St. Gerard's Senior School Summer Newsletter 2022

Welcome

Welcome from the Headmaster

return, re-energised with vitality in the Autumn.

Dear Parents, Colleagues and Students,

What a joy it was to once again host an action-filled Summer Term once again culminating in our Prize & Sports Day, 6th Year Graduation and Valedictory, and the Graduations of our Transition Years and Class of 2020.

“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire”, William Butler Yeats.

We continue to be grateful, following the unique challenges with Covid-19, for the opportunity to fully engage with all events, opportunities and the reigniting of the fire in the hearts of our students. Every year is a special year defined by colleagues, parents and students doing the ordinary in an extra-ordinary way – never more so than this year.

We wish our Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Class of 2022 every success in their State Examinations. We pray that they will continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit and that they will receive their reward for all of their hard work and preparations. We wish all of our students well over the coming months and look forward to their

I wish to thank all of my colleagues who bring their rich experience of education to their class room and all things St. Gerard’s on a daily basis. It is always a privilege to work so closely with such a talented and motivated staff. I thank the Board of Directors for their continued energy and commitment to the school. The success of St. Gerard’s School is truly based on teamwork and the prioritizing of “you” above the “me”.

I thank the students, my colleagues and you the parents for your remarkable support this year and throughout the last two years during the Covid pandemic. It continues to be a great privilege to work with the whole school community and I trust that you all will have a well-deserved and restful summer break.

Yours sincerely,

Tom Geraghty Headmaster

Academics

LITERARY MAGAZINE

A wonderful publication produced was by Kirsten Connolly, Alex Barcoe, Ben McDonald, Alannah Whitelaw, Aoife Ni Chuinn, Maria Farrell, and Anna Reynolds. Congratulations on a superb job.

CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD

Well done to the following sixth-year students who participated in the annual Chemistry Olympiad: Niamh Burke, Matthew Harbourne, Dylan Sheehan, Ross Mason and Larina Yu. Congratulations to Matthew Harbourne and Dylan Sheehan who progressed to the second round of qualifications for the Chemistry Olympiad.

IRISH SENIOR MATHS QUIZ

ALL-IRELAND FINALISTS

Well done to the two sixth-year teams who placed 5th and 13th out of 132 teams in the Senior Maths Quiz. Team 1 comprised; Niamh Burke, Ross Mason, Marcus Pippett and Tim Wilkinson and team 2 comprised; James Cullen, Matthew Harbourne, Matthew Thornton and Sean Treacy. Congratulations to Niamh, Ross, Marcus and Tim who progressed to the All-Ireland Final. UCD hosted this competition and the team finished fourth overall. Well done on an excellent achievement and a great team effort.

TRINITY COLLEGE ESSAY COMPETITION

Congratulations to Kate Freney (TY) who won the Junior Editorial Board Choice Award in the Secondary School Essay Competition as part of the Trinity College Law Review.

Academics

There was a range of different activities organised around the school to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge. Tráth na gCeist is one of the highlights where we see form classes battling it out to win the Uibheacha Cásca. During lunchtime, students played Scrabble and Monopoly trí Ghaeilge in the Library. Our Tóraíocht Taisce - Treasure Hunt - on the school grounds is always good fun and many treasures

were located! Our International students joined in the fun and did a module on Culture and Heritage. They learned their cúpla focal and had fun practising their hurling skills. The Junior students decorated the school with their posters depicting various seanfhocail and nathanna cainte. It was a busy week and gave students the opportunity to use their Gaeilge. Mar a deir an seanfhocal “ Beatha teanga í a labhairt”.

The Modern Languages Week took place in April and the French and Spanish students threw themselves in enthusiastically. The first-years played quizzes about all things French. The second-year students wrote letters to our French partner school, St. Joseph-Libourne. Some of them received replies on Instagram while others used the old-fashioned yet dependable postal system. ‘L’amour était dans l’air’ for the third-year students who played ‘speed dating’ through French. ‘Le langage de l’amour’ finally came into its own!

Academics

CONCERN DEBATES

Four Transition Year students, Eva Harbourne, Ruby Geelon, Charlotte Finnegan Quirke and Katelyn Glass, represented the school in the Concern Debates. The competition was held online and while this removed the cut and thrust of debates, it allowed the students to compete against

UCD DEBATES

Three teams of students represented St. Gerard’s in the UCD Debates: Matthew Burke and Robin Brooksbank-Pearcy, Charlie Geelon and Lucy Curran, Amber O’ Donohoe and Isabelle O’ Donovan. Charlie and Lucy made it through the group stages but were unlucky to not progress further. What’s won-

Debating

The level of competition in the Gillian Lynch Junior Debating Competition was high with more students than ever entering. After some heated discourse, the field was whittled down to four: Michéal Ó Cuinn, Michael Hampson, Lucy Curran and Ciara O’ Farrell. A contemporary topic was selected for the final: ‘Now is the time for reunification of Ireland”. Lucy and Ciara proposed the motion with the first and second-year students listening on. It was a close affair, but on this occasion, the judges came down on the side of the opposition, much to the delight of the audience.

Academics

Thisyear marked the maiden Senior InHouse Public Speaking Competition. Seven students participated: Aisling Lyons, Sean Treacy, Sarah India O’Donohoe, Aaron Corry, Ben Malone, Scarlett Glynn and Matthew Thornton. Each student had to write a five-minute speech on one of the assigned topics which were judged by the English Department. The standard of each speaker was high but it was Scarlett Glynn who was declared the winner with her speech on “Art is Essential to Life”

Blackrock MUN - Scarlett Glynn

The time had come - the 18th of February. Our first Model United Nations conference. Suits and dress shoes on, hair blowdried and research documents finalised. St. Gerard’s represented the delegations of Japan, Egypt and Gabon. The quick-fire debating is difficult to get a grip with as a newcomer - but the steep learning curve made it all the more rewarding. Before we knew it, we had survived our first day at MUN. On day two - crisis struck! Russia had destroyed one of their largest oil-processing plants and was set to invade Kazakhstan for their oil. Our objective was to seek a resolution to the crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance to Kazakhstan. This put our diplomacy skills to the test, having to think on the spot and find ways to be persuasive. The closing cere-

mony came and went but not without our very own Lucy O’Connell taking home a Distinguished Delegate Award.

Academics

For the WCDMUN we arrived early, which gave us the chance to make our introductions and hunt for the other delegations whose support we would need to get our resolutions passed. Our school was representing the countries of North Korea and Turkey. The next few days would pass in a haze of paper and formal greetings, hours were spent in cramped hot rooms, heatedly debating whose way was best to solve the issues that were proposed. After a while there was a natural flow of sitting and standing, speaking and furiously scribbling, your heart pounding each time you addressed the room and the satisfying thrill you earned when the chair approved of your amendments. Finally, on Sunday evening, we were released from our obligations to our hypothetical countries, exhausted but pleased with our contributions and already looking forward to the next conference.

SAIMUN - George Daniel

For the St.Andrew’s competition, we sent a strong team of twelve fifth years to represent our school in a weekend of debate. With the guidance of our MUN veteran, sixth year Lucy O’Connell, who was chairing a committee at the conference, we were ready. Participation is the name of the game when it comes to MUN so the more you raise your placard to speak, the more points you get for yourself and your delegation. We had a thrilling weekend of debating and Peter Catterson even won an award for Distinguished Delegate.

Wesley College MUN - Ben Malone

Clubs & Committees

Green Schools Committee

Congratulations to the school community and in particular to the Green Schools Committee on the award of our seventh Green Flag for ‘Global Citizenship and Energy’. The school was also awarded an award as an outstanding school in Leinster for our curricular emphasis on global citizenship throughout many of our subjects - our second time to achieve this award.

— Benjamin Franklin

The Investment club commenced in 2021. The idea came to light after much discussion with the fifth years about the stock market and world affairs. Every Thursday, anywhere from 10-20 students meet with Mr Hughes to discuss all things stocks. We have learned about American Bonds, the FTSE, S&P500 and the future of stocks. The group hopes to develop a share portfolio next year and monitor its performance over the forthcoming months.

Library Debating Club

Every Friday first years gather in the library to discuss the key issues in life: cats v dogs, the importance of school uniforms, and problems with the education system…. With plenty of humour mixed in, the club serves as a great way to talk about different viewpoints and begin to appreciate different perspectives. Over a dozen students attend each morning and new members are always welcome!

Transition Year Social Awareness Team

In January, the students from the TY Social Awareness Team presented Joe Bollard from the Irish Guide Dogs Association with a cheque for €1,500. This was on behalf of the school in recognition of the wonderful work Association does for our blind people. Joe brought along his gorgeous dog John, and he was most appreciative of the tireless fundraising of the TY Social Awareness group.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Hugo Wyse

Many thanks to the St. Gerard’s Parents Association for their organisation of the annual art competition.

Open to all students of both art and photography, the quality of work submitted made judging an unenviable task. A selection of the work can be seen here and is soon to be displayed throughout the school.

The Arts

ART Competition

The Arts

1 st YEAR WINNER - Eva Carey

YEAR WINNER - Oscar O’Neil

YEAR WINNER - Lauren Roche

4th YEAR WINNER - Charlotte Ballagh 5th YEAR WINNER - Maria Farrell 6th YEAR WINNER - Lucy O’Connell

Having written the script for my film, ‘The Least I Can Do’ in my fifth year, I shot this film in June and July of 2021. It was a lot of fun and I got to work with lots of talented young actors. In March of 2022 it became my third title-winning film at the Fresh Film Festival. This was the same fes-

tival I entered back in first year, and this year it was broadcast on RTÉ 2, which caused quite a bit of buzz. Winning the festival was the perfect end to the production and I really cannot wait to see how the film does with an online audience when I finally get to release it after my Leaving Certificate.

Sean Treacy

The Arts Photography

Under the expert tuition of Ms. Armstrong from Armstrong Photography, the Transition Year students got the chance to develop their photography skills. Specialising in portrait photography, the students learnt how to set up the perfect shot. Each took turns as Director, Lighting Technician and of course, behind the camera. In the afternoon session the students produced some remarkable portraits; a selection of which can be seen here.

The Arts

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in our SUMMER CONCERT and made it a memorable evening of music and a celebration of the musical talent here in St. Gerard’s School. Thank you all for your continued commitment and dedication to music – Hozier would be proud of you!

Congratulations to Leo MacNally on reaching the final stages of the National Senior Feis Ceoil competitions, including placing second nationally in both the Nordell and Esposito Cups. Leo has been an outstanding performer in the Feis Ceoil at the underage level and we commend him on this achievement in the Senior Men’s section of the Feis Ceoil.

Sport

RUGBY

Following the Christmas break, we were notified by the Branch that the senior cup would be pushed out two more weeks. Plans were adjusted, and extra fixtures put into the schedule. With the countdown reset, the squad were fully focused on the next three warm-up games with Belvedere, College, CUS and Wesley College. Two wins and a draw gave the squad a secure base to

launch their attack on the first round of the cup with Newbridge College. Unfortunately, Newbridge proved too strong in the end winning out 31-12. The season, however, was not over yet, as the annual Anne O’Reilly Cup with Glenstal Abbey was still to be played for. The squad regrouped and rallied to put on an excellent display of rugby and took the trophy with an emphatic 44-5 win.

“I dont believe in magic. I Believe in hard work.”

Richie McCaw, New Zealand All Blacks

Sport

Sport

Senior 2/3

The summer term normally means that all rugby league and cup competitions have reached their conclusion. However, this was not a normal year, and we had one senior team that were determined to make the rugby season as long as possible; our Senior 3 rugby team reached their Leinster league final, which was eventually played in late April. Unfortunately, it was a very strong Kilkenny College team that took the spoils in a very closely contested final with only five points separating the two teams. Captain David Aherne, and his side played to the final whistle, after leaving everything on the pitch.

Sport

JCT

The JCT played 23 matches, winning 10, drawing one and losing 12. The season started with a number of setbacks including losing in a friendly to St. Mary’s College and losing their first two league matches against Wesley College and Kilkenny College. To qualify for the JCT Cup, the lads then faced a must-win match against Christian Brothers College, Monkstown Park. Wining 29-0 the team se-

cured their spot in the league quarter-final. Unfortunately a very strong Newbridge College side defeated them, bringing an end to their league campaign. Defeating Presentation College Bray in Donnybrook marked a turning point in the season as the boy’s confidence had clearly grown. Having lost to both St. Mary’s College and Wesley College earlier in the year, they now secured wins over both! So when fac-

ing Kilkenny College in the first round of the cup, the lads were not phased by their earlier loss and turned the tables with a 19-17 win. This secured them a spot in the JCT Cup quarter-final. Unfortunately, they lost out in the dying minutes to St. Fintan’s High School. The season wasn’t over yet, however, with St. Gerard’s hosting the annual Mc Grath Cup against Glenstall Abbey. With a confident display of rugby, the lads secured a win and were delighted to end the season with some silverware!

Sport

JCT 2

The JCT 2 team also played some remarkable rugby this season, with 14 matches of which they won seven. They notched up 328 points in these matches and only conceded 217! Notable wins included taking the scalps of Clongowes Wood College, Kilkenny College and The High School. The post-Christmas JCT Seconds league started convincingly with further wins over Cistercian College Roscrea (21-7), Gonzaga College SJ (29-5) and Presentation College Bray (12-8). These wins secured the lads a spot in the JCT 2 league semi-final, but despite battling hard for the full 80 minutes they eventually lost out to a very strong Newbridge College side 15-5.

Sport

U14

U15 U15

S quad development stayed a main priority with the squad post-Christmas. With a number of players being asked to be involved with the JCT squad, it meant other pupils had to step up into some new positions, and take on the roles and responsibilities that go with the territory. Indeed, a job that was quickly snapped up and done without a bat of an eyelid. Not only did every pupil step up, they excelled as they did so, and had some very deserved wins over Wesley College, Kilkenny College and Glenstal Abbey.

The U14 team continued to progress in what was a tough post-Christmas season. Despite not playing in a league this year, they did play a number of friendly matches. Most of these did not go their way, but progress was seen as the season progressed and the tackles started to improve. Matches against The Kings Hospital and Presentation College Bray went down to the wire but unfortunately our lads were not

able to secure the wins. The highlight of their season came in May when the boys got the chance to travel to Limerick to play against Glenstal Abbey. Their 27-12 win gave the lads a real boost in confidence and made for a very enjoyable bus journey home!

SportHOCKEY

SCT

This team had some real highs this year and three, in particular, stood out. After beating St. Joseph of Cluny in the second round of the Leinster Cup they moved to the quarter-finals. The girls anxiously awaited the draw and found out they were to face Mount Anville School. There was a real belief in the team and there was a fantastic buzz going into the match. The quarter-final was filled with drama and although the result did not go our way, it was a proud day to be in the green and blue as everyone played out of their skin. The SCT girls met Mount Anville again in the final league game of the season. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, they put in another outstanding performance to win 1-0. It is a result that the team are incredibly proud of. The final highlight was the South Dublin League which ran in a blitz format this year. We faced Loreto Dalkey and Rathdown School in a round-robin tournament. We left nothing to chance and beat both teams in a convincing fashion. It was fantastic to win some silverware, particularly for our sixth-year players in what was their final game.

Sport

SENIOR 2

Our Senior 2 team has had a great year. It was great to see the fifth and sixth-year girls get to know each other better as the season progressed. The Senior 2 team improved greatly both as a team and individually. They have worked hard on all areas of their game and indeed fitness which has been a pleasure to watch. Al-

though several of the results did not go our way, the team stayed committed and trained hard throughout the season. There are exciting times ahead for this team as they all now move to the senior cup development for next year.

TY Squad

The TY squad really came into their own in the second half of the season. They had a winning streak of four games on the trot beating, Loreto Foxrock, The High School, Holy Child Killiney and Temple Carrig School. These are some of the top opposition in Leinster hockey so it was brilliant to see the girls’

commitment and hard work pay off. Overall, this was a team that brought fun and excitement to every training session. They worked really hard with their coaches on the pitch and in the gym. It was brilliant to see the huge gains made, well done to all involved.

Sport

JCT

Our JCT girls got their league campaign underway against Newbridge College and St. Andrew’s College. After losing both matches narrowly the girls were left feeling disappointed with the results. They regrouped and trained hard in the lead up to their next league match against Rathdown School. They finished their league campaign in style with a dominant 3-0 win. At the end of the season, the team played some important friendly fixtures; against The High School which they lost to in the Cup and Newbridge College which they lost to in the league. The girls wanted to prove themselves and show their progress. They won both fixtures, ending the season on a real high.

Minors

The Junior 2 girls have had a great year of training and brought fun and enjoyment to each session. They have grown tremendously as a squad and made big improvements in their hockey and fitness. They had a series of draws during the season but also some notable wins. They were victorious over Wesley College, Loreto College Foxrock and Loreto Abbey Dalkey. We are all looking forward to seeing these players move up to the challenge of senior-level hockey. Well done to all on superb attendance, commitment and improvement.

All three minor squads trained diligently over the year. After missing so much match play in first year it was brilliant to see them train hard and enjoy the squad’s 38 fixtures! Some of the most notable results included the Minor 3 squad’s league campaign where they finished second in their group, only narrowly missing out on the semi-final. Our Minor 2 squad had convincing victories over Loreto Abbey Dalkey and Holy Child Killiney. Our Minor 1 team had a very tough league group this year but stayed motivated throughout. The team made it to the second round of the plate after beating St. Raphaela’s Secondary School. All of these players are now enjoying Junior Cup Development and are working hard towards their next season.

Junior 2

Sport

Sport

FIRST YEAR HOCKEY

At the start of the year, the first year girls were still playing halfpitch matches and the first full pitch match was against Kilkenny College. This was a tough game and ended in a draw. Against Temple Carrig School, the team had prepared well and were delighted with a 2-0 win. Next up was St. Andrew’s College, and a convincing win earned the girls a coveted spot

in the league semi-final against Loreto High School Beaufort. Despite a very vocal sideline support the girls weren’t able to capitalise on the chances that came their way. They left disappointed but more determined than ever to win the league and cup next year!

SOCCER

Our Senior boys soccer squad had a very impressive season with a run of 12 undefeated matches. This brought them to the final of the Metropolitan League where they faced an experienced Colaiste Mhuire, Cabra, side. They battled hard with Luke Kennedy scoring the opening goal. Sean Lynch displayed a moment of genius scoring from an impressive bicycle kick. 2-2 at full-time the Cabra side managed to clinch the winner in extra-time. Despite the loss, the squad, captained by Oscar Woods should be very proud of this achievement,

as they are the first St. Gerard’s Senior side to reach a Metropolitan League final!

Sport

Athletics

Our Athletics Team competed at the Wicklow Invitationals, the East Leinster Championships and the Leinster Championships. At the Wicklow Invitationals: Ailbhe Gordon was second in the javelin, Zoe Browne second in the 100m, and JP Lynch came first in the mile and second in the 800m. Charlie Geelon was second in the 100m. At the East Leinster Championships, Ailbhe Gordon took gold in the Inter girls javelin, Ronan Kelly took gold in the Junior boys long jump, Pippa Bellow took bronze in the U16 girls long jump, and Isabelle Rhatigan came first in the 2km Walk. Ailbhe Gordon came second in the Inter Shot Putt, Charlie Geelon, Shane Kyne, Malachy Kenny, and Ronan Kelly took silver in the U16 Boys relay. Ronan Kelly came second in the U16 boys High Jump, Malachy Kenny came in third in the U16 Mile and Isabelle Lynch took bronze in the U16 girls Shot Put. Well done to all and best of luck to the seven athletes who qualified for the upcoming Leinster Championships.

Cross Country

Our cross country season got off to a flying start in January at the East Leinster Championships in Phoenix Park. We had some great results with three athletes qualifying for the Leinster Championships and with Isobel Lynch finishing on the podium. The Leinster Championships took place in Santry where our students competed in a very tough field. Again, Isobel Lynch showed her steely determination finishing ninth overall, meaning she qualified for the upcoming All-Ireland Championships.

Our

Sport

Sail Away with Me

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”

— Van Morrison, Irish Singer-Songwriter

Two teams entered the Irish Schools Team Racing Championships in the RSGYC in Dun Laoghaire. With a mix of experience and enthusiastic youth, both teams did well and got to experience some competitive racing. St. Gerard’s also hosted our annual Inter-Schools sailing regatta. The event comprised seven schools, 29 boats and 49 competitors, in what was a wonderful day on the wa-

ter. The Jack Roy Trophy was won by Evan Dargan Hayes with Alex Costello runner-up. Lady Sailor of the Day went to Lily O’Sullivan, with Florence Case runner-up. A massive thank you to Greystones Sailing Club for hosting the event!

Sport

Sport

Equestrian

It has been another successful year for our Equestrian teams. They have competed in lots of events with Novice and Open teams as well as individual competitions. Our Novice team finished fourth in Barnadown Equestrian, with Ariana Durkan winning the 90cm individual competition. Our Novice team finished fifth overall in the League and won the ‘turn out’ prize at the league finals.

Darby Condron

Sport

GOLF

For the first time in several years, we had a Junior and Senior girls golf team enter the Leinster League Competition. Our Junior team consisted of; Isabella Stewart, Grace Rush and Charlotte Finnegan Quirke and they competed at Woodbrook Golf Club in March. They had a great day finishing sixth overall. Our Senior team consisted of; Isabella Stewart, Adriana Mulloy and Charlotte Ballagh. The team played at Rathfarnham Golf Club in what was a very competitive field. They finished well down the leaderboard but enjoyed the competition, regardless.

After a late start to the Leinster schools’ golf competitions, there were no leagues this year. Instead, both our Junior and Senior boys’ teams competed in their respective regional qualifiers for the Irish Schools Boys Championship. The senior team had to endure, probably the wettest school day we had, and battled around a rainsoaked Woodenbridge. If there had been points for saturation they surely would have qualified but, as it stood, they didn’t secure a place in the next round. The Junior boys finished second in their qualifier in Greystones Golf Club and made their way up to Kilcock Golf Club for the Leinster final. Unfortunately, on the second wettest school day, this is where their championship run ended. Congratulations to Jack McGovern and Isabella Stewart who won our annual GOY competition at Dun Laoghaire golf club.

Cricket

The schoolboys’ teams competed in Leinster leagues at the First Year, Junior 1, and Senior 2 levels. The Junior team came up against very stiff opposition but played with great enthusiasm and effort. Their efforts were finally rewarded with a great win over Skerries CC. After open-

ing with 94, they won by 9 runs, while bowling the full 20 overs! After eventually getting some of our senior players to don the pads, they played some great matches, and had a great win over Drimnagh Castle School. The First years fared very well, winning two of their three league matches. Unfortunately, coming second in the league stages meant they could not progress to the knockouts. Still, with a big number enthusiastic to play the sport, this will hopefully bode well for next season.

Sport

ing out in a series of tiebreakers.

Our Senior team faced Loreto Abbey Dalkey, The King’s Hospital and Loreto College Foxrock. Finishing third in the group, it was great to have a mix of the fifth year and TY students representing the school in tennis again.

We entered a Minor, Junior and Senior girls tennis team into the Leinster Tennis League. The Minor girls won all their group stage matches, beating The High School, Wesley College, Loreto College Foxrock and Alexandra College. This meant they finished top of their group and qualified for a league quarter-final. They then faced Muckross College in the quarter-finals where they were very narrowly beaten in three long matches.

Our Junior girls team faced Rathdown School, Loreto Abbey Dalkey, Loreto College Foxrock and Muckross Park College. The team did not progress to the finals in what was a tough group with the girls los-

Our boys’ tennis teams again competed in the Leinster leagues. Our Senior team finished second in their group by one point. Our Minor team also finished second and could not progress to the knock-out stages.

Our Junior team flew the flag and won the Leinster Junior, Division 2 Final, beating St. Mary’s College 3-2, the number two doubles partnership of Kristoffer Leddy and Conor Harty securing the victory in the third set! Well

done to the team of Chris Park, Rodrigo Garcia, Robin Pearcy, Kristoffer Leddy, Conor Harty, Daniel O’Brien and Adam Butler!

Our Minor 2 squad played a number of friendlies through the summer term with St. David’s Greystones, and in a total of nine, won five and lost four. Whilst not in a league during this very short term, they competed very strongly.

Ireland U19 Women’s Soccer

Ireland U16 Women’s Soccer

Team Ireland Equestrian

Team Ireland Equestrian

Our annual Family Tennis evening was won by Bobby and Ann Sherwin, who beat Nicola and David

Harmon in one of the closest finals we have ever had here on centre court!

The trophy runs in the family now after Mr Sherwin also won as a student in 1992.

Leinster U21 Women’s Hockey Leinster U18 Interprovincial Golf

Irish Orienteering Representative

Leinster Athletics Representative

Irish U17 Netball Representative

Leinster U17 Swimming representative

Irish U17 Boys Pentathlon Team

Abigail Tuthill

Mia McGonnell

Caragh Charlton Phelan

Ciaran Foley

Ciara Moroney

Brandon St John

Cuan Riordan

Ailbhe Gordon

Alannah Whitelaw

Molly O’Bric

Peter Galligan

Sport

Active School Week

April saw the inaugural St. Gerard’s Active School Week, and both staff and students were encouraged to increase their movement and up their step count. Many laps of the ‘Gerard’s Mile’ were completed and there were lots of fun challenges each lunchtime, including the squat challenge, and hang tough. There was a great atmosphere throughout the school for the week. Well done to everyone who participated.

Transition Year

TransitionYear is a year ofleaping out of your comfort zone, snatching every opportunity and just a time to see there’s more to life than exams. After a year and a half of ups and downs and just about everything in between, no one quite knew what experiences our transition year would bring. It’s fair to say there were some twists and turns along the path but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Throughout TY we welcomed 20 international students, who brought a new dynamic to the year. Despite Covid, we managed to go on plenty of trips and courses that continued to bring us closer as a year group, such as Carlingford and the Barista Course. Many of us also completed our Gaisce awards, a big accomplishment for us all. Our TY Musical, ‘Thank You For The Music’ taught us the true meaning of the show really must go on.

Transition Year

TY Mini Company

Give Me Gems

After spending a lot of time brainstorming for a concept for our mini company, we settled on the idea of selling handmade jewellery. We researched possible designs and materials and finally agreed to make rings from wire and a singular bead as well as drop dangle earrings with little gemstones. Our company received plenty of orders which were followed by positive reviews. We even entered the Wicklow Students Enterprise Competition winning a prize for “Innovative Sales”.

Sadhbh McGloughlin & Emily Harty

Trips & Tours

NATIONAL ART GALLERY TRIP

GEOGRAPHY BRITTAS BAY FIELD TRIP

This year two classes of Leaving Certificate Geography students travelled south to Brittas Bay, having selected this as the location for their Leaving Certificate Geographic Investigation.

Everyone had fun working in their small groups, completing each of their experiments and gathering the necessary data. There was plenty of time to enjoy

the beautiful setting of their outdoor classroom and the fresh sea air made a welcome break from the indoor Covid restrictions.

After a hearty lunch, the group took a lovely walk along the beach, completing the final experiments at the north end of the strand, before returning to the base and packing up for the day.

In April our sixth-year art class took a trip to the National Gallery to further research for our Leaving Cert. Heading into town with questionnaires in hand, we entered the impressive lobby of the Millennium Wing. The works on display ranged from the Impressionists to Contemporary artists and it was wonderful to have the time to explore these galleries and discuss each work with our friends. After a quick lunch, we headed to the National History Museum, where we learned more about the art of the pre-Christian era in Ireland and got to see the magnificent collection of artefacts. Seeing everything first-hand has definitely heightened our art appreciation and increased our interest in the topics.

Ella Begley

Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat, 1874 Claude Monet

Trips & Tours

The first-year students spent a glorious day at Alive Outside in Kilruddery in May. 100 students took part in team challenges, archery, bushcraft and obstacle races. It was a tough and challenging experience with all teams having to work collaboratively to succeed. They all made the most of the opportunity to be active and enjoy the beautiful outdoors on our doorstep.

Faith & Spirituality

Catholic Schools Week

The theme for Catholic Schools Week was, ‘living life to the full’. There was a variety of events to celebrate our school's Catholic ethos, including the challenging task of making St. Bridget’s Day crosses. All classes had an opportunity for prayer and reflection in the school chapel. Benediction was offered during religion classes for students to engage in prayer and contemplation. Fr Vard spoke to our Transition year students about his vocation as the youngest priest currently ordained in Ireland. We were also lucky enough to have Joe Bollard and his guide-dog John come to speak to us about daily life and the challenges of being blind and living the fullest life possible. It was truly inspiring to hear Joe’s life story. We finished the week with a workshop ‘Happy Mondays’ which was interactive and thought-provoking.

ing them tricks to deal with everyday challenges. In doing this they were also reminded of the ever-available presence of God, especially when they face challenges and upset in their lives. It gives a great foundation for the retreats moving forward over the years in St. Gerard's.

First Year

The first-year retreat was held by a team from the Holy Family Mission in Waterford. There is always plenty of energy when it comes to the first-year retreat and this was no different. A team of young men and women gave the students a lot to think about as well as giv-

Second Year

The second-year retreat was run by An Tobar Nua. After a year and a half in the school students are usually well settled and have established good friendships. With this in mind, the team focused on the importance of maintaining those friendships as well as developing new ones. These friendships last a lifetime in many cases so learning to stop and appreciate them is great, particularly at this time.

Faith & Spirituality

Third Year

The third-year students are always appreciative of a break from the academic element of the year. A chance to reset and recharge the batteries is always welcome, and the students had a chance to do this through meditation organised by the ‘I Am’ retreat team. The experience allowed the students to take stock and they were reminded of all the positives they have going on in their lives and how important it is to stay strong in their own mental health.

Transition Year

The team from ‘I Am’ retreats were back to give the TY students some food for thought after an action-packed year. On a glorious day at the beginning of May, the students were able to take advantage of the outside space and appreciate nature as well as have activities and presentations inside. It allowed them to see a different perspective as they continue into their senior years in school. The growing maturity and respect among the year group allowed for the activities to take on extra meaning and significance. Throughout it all there was an element of gratitude for all they have towards parents, family, friends and God.

Fifth Year

The fifth-year students got to go on an overnight retreat to Benburb Priory near Armagh. This was a highlight of the year and the group managed to spend quality time in a unique environment. It was our first time visiting this venue and it will definitely be visited again. The students engaged in group work, meditation and nature walks. It was finished with a mass in which the students were involved in both the preparation and celebration.

Sixth Year

This year's sixth-year retreat was led by the Mustard Seed team. There has always been a sense of nostalgia when it comes to the sixth year retreat as the next time they have a full year group event is their valedictory. It was a beautiful day which allowed the group to take full advantage of our outdoor spaces and as a result, it offered the students the perfect release from the pressures of academia. The spirituality and sacredness of the occasion was marked by a beautiful meditation.

"Who EXCEPT GOD can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?"

-Saint Gerard Majella

International Students

In September, 23 students from Germany, Mexico, Spain and Ukraine joined us. Their enthusiasm was evident from the start and all students have excelled during their time here. We have enjoyed a number of tours throughout Wicklow and Dublin and these cultural experiences were warmly embraced by all. Our program was enriched further by welcoming nine new students from Ukraine in March. The nature of the International Student program reinforces key aspects of our ethos such as inclusion, and each student has left their unique imprint on our school!

Leadership & Service UKRANIAN FOOD APPEAL

Well done to everyone for completing the walk and for the funds they have raised for their Difference Day Project with Tiglin. The students collected €6,575 and these monies were combined with donations from the Board of Directors. In total, €41,500 was gathered and it was used to transform the grounds of Coolnagreina in Greystones into a magnificent outdoor recreational space for the Ukrainian families living there.

Congratulations to our Transition Year students who completed the Three Peaks Challenge in April. The students climbed The Great Sugarloaf and The Little Sugarloaf, and finished their long Three Peaks Challenge on Bray head.

Our TY students have worked diligently in the School towards the collection of nonperishable foods for the Ukrainian people. These supplies will be transported to the Polish border in the coming weeks and from there delivered to the Ukrainian families. The Transition Year Social Awareness Team would like to thank all parents for their generosity. It is greatly appreciated.

Valedictory

Bidding goodbye is never easy but Valedictory is both a beginning and an ending and so it is a maelstrom of emotions from euphoria to despair. This year St. Gerard’s bid a fond farewell to two-year groups. We first gathered to celebrate the graduating class of 2022. Being able to host the students and their parents was really wonderful. The genuine warmth and energy of the whole valedictory evening was palpable and unique to St. Gerard’s. Thanks to a small matter of a global pandemic, the class of 2020 never did get to mark the completion of their school days and while we tell our students that they will always be Gerardians, we got to prove it by welcoming back the young men and women who are already well on their way to achieving greatness in third level institutions. Getting to celebrate these terrific young people in many ways assures us that the world is in good hands after all!

Valedictorian Debate

Congratulations to Sinead O’Mara and James Cullen who won the Valedictorian debate and thus were selected as Valedictorians for their Graduation ceremony. Both spoke in such a meaningful and heartfelt manner.

Valedictory

It’s never too late to celebrate our Gerardian Community! We were so delighted to welcome back the class of 2020 to finally celebrate their St. Gerard’s School Graduation with a Valedictory Ceremony, now two years in the making!