Millstreet Community School
Newsletter
Sept–Nov 2005
It has been a busy start to the year in Millstreet Community School, with new challenges for students and staff. A special effort is made at the beginning of the School Year to organise events and speakers to enhance each student’s education. Several new projects have been initiated this year and old ones improved.We welcome Ms. Patricia McDonagh to Maths and to Careers, Ms. Niamh Browne. Both bring experience and expertise to their subject areas. Best wishes are extended to teachers who are no longer with MCS: Mrs Celeste Buckley, Ms. Helen Hickson and Mrs. Patricia Kelly. We hope Mrs Kelly enjoys her retirement. Finally, we wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Michael McCarthy.
Living Scenes Inter-generational Project
An exciting new project involving students and older adults commenced at Millstreet Community School on Thursday 6th October 2005.Living Scenes is a unique Outreach Programme run by the National University of Ireland in Galway, and devised by Ms. Mary Surlis from the Adult and Continuing Education Office, at the University.It has run successfully for six years in a Galway City School.It involves Transition Year students (15 & 16 year olds) and older adults working together on a specifically designed programme of work that reflects the inter-generational nature of the group. Millstreet Community School is the first in Co. Cork to run the project.
The Living Scenes group in Millstreet Community School has over twenty-five members.They meet for two and a half hours every Thursday afternoon.The participants began with an art module, which is being facilitated by Ms. Kathy O’Connor.They will be moving into areas such as drama and music after Christmas. Participation does not require any particular expertise – just a willingness to take part and give it a try! MCS Chaplain, Mr. John Magee is co-ordinating the programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the School Year.
Study Skills
The students of Fifth Year completed a day long seminar on Study Skills in September. This course is very worthwhile, it helps students to optimise their study time and perform well in exams.
First Years
1) There was a large turn out in the School for the annual First Year Mass. This is an important part in welcoming the First Years and their families into the School community. Many grandparents were in attendance, adding to the friendly atmosphere of the evening.The First Years sang and participated fully in the Mass. The singing was under the guidance of Ms. Corcoran.
2) As you are aware, First Years remain in School during lunchtime. This helps the students to adjust to the very significant move from Primary School.
3) The Mentoring Programme for First Year students is running very successfully. Fifth Year students meet with First Years and help them adjust to life in MCS. These Fifth Years were carefully interviewed and selected during Transition Year They then underwent a Training Course and continue to receive support.
The Fifth Year students showed their commitment to, and interest in, this project by returning to School a couple of days early at the start of this term. Well done!
Catering
Ducey’s catering bid farewell to MCS last June. Mr. Pigott presented them with Waterford crystal on behalf of the School Staff as an expression of thanks for all the lunches that had been served over a long number of years.
MCS then had to find a replacement. We are delighted to announce that a new catering operation, run by Helena Cooney and Sandra Bickerdyke, has taken over.
The emphasis is on healthy, tasty food e.g. homemade soup, brown bread and sandwiches. The service is very convenient for students. Break time snacks and lunch time meals are available. There is a special service for those involved in School Outings during lunchtime. Arrangements are also in place to serve those attending Evening Study. All of which means that MCS has a Canteen Service second to none.
SportingAchievement
The senior boys’ hurling team beat local rivals Boherbue Comp. 3-11 to 3-10, in their first round championship game. They were unable to overcome Fermoy in the second round. The senior footballers were much too strong for Davis College, Mallow, winning on a scoreline of 4-17 to 3-3. The U16 camogie team had a great win over North Pres 2-5 to 1-4.
In the absence of Mr. McCarthy, the camogie team is managed by Mrs. Buckley, while Mr. Dilworth is in charge of hurling.
Both girls’ and boys’ teams have competed in regional golf competitions with the boys’ team securing a third place finish.
Congratulations are extended to Darren Sheehen, second year, who starred on the Cork U14 Football Teamrecently. He was part of the team that won the championship, beating teams from Munster and South Leinster.
Career Options
There was plenty for the Leaving Certificate students to think about when they attended the Career Options event in Rochestown Park Hotel. Students are now better informed for their CAO\CAS options and careers. Students find it is easier to study for the Leaving Certificate if they have a set goal in mind for after the exam.
Fifth Years also had an opportunity to visit University of Limerick to help them with their career choices.
Website
MCS has gone online. The site is under construction and will be updated during the year with inputs from First Year and TY students. The site is linked from the Millstreet.ie website.
Leaving Cert Retreat
The students and their teachers were blessed with a fine day for a Retreat that began in Killarney with a boat trip to Inishfallon Island and on to the Black Valley. This was followed by a seven mile walk back to the bus. The group attended Prayer Services on Inishfallon Island and in the Black Valley Church. This was an inspirational and worthwhile day for all involved despite the aching legs and tired feet!
Punctuality
Punctuality is very important in the workplace and in School. Registers are taken at 9.00 a.m. and again at 1.20p.m. This has improved punctuality this year.
Transition Year Drama
TY productions would like to announce that their play “ Say Cheese” by Bernard Farrell will be the highlight of the Christmas season!! Auditions took place during September and rehersals are well under way. This hilarious comedy runs during the week of December 5th 2005. So book your seat now, tickets make ideal Christmas presents!!
Transition Year News
1) The annual Law Day took place on Sept. 29th. Members of the legal profession visited the School and held a mock trial with the TY students, introducing them to the Law with wigs, gowns and all!!
2) TY students attended a Careers Exhibition in Kanturk, organised by IRD Duhallow.
3) The ‘Beat Box Workshop’ visited the School (Oct 14th). This involved teaching the students about percussion instruments and how to play them. The day culminated in a performance by the students in the Sports Hall. The students expended a lot of energy during the day and the sound of the bongo drums still resonates in the School.
4) A Drug and Alcohol awareness professional, Mr. Tony O’ Carroll,
visited the School highlighting the horrors of drug addiction.
5) Swimming in Killarney on Tuesday afternoons has commenced.
6)The “Living Scenes” Project is up and running.
7) Rehersals for the School Drama are underway.
8) School Bank: TY students were interviewed and the successful candidates will be running the School Bank in conjunction with AIB Millstreet. The students will set up accounts and collect deposits weekly.The interview process was a valuable exercise with experienced staff from AIB on the interview panel.
9) Ms. Anne Copplestone from the Hope Foundation visited the School. Her organisation works with street children in Calcutta. There was a video presentation illustrating the valuable work being undertaken by this group.
P. A. C.
MCS Parents Advisory Committee meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.30pm. New members are always welcome. The PAC helps parents to get the most out of the education system. Enquiries-contact Pat Golden on 086 3902124.
P.A.C. Drugs & Alcohol Talk
The P.A.C. hosted an Information Evening for parents on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The meeting, held on 18th of October, featured Mr. Tony O’ Carroll as guest speaker. Mr. O’ Carroll is a much sought after speaker on this issue and the talk was very informative. The P.A.C. are pleased to announce that a similar evening will be held again next year.
National P.A.C.
MCS acknowledged the great contribution being made by Mr. Humphrey O’Riordan to the National Parents Advisory Committee. He is in his second term as President of the National Committee and MCS presented him with an engraved silver pen to mark this achievement. Mr. O’Riordan travels throughout Ireland meeting with all of the interested parties in education.
Student Council
Each year students are elected to the Student Council. Each year group elect their own representatives. The Student Council for 2005/06 is as follows:
First Year- Nicole Pieria and Donagh Tarrant
Second Year- Brian Murphy; Sean O’Keeffe and Patrick Rohan
Third Year- Niall Lynch and Liam Curtin
Transition Year- Una Browne; Shane O’ Riordan and Orla O’ Connor
Fifth Year- Noel O’ Riordan; Ciara Hickey; Michael Curran and Katie Guerin
Sixth Year- Sarah O’ Shea; Anna Twomey; Aisling O’ Mahony and Maura O’ Connor.
Chairperson-Anna Twomey.Vice Chair-Ciara Hickey,Secretary- Aisling O’ Mahony, Assistant secretery-Katie Guerin.
The Student Council is a mechanism for the students to voice their opinions on various topics relating to School life. The current council has already addressed several issues:
1)Organising a drinking fountain/tap in the canteen (at quotation stage).
2)Organising this year’s Coirm Cheoil na Nollag
3)Setting up a Book Club
4)Organising coaches for sports teams
5)Organising charity soccer match.
The council meet once a month and regularly meet with School Management.
The members of the School Council are also looking forward to a meeting with the P.A.C. due to take place in November
Exam Results
MCS would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who sat State Exams this summer. A high proportion of Leaving Certs. achieved results even better than they hoped for and many are now in jobs or attending third level. Students have secured places in various Colleges and Institutes including U.C.C., U.L., Mary I. Limerick, C.I.T. and many more. Best wishes to all in their future careers.
Junior Certs too had reason to be delighted with their results. As these students begin the Senior Cycle we are sure that they will fulfil their potential in the Leaving Cert. exam.
After-School Supervised Study
MCS offers supervised study on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 4.15 to 6.15 p.m. throughout the 2005/06 School Year. This has been on going since the beginning of term. There are further places available for any student wishing to study in a convenient, quiet location in the School without distractions
Acknowledgements
Many photos from MCS have appeared in the local press. Thanks to all involved.