Presentation Secondary School, Wexford

Easter Newsletter 2008

Front Cover
The front cover “Images of Easter” was designed by Helen Murphy 1A4
From the Principal

Change to the school calendar
Please take note of the following change to the school calendar.
The school will be closed for the May mid term break from Thursday 1. May to Monday 5. May inclusive. School reopens for all students on Tuesday 6 May 2008.

Thank you to Parents’ Council
A sincere thank you from the Board of Management and from myself to the members of the Parents’ Council for the hugely successful Race Night and Fund Raising event at Pettit’s supermarket. Their commitment to the development of the school playing pitch and their professional, enthusiastic organisation of both events has ensured that the project can proceed this year and should be ready for use in September 2008. A sincere thank you also to Ms Cogley, Deputy Principal, who worked closely with the Parents’ Council on these projects.

Of course this success would not have possible without the very generous support of the companies and individuals who sponsored the races and our students and families who sold the horses. The main sponsor of the Race Night was M.J. O’Connor Solicitors. The hugely impressive amount of €18,881.91 was raised.

The School Roof
The Department of Education has sanctioned a new roof covering on the school building. This work has started and is progressing well.


Religious Education

This term has had many calendar events and special days to celebrate. Firstly we had St. Brigid’s Day on February 1 when we prayed to and remembered this very important Irish saint. Then a few days later we had the Feast of St. Blaise on the 3 of February and as it fell on a Sunday this year, most people had their throats blessed at mass in their parish church. Ash Wednesday was on February 6 and Fr. Dalton was kept very busy as huge numbers turned up at the Prayer Room to receive Blessed Ashes during their lunch break. As Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, students began to explore the issue of climate change, the topic of this year’s Trocaire Lenten Campaign, in religion classes. Over the last two weeks many interesting debates have arisen on this issue. These discussions led copious numbers of students to participate in the annual Trocaire 24 Hour Fast which was held on February 22-23. Well done to all of you who took up the challenge and thanks to everyone who sponsored them also.
The annual No Uniform Day was held on March 4. The money raised will send two lucky fifth year students, as helpers, on a pilgrimage to Lourdes with a Diocesan group from May 17-22.

Fr. Dalton will visit the school at lunchtime on March 11 to allow us to participate in Lenten Reconciliation; those who wish to receive Confession can do so in the Prayer Room that day. Easter is extremely early this year and St Patrick’s Day is at the beginning of Holy Week, therefore it is being celebrated in the Church on Saturday the 15 this year. May we take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and Happy Easter and:

“May your God be someone you can lean on in your weak or painful moments. May you know God as your rock, your shelter, your wing of comfort and support.” (Ps 94:18)

Important academic dates for your diary

March 13 3 Year & T.Y.O. options night for parents and students

April 7 – 11 Leaving Certificate – Oral Irish

April 7 – 18 Junior Certificate – Food Practical

April 7 – 18 Junior & Leaving Certificate – Music Practical

April 9 Junior & T.Y.O. Final date for choosing 5 year subjects

April 14 – 18 Leaving Certificate French/German orals

April 25 Junior Certificate Science closing date for mandatory practical and project work

April 30 Leaving Certificate History – closing date for submission of Research Study

May 7 L.C.V.P. written exam (10.00am to 12.30pm)

June 4 Start of State Exams


Concern Fast Update

Ms G. O’Brien and Ms Cogley would like to say a big thank you and well done to all students who participated in the Concern Christmas Fast.
The total amount raised this year by the school was €6,056.29, so well done to you all.
The prize for the class who raised the most money goes to 1A4 who raised a total of €1020 – well done 1A4.
There are also prizes for the three students who individually raised the most and these prizes went to:-

Marie Whelan 1A3 who raised €146
Sarah Cullimore 3A2 who raised €163
Gina Roche 3A5 who raised €170
Well done girls.

Career Guidance

A full list of all guidance activities for this term is on the school web- site ()

6 year students completed their CAO applications in January and turned their focus to courses within the PLC sector. Many of the local Colleges of Further Education held school talks in February and some students have attended PLC College Open days. 6th years also visited I.T. Carlow local campus here in Wexford.
A study skills day for 5 years was held in January. The focus was on note taking and different learning techniques. Students were very positive about the experience and commented “the memory techniques were most helpful for me because they showed me different ways to help me remember things easier”. 5 years also spent a day ‘on campus’ when they visited UCD recently.

Over the next few weeks 3 years and T Y students have to make decisions about subjects for senior cycle. An information night for parents on the options available in the school will be held on Thursday 13 March. All 3 yrs and TY students have had career information classes and individual interviews with their Guidance Counsellor to help them with their choices. A careers booklet on senior cycle options is available in school for all students. Serious thought needs to be given to their decision. Completed option forms must be returned to the school by Wednesday 9 April 2008.
2nd years have completed a career guidance module where students were introduced to career decision making skills, career research and career web sites
Up coming events next term include –
Interview Training & Mock Interviews for 5 yrs
First year subject choice Art /Music /Home Economics

Revision & Study tips for exam Students
Exam students need to focus on school and exam work in the 9 weeks of last term
Junior cert students need to do 3 hours study 6 days a week
Leaving cert students need to do 3.5/ 4 hours study 6 days a week
Make out a revision plan now!
Make out a revision checklist for each subject i.e. a list of topics for each exam subject.
Set realistic targets for each week (week 1 -9). Balance your time between all exam subjects
Revise a little each day. Have set times either before or after homework. Do extra revision at weekend.
Be active in your study-don’t just re-read notes. Rewrite key points, use mind maps, memory cards and self- test regularly.
Study in a quiet, well lit room at a table with no distractions.(no mobile phone ,TV, radio)
Work through past exam papers and practise timing your answers.
Pace yourself- Do not do too much at once. Take regular breaks. Reward yourself by planning time off away from the books.

Look after yourself….. Eat well, drink lots of water, get regular exercise, do not study beyond 10.30pm, relax /unwind before bed and get 8 hours sleep

Sport

Basketball

The first and second year ‘C’ basketball teams have excelled in their respective leagues, having won all of their games in our section to date. The victories came at the expense of Loreto Wexford, Ramsgrange C.S., Colaiste Brid and Bridgetown. Both teams look set to qualify for the league quarter finals, which will be a tremendous achievement. The girls must be commended on the commitment they have shown to training and team work, both of which have been central to their success to date! The squads are as follows:

First Year: Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Jessica Reville, Aoife Walsh, Susan O’Doherty, Alison O’Doherty, Nicola Culleton, Becky Meehan, Cara McDonald, Ciara Grey, Rebecca Kehoe, Beth Kavanagh, Aoife Crowley, Leigh Pierce, Cally O’Leary.

Second Year: Lauren Lawlor, Laura Donnelly, Emma Walsh, Sara Walsh, Dearbhla Daly, Eleanor Nolan, Stella McKay Firth, Aisling Nolan, Aoibhinn O’Connor, Eadaoin Miskella, Gemma Kelly, Deirdre Kenny.

Athletics – Cross Country
The school held an in-house cross country race which was open to all first and second year pupils, on what was a very cold and blustery Monday in January. For many this was their first experience of the event and some great talent was unearthed on the day. Thanks to the Wexford Racecourse committee for allowing us to use their facilities.
The top three finishers in each race were as follows:

First Year 1 Beth Kavanagh 2 Sara Walsh
3 Charlotte Robinson
Second Year 1 Ciara McIntosh 2 Laura Donnelly
3 Demi Farrell

These girls and the remaining top six finishers in each race represented the school at the South Leinster Cross Country Championships in Tinryland, Carlow on 6 February. All the girls performed very well on what was a challenging course, and were unlucky not to come away with a team placing. Congratulations to all the girls involved on the day!

1 Year D Basketball
The 1 Year D basketball team have had a great start to the season winning both of their group games against Loreto and Mooncoin. They now progress to the South-East semi-final which will be played just before Easter. The girls are now training hard for this match.

2 Year D Basketball
The 2 Year D basketball team have had some very close group games this year. They lost by narrow margins to New Ross V.C. and C.B.S. New Ross. They played some excellent basketball in their matches against Loreto and Mooncoin and won both of these games. This has earned them a place in the South-East semi-final. The girls are now preparing for this match.

Hockey
The Junior B completed League fixtures in January with a narrow defeat to Loreto Wexford.The Minor C finished strongly gaining 6 points from a possible 8 and giving them second place in the SE League.
The Minor B play Kilkenny College on March 5th in Bunclody in the SE final. We wish Ciara, Dearbhla and all their team the best in the game. Grainne and Rasha Junior B have given the 2nd yrs two very challenging games in preparation for the final. Mary Bridges, in goal, for the Juniors created great frustration for the Minor B forwards with numerous tremendous saves.
1st yr teams have been busy training and playing tough competitive games against Loreto Wexford. The girls have prepared very well for 2nd year leagues.

Gaelic Football
The U-14 Football team have recently qualified from their group with great wins in their matches against Bridgetown and FCJ Bunclody. The girls are now focussing on their next match which will be against the winning team from the Kilkenny group. With the girls training hard and playing some excellent football on the pitch we are hoping to progress very far in this year’s competition.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme ( L.C.V.P.)

Sixth year L.C.V.P. students are busy at the moment putting the final touches to the portfolio which represents 60% of the available marks. Part of the portfolio includes a recorded interview to camera where the student is interviewed on a range of topics. Last year’s major activity was an enterprise activity for charity which is then reported on and included as one of their portfolio items. L.C.V.P. students sit the exam on the first Wednesday in May and we wish them the best of luck!

The current Fifth Year L.C.V.P. students have participated in a lot of activities. At the start of the year they went to Shielbaggan Adventure Centre on a group bonding day. They have had numerous guest speakers in; one of the highlights was Lucy Medlicott, the founder of Bui Bolg Street Theatre. The class has broken up into groups for their enterprise module. One group held a very successful table quiz on the 14 December 2007 for 2 Years. The next up coming event is a sports day on the 13 March for 2 years and the Prez Factor, a talent competition for 1 Years on the 14 March.
Other students are currently working on a yearbook for 4 and 5 years, and theory tests being held for people of age 17 or over. Students have also taken part in work experience during the mid-term.

Music

Stars in Your Eyes
Stars in Your Eyes took place on Tuesday 5 February in the Presentation Concert Hall. The Night was a fantastic success with teachers, parents, students and friends all supporting the performers. There were a wide variety of acts performed by first to sixth year students. Some of the acts included Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Dolly Parton, Avril Lavigne and Amy Winehouse. All of the audience received a voting card where they chose their two favourite acts. The winner on the night was Laura Roche, a fifth year student who sang Beautiful Disaster by Kelly Clarkson. Orlaith Brennan, another fifth year student was the runner up. She sang Black Horse and Cherry Tree by Katie Tunstall. Both of these students will now go through to the next round where they will compete against other Leinster schools. This will be held in the Setanta House Hotel in Celbridge on a date still to be confirmed. We wish them both the very best of luck.

Choir
Choir auditions took place earlier this year where the students were divided into soprano, mezzo soprano and alto voices. Choir takes place each Friday at lunchtime 12.30 – 1.00pm. The choir is currently learning two songs in three part harmony: The Quiet Land of Erin arranged by Havelock Nelson and Rescue Me from the film Sister Act. The choir will be entering the AIMS Choral Festival Choir Competition in New Ross on Friday 23 May 2008.
Preparations will soon be underway for the end of year Mass.

French Exchange Programme 2008
The first phase of the French Exchange took place from the 18 – 23 February 2008. Thirty Second Year students traveled with three teachers, to our partner school in Paris. A good time was reported by all. The students are now looking forward to the French students visiting Wexford after Easter. They will be in Ireland from 10 April – 16 April. This is a valuable educational opportunity for our students and parental support is fundamental to its success. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

English
A group of 5 Years travelled to ‘Macbeth’ at the Helix in Dublin on the 5 March 2008.
Miss Cherabbi would like to thank all the students who donated such wonderful books for the library. A draw will take place next week for all those who made donations.

Transition Year

In early January all T.Y. students enjoyed a dance workshop. In groups they also completed their Agri-Aware ‘Our Food Your Way’ Project. On the 31 of January, 27 students along with Ms. Carr and Ms. Cranny travelled to Spain on a week long exchange with a school in Falset, Priorat. The students enjoyed visits to the cities of Barcelona, Tarragona, Reus and Sitges, along with many other activities.

On the 5 of February, 12 students were accompanied by Ms. O’Malley and Mr. Brophy on their trip to Carlingford Adventure Centre in Co. Louth. Students were involved in and enjoyed activities including Kayaking, High Ropes, Raft-Building and many team challenges. On their return to school after midterm all students enjoyed a full day song writing workshop with musician Kieran McEvoy.

On February 26 the Enterprise Competition School Final took place. Congratulations to the two mini companies who won the school enterprise competition – Slice of Heaven & Blank Canvas. In late February singer Luan Parle payed a second visit to our T.Y. girls to provide a music workshop for them.

On the 4 of March, 28 Spanish students arrived on the second part of the exchange. While in Wexford they will enjoy a Ceilí held in the school, T.Y. students are busy practicing their Ceilí dancing at the moment. The Spanish group will have a tour of Wexford town; they will travel to see Hook Lighthouse and Dunbrody Famine Ship. They will also visit some of the attractions in Kilkenny and Dublin city.

Just before Easter, Waterford Youth Arts Group will visit the school to perform a drama ‘Him, Her, Here, There’, for T.Y. students, following the performance the girls will be involved in a workshop with the group.

All students are also very busy completing their tasks to achieve their Bronze Gaisce Awards, by the end of the year. Students are also enjoying their second work experience placement at the moment. The Rumbling Tummies and Diamond Dance Mini Companies presented cheques of €420 and €1,000 respectively to Irish Cancer Society of Ireland.
Congratulations to Anita Gaughan T.Y.1 who has been chosen as one of ten finalists for the Mental Health Ireland Design a Cover Art Competition.

Meitheal

Awards for Meitheal Leaders
Congratulations to our Meitheal Leaders, who were presented with certificates of achievement on March 10 in Enniscorthy.
The event was organised by the County Wexford Meitheal Alliance and the certificates were presented by Mr. Brendan Smith, Minister of State with special responsibility for children.
This year’s Meitheal Leaders are:

Emma Boggan Lorna Kelly Danielle Furlong
Meave Boland Lauren Mahoney Olivia Timmins
Kimberley Brennan Helen McDonnell Rachel Harren
Sarah Curtis Fiona Murphy Kiera Waters
Amy Farrell Hannah Roche
Student Council Elections
The annual student council elections will take place on 13 May 2008.
Completed nomination forms must be returned by April 21.
The two week period from April 29 will see an energetic campaign for the 10 seats on the council. Our thanks are extended to the out-going members of the council for their service this year. They are:
2 Year Adrianne O Connor 3 Year Rasha Ibraham
Nicola Walsh Anne Marie Kehoe

4/5 Year Enya Barron 6 Year Rachel Harran
Grace Cowman Louise Kelly
Sarah Sherlock Fiona Murphy

From the Parents’ Council

A very successful race night was held by the Parents’ Council in Whitford Hotel on Friday night 1 February. A Big thank you to parents, friends, and the many teaching staff who attended, making it a most enjoyable and entertaining night for all. We appreciate the support shown by all parents and students in selling the racehorses, which contributed greatly to the success of the event.
Congratulations to the students who won prizes for selling the most horses.

A special thanks to Ms. Breda Cogley whose willingness to help and contribution was invaluable to the running of the race night. Our thanks also to our MC for the night Paddy Hannon and tote manager Mary Codd who gave their time graciously and to the Whitford Hotel who provided the venue for the race night.

On the same weekend of Friday 1 and Saturday 2 February the Parents’ Council held a raffle at Pettitt’s Supermarket. This again was a great success and thank you to all Parents’ Council members and friends who withstood the cold to help with the selling of the tickets over the two days.

We wish to thank all our sponsors, those who gave donations/prizes to our raffle, teachers, students, parents and all parents’ council members who contributed in any way to the success of these events. Total profit from the two events was an amazing €18,889.91. Congratulations to all on a job well done!!!!

We wish all parents, students and teachers a very Happy Easter.