St. Mary's College, Arklow

Assembly and Awards.
On Monday 24th May students and staff assembled in the Sports Hall to mark the end of an extremely successful school year. In her address, Sr Sior, Principal, mentioned the achievements of the school in a range of areas that proved the myriad opportunities available to all students. The Senior Choir brought home the much coveted All- Ireland Turner Huggard Cup winning first prize in the Feis Ceoil. The Senior Basketball team became All- Ireland Schools League champions in March. The Concern Debating team were in the top eight teams in the country, Form Six student Keelin Riley was declared Independent Colleges Young Sports Journalist of the Year. The Form 4.1 made it to Finals of the TY All- Ireland Drama Festival. Another major event on the school calendar was the hugely successful staging of the school musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Students were given recognition for their academic and sporting achievements as awards and certificates were presented to students from every year group.

The Mercy Award was presented to the combined First Year classes to mark their positive, respectful and enthusiastic attitude to all aspects of school life. The Lions Club Green Schools Award went to the TY East/West group of students for their involvement in the cultural exchange with The Dame Alice Harpur School in England. Sports Person of the Year Award was shared by the Co-Captains of the winning Senior Basketball team, Heather Murphy and Katie McMullen. Form Six student, Clodagh Brennan’s super attendance record of six years without missing a day from school, was recognised with an outstanding attendance certificate. Aislinn Mythen , Form 6 Student of the Year, also received an outstanding attendance certificate for five years of full attendance. Very well done to all those mentioned here and to those not named here who were the worthy recipients of awards.
See photos of 1- Aislinn Mythen with Sr. Síor,Principal, 2- A group of 6th students who were recipients of awards,3- The U-19 C Girls All Ireland Schools League Champions with their coaches Ms. Eimear Ryan and Ms. Rita McMullen and 4- Aislinn Mythen and Clodagh Brennan with Sr. Síor.
Sixth Year Graduation.
Sixth year students, their parents/guardians and teachers attended a most solemn and beautiful graduation mass in the

Parish Church on Thursday 20th May. The mass was celebrated by Fr Paul O’Driscoll and prepared by the teachers in the R.E. and Music departments. Carefully chosen readings and music made this a very special mass for those who attended. Sr. Sior, Principal, expressed the appreciation of all when she thanked everyone involved. Following the mass, the students were presented with their certificates at a ceremony in St. Mary’s Concert Hall. Aislinn Mythen was the worthy recipient of the Student of the Year award. Refreshments and a chance to mingle and chat finished off a great night of celebration.
Congratulations to the Senior Basketball team who are the U-19C Girls All Ireland Schools League Champions. The NBA in Tallaght was the venue for the pulsating final between St. Mary’s and Stella Maris Secondary School, Tramore, which took place at 3.30p.m. Thursday 25th March. In the nail-biting game the sides exchanged the lead several times. Throughout the game St. Mary’s remained disciplined and focused, both in their play and their demeanour on court. The encouraging roars of the St. Mary’s supporters lifted their team and acted as the “sixth man” on the day. The pendulum game ended with a scoreline of 39-33, a historic win for St. Mary’s. The presentation of the medals and the cup was an electric event. The amazing skill and spirit of the team was the result of very dedicated work on the part of Coach Ms. Eimear Ryan and Assistant Coach Ms Rita McMullan. We are so proud of each one of you: Heather Murphy, Katie McMullan, Kristina Delahunt, Aislinn Mythen, Niamh Arthur, Sam Kelly, Fay Gough, Rachel O’Brien and Rebecca Condren. Well done to Kristina who was awarded the Golden Ball for her outstanding efforts on the court.

Feis Ceoil Win
St. Mary’s College Choir conducted by their teacher, Ms. Mairead McKenna ,enjoyed a very notable achievement in the Feis Ceoil competition on Monday 15th March. They won the Senior Choirs Three Part competition, when they sang beautifully, accompanied by Mr John Bonner on piano. The choir performed the Irish folksong “The Leprechaun” arranged by Havelock Nelson as their test piece and Hava Negeela was the choice piece. Professor Peter Erdei of Hungary , who has an extensive record of musical achievements, adjudicated the competition. It was a very proud moment for all when Ms McKenna was presented with the prestigious and coveted Turner Huggard Trophy. Rockford Manor Secondary School, Blackrock, was awarded second place and last year’s winners always provide tough competition for St. Mary’s girls. This year was their year and they brought the cup back to Arklow.
The U19C Basketball team who are the All Ireland Schools League champions were selected as the East Coast FM Sports Team of the Month for March. This is another major achievement for the team members and their Coach Ms. Eimear Ryan and their Assistant Coach Ms Rita McMullan. Declan Sergeant interviewed Ms Ryan, Heather Murphy, Katie McMullan and Kristina Delahunt on his Sunday evening sports show when they relived the excitement of the Basketball final in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on the 25th March. The team was presented with a beautiful trophy to mark their national success. Congratulations to a great team.

Wicklow League Win
Congratulations to the First Year “A” basketball team who won the Wicklow League this year. They won the title by beating East Glendalough, Avondale Community School and Arklow Community College. The girls put in a great effort during the year and Ms Eimear Ryan coach and Ms Hilda Cullen are delighted with their players.

Junior Golf
On Monday 10th May, sixteen 1st and 2nd year students from St. Mary’s, together with 3 other schools from Leinster, travelled to Spawell Golfclub, Templeogue to take part in a Gala Golf Day organised by Junior Golf Ireland. These girls are all beginner golfers and participated in this project funded by the Women in Sport programme. A fantastic day was had by all. A huge thank you to Catherine Ledwidge, of Arklow Golf Club, for all her support and for organising this programme and to Ms Deirdre Kelleher whose encouragement is greatly appreciated by the girls. Let’s hope the girls will enjoy a summer full of golf!
All Ireland Gymnastics
Well done to the girls from St. Mary’s College who qualified for the All Irelands Sports Acrobatics finals which were held on the 8th and 9th May in Sligo. The gymnasts who competed were Claire Byrne, Tara Flynn, Laura O Connor, Eimear Byrne and Niamh O Connor (an incoming 1st year). The girls performed outstanding routines and were complimented by many judges and coaches on the day. Well done and keep up the hard training for next year! Congratulations to coach Ms Deirdre Kelleher.
Transition Year: East-West Students.
This year, Transition Year students undertook a cultural exchange programme with the Dame Alice Harpur School in Bedford, England. During this project, students from the two schools worked together on environmental issues, co-ordinated school environmental campaigns in the two schools and took part in meetings to shape a strategy for the two schools to tackle the most pressing school-related environmental problems. During the school visits, St. Mary’s students gave a number of eloquent presentations to students, teachers and principals from England about how St. Mary’s Green Schools Committee makes sure it is as effective as it can be, with the result that we helped Dame Alice Harpur to secure their first Green Flag.
Ms. Dee Ryan said ‘’The students who took part in the project were incredibly eloquent , co-operative, motivated and enthusiastic. They were excellent ambassadors for the school and their hard work was evident in England. They were also a joy to travel with to England and hence the Lions Club award is thoroughly well earned.’’
Aoife Lane, Catherine Weadick, Danielle Curran, Helen Clare, Lauren Vickers, Sophia Kearns and Zoe Jones travelled in the company of Ms. Dee Ryan and Ms. Susan Masterson.
Transition Year: Dragons Den.
Congratulations to the Transition Year students from the “Inject to Protect“ Young Social Innovators project. These young women were awarded an opportunity to present their project at the Dragon’s Den at the UME offices in the IFSC , Dublin on Monday 19th April. The girls are in the process of raising awareness about cervical cancer amongst young women and other age groups. They want to lobby the government to extend the vaccine to all teenage girls. On the day three girls, Amy Thompson, Amy Synnott and Catherine Weadick “pitched” to the Dragons on behalf of the group. The Dragons awarded the girls €300 in funding and gave some very valuable advice on how to progress with their project. Ms. Mary O’Donnell , the YSI Guide, is delighted with the success achieved by her determined students.
Transition Year: Build a Bank
The Foyer in St. Mary’s was a hive of financial activity on Thursday 29th April as Transition Year students involved in the AIB Build a Bank project set about encouraging more students to start saving in their “Super Fundz” mini bank. Present on the day to provide advice on phone and internet banking were Michael Dillon (Waterford AIB) and Pat Breen (Arklow AIB). This

programme gives an opportunity to students to gain valuable banking experience. Amy Thompson and Amy Synnott are Co-Managers of “Super Fundz”. They are ably assisted by Helen Clare and Caoimhne O’Neill (Tellers), Catherine Weadick (Auditor) and Sophia Kearns (Sales and Marketing Manager)
Transition Year: Gaisce Challenge.
On Wednesday 5th May TY students participated in an adventure day in Blessington which included kayaking, archery, mountain -biking and orienteering. The inclement weather failed to dampen their spirit of adventure. These activities were part of their Gaisce President’s Award, which requires each student to complete an adventure challenge. The following two days presented the girls with the challenging task of hiking 32km. of the Wicklow Way. They trekked 20km on Thursday and completed the hike on Friday. On Thursday night the exhausted adventurers stayed in the Glendalough International Hostel and found the energy to cook their dinners and enjoy the comforts of the hostel. Despite aches, blisters and cuts everyone declared that the experience was one they would never forget. The girls were encouraged and accompanied by Mrs Imelda McDonagh, Ms. Elizabeth O’Dea, Ms Dee Ryan, Ms Angela Flynn and Mr Tim Hicks.
TY: All Ireland Drama.
The 4.1 drama class and Ms. O’ Dea enjoyed great success in getting to the finals of the All Ireland TY Drama Festival. The final was held in Macroom’s Briery Gap Theatre on Saturday 27th February. The girls performed extracts from “Eclipse” by Simon Armitage, along with pieces they devised themselves. Although they were not placed among the prize winners, the judges commented on the originality, professionalism and energy of the girls’ performance.
TY: Activities
The 4.2 Transition Year Class visited the recently opened Criminal Justice Complex on Tuesday 9th March. They made history because they were the very first school group to be given the tour of the building. On arrival the group was met by a practising barrister and was given a detailed account of the court protocol and proceedings. The students sat in on a murder trial and witnessed the formality and seriousness of the business of the court. This significant learning day was linked to the Justice and Law Development module taken by all students. The 4.1 class visited The Irish Aid Centre where they learnt about what Irish aid is doing around the globe. They received information about overseas volunteering. This visit helped the students to gain greater insights into their work in the Development Education module. All students participated enthusiastically in the day’s activities. Thanks to Mrs Imelda McDonagh who organised the outing, to teachers, Mrs Eileen Dunbar and Ms Charlotte Murray and parents Mrs Alison Weadick, Mrs Evelyn McCloskey and Mrs Adrienne Lott who accompanied the group.
TY: Mock Trials
St. Mary’s were selected to take part in the Mock Trials in the Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin. The two barristers who led the school team were Eimear Fleming and Catherine Weadick. Each school had three trials to prepare. This experience of court procedure gave the students first hand knowledge of the workings of the Irish legal system. Congratulations to all who were involved in the preparation of, and who participated in the Mock Trials. A huge thanks to Ms. Deirdre Burke who tutored the team.
Arklow Music Festival
Congratulations to all the participants in the 41st Arklow Music Festival which opened on Sunday 7th March. The St. Mary’s Second Year Choir won the Derrell Marshall Memorial Cup, while the First Year Choir came second in the Fr. Martin Cosgrove Cup competition. The adjudicator highly commended the Senior Choir for their performance in the Kenny Cup competition. This high standard of music in the school is due to the hard work and enthusiasm of music teachers Ms. Mairead McKenna and Mr. John Bonner.

Keelin Wins
Keelin Riley, Form 6, who was shortlisted for the Independent Colleges’ Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2010 has been declared the overall winner of the Young Sports Writer Category. The judges, in this nationwide competition, deemed Keelin’s article to be the most impressive in terms of journalistic ability. Her prize includes the wonderful opportunity to accompany a journalist to a major sporting event. Congratulations Keelin, we know that you are a very worthy winner of this award. Ms. Elizabeth O’ Dea is Keelin’s English teacher.
Junior Tours
First Year students enjoyed a day of exciting activities on Tuesday 10th May when their Year Head, Mr Richard O’Connor, brought them to the Crystal Maze, near Nobber, Co. Meath. Second and Third Year students really enjoyed their school tours. Ms Denise Buckley, Year Head, organised a great day out for Second Year students. They played Quasar and then visited Dublin Zoo. The Third Years toured Kilmainham Gaol and then enjoyed the freedom of the Zoo , too! Ms Breda O’Connor and Ms Mary O’Donnell, Year Heads for Third Years, planned the trip and were delighted with the day’s success. All students expressed their thanks to their Year Heads and to all the teachers who travelled with them and contributed to the success of the tours.
This trip was a reward for the very good behaviour and positive attitude shown by this great group of girls throughout the school year as part of the ‘Positive Discipline’ programme.
R.S.E. Talk
A team of three speakers from Accord (Catholic Marriage Care Service) came to the school on Tuesday 4th May to speak to First and Second Year students and on Friday 14th May to meet with Third Year students. The trained facilitators covered topics relevant to the RSE programme and provided students with an opportunity to ask questions in a safe, respectful environment. Mrs Therese MacCormaic (SPHE Co-ordinator) organised the guest speakers to come to St. Mary’s.
Physics and Chemistry Trip
Before sitting their mock exams, Form 6 Physics and Chemistry students travelled to Maynooth University, for a practical revision day that was hugely beneficial and directly related to their Leaving Certificate course. The students performed many of the experiments themselves. The Chemistry students were shown the working of many forensic analysis instruments. A great day was had by all. Many thanks to Mrs Celine Harty who organised the day and accompanied the girls.
Hamlet
Fifth year English students enjoyed a visit to Wexford Opera House on Wednesday 3rd of February. They attended the Second Age production of the timeless tragedy Hamlet. Shakespeare’s masterpiece was directed by Alan Stanford and played to a packed house of enthusiastic students. Hamlet is one of the prescribed texts on the Leaving Certificate English course for 2011. The girls were accompanied by teachers Ms Imelda Mc Donagh, Ms Eileen Dunbar and parent Ms. Carmel Murphy.

Sarah's Shadowing Day
Congratulations to Fifth year student Sarah L. Larkin who was one of 22 students from around Ireland who were selected to take part in a UCD Science Programme Shadowing Day on Wednesday 3rd of February. On the day she accompanied an undergraduate student to lectures, spent time with a UCD researcher and reported that she enjoyed every moment of it. Sarah was one of our students who travelled to Space Camp, Alabama USA, last year. She has a keen interest in the science field and is determined to follow a career in this area.
Concern Fast 2010
Twenty seven students and three teachers participated in the Concern Fast this year. The event was organised by Mrs. Brenda Byrne and her Form 6 Religion Class. €3,173 was raised. Many thanks to everyone who supported us.
Haiti collection
When the 1 Eimear CSPE class counted all the monies collected for the Haiti appeal,the final sum came to €2107.25. They are thrilled with this amount and are uplifted by the great generosity of all those who supported their Haiti Appeal. They then concentrated their efforts on ensuring that the monies arrived in Haiti to help those in need.
2 Bríd CSPE
Twenty four students from 2 Bríd CSPE class were delighted to receive a Plaswood Planter in recognition of the successful polythene recycling initiative they undertook earlier this year. Jerry O’Brien and Louise Aplin of Irish Polythene presented the planter together with a Certificate of Achievement to girls of 2 Bríd and their teacher Ms. Roisín McGrath. The planter, which will be used in the school grounds, will serve as a useful reminder of the importance of recycling used materials in order to divert them from landfill. Made from recycled polythene film Plaswood is an eco friendly award winning alternative to traditional materials. It has little or no requirement for maintenance, painting or preservatives and can be fabricated into numerous products including street furniture. At the end of its use, it can be fully recycled once again.
Speaking of the initiative, Mr O’Brien, Commercial Director of Irish Polythene commented: “We have been very impressed by the hard work of the whole class throughout this initiative. They obviously realise the importance of recycling not only to their own homes but to the wider community.”
See photo of 2 BRíD CSPE class with Gerry O' Brien, Louise Alpin and Roisín McGrath.
Good Wishes and Thanks
Good luck to all our Junior and Leaving Certificate students in their exams.
Thank you to all parents/ guardians for the support given to the staff during the school year.
We wish all our students an enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you all again in the new school year.

Thanks to:
Photos: Garry O’Neill, Eimear O’Grady, Katie Heffernan and Adrian O’Brien.
Printing: Erika Ravenscroft
Compiled by: Eileen Dunbar.