghairdeas
to the following students who received Gaeltacht scholarships of either E100 or
E50 from the Board of Management
Sarah
Cassidy 2.1
Orla
Healy 2.1
Deirdre
Mc Call 2.1
Jemma
Kirby 3.2
Alison
Harrington 3.3
Aisling
Keenan 3.3
Jayne
Howard 3.3
Fiona
Healy 3.1
Louise
Murray 3.1
All
nine students will attend Irish Colleges in Conemara, County Galway, during the
summer. We wish them an enjoyable and safe holiday. Go n’eiri an t-adh libh!.
The
Irish Department is very grateful to the Board of management for its generous
contribution. Mile Buiochas.
The
Summer Hockey League began in May. All students were invited to participate and
over 100 names appeared on the list. The tournament was organised by Sixth
years – especially LORNA HOWARD and ANGELA QUINN. A Sixth Year coached each of the teams. The students refereed all
of the matches. It had been hoped that all of these activities would take place
outdoors, but because of weather conditions, many of the matches had to be
played indoors. In the final league match, Lorna’s team were runners up and the
winners were Angela’s team.
Ms.
Mooney presented medals to both teams. The Hockey players were especially
grateful since this was Ms. Mooney’s last official “engagement”.
The
Sports Department would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Harrison for
all of the time and effort she gives to the development of Hockey in the
school. Sincere gratitude is also extended to Ms. Mooney on her retirement. She
has given help and encouragement to the staff and students involved in sport in
Mercy College.
ART
AND CRAFFT.
Art
classes for parents and members of the community continued after Christmas. The
Scoil Caitriona and St. Brendan’s parents organised and recruited parents to
attend an excellent course on quilt making.
PERSONAL
DEVELOPMEMT.
Work
on self-esteem is on going in the parents’ room. Rose Fitzpatrick gave a course
in “Assertiveness”.
DRUG
AWARENESS.
Ongoing
drugs awareness courses for parents and students were organised between the
Resource Centre, the Parish Centre, Mercy College and other local schools. Four
talks took place and they were very well attended. The Drugs Awareness
Programme is ongoing and is open to parents and students.
THE
TRANSFER PROGRAMME FOR NEW FIRST YEARS AND THEIR PARENTS.
A
meeting for the parents of new first Years took place in the school on April 7th.
Teachers and parents facilitated workshops for the new parents. Special thanks
to parents, teachers and students for their time and support.
Transfer
workshops took place for the incoming first Year students. Some of the fifth
Year students and some parents facilitated these workshops. Mandy Scully, a
Drug Awareness co-ordinator participated in these workshops.
A
sports morning was held in Mercy College on May 20th for the
incoming students, special thanks to Ms. Whelehan, Ms. McGuigan and a great
bunch of fifth years for making this a most enjoyable event.
The
Local Committee continues to focus on self-esteem / health / drugs awareness
issues. As a result of a needs analysis done in the local area by the Resource
Centre it is hoped to get something done for the elderly. It is also hoped that
the local committee will focus on providing support for the parents of special
needs students and for parents and students who are having difficulty dealing
with death or separation.
Two
members of the Student Council attended the Local Committee. They contributed
to a discussion on how we can out-reach to the needs of the local community.
Members of the School Council will continue to attend these meetings and we
look forward to their involvement and contribution.
SUPPORT
GROUPS.
Vincent
Byrne, an Adlerian Counsellor continues to provide support for parents and
students helping them to understand family life and the problems of young
people in adolescence. He is available for parents in Mercy College Parents’
Room on Tuesday nights between 7.30pm. and 9.30pm. and on Wednesday afternoons between 2.00 and
4.00pm. All are welcome and the service
is free of charge.
Vincent
Byrne offers Adlerian Counselling in two ways; by having individual sessions
with parents and students and by informal sessions whereby parents and students
can come along to discuss areas of concern. Vincent also offered two Adlerian
weekends – one in November and one in May. These were open to the public and
practising professionals such as teachers, psychologists, counsellors and
parents which made for a lively mix as parents, their children and the
professionals went through the Adlerian process. These were hugely successful.
IF
YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE CONTACT MARIA SOMERS OUR
H.S.C.L. CO-ORDINATOR AT 8480888 DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
IF
A PARENT HAS ANY CONCERNS ABOUT A STUDENT’S EDUCATION OR BEHAVIOUR, PLEASE FEEL
FREE TO CONTACT MARIA.
J.C.S.P.
The
year 2003 marks the beginning of what will hopefully be a long and rewarding
working relationship between Mercy College and the wider community. Pictured
below are the parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours of Mercy College
who generously gave of their time to take part in a “Paired reading Programme”.
The
Paired reading Programme, along with the “Read Along” proved to be very
valuable, worthwhile and was enjoyed by both students and tutors.
The
picture shows Third Years proudly displaying their J.C.S.P. “Student Profiles”.
These are certificates that list the many targets achieved by the students over
the past three years. The Department of Education and Science award these
certificates.
We
wish the girls continued success as they sit their exams in June.
Plans
for next year include continuing the Literacy programme, starting a numeracy
initiative and the use of drama in the classroom.
PAULA MORAN J.C.S.P. CO-ORDINATOR.
The
41 students participating in this programme had a very interesting year. They
took part in many activities including a full day seminar on “Image
and Interview” techniques; a visit to St. Vincent’s Hospital for a
full day seminar on job opportunities in the medical field; a visit to a local
factory.
The
students undertook to organise a quiz for the first Year students – this was
part of their Enterprise activity. The First Year students had a wonderful
morning winning many prizes. The LCVP class was meticulous in their planning
and organisation of this activity and everything ran smoothly. A great time was
had by all.
The
final activity the girls helped organise was the 6th year
Graduation. This involved working closely with the parents’ committee. It
included flower arranging; preparing the hall; shopping; making sandwiches and
finally, on the night of the graduation, attending and helping to serve the
refreshments along with the parent’s committee. The students were highly
praised by all concerned.
M. O’Leary LCVP
Co-ordinator.
Nine
years ago I came to Mercy College Coolock as a stranger. I have found the
students to be caring and generally happy to co-operate with teachers. Teachers
are highly committed to students’ education in the widest sense and normally an
atmosphere of cordial respect permeates interpersonal relationships.
As
a result students have achieved at the highest level in all spheres of life.
The extra curricular facilities and programmes are second to none. I have found
parents to be very supportive and appreciative of the work done in the school. I have never worked in a better school and
wish the new Principal Ms. Patricia Dwyer and the whole school community
continued success in the future.
I
take this opportunity to thank everyone, the Board of Management, the teachers,
the parents and the students for their support and co-operation over the past
nine years. I have been very happy here.
MAURA
MOONEY.
Second
years were busy in an extremely practical way during the year.
On
Tuesday May 14th members of 2.4 designed the flower bed at the
school’s front entrance. The students created an “Alpine Garden”
as you can see from the photograph. They completed this task with much
enthusiasm and fun. The flower bed is a credit to them. For their hard work all
morning, and excellent behaviour all year, they spent the afternoon at the
cinema watching “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”. All had a great day.
Many
thanks to Ms. Quinn, Ms. Downes, Ms. Lalor, Ms. Maloney and especially Ms.
Harrison.
2.2
were busy throughout the year with the “Bottle Recycling” scheme.
Considering the number of students in the school, they had a huge amount of
work to do.
In
April, 2.2 organised the “National Spring Clean” campaign in the
school. They encouraged everyone to “join
the mean, green, cleaning machine”. The school really sparkled as a
result of their efforts.
2.2
put an enormous effort into cleaning up the courtyard in the centre of the
school.
The
school would like to thank 2.2 and 2.4 for their generous contribution to
improving the greenness of the environment in Mercy College.
On
March 19th, Louise Hancock, Aisling Lyons, Caroline McCall and Aimee
Montgomery attended the annual Spanish Quiz in Ballsbridge. Over 20 teams took
part from all over Dublin. There were eight rounds of Spanish general knowledge
and after each round there was a spot prize round. We managed to come fifth but
Ms. Kelly, Xose and Mrs. McCall all won something on the night. But even though
we didn’t win we had a very good night.
Special
thanks to Ms. Kelly and Xose for taking us there and to Mrs. McCall for
bringing us to the venue and back.
Adios.
Senior
students of Business entered a competition run by the “Irish Independent” and
“Setanta Asset Management”. Students were given E100, 000 (on paper) to invest
in stocks and shares on the Irish Stock Exchange. Each team of four had to
choose up to five shares for their portfolio. The markets over the last year
have been very sluggish and because of this, very few share portfolios realised
a profit. There were entries from third level and second level colleges
throughout Ireland. One of our teams came in twelfth place overall.
Congratulations to this team:
AIMEE
MONTGOMERY, SINEAD O’CONOR, CAROLINE McFADDEN, KAREN WHELAN.
P.DOWNES –
BUSINESS STUDIES TEACHER.
The issue of substance abuse is a concern to everyone in our
community. The students, staff and
parents in Mercy College share that concern.
As part of our response, we have spent a lot of time over the past year
developing a new policy on substance misuse for the school. Our concerns in doing this were:
§
to promote the health and welfare of
the whole school community;
§
to provide the protection necessary
to all members of the school community;
§
to outline procedures to be followed
in the event of a drug-related incident.
The new policy
wasn’t developed because we have a problem in the school, but because we want
to avoid problems arising in the first place.
The students, their parents, the staff and the Board of
Management all worked together to develop the new policy, and we are grateful
to everyone who got involved. As a
result of the work of the group, the policy statement was completed and can now
be viewed on the school website at www.mercycoolock.ie
In the course of the year we also organised an information
session for the staff and a series of workshops for parents. The staff of Crosscare, the Health Board,
the SPHE support services and the Gardai helped us in this and their support
and expertise were invaluable.
We are in the process of developing a new module on
substance misuse for all classes in the school, which will be part of their
SPHE course next year. We hope that the
students will learn from and enjoy the classes.
Margaret Quinn
SPHE co-ordinator
The
Challenger Programme was set up to encourage people from the Darndale /
Priorswood areas to go on to third level education. The statistics showed that this area had the second lowest
percentage of students going on to third level education in the country.
The
“Northside Partnership” was a major help to the Challenger Programme because it
contributed to the cost of grinds and all the leisure activities organised by
the Challenger Programme. The programme has helped us socially and in terms of
our schoolwork. Many students from Mercy College have benefited enormously from
participating in this programme.
We
are very glad that we are part of such a useful programme.
We
were asked by some of the organisers to make a speech about our thoughts and
feelings. We agreed, although we found the idea a bit intimidating. What
follows are the main points in our speeches.
Nicola
Gorman and Lisa Mc Loughlin.
Third Year.
LISA
McLOUGHLIN.
I
was asked to write a speech on my years in the “CHALLENGER PROGRAMME”. At first the idea of making a speech was a
little scary because speaking publicly is not something I tend to do often.
When I asked for advice the only words that stuck in my head afterwards were
“ah, you’ll be grand, you’ll be speaking to about one hundred people through a
microphone”. So I can tell you, that
really boosted my confidence.
The Challenger Programme has
been a big help to me this year. This is especially true because, as you know,
third year is a big school year for one reason only, THE JUNIOR CERT. There
were a few subjects that I was finding difficult, but now I am finding them a
lot easier thanks to the grinds the Challenger Programme provided. The grinds
helped me to improve in the areas in which I felt weak. The grinds not only
helped me; they were a big help for my Mam and Dad. They didn’t have a lot of money for extra teaching for me.
Studying was also a big
problem for me. At school I am told that two hours of homework and two hours of
studying is what I should be doing every night. This is very hard for someone
who hates missing Eastenders and Coronation Street. The study skills reinforced what we had done in school. Now,
thanks to the study skills provided I can sit and study without getting
distracted. The study skills showed me how to study properly and once I got
into studying, I didn’t feel it that bad.
The Challenger Programme not
only helps you with school, it helps you socially too. You get to met new
people and make new friends. A group of
us went to Carlingford with the Challenger Programme. This helped everyone on
the programme to get to know each other better. It was a great laugh.
Basically, what you put in to the trip you get out of it. If you’re not going
to join in the activities, then obviously you’re not going to come home saying
that you had as good a time as someone whom did wind surfing, orienteering and
archery.
It’s the same with
schoolwork. If you put in the work needed, you’ll get the results you want. If
you don’t you wont. The Challenger is offering you help so that you can put in
that extra work, so why not take up the offer because I did. I am very grateful
for the help the programme has given me so far and I hope it will continue
helping me until I reach Third level education because going to college is
definitely something I want to do and the Challenger programme has helped me
realise that.
Lisa
McLoughlin
NICOLA
GORMAN.
Like most people in the
Challenger Programme, I was told about it in 6th class. I really didn’t think much about it until I
came to meetings like this and people who had been in the Challenger right
through to 6th year were talking about how much it had helped them.
It made me realise how lucky I was to be part of this programme.
Like Lisa, I am quite fond
of my soaps, which meant that I wasn’t concentrating on study properly but
thankfully I have begun to concentrate properly and on the right things. We
also found that the grinds were a great help as it made us more confident about
certain subjects.
To finish off, I would like
to say how thankful and honoured I am to be here telling you about my
experiences in the Challenger Programme……………
I’m looking forward to the next
three years – hopefully it will be as enjoyable as it has been up to now.
Thanks.
NICOLA
GORMAN.
The
annual raffle was a great success again this year. The total profit from the
raffle was E3444.
The
first prize of a D.V.D player went to E. O’Shaughnessy. Linda Sherry won the
second prize of a voucher for Marathon Sports, valued at E150. Doreen Ward won
E100 and Jennifer Good received a meal voucher for E50. Other winners were Anne
Ivy, Mary Kelly and Jack Martin.
The
Parents Association is very grateful to the following for their donations to
the school raffle:
Burma
Liffey Oil
M.T.L.
Electronics.
Dignam
Garden Services.
D.T.Landscaping.
Seamus
J. Ward Chartered Accountant.
A.A.Weir.
Many
thanks to all who contributed to the raffle.
The
student council worked hard to organise a fund raising rounder match between a
team of sixth years, mostly student council members, and that teachers. It took
place on Tuesday April 29th last, in Mercy College. The objective
was to raise E1000 for the “Support an Athlete” programme for
the Special Olympics 2003 World Summer games. The students throughout the
school were happy to add to the atmosphere by wearing tracksuits for the day.
The
teachers’ team included Ms. Cassidy, Ms. Downes, Ms. Daltun, Ms. Harrison, Mr.
Hooper, Mr. Hogan, Mrs. McAlister, Mr. Swan,
Mr. Young and Ms. Curtin. Mr. Young
wore a different hairstyle in honour of the occasion. The student team wore
great t-shirts with nicknames printed on them.
Their team included Lorna Howard, Aine Hallissey, Tracey Wosser, Sinead
Gregg, Nicola Coyne, Caroline Grehan, Denise Curley, Susan Grainger, Katrina
Moran, Corina O’Brien, Ciara Lee and Catherine May. Both teams played well
although the students were hard pressed to out do the skill and agility of the
teachers’ team – experience I suppose!!! In the end however, the students’ team
pipped the teachers’ team by 19-17. We must start training earlier next year!
From
the outset, Student Council members from all year groups contributed to the
success of the event by drawing posters to advertise it and pinning them up
around the school. A team of Student Council members collected E2 from each
student and then helped to count and bag the money. The Student Council as a
body was delighted to see that with the combination of the student donation,
the staff donation and that of the Board of Management, they exceeded their
target. The final total was €1, 500.
On
behalf of the Student Council, Ms Curtin, as Student Council Facilitator,
wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the enjoyment of the day and many
thanks also for such great generosity.
Congratulations
to ORLAITH FALLON, one of our Fifth year Student Council members.
Orlaith has been elected to the position of Dublin representative for “Comhairle
na nOg”. This is the Irish
Youth Council. The first meeting of the
55 representatives took place on Wednesday May 28th in City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 8.
Comhairle
na nOg gives a voice to the young people of Ireland to make a changes in their
environment. We look forward to learning how Orlaith got on in the next
newsletter.
Well
Done Ortlaith.
During
the year we participated in many different activities including bowling, “hip hop” dancing, Thi Chi and beauty
therapy. But everyone’s favourites without a doubt would have to be work
experience, the trip to Delphi and of course the musical.
The
trip to Delphi was described in the last newsletter.
Work
experience.
Many
of the girls found this project to be very worthwhile as they did their work
experience in jobs that they would like to do as a career. Some girls decided
that they were not cut out for the job they had picked. Others confirmed the
job they wanted. But whatever the result, every girl got a taste of what it was
like to work in a full time job, Monday to Friday.
JOSEPHINE
AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT.
As
I am sure you all know, the transition Year students in Mercy College joined
forces with the Transition Years in Chanel College and put on a fantastic
performance of “Josephine and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”.
This
was, without doubt, the highlight of Transition Year for all of the girls.
It
all started way back in September when the Director, Maureen Gilligan came to
Mercy College to begin practices. Following the auditions, we began to learn
our various parts.
In
October, the girls began to go over to Chanel to join with the boys for
practices. This happened twice a week. In December we met with the Musical
Director and work on various songs and harmonies then began.
After
Christmas it was down to very serious business. The practices became longer and
more intense and the girls and boys worked harder and harder.
The
first public showing of Josephine and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat took
place on Tuesday March 11th. Everything went according to plan and
the show was an “amazing” success. The show was performed for another 2 nights.
The
girls loved every minute of practising and performing the show. I’m sure people
realised this when they watched the show and saw how much the cast loved being
up on that stage in front of everyone. I’m sure the audiences could feel the
energy and excitement coming from the stage. This was an absolutely amazing and
fantastic experience for everyone that was involved.
Lyndsay Hayden Transition
Year Student.
Just
before I came to Mercy College, an acquaintance who had worked as a bank
manager in Coolock, told me that the Coolock people were the “salt of the
earth”. By this he meant that they were genuine, down to earth, good people. I
have found this to be true of the girls I taught in this school.
I
have enjoyed my 24 years in Mercy College. Think of it! Almost a quarter of a
century! Of course much of this time was spent in hard work, but there were fun
times too and loads of laughter. I am fortunate in that I frequently had the
feeling I was being paid for doing something I loved doing.
I’ve
made good and true friendships, not just among the teachers but also among the
students I’ve taught over the years. I meet my former students everywhere and
they unfailingly friendly and a delight to meet. They have qualified as
engineers, architects, teachers, accountants, beauty therapists, managers,
scientists, child carers, doctors, receptionists, I am so proud when I hear of
their success. Only last week an ex-student who is now a teacher herself
invited me to lunch. It was wonderful to see her pride in her home and in her
interesting garden. Somehow everything seems worthwhile on an occasion like
this.
Unfortunately
all good things come to an end. I’m leaving Mercy College because the time has
come to do other things. I want to spend more time with my children and
grandchildren and I want to read and perhaps write and walk and talk with my
husband and relax a little also. I’ll miss you all, but I promise to visit
occasionally just to make sure that you’re all working hard to prepare a bright
future for yourselves.
My
sincere good wishes to all of you and thank you for 24 happy years.
Treasa
Boyle.
Garda
Colin McHugo from the Community Policing Unit in Coolock Garda Station visited
each of the First, Second and Third Year classes. He showed each group a video
entitled “Know the Score”. It examined issues surrounding under age
drinking. Some of the issues raised in the video were how drinking can affect
performance in sport, how it can encourage young people to be less likely to
say “No” to foolish or dangerous situations and how inhibitions can disappear
with alcohol. The affect of the abuse of alcohol on health matters was also
examined. Information was also given on underage drinking and the law.
The
video was followed by an open and frank discussion of the matters raised in the
video. The students
responded
very well to these presentations.
Garde
McHugo and other members of the Community Policing are available to come to
meet with parents or groups of students in the school. We look forward to
meeting them next year.
Those
who use rooms 30 and 13 have been amazed by the quiet. The noise, which was
driving us all crazy, is gone. Noisy students? No. The miracle of silence has
arrived in the form of chairs that do not squeek.
Earlier
this year, the students generously undertook a fund raising event to replace
the chairs. They were very successful and their efforts helped to cover the
cost of replacements for both rooms. We were greatly helped by the generous
people who sponsored chairs. We are
grateful to all our sponsors and want to acknowledge the support of:
Italian
Students
Premier
Print
Harrisons’
Newsagents
AXA
/ PMPA Swords
Gregg
Martin Repairs
Lynch
Family.
Our
sincere thanks to all our sponsors, to our students and to Ms.Downes, who
spearheaded the undertaking. Well done everyone.