ENGLISH:
LEAVING CERT. STUDENTS ATTEND A PERFORMANCE
Review of
“How Many Miles to Babylon.”
Aislinn O’Byrne and Katie McCann report:
On Wednesday,
15th November, the sixth year students attended a performance of “How
Many Miles to Babylon”
at the Helix in Dublin. The performance lasted just over two hours and dealt
thoroughly with the text of Jennifer Johnston’s book.
The play is
centred around Alec, a wealthy young man living in 1914 rural Ireland with his
unloving parents who disapprove of his friendship with Jerry, a local Irish
boy. With the outbreak of World War I and family tension, Alec decides to
enlist in the army along with his only friend, Jerry. They soon discover that
things are no different in the army and that social class still dictates their
friendship.
The story of
the play was carried out through a series of flashbacks and narrations by the
main character Alec. The characters were introduced cleverly through use of the
set.
Music and lighting helped to create an effective atmosphere throughout.
Strong
performances were given by all, in particular by the actors playing the roles of
Sergeant Glendinning and Alec’s parents, Frederick and Alicia.
All in all,
it was a good performance of a difficult text with adaptation to stage done
very well. Well worth the trip!
DRUGS
TALK:
Laura Finnerty and Eithne O’Connor report:
On 9th
November, a group of 5th and 6th year students gathered to
listen to the wise words of Tony O’Carroll, teenage counsellor. The subject for
discussion was the controversial use of drugs and alcohol among teens. His
approach to the topic was fresh and unquestionable.
All students felt it was a
valuable learning experience and one which we can bring with us through our
college years and beyond. Tony was assisted by a courageous young woman, a
former addict whose story further enforced the important message. All were left
with a clearer understanding of the contentious issue.
SPORT:
Mr.
Gannon reports on Basketball and Rugby Trip:
Basketball:
Congratulations to the U-19 girls who won the U-19 South Eastern Region Final on
Monday, 4th December last in Waterford against New Ross Vocational
School on a final score of 32 points to 12. The final score did not reflect
the intensity and tightness of the game.
This group of Transition Year students
have now gone through the year undefeated with wins over Presentation, Wexford,
Stella Maris, Tramore and Colaiste Pobal Osrai in Kilkenny along with New Ross
Vocational School.
The final was
a tight affair with Loreto steaming to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter with
some excellent scores by Emer O’Gorman and Katrina Sinnott. The second quarter
was another tight affair as Loreto struggled to break down a tight zone
defence. Some excellent moves resulted in scores for Liz Lacey and Victoria
O’Malley Moore, leaving the score at half time 20 – 2. Loreto got off to a
blistering start in the second half with two excellent scores by Lynn Bradley.
This was added to by Aoife Walshe who was a constant threat. Finally, the
excellent Fenagh Davey intercepted a pass and ran the length of the court to
score one of the baskets of the year. The final quarter was a tight affair with
New Ross finally finding their shooting boots. However, it was Loreto who had
the final say with a basket from Liz Lacey.
After the
game, Emer O’Gorman was presented with the cup and heaped praise on New Ross for
a great game and on her colleagues for their commitment throughout the season.
This team will, hopefully, progress and perform in the Senior C division next
year.
Team
members: Emer O’Gorman (capt.), Victoria O’Malley Moore (V. capt.), Aoife
Walshe,
Liz Lacey, Katrina Sinnott, Lynn Bradley, Fenagh Davey, Ciara Wilson,
Kiara Walsh, Sarah Nolan, Maria Healy, Karen Meyler, Aoife Morrissey, Sue
Atkinson.
Rugby Trip:
On Saturday,
9th December, a group of 40 TY students went to watch the Leinster V.
Agen Heineken Cup match in Lansdowne Road. This trip was the first time many of
the students had been to a rugby match in Lansdowne Road and this was the last
Heineken Cup game there before the stadium closes for renovations. An enjoyable
day was had by all and all witnessed a marvellous hat trick of tries by Brian
O’Driscoll.
Monday, 4 December 2006
. OPERATION CHRISTMAS
CHILD:
Jennifer McGuire 1.3 writes:
We would like to thank
all the girls who put in their time and effort into making the Christmas
shoeboxes. The girls gathered up all sorts of toys, clothes, sweets and
greeting cards and put them in a simple shoebox wrapped in Christmas paper.
This shoebox wouldn’t
mean a lot to us, but it will bring a small piece of happiness to those who live
in poverty at this Christmas season in eastern Europe, Africa and Nepal.
Many girls took part but
most of all, we would like to thank the First Years. Over all, the students
brought in 134 shoeboxes. Thank you to Mrs. Ann Marie Murphy, mother of Carol
(1.3) who kindly offered to transport the shoeboxes to the local headquarters.
Everyone who took part
helped to give hope, happiness and a smile to those who need it most of all.
It’s all in the power of a gift!!
Thank you to Ms. Sills
who co-ordinated the Shoebox Appeal.
TRANSITION YEAR
DEBATING: Ms. Jordan writes:
Well done to Grainne
Regan, Roisin Furlong, Amy Hayes and Sara Freeman who debated against St.
Peter’s College on Tuesday, 14th November in Round One of the
National Concern Debates Competition. It was a very close contest but,
unfortunately, two out of three adjudicators favoured St. Peter’s. The next
debate will take place on 7th December in Loreto against Enniscorthy
Vocational School. The motion will be “The Bebo Generation cares little for the
developing world.” Loreto will be proposing the motion. Best of luck girls!
TRÁTH NA gCEIST :
Ms. Bolger writes:
Ghlac dhá fhoireann
páirt sa chomórtas: le “Feachtas” sa C.B.S.
IRISH SCIENCE
TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION: Ms. O’Gorman reports on Science Quiz:
Two teams competed in
the Regional Final of the I.S.T.A. Science Quiz. One team finished 2nd
and the other finished 5th. The members of the team which finished 2nd
are: Ailbhe Fitzpatrick, Maebh Horan and Natasha O’Malley Moore. The members of
the team which finished 5th are: Fiona Rochford, Kate Tyrell and
Bridget English.
Congratulations to both
teams on doing so well.
BASKETBALL: Ms. O’Gorman reports:
The U-16A and U-19A
Basketball Leagues have reached the knockout stages. The U-16 team were unlucky
not to reach the semi-finals but well done to the girls for putting in a great
effort.
The U-19 team won four
out of their five pool games and have qualified for the South-East Shield
semi-final. On the way to the semi-final, they defeated Colaiste Brid,
Enniscorthy, Presentation, Wexford and Bridgetown V.C. In their final pool game
they lost to Ramsgrange who were undefeated to date. The girls play Our Lady of
Lourdes, Rosbercon in what should be a thrilling semi-final.
HOCKEY:
Ms. Gahan writes:
Well done to Eanna Horan
and Zoe Codd who have been given trials for the Irish U-16 hockey team as a
result of their performance in the Interprovincial Tournament in Belfast last
weekend.
BASKETBALL: Mr. Gannon reports:
The U-19 D team had two
excellent wins in the last week. On Wednesday 22nd November, they
defeated Tramore 29 – 4 in Tramore. This was followed on Thursday, 23rd
with a 56 – 6 win over Colaiste Pobal Osraí in Kilkenny. This team will now
play New Ross Vocational School on Monday, 4th December in Waterford
in the South East Regional Final. If they succeed in winning this trophy, it
will be remarkable considering all pupils are in Transition Year and play in a
competition against teams that are up to two years older then they are.
The panel of players|: Emer O’Gorman,
Katrina Sinnott, Feenagh Davey, Elizabeth Lacey,
Aoife Walshe, Ciara Wilson,
Kiara Walsh, Sue Atkinson, Lynn Bradley, Sarah Nolan, Maria Healy, Victoria
O’Malley Moore, Kara Meyler, Aoife Morrissey.
Tuesday,21 November 2006
CELEBRATING
NATIONAL MATHS WEEK IN LORETO, WEXFORD:
Ms. Storey writes:
The week beginning the
16th October was Ireland’s first National Maths Week. It will be
held annually around this date which is the date on which William Rowan
Hamilton, Ireland’s most famous mathematician, discovered quaternians and
scratched his formulae on Brougham Bridge over the Royal Canal in Dublin.
In Loreto Wexford we had
three events to mark the week: a lecture, a puzzle corner and a quiz.
A lecture given by
Michael Brennan in WIT on the mathematics involved in “Conkers, darts, trains
and carts” was attended by 4th Years.
The notice board outside
the Art Room in Teach Mhuire was designated the “maths puzzle corner” for the
week. A list of puzzles was posted there and prizes were awarded to the first
and best answers in each year. The winners were: 1st Yr.: Nicole
Fleck, Nicola Ryan, ;Runner-up : Louise Barry. 2nd Yr.: Ruth Murphy,
Helen Wallace; Runners-up: Gemma McGuire, Anna Mealy, Lisa Sarsfield. 5th
Year: Aoife Fleming, Jessica Ryan, Runner-up: Fiona Scallan.
6th Yr.
Ciara Morris.
The 5th Years
took part in the Maths Quiz. The highest scorers in each of the five classes
were: Rachel Corish, Ciara Daly, Claire Fortune, Lynn O’Neill and Sally Hayes.
High scores were also achieved by Aoife Fleming and Laura Ebrill.
Well done to all who
took part in the events of the week.
MS. DEMPSEY RETURNS
TO SHARE HER EXPERIENCE IN MOLDOVA A 4th Yr.
student writes:
Ms. Dempsey came to
speak to all 4th Year students about her recent visit to Moldova.
She helped out in an all-girl orphanage. She showed us footage of the orphanage
as it was in the 90’s and as it is to-day in 2006. It was good to see how
things have changed for the better.
JUSTICE AND PEACE
GROUP:
Ms. Jordan reports:
On 27th
October, the Justice and Peace group held a “No Uniform Day” and successfully
raised €1,025. A small sum of this will be going towards registering the school
with Amnesty International for the duration of the school year. The
remaining money will be donated to Concern’s One World Campaign. This
campaign aims to bridge the gap between the First and Third World. With the
school’s support we are that bit closer to achieving this end.
Many thanks to
all who contributed.
TRANSITION YEAR
STUDENTS EXPERIENCE GRAFFITI THEATRE:
Emma Jeffers reports:
On Friday, 13th
October, Graffiti Theatre from Cork came to Loreto to perform their latest play:
CLOSED CIRCUIT to all TY students. It was an exciting and educational
theatre performance that looked at violence, the tragic effects of alcohol and
the relationships between family and friends. One TY student’s response was: “I
enjoyed the play because it kept me interested throughout and I enjoyed taking
part in the workshop after the play. I would definitely recommend the play to a
friend because the theme is one that is relevant to teenagers.”
SPORT
Hockey:
Ms. Gahan writes:
Good luck to Maebh
Horan, Eanna Horan and Ashling Veale who travel to Dublin on Friday to play for
the South East in the Interprovincial Tournament.
Yoga classes with Eileen Rowe are starting this term.
Basketball:
Ms. O’Gorman reports:
U – 19 A Basketball Team
have won all their matches to date. Recently they had good wins over St.
Mary’s, New Ross: 26 – 14 and Colaiste Brid 27 - 20.
U – 16 A Basketball Team
were unlucky to lose to St. Mary’s, New Ross: 19 - 23. They defeated
Colaiste Brid 29 - 16.
Football:
Mr. Cummins writes:
The Under 16 footballers
played their first match in the Leinster Championship against Colaiste Bhride,
Enniscorthy on Wednesday, 8th November. The match was played in
horrendous weather conditions at the Shamrocks GAA ground in Enniscorthy.
Loreto won the toss and
elected to play with the strong breeze in the first half. The opening minutes
were tense with both teams playing the game with fierce intensity. It took five
minutes before Loreto full forward Emma Carroll opened the scoring with an
expertly taken goal. Enniscorthy responded with two points before Carroll
struck again to leave the score 2-0 to
0-2 at the end of the first quarter.
Loreto then began to take a stranglehold on the game with Eimear Dunne and
Roisin Murphy dominating midfield and Katrina Parrock firing on all cylinders at
centre forward. Emer O’Gorman and Lynne Bradley were also combining well along
the right side and Loreto began to create a number of scoring opportunities.
Katrina Parrock slotted over two great points before Emma Carroll scored two
more goals to finish the half with an incredible personal tally of 4 goals. The
half time score of 4-2 to 1-3 gave Loreto a cushion that they would never
relinguish.
The second half was a
much tighter affair with the Enniscorthy girls rallying to the cause with a
spirited performance. This meant the Loreto defence was really tested and they
passed with flying colours. The full back line of Grainne Waters, Liz Leacy,
Ruth Barry and later, Aine Foran played some outstanding football and couldn’t
be faulted for any of the Enniscorthy scores.
In the half backs: Grace Cardiff,
Aoife Morrisey and Clare Donnelly played exceptionally well and on top of this,
Caroline Curran pulled off a series of fine saves between the posts.
At the other end, scores
came from the reliable boot of Katrina Parrock (1-2) and from the energetic Emer
O’Gorman (1-1). Around them, Aoife Sheil, Mary Hayes, Rachel Moran,
Eimear Power
and Ciara Wright played very well also. In the end, Loreto prevailed on a
scoreline of 6 – 5 to 3 – 6.
The girls now play St.
Leo’s of Carlow in their next encounter and will need another big performance to
overcome a side that are particularly strong at this grade.
Monday, 23 October 2006
ENGLISH:
Eithne O’Connor’s
winning poem: Births, Deaths and Marriages
The coughing and
spluttering
That was her one
companion
Came frothing from
her mouth,
Tinged with blood and
mucous
And fell into a
silver pail that had seen
As many loaves of
bread made as children sick.
The angelus tolled on
Radio Eireann
As she whispered and
muttered under her breath
The words that came
as habitually as a child’s need for her mother.
Her broad shoulders
that had been used to so much labour
Heaved with the
coughing,
Her ninety-year-old
lungs groaned and wheezed with effort.
Visitors came and
outstayed their welcome
As her family served
them tea and wiped her brow,
Mutters of “she lived
a long life” were commonplace.
But what should it
matter if she lived nine or ninety years?
Was that meant to
comfort?
The candle of hope
burned brightly in the hearts of the young
While the adults
exchanged knowing glances,
The children took
turns in brushing the thin, grey hair
As she slept, while
others sang songs.
Her skin, so white,
was stretched across the bone
And the nails, worn
down with work, like feathers.
And the last few
words through fits of sleep –
“Is my tart still in
the oven” –
Weighed heavily upon
my heart.
The coffin stayed
closed, the cakes were eaten
And the last dregs of
tea were drunk.
The top of the
newspaper page read:
“Births, Deaths and
Marriages”
(Times New Roman)
More births than
marriages, I thought.
Ninety years in five
short sentences or forty lines.
Until one day I said
to myself,
“She did live a long
life.”
And the stars did not
stop spinning.
JUNIOR
CERT ART DISPLAY: Ms. Byrne writes on
behalf of Ms. Roche and herself:
There is a wonderful
display of Art Work in the Foyer this week. It was completed by this year’s
Junior Cert Art students for their Junior Cert examination.
There is a great variety
of ideas, from pencil portraits to mixed media paintings of Fantasies, animals
and people, some explored through animation. Due to lack of space, only some of
the 3D sculpture pieces were displayed.
The exhibition brings so
much colour, interest and curiosity, not just to all students but to teachers,
parents and visitors to the school.
Our
Junior Camogie Team had a hard fought win over Presentation, Kilkenny in
Dixsboro GAA Club on Thursday last.
Heavy underfoot conditions ensured this was going to be a dogged affair.
Entering the final ten minutes, the sides were level and the team needed someone
to stand up and grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
Up
stepped Rachel Creane who rattled the net and ensured victory for Loreto.
Lisa and Linda Bolger, as well as Maria Leacy and Marie Doran were outstanding.
Congratulations to Linda Bolger and Mary Hayes who were voted as vice-captain
and captain respectively by their team mates.
Basketball
Ms. O’Gorman reports:
U –
16 and U – 19 basketball teams began their league campaign against Bridgetown
V.C.
The U – 16 team lost but hopefully they will improve their performance in
future games.
Team members: Emma Furlong (capt), Sarah Wade (V. capt.), Sarah
Noonan, Lorraine Byrne, Meabh O’Connor, Linda Hogan, Sarah Ryan, Joanne Eviston,
Mairead Sutton, Emma Jane Maher.
The
U-19 team beat Bridgetown 25 - 23 in a very exciting encounter with the outcome
in doubt until the final whistle. Team members: Rachel Kumar (2), Ciara Roche
(15), Amy Roche,
Rachel Corish, Fiona Scallon (2), Deirdre Kelly (2), Helen
Rowe, Mary Sutherland (4),
Laura Redmond, Emma Sinnott (v. capt.), Natasha
O’Malley-Moore, (capt.).
Basketball
Mr. Gannon reports:
Transition Year : Senior “D league” Team:
Loreto, Wexford v. Presentation Wexford
Result: Loreto 77 Presentation 8.
Despite the fact that their opponents play in the senior league, Loreto had a
comfortable win over Presentation, Wexford on Friday last. The final score of
77 points to 8 was a reflection of the dominance Loreto enjoyed throughout the
match. Hopefully, this good form will be continued into their next game versus
New Ross Vocational School on Tuesday 24 October at 1.15 p.m.
All
pupils are encouraged to come out and support us.
Team : Emer O’Gorman, (Capt.), Victoria O’Malley-Moore, (Vice Capt.), Lynn
Bradley, Liz Lacey, Catriona Sinnott, Maria Healy, Ciara Wilson, Aoife Walshe,
Fenagh Davey, Sarah Nolan, Karen Meyler. Also Aoife Morrisey, Sue Atkinson,
Kiara Walsh.
SPORTS DAY - FRIDAY, 6 OCTOBER:
Ms. Gahan writes:
Congratulations to the following people who won prizes on Sports Day:
Long Jump: 1st: Aoife Shield 2.4; 2nd:
Ciara Morris 6.3; 3rd Fiona Brauneison 1.1
Special prize to Amy Hayes 4.3 for the funniest jump!
Long Puck: 1st Jesse Butler 6.1; 2nd
Katie Power 6.4.
Suspended Rope Game: Julieann Murphy 2.3; Kate
Caulfield 1.1.
Kick or Throw Game: Natasha Quigley 1st
Yr. and Andrea Rath 1.4.
Tug of War: 1.3 Team
Dodge Ball: 5th Yr. students: Sarah
Cardiff, Hazel Boxwell, Emma Rowe, Catherine Breen, Deirdre Collins.
Monday, 9 October 2006
BEGINNING
OF YEAR SCHOOL MASS IN OUR PARISH CHURCH, ROWE ST.
Our School Mass took
place on Wednesday, 5th October and was celebrated by Fr. Jim Fegan
(School Chaplain). It was a wonderful occasion as all 700 students and staff
gathered to ask God’s blessing on the school year. Ms. Walton and her newly
formed School Choir lifted all hearts with the beautiful singing, accompanied by
several instruments. At the end of Mass, prefect badges were presented.
Well done to all
involved in the preparation.
TRANSITION YEAR NEWS Trip to Dublin - Hannah
Corboy reports:
On Thursday, 21st
September, all TY students went to Dublin to see two performances in the “Fringe
Drama Festival”. We divided into two groups. I was in the group that went to
see the play “The Grandmother” in Andrew’s Lane Theatre while the other group
went to see “Bear Hug.” My group enjoyed “The Grandmother”.
It was a heartwarming
tale about the love between a grandmother and her grandchild.
Thanks to
powerful performances from the actors, we saw the change that spending a week
with her grandson had on the grandmother and we saw how the frozen heart of this
bitter old woman melted before our eyes.
After the play our
teachers took us to the National Art Gallery. There we had a guided tour. We
saw the work of the Impressionists and the Cubists including a painting by
Picasso.
Our trip was enjoyable, interesting and educational. Thanks to the
teachers who organized it and accompanied us.
Percussion Workshop
Ciara Hartigan and Catherine Hooper report:
On Tuesday, 12th
September, the TY students were brought to Wexford Art Centre to participate in
a Percussion Workshop which was directed by renowned percussionist – Nicky
Bailey. On the stage, Nicky had arranged a variety of drums including congas,
bongos, Egyptian and African drums, also cowbells and different types of
shakers.
He introduced us to each
and all. Within a short time, he had taught us rhythms on all drums, cowbells
and shakers. Soon he had us all doing rhythms on all the instruments at the
same time. We often changed around to get the feel of all rhythms and
instruments.It was great fun and a learning experience. Thank you to our
teachers who arranged it and thank you to Nicky Bailey.
SPORT Mr. O’Sullivan reports
on Senior Camogie
Our senior team had a
comprehensive victory in the opening round of the Leinster Championship over
Presentation, Kilkenny. Result: Loreto 5 – 15, Presentation, Kilkenny : 2 –
02.
From the throw-in, the
girls showed great determination, fantastic teamwork and no end of skill as they
brushed aside their Kilkenny rivals.
Our goals came from
Katriona Parrock (2), Katie Fitzhenry (1), Anna Thompson (1) and Lisa Bolger
(1). Elaine Morrisey and Liz Leacy stood out in defence.
Many thanks to Liam
Morrisey for taking charge of the game and James Flood for the use of the pitch.
Ms. Gahan reports:
Training for all sports
got off to a good start this year with almost 200 students from 2nd
to 6th Yr. taking part in our combined FITNESS SESSION at lunch time
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We hope this will be
reflected in success in our various Competitions and also in a “Feel good”
factor for those taking part. Girls who are not involved in Competitions sport
in the school are equally welcome and encouraged to join and many are doing so
already.
The warm weather in
September encouraged us outside at lunch time. Now that the days are getting a
little colder and wetter the sports coaches hope that all players will continue
with the training they have started. It will make a positive difference.
Our EQUESTRIAN TEAMS
have been involved in Showjumping and Eventing Competitions and are about to
start their Winter League. Good luck to them.
The HOCKEY TEAMS played
their first League Match last Wednesday and they are looking forward to the rest
of the season.
The SWIMMING TEAMS are
preparing for their Loreto Inter-School Gala in November in the National
Aquatics Centre in Abbotstown.
ENGLISH:
Congratulations to
Eithne O’Connor, 6th Year, who won a poetry competition organized by
the English Support Service Group. Her poem will be published in the next
edition of “Teaching English” Magazine.
Friday, 22 September 2006
School retreats
Emma Kelly, Sara
Freeman, Niamh Crosbie and Lisa Bridges report:
77
TYO students assembled in the Concert Hall for their Retreat on Thursday, 14th
September. It was a well earned treat considering the pressure of the wait for
the Junior Cert. results the previous day. Our retreat leader, Gerry Keegan,
ensured it was a very meaningful and relaxing day. His impressions of the
trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl kept us thoroughly entertained!
Gerry showed us how to accept ourselves for who we are and how to make the best
of 4th Year. It truly was a magical experience and we thank Gerry
very much for the wonderful day. Thank you to our R.E. teachers: Ms.O’Donoghue,
Ms. Whitty and Mr. Kavanagh for organising the day.
On
Wednesday, 13th September, 120 First Year students assembled in the
Concert Hall for their retreat with Gerry Keegan. This was a very enjoyable
experience for all and a much needed break from their hectic schedules.
Ministers of the Eucharist Course
75
6th year students volunteered to do the course which began on
Wednesday, 20th September. We wish them and their facilitator,
Sister Carmel O’Brien, an enriching experience.
New School Choir
Congratulations and good luck to Ms. Walton and the members of the new school
choir from all the years. Their first public venture will be at the beginning
of the year School Mass in early October.
Art Department
Mrs. Byrne and Mrs. Roche are making preparations to display the JC Art
practical projects in the Foyer. We all look forward to a display of creative
and imaginative work which earned the girls their success in the J.C. Art Exam.
Sports
No
news yet but it is ‘all systems go’ in the preparation and training.
Wednesday, 13
September 2006
Dear parents
and guardians,
I write at the
start of the 2006/2007 academic year to bring you up to date with a number of
important matters relating to our school, as follows:
Extension/refurbishment There has been
major progress on our extension/refurbishment project over the summer.
Our
outline proposals have been formally accepted by the Building Unit of the
Department of Education and Science (DES). We will be submitting detailed
drawings to the DES in the form of a Stage 3 report at the end of this month. It
is expected that we will then meet the Building Unit in October in the hope of
agreeing this report. Should this happen, we will then be applying for planning
permission. All going well, it is envisaged that work on this project could
start next summer. Sketch drawings of the project are on display in the foyer.
Science
labs Over the
summer, both Science labs have been refurbished to current technical and design
standards. Additionally, the library is being converted into a third lab in line
with the longer term plans for the school. The library has been temporarily
re-located to alternative classrooms pending the building of a new library under
the extension programme. All of this work will cost €633,000 of which €31,500
must be paid by the school. All three labs are also being fitted with new
teaching equipment costing €147,000 of which €16,000 must be funded by the
school.
The school is
very grateful to the DES for its generous funding of this work under the 2006
Summer Works Scheme.
Astroturf
pitch The school has
been granted planning permission to install an Astroturf pitch. The Board of
Management is setting up a committee of interested persons to carry out a
feasibility study into this project and to report back to the Board by Christmas
2006. Any parents/guardians with a particular interest in helping with this
matter are warmly invited to contact me at once.
Voluntary Contribution Scheme You will
see from the above that the school’s contribution to the improvement works
in the
Science labs amounts to €47,500. It is therefore more important than
ever that every family
would contribute to this year’s Voluntary
Contribution Scheme which is set as follows:
€140 for
one student
€240 for
two students
€270 for
three students
I thank
those families who have already contributed and call upon those who not yet
done so
to make their contribution as soon as possible. Every student in the
school will benefit from
the building improvements that are being made
especially when the extension/refurbishment
commences. Strong support in
this matter will eliminate the need for fund-raising activities
which can be
very time-consuming and which deflect from the main purpose of a school.
All
contributions should be addressed to the School Secretary and will be
receipted by post.
.
Attendance
I ask your help
as parents/guardians to ensure that your daughter attends school with a very
high degree of regularity. Such attendance is linked closely with improved
academic performance.
Absence should
only occur in the event of genuine illness, particular family events
e.g.
communions, weddings etc. or medical appointments. Indeed, every effort should
be made to have such appointments outside of school hours.
Students have
been asked by me to remember that once a class is missed the material covered by
the teacher will not be taught again for the benefit of any absentee.
School
website
Your attention
is drawn once again to the school’s official website – www.loretowexford.com.
This facility has been upgraded over the summer and will be used increasingly by
the school to communicate with all families as well as the general public.
Please log onto it on a regular basis. I refer you in particular to the Current
News and Career Guidance sections.
Parents’
Council
The Annual
General Meeting of the Parents’ Council will be held in the Concert Hall on
Tuesday, 3 October 2006 beginning at 8.00 p.m. It is hoped that every family
will be represented at this meeting.
School
Planning Meeting
Many of the
staff will be involved in a School Planning Meeting on the afternoon of Monday,
25 September 2006. Accordingly, classes on this day will finish for all students
at 12.50 p.m. With the exception of those involved in supervised study, students
are requested to go home at this time. Supervised study will proceed from 1.50
p.m. to 4.50 p.m.
Please refer to
the website for regular updates on matters relating to our school.
Yours
faithfully,
Billy O’ Shea,
Principal.
Monday, 11
September 2006
Dear
parents/guardians,
I wish to
confirm that the 2006 Junior Certificate results will be issued on Wednesday,
13
September.
Accordingly,
there will be no classes for 4th and 5th year students on
this day.
Results will be available from Reception at 10.00 a.m.
I am happy to
sanction a free day for these students in recognition of their fine achievement
in securing their Junior Certificate.
I ask all
students to enjoy the day in a responsible manner and to report for school as
normal on Thursday morning.
