Junior School
Can you believe that Christmas is here again – that special and magical time of year! We have had an action packed term and I think we are all are ready now to relax and enjoy the festive season. Of course the highlight of our term has been moving into our new School Building! What excitement it was on the first day of term, cutting the red ribbon and the children filing into the new building starting with the little ones. I have shared two of my favourite photos of the day – I think the look on Louise’s face sums up the awe and excitement we all felt when we saw our building! With our fabulous new Library - reading has certainly taken off in our Junior School – and the Library is the place to be from early morning to late evening. Our Co-Lab is also a hive of activity all day long – with art, scientific experiments, design, technology and engineering. Then of course there’s our beautiful Music Zone – from where we can hear piano, choir, percussion and song-singing ringing throughout our school. We really are so very lucky to have a school building which reflects our core values of collaboration and learning together, transparency, the importance of the arts, and the integration of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects from a very young age. We are also blessed to have a Junior School staff team who embrace all of these new developments with energy and enthusiasm and pass onto our pupils an excitement about education and a life-long love of learning.
We have a major new project for our Dome next term when our Gardening Team, under the direction of Mrs. Murphy, will visit the Botanic Gardens and meet with the Director – Mr. Matthew Jebb (whose four children all attended St. Gerard’s!) who will advise on the further development of the Dome into an outdoor classroom with tropical plants and plant growing, and perhaps even some fruit and veg! We will also have our Centenary Concert in the National Concert Hall in January to look forward to. So it will be lights, cameras, action from day one of the new term! But for now Christmas is here….a time for children, a time of hope and a time to give thanks for all the good things we share together as a school community. My special thanks to our wonderful staff team in the Junior School who are simply the best and who fill each day with learning, caring and fun. My thanks also to you the parents for your support and encouragement of all school endeavours from the beautiful toys and pyjamas placed under the Christmas tree and supporting the MS Read-a-thon to running our Library, and helping with the magical Christmas production. Finally, thank you girls and boys for being so good, so thoughtful and so co-operative – you make each day a joy! I wish one and all a very happy and blessed Christmas Season and here’s to a wonderful 2020. Deirdre Farrell Headmistress
St.Gerard’s School
Celebrating 100 Years
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Our N
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On the 2nd of September we were all very excited in St Gerard’s because a spectacular new wing of our Junior School was ready to open its doors to our new and existing pupils. As the oldest and youngest pupils in the Junior School - Hannah Duffy and Conal McDermott got the honour of cutting the red ribbon and we were led into a new fabulous school. All pupils and parents were eager to take a tour of the school which was led by Dr Farrell. As we walked in the door a fresh smell of paint cut me across the face and in my nostrils and I knew the school was ready for work. As we walked in Stephanie and Dr Farrell’s office were still there, Std 3 was completely the same, but Std.s 4 and 5 were completely brand new with
super cool new desks and chairs in Std 5. When we walked around the corner there was a fabulous open area and transparency was the main theme in the new wing. Beside Std 4 was a state-of-the-art library which was overlooking the tennis courts, the astro pitches and Bray Head and the sea. As I turned around a splendid new staircase was opposite 5th class which leads us down to an outstanding Colab. I was thinking to myself that I can’t wait till we go in there to do a project and get to use some of the equipment. I would like to say thank you for the wonderful new school to the Design Team, the Builders and to everyone who was involved in the project.
Reporter
Robert Prestage
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ori s s te n o The M
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Every year the Montessori children take part in a Christmas nativity play. Every child takes on the role of an important character from the nativity. These roles include donkeys, stars, angels, inn-keepers and of course Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Louise and Rachel take on the very important role of helping all the children to learn their lines and they also help the children to remember all the Christmas carols which the children sing very enthusiastically. The nativity would never happen without Louise and Rachel’s dedication. The Nativity Dress Rehearsal was performed once for some of the Junior School students and the boys and girls who have brothers and sisters in the Montessori Class. The main show was then performed on 13th December at 11am for their parents. The parents loved seeing their little children performing, and were beaming with pride as they watched them become true stars.
Reporter
Eva Doyle
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St.. Ge Gerard’s rard’s Junior Junior School School St
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Gre
ls o o h e ns c
The Greenschools Committe has been working really hard this term and have already achieved so much. They have introduced “landfill larry” and “recycle michael” posters to all of the bins in the Junior School to show which bins are recycling and which are black bins. This is a great idea to introduce the right way to recycle for the wellbeing of our planet. They also ran the Recycled Christmas Tree Decoration Competition again this year. They had lots of wonderful and creative entries, and the Greenschool Committee had a really tough time deciding who should go through to the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Ceremony. In the end it was a unanimous decision......and Isabelle Lynch was chosen to represent the school with yet another incredible creation. The ceremony took place on Wednesday 11th December and we were so excited to hear that Isabelle was the overall winner of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Ceremony too!! All of the other decorations adorned our staircases and brightened up our school!
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Isabelle L ynch - Ove rall winner Dun Laogh of the aire Rathd own Recycl Christmas Tree Deco ed ration Com petition
We must give great credit to our Committee this year as they are brainstorming new and exciting ways to promote environmental awareness and they have lots of ideas for the coming term. The Greenschools Committee is very well run by Ms. Flanagan and to help her are the Greenschools Chairpersons Aibidh Condren and Lucy Curran along with Vice Chairs Isabelle lynch and Hannah Duffy.
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Reporter
Choni Wong
Cotter
This years’ Greenschools Committee members are: Aibidh Condren, Lucy Curran, Hannah Duffy, Isabelle Lynch, Ava Browne, Ruby O’Brien, Cathy Keogh, Amber O’Dohohoe, Cuan Woods, Finn Rankin, Peter Galligan, Alice O’Leary, Choni Wong-Cotter, Thea Whelehan, Jack Williams, Pearl Connolly, Annie Dillon, Ali Rose Malone, Rozzy Finnegan Quirke, Freya McGonnell, Dhruv Sisodiya, Charlotte Dodd, Finley Kennedy, Juliette Duffy, Abi Flynn, Lottie O’Reilly, Ollie Focas, Bella Ryan, Jessica Mooney, Michael Kinsella, Paresia Phelan, Laura Keogh, Abigail Galligan, Zoe Hanley, Mysha Ali, Carla Brenna, Tilly O’Connor and Jack Delmar Anderson
St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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Mon
i r o s tes
This term in Montessori the boys and girls have been working extremely hard on a Winter project. The Winter project is based on the changes in Antarctica and how the Antartic animals survive in their own unique way. Emily is one of the Montessori students and she said “Penguins live there, but humans don’t live there. The penguin is my favourite animal in the Antartica” Earlier in the year the children had a fun Halloween party and also learnt about the continents of the world. The Montessori children do PE with Julie, our very own special PE teacher!
Reporter
Bobby Sherwin
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Junior Infants
er ~M r. D w y
Reporte
Isabeller Lynch
Junior Infants Get Buzzy! 2019 has been a very fun and exciting year for our Junior Infants, as they have been kept busy building their newest student, Bee-Bot the robot! He is a friendly little robot, who has directional keys which the Infants use to program it to go forward, backwards, left and right. Junior Infants have even gone to the extent of creating a maze and a snakes and ladders mat for little Bee-Bot. He is a very lucky robot! They are teaching him some very creative and complex tricks and commands! Bee-Bot is a marvellous addition to the school, and Junior Infants should be proud of such a wonderful and original creation. Maybe BeeBot will replace the teachers one day!
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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ts n a f Senior In
.M ~ Ms
cCa be
Senior Infants have had a brilliant start to the year. They came back to the exciting news that there were two new students - Senior Infants have warmly welcomed Ruby and Caragh to St. Gerards. The biggest hit with the Senior Infants is Teddy Bear Friday where they all get to bring their favourite teddies to school - a rare treat! Recently Mr. Dwyer and the Irish Committee organised a Teddy Bear’s Picnic as Gaeilge! This was massively enjoyed by Senior Infants who had a great day. One of the many brilliant things that Ms. McCabe does is taking the Senior Infants on a walk down the fields in their wellies. This is only on Wednesdays and so it’s known as Wellie Wednesday! This Autumn Senior Infants were scouring the ground under trees for conkers. Another thing that Senior Infants loved was pumpkin carving with Ms. Maguire’s Std 6 pupils. This was highly anticipated by both classes and enjoyed hugely! Bobby, the class teddy, is brought home by someone different every weekend and is returned on Monday. Ms. McCabe randomly picks a name out of a hat every Friday. It has been a wonderful start to the year for our Senior Infants!
Reporter
an Sean Costig
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Literacy Corner So far this year we have been reading as much as ever thanks to our Junior Librarians and our fabulous new library! This year we have introduced a new Library Committee to organise supervised reading during break and to work the very fancy new library computer system, tidy the shelves and so much more. One of the main highlights is the very comfy furniture in the library but also the new book swap scheme. Each child can bring in some books and receive tokens for the amount of books they bring in. Then they can choose some fabulous new books that somebody else has already read. All the classes seem to be enjoying the library so much and we are all definitely putting it to good use. This is now some of the students’ favourite time of the week!!!! All of this reading really came in handy with our MS Readathon in November – we raised a whooping €700 for MS Ireland! Our book club and storytelling so far have been going really well with Ms. Byrne. The Christmas Storytime with Mr. Mansfield was a real treat! Finally, a big thanks to all the Mums who help out in our fabulous Library. What a great year of reading we have to come!
Reporter
Thea Whelehan
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The Junior Librarians are: From Std 3 - Maya von Moll, William Green, Luna Kovalenko, Mary-Kate Cunningham, Rozzy Finnegan Quirke, Tilly O’Connor, Zack O’Dwyer, Daisy Jolly, Jack Newton, Jack Delmar Anderson From Std 4 - Ali Rose Malone, Olivia Kelly, Abi Flynn, Kaia Healy, Lottie O Reilly, Andrew Keogh From Std 5 - Juliette Duffy, Finley Kennedy, Caoimhe Tucker, Joseph Stanton, David Williams, Charles Kelly From Std 6 - Aibidh Condren, Thea Whelehen, Cathy Keogh, Mirabelle Gibbons, Hannah Duffy, Ava Browne, Amber O Donohoe, Lucy Curran, Alice O’Leary, Isabelle Lynch, Choni Wong Cotter and Tiffany Huang
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Ro a l d D a h l Da y
Reporter
Eva Doyle
On the 13th September we celebrated Roald Dahl day and because yellow is Roald Dahl’s favourite colour we celebrated by everyone wearing something yellow or even dressing up as one of the characters from one of Dahl’s books. Not only does everyone wear something yellow, but Ms Byrne created a really fun quiz all about Roald Dahl and his books which the entire school took part in. After the quiz we all received a chocolate bar. Everyone always looks forward to the exciting day and thank you so much Ms. Byrne for organizing it.
Junior Librarians www.stgerards.ie
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a r e G St.
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y a D rd’s
As is tradition, on the 16th of October Standard 3, 4, 5 and 6 set out on an adventure up the Sugarloaf to celebrate St. Gerards Day. At around 10:15am we boarded the buses and we were on our way to a great day out on the Sugar Loaf. On the bus we sang our hearts out and joked and we were all very excited. As always, Julie jogged up and checked if it is safe to climb. It was a cold crisp day and the wind cut our faces and ears, but luckily the rain held off. When we reached the shoulder we got one big photo of cold but happy faces. Julie gives us the shout and back down we go. Due to the wet ground we were all slipping and sliding on our way down. When we got to the bottom thankfully we had no injuries. Our teachers did a head count and we set off back to school. When we got back we had a well deserved treat and it was delicious!
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That evening, there was a beautiful Mass which is the main highlight of the day and one of the biggest occasions of the school year. And since it was the 100th year anniversary, Bishop Eamon Walsh was the celebrant for the mass which made the day even more special. Parents and children attended. I was in the choir. We put in lots of effort and hard work and it really paid off. After the Mass, our parents were invited up to the new Junior School wing for a blessing of the School by Bishop Eamon and the official opening of our new school. The ribbon ceremony was very special. The ribbon was cut by two of our youngest pupils from Std 1 - Olivia Condren and
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Seán Knight Bollard. And by our oldest past pupil Mr. George Byrne. What an occasion! While our parents were at celebrating the new school, the students played on the astro and Standard 6 were treated to a Céile in the Junior School hall with Claire. It was great fun and I had a ball and afterwards we enjoyed sweets and refreshments. It is one of the days I will look back at and say “I wish I could do it all again”! After the Mass, our parents were invited up to the new Junior School wing for a blessing of the School by Bishop Eamon and the official opening of our new school. The ribbon ceremony was very special. The ribbon was cut
by two of our youngest pupils from Std 1 - Olivia Condren and Seán Knight Bollard. And by our oldest past pupil Mr. George Byrne. What an occasion! While our parents were at celebrating the new school, the students played on the astro and Standard 6 were treated to a Céile in the Junior School hall with Claire. It was great fun and I had a ball and afterwards we enjoyed sweets and refreshments. It is one of the days I will look back at and say “I wish I Reporter could do it e b o R rt Prestage all again”!
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Standard 1 ~ Ms.
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Standard 1 have been up to some pretty exciting things so far this year! We welcomed Luke to the class in September and he has been a most welcome addition to the classroom! This class have been working very hard and have been doing some amazing art putting our new Co-lab to good use. The whole classroom is absolutely full of art - stained glass candles, autumn trees and so much more. Also their teacher Ms. Carlos told us that Std 1 are amazing at building things with lego and blocks making very cool farm yards and spacecrafts! They have also joined the new Junior School Junior Choir and are very excited about singing in the National Concert Hall in January. They can’t wait to show off their skills and Ms. Carlos told us that they have beautiful voices!
Ca rl o s
Reporter
Thea Wheleh
an
work
Wonderful Art
This year Std. 1 started playing minigames for the first time which is an introduction to rugby and hockey. This is getting them ready for the full on hockey and rugby from third class upwards! Back in the classroom, it seems that they are working very hard and reading lots of stories. What a great year to come and what an amazing class!!!
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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2 Standard
ory Greg . s ~M
Standard 2 have had a very busy term. After they settled in - they got cracking with hard work. Standard 2 welcomed two new students this year, Sanaa and Taylor, both of whom have settled in well and are making lots of friends. So far Standard 2 have done two projects, one on India and the other on Alexander Graham Bell. The children thoroughly enjoyed working on their projects and they learnt a lot of interesting facts. Ms.Gregory has been working tirelessly on helping Standard 2 prepare for their Holy Communion. The boys and girls recently had their Enrolment Service which was lovely evening for both pupils and parents. Standard 2 have really enjoyed using the Co-Lab and use it every week for science and art. At the start of the year Dhruv’s dad, who is a dentist, came in to talk about the importance of cleaning and looking after your teeth. The children listened attentively and Reporter gathered lots of information. You’ll Sean Costig off an see their sparkling smiles every day! Overall it has been a great start to the year for this hard-working Standard 2!
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tee t i mm o C h Iris
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Reporter
Eva Doyle
Picnic na mBéirín D’eagraigh Coiste na Gaeilge picnic na mbéirín do na ranganna naionáin. Chuamar ar siúlóid an-deas do dtí an Dome agus bhíomar ag canadh an t-am ar fad – “Tá Téidí ag siúl,Tá Téidí ag súgradh,Tá Téidí ag damhsa srl”! Ansin, d’itheamar sneaiceanna an-bhlasta agus leigh an tUasal Ó Duibhir scéal iontach dúinn. B’iontach an craic a bhí againn! Is breá liom ag caint as Gaeilge. The Irish Committee had a picnic with the infant classes this term. We went on a nice walk to the Dome and sang – “The teddy is walking, The teddy is playing, The teddy is dancing etc”!. Then we had a snack it was very tasty and Mr. Dwyer read a wonderful story to us. We had a lot of fun! I love speaking Irish.
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S E M GA Equestrian Interschools In St. Gerard’s we are extremely fortunate to be able to have an Interschools Riding Team for our Junior and Senior Schools. Each of the riders has their own ponies and train in their spare time. On the 29th of September the Std 6 Interschools Equestrian team of Ariana Durkan, Peter Galligan, Thea Whelehan and Aibidh Condren were placed 3rd out of seven teams. We were competing at Killossery Lodge Stud, winning 3rd place rossets, a refresher and headcollers. The competition was intense and we were all extremely nervous but we were content with how well we did as it was our first competition of the year. On the 24th of November we attended the same show venue and performed very well. There r Reporte are times when I feel a little bit more pressure an u na D rk ia r A as my Dad Neil is the Chef D’equipe for the Equestrian Interschools team 2019/20 – but he gives us amazing support! off
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Standard 5 Basketball On two consecutive Mondays in November, Standard 5 travelled by bus to Castlepark to play in a Basketball Tournament. They played superbly against many schools and showed great teamwork and team spirit. The basketball adventure culminated in the National Basketball Arena on 25th November. Std. 5 left the school at 8:30am on the dot and travelled to Tallaght. At 10am the boys started their match against Scoil San Treasa. This was followed by the girls’ match. Unfortunately both teams lost but it was a great experience and they got to go to a tuck shop afterwards for sweets. They came back with runner-up medals around their necks. It was a great day out and it’s all thanks to Julie for organizing it. www.stgerards.ie
Reporter
Hannah Duffy
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S E M GA
Well Played! This year we got new players and two new coaches, Jason and Phil, for the Standard 6 rugby team. The coaches have lots of ambition for the team and it feels like we have all been playing together for a long time. The coaches have really impacted positively on the team. Early in the term we played a blitz in Willow Park, Blackrock and we did well. We have won a fair few of the games that we have played this year and we are getting stronger and stronger by the day. We hosted a team from England called St. John Beauford in October. We all had lunch together and we really enjoyed the experience. A big thanks to Julie for organizing it and for organising all of our games!
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Reporter
Sam Fennelly
AIJS Football Tournament After lots of hard work and fancy footwork in training we were ready for the AIJS Football Tournament - all hoping that we would get a spot on the team! On Saturday the 12th of October, the selected girls and boys from Std.6 represented St. Gerard’s in this important tournament. It was being held in St. Gerard’s so we all turned up with our game faces on! We started very early in the morning and thankfully it was a beautiful sunny
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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AIJS Hockey Tournament
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On the 11th of November all the girls in Std.6 went off to Mount Anvil on a very cold and wintery day. We were taking part in the AIJS hockey tournament. All of the girls were split into two teams and we all had our game faces on ready to play three matches in each division. Some of our parents turned up so we had some loyal supporters on the sidelines! Everyone was playing really well and there were no losses for either team. After lots of goals were scored and some great footwork, we were all waiting in anticipation for the prize giving. In the end, all of the girls in two different divisions won gold medals and everyone was jumping around with excitement! Everyone in Std.6 was ecstatic and overall everyone agreed it was an amazing day. We were all very tired but there was still some singing on the bus! What a great beginning to our hockey year!
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Thea
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day. Lots of schools were there and we knew that we had some tough competition. We all got on great and everybody played amazingly well but just missed out on the trophy this year. However, we brought a few medals home in some of our hands at least! J ulie and all the sports staff put lots of effort in and it definitely paid off. The refreshments Reporter were top class!!!
Sam Fennelly
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as m t s za i r n h a C g The a v a r Ext
In one word......WOW! The Christmas plays this year were incredible. As usual Ms Carney and Ms Olohan really outdid themselves. And this was definitely thanks to the extra special help and involvement from our new Music Teacher Ms. Broxson. Every child from Junior Infants to Standard 3 put everything they had into their performances. Junior Infants, Senior Infants and Standard 1 performed ‘What A Star’ and Std. 2 and Std. 3 performed ‘Fairytale Nativity’. I can honestly say the plays get better each year! From the fabulous acting to the extravagant singing, then the gorgeous costumes, stupendous make-up and of course we can’t forget the beautifully painted backdrop. I can’t wait to see next years’ play.
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Reporter
Hannah Duffy www.stgerards.ie
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~ 3 d r a Stand
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a gan
Standard 3 had very exciting news at the start of term – a new pupil - Carla Brennan. Carla is very welcome to the Standard 3 class and to the Junior School Community! Standard 3 have been learning lots of things during the past term. They studied many Irish legends such as Tir na nÓg, Setanta, and Fionn and the Fianna. They have also been doing multiplication and division which are very hard Maths topics! They have also been doing art work related to their maths, it’s like a multiplication city x 2 floors = 4! Standard 3 are also doing paired reading with Std 5. Each pupil pairs up with someone from Standard 5 and they read to each other. Other projects that Standard 3 have been working on are their stem projects - these are 3D habitats and heat and energy. This is the first year that Standard 3 have started eating in canteen and the first year they have had games, so that is a big change for them. They are loving canteen so much because they have never had hot food in school before. As for games, Standard 3 are getting into the groove and “killin’ it”. They’re loving it so much, it is like it’s Reporter what they’ve been Sherwin by ob B waiting for their whole life.
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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4 Standard
.G ~ Ms
lees o n
This year Standard 4 have been learning lots of interesting things with their teacher Ms Gleeson. They are also enjoying their hockey, rugby and p.e. with Julie. This term Std. 4 also just started their swimming which they love. Standard 4 are extremely lucky to be in a new classroom this year and they are really making the most of it. In the Co-lab which they all love they have been doing lots of projects. They did a project on Ancient Rome project where they chose between entertainment, clothes, homes or Gods to research and write about. They all enjoyed this and had fun presenting their projects to the class. Working in pairs Standard 4 also did a project on the Amazon to raise awareness about deforestation. They also got to make a fun website. Their last project was on the counties of Ireland. Each pupil picked a county out of a hat, then they made a brochure on all that they learnt on their county. In art class, Std. 4 became very interested in silhouette work and decided to do create Autumn tree silhouettes and loved it. They also did astronauts and carol singers. And to top it all off they have been putting their talented voices to the test and are in their first year of choir and will be singing in the National Concert Hall in January!
Reporter
Ariana Durkan
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Microsoft
ace p S m a Dr e
On Wednesday the 6th of November, half of Std 5 and the pupils who recently joined Std 6 in St. Gerards went on a school trip to Microsoft. The students that attended the trip to Microsoft were mainly stationed in a segment of the building called Dreamspace. Dreamspace is a new multi-million euro tech educational facility aimed at both primary and secondary students at Microsoft’s new campus in Leopardstown. We arrived at the Microsoft building in the afternoon and the bus was immediately greeted by the staff member taking care of us that day. The building towered above everything in the vicinity and a vast number of employees looked down from above. The guide took us into a secluded area of the building. We collected our nametags and numbers and were advised to get into a line for snacks. The variety of choice ranged from egg and chicken sandwiches lathered with mayonnaise to sweet apple juice accompanied with crunchy crisps. After we finished lunch the guide explained that we were going to code some workout music for the world goal of fitness and use three dimensional photos to represent one of the thirteen Global Goals. First we were separated into groups based on the numbers we were previously given. After we were sorted into groups, each group coded music onto a microchip with piano tiles to encourage people to keep healthy. For the second task we were separated into new groups. Everyone spent a good while exploring the facility searching for a space to take their three dimensional pictures with an app provided to us by Microsoft. The group then collectively reviewed every group’s pictures. The guide rewarded us for all our hard work with a treat bag. The tour guide answered any questions we had and informed us that the building could fit four double-decker buses inside! Overall I think the trip was a great success and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff members did a great job letting our minds run wild with ideas to support the world and did an amazing job at assigning our specific tasks.
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St.. Ge Gerard’s rard’s Junior Junior School School St
Ciara Reporter n Har ringto n
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Reporter
Isabelle Lynch
il c n u Co t n e Stud
The Student Council members are: Amber O’Donohoe, Thea Whelehan, Darby Condren, Daniel Hogan, Ruairi Philips, Sean Carroll, Sam Fennelly, Dylan Reilly, Tiffany Huang, Cathy Keogh, Isabelle Lynch, Alice O’Leary, Jack Williams, Rohan Sisodiya, Harvey O’Connell, Caoimhe Tucker, Senan McEvoy, Michael Kinsella, Abi Flynn, Olivia Kelly, Ollie Focas, Emma Gheta, Emily Gleeson, Luna Kovalenko, Mary Kate Cunningham and Jenson Bruton.
Under Ms. Gregory’s guidance, the newly elected Student Council of 2019/20 have been working hard coming up with new and exciting ideas for the coming year. They started with the ever popular Tuck Shop in November which was another huge success. Their next venture was the Christmas raffle – which at the time of writing this article, had raised an astounding €700 which will be donated to a charity of the Student Councils’ choice in January. Dr. Farrell says she is looking forward to more exciting initiatives from the Council next term!
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Standard 5
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Since September Standard 5 have been very busy, from their interesting projects on “Bears” to the exciting day out at Microsoft Dreamspace. Standard 5, always looking to help out, are also doing paired reading with 3rd Class which they are enjoying immensely. Standard 5 welcomed Charlie to the class this year. Being the other half of ‘Lily and Charlie’, there was never any doubt that Charlie would settle in like a duck to water! He is very welcome to our Junior School. This talented group of boys and girls are getting on great with their rugby and hockey, with the girls winning their first ever league match and the boys doing very well with their Saturday matches. The boys also had a visiting team over from England which was very exciting. In December, Dundalk Grammar School came to St. Gerards for the first time to play hockey against the boys and the girls. They stayed for lunch afterwards and got to know each other. The first of many visits we hope between our two schools. Standard 5 have had a ogreat Rep ff start to Hanna orter their year and its all thanks to Mrs. Murphy and h Duff y Cathy and not forgetting Julie!
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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AIJS POETRY
ETITI P M O C
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Well done to all of the students who attended the AIJS Verse Speaking Competition in Loreto Junior School on the Green. It was a close competition and everyone did amazingly well. The people who emerged victorious were Rory Brennan Hobbs who won 1st place in the Std 3 and 4 Category; Abi Flynn who won 3rd place also in the Std 3 and 4 Category; from the 5th and 6th class category - Amber O’Donohoe and Isabelle Lynch were highly recommended and Choni Wong-Cotter was placed 3rd in the 5th and 6th Category. This competition was the first AIJS Verse Spekaing Competition that we have had the opportunity to take part in but I certainly don’t think it will be the last!
Reporter
Choni Wong-Cotter
Art Co mpetition
Winners of the Bray Drug Awareness Art Competition Mia McDonald, Finn Jolly, Pearl Connolly & Ali Rose Malone
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Standard 6
u ire M s. Ma g r we ~ & M s . Po
This year we introduced 26 new students to Standard Six who are settling in brilliantly. Standard 6 have really been showing their creativity and intelligence this term. We have two amazing teachers, Ms. Power and Ms. Maguire who do a great job! Standard Six have been taking part in some great lessons in the new Co-Lab. We have done many awesome art projects and have created some projects. Standard Six enjoy the Co-Lab a lot because there are so many things to do there. We have also been introduced to another new area The Arts Zone where we do drama and choir. Standard Six had their Enrolment Service on Monday the 25th of November where we were enrolled for the Sacrament of Confirmation which will take place next March. We sang songs, read prayers and collected our certificates. At the end of term, Std. 6 ran the annual Toy Stall in the Christmas Bazaar where we sold toys and played games. Standard Six have done many things this term with plenty more to come in the New Year!
Reporter
James Callan
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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to d r a w g for n i k oo l u o What are y as ? m t s ri h C ut o b a most
Dr. Farrell One of my favourite moments is the last day of school, when everyone has left and all is quiet, a last visit to the beautiful crib in the School Chapel, then driving out the gates anticipating all the wonderful happy days ahead with family and friends
Julie Cathy
Spending time away from children! Only joking!! I am look forward to going home to spend time with family and friends.
Spending time with my family – especially Jack. And a day out at Leopardstown Racecourse!
Ms. Power Sitting in front of the fire watching a Christmas movie, Christmas Dinner and time with family.
Ms. McCabe Simply family!
Louise I am looking forward to some down time with my friends and family
Going home to spend time with my family!
Ms. Carney
Ms. Maguire
The Christmas Play. And watching my beautiful granddaughter underneath the exquisite Christmas tree.
Stephanie I am most looking forward to seeing the delight and excitement on Éabha’s face on her very first Christmas morning!
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Mr. Dwyer Getting to spend quality time with family at home. Especially with my little Niece Evie!
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St . Ge rard’s Junior School
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Ms. Carlos I’m looking forward to get togethers with friends that I haven’t seen for a long time.
Sarah
Mrs. Murphy This is my first year having all my family together and I am looking forward to it.
Relaxing and seeing my friends.
Mr. Mansfield
Aoife
I am most looking forward to my trip in to Grafton Street on Christmas eve with my daughter. It is a tradition that we have carried on for the past 26 years and I look forward to it every year!
Sitting by the fire watching movies with a tin of Roses!
I am most looking forward to my brother coming home from Canada for Christmas.
Ms. Byrne
Ms. Gregory
I am looking forward to listening to choirs singing at Mass, Mum’s Christmas dinner and snuggling up every evening!
Spending time and playing with my children!
Ms. Christian
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Mrs. Martin Having all my family together on Christmas Day – especially my mum who will get to spend Christmas Day with her Great Grandchildren.
I am looking forward to my first ever Christmas day away from home - we are going to stay with my daughter in Sligo this year!.
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Ms. Gleeson
Sally
Ms. Flanagan
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I am seein looking face g all of forward s on my c to C h when hristma ildren’s s pres they se morning e the ents ir from Sant a
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A Christmas movie with the fire lighting with my family.
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St. Vincent de Paul Toy and Pyjamas Appeal Every year all pupils of St Gerard’s Junior School (with thanks to their parents!) bring a present of a new toy and place it under the Christmas tree in the Junior School. They kindly take one present off their Christmas list and donate it to the families of St. Vincent De Paul. I wish I could see the smiles on the children’s faces when they receive those gifts on Christmas day. This year we made a new appeal for pyjamas for each child also. Our parents have been more than generous and these good deeds r will be very gratefully Reporte stage e r received by all. P obert
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I would like to say a huge thank you and well done to the girls and boys from Standard 6 who worked so hard putting this Newsletter together. I’m sure you will agree that their articles are interesting, witty and informative. Budding journalists all! Well done to Bobby Sherwin, Thea Whelehan, Hannah Duffy, Sam Fennelly, Robert Prestage, Choni Wong-Cotter, Ciaran Harrington, Eva Doyle, Sean Costigan, Isabelle Lynch, Ariana Durkan and James Callan. And of course none of this could happen without Stephanie who oversees our Newsletter project – from inception, to editing, to photo selection and publishing. Thank you Stephanie for our wonderful Christmas Newsletter which will bring smiles and good cheer to our hearts over the festive season.