Senior School
Winter
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Trinity College Exhibition Award and University College Entrance Scholars 2014
WELCOME
Congratulations to the following students of the Class of 2014, on receiving Entrance Awards from TCD and UCD. TCD: Kevin Culligan and Aine McCabe UCD: Leah Flanagan and Sean McParland
Tom Geraghty Headmaster
A Christmas Carol
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G.K. Chesterton
The awards are given to first year students who have obtained 560 points or higher in the Leaving Certificate Examinations. The school is very proud of the above students in attaining these awards.
Leaving Certificate 2014 Congratulations to the Leaving Certificate Class 2014 on their excellent Leaving Certificate results.
“The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap, His hair was like a light. (O weary, weary were the world, But here is all aright). The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast His hair was like a star. (O stern and cunning are the kings, But here the true hearts are). The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast His hair was like a fire. (O weary, weary is the world, But here the world’s desire). The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast His hair was like a crown, And all the flowers looked up at Him, And all the stars looked down.”
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Class average - 426 points per person Over 600 points - four students Over 500 points - 23% of students Over 450 points - 41% of students Over 400 points - 58% of students
I commend the students, the teachers and the parents for setting such high standards and for maintaining a distinctive ethos to dedicated excellence.
Junior Certificate 2014 Congratulations to the Junior Certificate Class 2014 on their remarkable achievements. They have set new records in all academic categories.
I wish to take this opportunity to wish you our students, staff and families a happy Christmas and New Year filled with peace, love and joy.
• • • • • •
Six students attained ten A grades on Higher Level papers. 62% attained ten/eleven Higher Level Honours 78% attained nine or more Higher Level Honours 85% attained eight or more Higher Level Honours The student average was nine Higher Level Honours A record number of A and B Honours attained - 6.7 per pupil
I commend the students, the teachers and the parents for setting such high standards and for maintaining a distinctive ethos to dedicated excellence.
Headmaster
Tom Geraghty
Terenure Model United Nations A number of Transition Year and Fifth Year students participated in the Terenure Model United Nations conference in September and the Rathdown Model
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United Nations conference in November. These students also enjoyed great success attaining the coveted “Distinguished Delegation” award as well as a number
of “Distinguished Delegate” awards. Well done to all of the students involved. We wish them every success with their future MUN endeavours.
St . Gerar d’ s Seni or School Newsle t t e r W i nte r 14
CIMA Business Studies Quiz
CIMA Business Studies Quiz
Jane Loughman, Colin Walsh, Nicholas Pochinkov and Max Baxter with Ms xxxx
Ryan Lucas, Harry Curley, David Furey and Joshua Dargan Hayes with Mr. Geraghty
CIMA Business Studies Quiz Congratulations to the two teams of Third Year students who competed in the East Leinster CIMA Business Studies Quiz in October. The team, which consisted of Ryan Lucas, Harry Curley, David Furey and Joshua Dargan Hayes finished in second place and now qualify for the All Ireland Final to be held in 2015. The team consisting of Jane Loughman, Colin Walsh, Nicholas Pochinkov and Max Baxter competed with distinction but failed to proceed to the final.
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE HIGH ACHIEVERS
ISTA Senior Science Quiz, T.C.D. On Saturday 22nd November, James Noonan, Jake Maguire and Sean Murray represented St. Gerard’s in the national final of the ISTA Senior Science quiz in Trinity College, Dublin. After eight rounds, St. Gerard’s entered a tiebreaker with Blackrock College for fourth place, with St. Gerard’s edging the win on the sixth question! Congratulations to the three boys on coming fourth out of 345 teams across Ireland.
International Royal Russell Model United Nations
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE HIGH ACHIEVERS
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The students participating in Model United Nations have been hugely successful this term. A team consisting of Cameron Dorlas, Ferdinand Emmet, Laura Finnerty, Eavan Noonan and Thomas Rafferty enjoyed unprecedented success at the International Royal Russell Model United Nations conference in London. The delegation walked away with the most prestigious prize of “Outstanding Delegation”. Each of the students also received a “Distinguished Delegate” award. They should be very proud of this wonderful achievement.
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St. Gerard’s Liturgy As a community we have participated in many spiritual and liturgical events since September. Students, Staff and Parents have had several opportunities to attend Mass on campus including our Opening-of-the-School-Year Mass, St. Gerard’s Day Mass and, in November, our Mass for deceased members of the St. Gerard’s community. We are blessed to have Fr. John O’Connor to help us celebrate these Masses. Each Mass had its own theme focusing us spiritually on each celebration. Many students were involved in our Eucharistic celebrations by way of altarserving, distributing Holy Communion, liturgical readings and singing in the choir.
Minister of the Eucharist The course has been offered to Fifth Years wanting to become ministers of the Eucharist. Twenty five of this year group are at present involved in training to become ministers. The Religion Department fosters and supports this in as many ways as possible.
Retreats The Sixth Years travelled as a year-group to Lough Derg on a three-day retreat. This time together was one of prayer, reflection and friendship. The Third Years visited Emmaus on their retreat and the theme here was ‘Giftedness’. Both groups thoroughly enjoyed their time together. Our First Years had their November retreat on the school premises. This gave the opportunity to utilise the school chapel for prayer and meditation.
WA LK IN MY SH OE S ME NTAL HE AL TH CA MPAI GN
Student Council At the beginning of the term the new Student Council was elected. Having been elected by their peers, the Council has been meeting with the Headmaster and Ms Fanning regularly to discuss a variety of school matters as well as to help organise fundraising initiatives. The Council have organised a successful ‘Crazy Shoot Out’ competition in aid of the Walk in My Shoes mental health campaign. In addition they are organising the upcoming non-uniform day which is fundraising for Age Action, Ireland. This will take place on the Tuesday after the Christmas Exams and it is hoped that all will support the event.
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Transition Year YSI
In October, the students of the St. Gerard’s SVP committee organised a ‘bag-packing’ event at Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt, Congratulations to to thethis, TY the students whocommittee helped raise over €900 where €3256 was raised to assist local disadvantaged families. In addition Fifth Year members againfor DEBRA Ireland. DEBRA Ireland is a national charity set up to support patients organised the ‘hamper-packing’ event. With the help of all TY students, over 200 hampers were packed ready for distribution to theand families affected by the rare genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). families in St. Peter’s parish.
Hospice Fundraising Morning In September, our Sixth years helped organise the Hospice Fundraising Morning. The event was enjoyed by all those who supported it. With the whole school community getting involved €2,000 was raised for Our Lady’s Hospice.
St. Gerard’s Day
STIG
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model united nations
Senior Debating and Public Speaking
Junior Debating
The senior debating team have had a successful term securing wins in their first two Concern debates. The next competition against Loreto Abbey, Dalkey will take place in St. Gerard’s School in January. The team would appreciate all support! A number of the Transition Year and Fifth Year students competed in the Soroptimist Public Speaking competition this year and represented the school admirably. Brid O’Donnell wowed the judges with a colourful and lively speech and has secured a place in the regional stages of the competition. Well done to all involved! In the UCD Literary and Historical Society School Debating Competition, St. Gerard’s students Ferdy Emmet, Thomas Rafferty, Elena Tice, Sadhbh McCarthy, Shane Kenneally and Eoin Blunnie, were all successful in the first round of the competition.
This term has seen our junior debating teams busier than ever. Those who have completed three rounds of The Law Society’s Junior Debating Competition are: Joshua Dargan Hayes, Anna Byrne, Sabine O’ Connell and Georgia Ferguson from Third Year, Niamh Longstaff, David Byrne and Peter O ‘Flynn from Second Year and our very brave first years, Sarah Murphy, Jack Cummins and James Hastings Rafferty. The New Year promises to bring another set of challenging competitions and interesting issues to debate.
European Languages Week Earlier this term the language departments organised another successful European Language Week at St. Gerard’s. A series of events was organised including the popular Spanish and French-themed days in the dining hall. The First Years brushed up on their general knowledge in a French & Spanish themed quiz. The Second Years got to enjoy a traditional French & Spanish breakfast. Romance was in the air in Third Year with Salsa dancing & Speed Dating. The Transition Years made presentations to their classes based on French & Spanish culture. Overall it was a great success.
St. Gerard’s School MACE Debating
McKinsey Leadership Academy
The St. Gerard’s School MACE was one of the highlights of school debating this year. The competition saw students from over thirty schools competing to win the coveted Best Team and Best Speaker awards. Mr. Andrew Doyle T.D. and barrister Ms. Mary Bunyon kindly helped to adjudicate. The day was very successful thanks to the hard work, dedication and tireless efforts of the Sixth Year team who organised the entire event. They were very grateful for the enormous help they received from a number of Third and Fifth Year students. The pressure is now on the current Fifth Year students to ensure that the annual competition is just as successful next year!
Congratulations to the following Sixth Year students who participated in the McKinsey Leadership Academy in England during July. Emily Ann Byrne, James Noonan and Thomas Rafferty represented the school with distinction. Places were limited to 100 students across the UK and Ireland. We look forward to our students continuing the tradition of attending the McKinsey Leadership Academy programme.
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Musical festival winners & runners up
In October, students again showcased the talent at St. Gerard’s in our annual Music Festival. Musical Director, Mrs. Olohan, auditioned a record number of singers, instrumentalists, and groups. The evening featured songs from all genres, ranging from traditional Irish jigs to chart-topping pop hits. Past pupil and musician in her own right, Éabha McMahon, joined the judging panel and was one of many to comment on the students’ exceptional standard; a fact which undoubtedly made the winners difficult to select. The winners included Sani MacNally, Lucie Ashmore, Maria Fitzgerald, Kevin Allen and Carla Connolly. The night hit a high note with all in attendance - a prelude to an exciting year of musical endeavours ahead.
rachael cullen
mark cullen
thomas raffetry
maria fitzgerald
sam shephard
abbie mccarthy
rio connachton
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emily anne byrne
rory thomas
ella malone
lois honan
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Transition Year Report Transition Year students settled into the new year quickly. The first major event was their trip to Lough Dan, having, that morning, received their excellent Junior Certificate results. Great weather and high spirits made for an enjoyable few days camping by the lake. Students have embraced the year, immersing themselves in new courses and activities. A large number of students are involved in Gaisce, where they learn new skills and become involved in community service. Weekly courses include ECDL, Steer Clear and Chinese Mandarin. Many students signed up to the variety of day-courses including the popular ‘Public Access to Law’ programme and Photography course. The students have also been away on day trips, going on an Ecology trip to the zoo, a Geography trip to Turlough Hill, developing their media skills in Kairos Communications Centre, and getting a feel for college life during Open Days to DCU, UCD and NUI, Maynooth. Those with an interest in technology were brought to the Web Summit in the RDS, where they heard inspirational speeches from experts in the field of ICT. This group of students is keen to give something back to the community. This is evident from the large numbers volunteering to work with local charities and Festina Lente. They have worked in the gardens and in the office of Festina Lente, bag-packing for Pieta House, and developing a YSI programme working with the elderly. Many speakers have come to the school, to impart their knowledge on a number of issues. The students attended talks from Enable Ireland, The Grasshopper Centre (TEFL), Elma Walsh (mother of Donal Walsh), and the Garda Drugs squad. In addition, excellent workshops were given on how to put together a CV, and the Eagle’s Flight workshop was a worthwhile experience for all. Students have spent a full week on Work Experience or Community Service, with many of them getting involved in extra work during the term. The music rehearsals are now in full swing, with great talent on show. The students have been enthusiastic and fully involved in all aspects of Transition Year so far. We look forward to an exciting term after Christmas.
ty eagle’s flight workshop
ty garda drugs talk
ty public Access to law
donal walsh social awareness
TY Talks
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Gaisce Awards
Geography Trip to Turlough Hill
Congratulations to our Sixth year students Cameron Dorlas and Thomas Rafferty who received Silver Gaisce Awards at the presentation in Trinity College, having completed the year-long President’s Award Programme.
The Transition Year Geographers took themselves deep into Wicklow in early September to visit the Turlough Hill pumped-storage power-station. Lying 60kms south of Dublin and operational since 1974 it now generates 292MW of electricity during peak periods. It is also the Hydro Control Centre for the entire ESB hydro fleet of nineteen generating stations across the State. On arrival, we went down, down and down, deep into the bowels of Tomaneena Mountain to the generating floor and listened to power being generated and learned the details involved in this process. Turlough Hill certainly represents a feat of engineering excellence and it was a wonderful experience to visit the site.
st. gerard’s First Year buddies
School Library
Research suggests that children who are solid readers perform better in school, have a healthier selfimage and are more likely to become life-long learners, which in turn, enhances their ability to navigate a rapidly changing world. As part of our ongoing literacy strategy, we are encouraging our students to read a number of library books during the current Academic Year. We would be grateful if you, the parents, could encourage your son/daughter to take out library books on a regular basis and to spend some quality time reading for pleasure. The Christmas holiday period, will provide an excellent opportunity for students to enjoy some recreational reading.
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St. Ger ard ’s
t h g i N h c n Lau Literary Magazine litMAG14.indd 1
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Green-Schools Committee
Bullying Awareness Week
On Wednesday 22nd October, twelve TY students went to an eco-environmental conference in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown Council office. The conference included a range of activities, from group work with the other schools in attendance, to a series of short lectures, all around the ‘Green’ theme
Bullying Awareness Week this year incorporated a variety of activities, including Art and Literacy competitions. In addition, workshops were conducted by Mr Liam Challenor, from the National Anti-Bullying centre, to help raise awareness and to promote a series of positive messages.
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a i b m Za
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2014
Science Week
In July, 32 Sixth Year students accompanied Mr Kelly, Ms. Aylmer Ms. McKean and Mr Caraher to Zambia in the schools 5th Outreach Programme.
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S p o r t s O v e r v i e w - Cross Countr y
Susie McParland
Aimiee o’Caoimhe
Cross Country @ Clonliffe Harriers
Cross-Country It has been a successful start to the crosscountry season for St. Gerard’s. In October, First and Second Year girls and boys competed in the Clonliffe Harriers CrossCountry Competition in Santry, where Abbie Taylor produced the performance of the day finishing in third position. In the Leinster Schools Open Cross-Country Competition at Blackrock College, Jonathan Murphy, Conor Diamond, Ken O’Grady and Sinead O’Flaherty put in strong performances but again Abbie Taylor displayed her athleticism in the Junior race, finishing third. St. Gerard’s hosted another successful w w w .s t g e rards . i e
Wicklow cross-country meet. St. Gerard’s were placed second in the First Year Girls’ race with Jennifer Corson and Abbie McCarthy finishing in the top eleven. The First Year Boys’ race saw Jonathon Murphy, Ken O’ Grady and Stephen Morris come in the top 15. In the Second Year Girls’ race, the squad came first with Abbie Taylor storming over the line in first place, closely followed by Rachel Cullen in third position. In addition, the Third Year girls dominated their field to come first overall with strong performances from Jacqueline Magee, Aimée O’Caoimh and Lara Burke.
Abbie Taylor
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Rugby
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S p o r t s O vervi ew - R u g by
Rugby Senior I Boot camp and AJ’s positivity are etched on the minds of all who attended preseason training in Cobh, in August. The experience stood to us with early wins against Pres. Bray, Gonzaga College, Campbell College and the Royal School Armagh; a very good September! Adam Simmonds and Ronan Delaney were appointed vice captains to support Donal Smith in his role as captain. The league started in October with games against two of the strongest teams in the competition; Newbridge College and Cistercian College, Roscrea. Two narrow defeats did offer hope for things to come. Wins against St. Andrew’s College, CBC Monkstown, The Oratory School, Clongowes Wood College and The King’s Hospital, restored the squad’s confidence. The loss to Wesley College left us having to qualify for the Leinster Senior Cup through the Vinnie Murray Cup. As a team, we are developing and, with a good win-loss ratio, Donal and his side can look forward to the cup campaign in January with real confidence.
Senior II Our Senior II team has been very successful so far; having won all of their games in the Seconds League. This includes wins over Cistercian College, Roscrea, Newbridge College, The King’s Hospital and Wesley College. We now look forward to a semi-final against our old rivals Gonzaga College in the new year. This should be an exciting match.
TY Rugby TY rugby have had a mixed start to the year with results very much dependent on the numbers available on the day. We have had good wins over Wesley, Castleknock and St. Mary’s Colleges but have been defeated by Blackrock, Terenure and St Michael’s Colleges. With a number of players now returning from injury and
www. stgera rds. ie
absences, the squad is looking forward to the start of the league campaign after Christmas.
JCT The JCT season so far, as Mr. Drummy aptly described it, has been ‘a rollercoaster’. Our supporters enjoyed colourful performances, as the squad achieved hard fought victories and endured gut-wrenching losses. The A’s qualified for the Junior Cup by dint of a gutsy 7-5 win against St. Andrew’s College. Having qualified for the quarterfinals of the Leinster Junior League, they faced Gonzaga College. Despite a good performance, the team lost 29-3, to a determined Gonzaga side. Meanwhile, the B Squad is waiting to play in the semi-final of their league, having been undefeated all year. Exciting times to come!
U15 The U15’s this year have made an encouraging start to the season. With injuries and callups to the JCT squad presenting selection challenges, the players found that new opportunities and responsibilities had emerged. The A and B squads experienced a mix of good wins and narrow defeats, building on their experience with each match. In the most recent league game, against a strong Gonzaga College, the A’s were narrowly defeated, whereas the B’s showed great determination in scoring three late tries. Both sides will continue their league campaigns in the new year, hoping to qualify for their respective finals.
U14 The First Year rugby squad is an extremely energetic and enthusiastic bunch. Following the mixed results in friendlies, the A team has struggled in their league campaign, which has seen defeats against CUS and Gonzaga College. In contrast, the B team has had a great start winning both their matches. The players are developing very well both on the training pitch, and during game time.
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Sp o r t s Overview - Hock e y
Hockey Senior I Senior I have had the best possible start to their league campaign with five wins out of five against The King’s Hospital, High School, Rathdown School, Loreto, Foxrock and Loreto, Beaufort. They play Holy Child, Killiney in their final league match, but they are already guaranteed a semi-final place after Christmas. They start their Leinster Senior Cup campaign with a home fixture against Muckross Park on January 10th 2015.
Senior II
Senior II had an unlucky start to their league campaign losing 1-0 to Rathdown. They got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over St. Andrew’s College and drew with Loreto, Beaufort. They now play The High School and Wesley College, with all to play for after Christmas in the league.
Senior III
Senior III were unlucky in their league campaign losing narrowly to Loreto-onthe-Green, Loreto, Foxrock and Our Lady’s, Terenure. They now play St. Andrew’s College and Mount Sackville, after Christmas.
Junior I
Junior I had a great start to their league campaign, by beating Loreto, Dalkey 2-1 and drawing 1-1 with St. Andrew’s College. The Juniors will now play Alexandra College and The King’s Hospital after Christmas. They had good win over Our Lady’s, Terenure in the first round of the Leinster Junior Cup scoring three goals and, in a thrilling second round match, they lost to Wesley College in extra-time. They are currently lying third in their group in the Leinster League.
win over St. Joseph’s, Cluny. They play Mount Temple and Loreto, Dalkey after Christmas and must win both games to come out of their league section. Minor I’s Minor I were drawn in a very tough group in the Leinster League drawing 1-1 with a good Mount Temple Side. They also drew 1-1 with The King’s Hospital. They play Loreto, Foxrock and Newbridge College after Christmas. They lost 2-0 to a good Holy Child, Killiney side in the first round of the Leinster Cup and they now go into the Leinster plate competition.
Minor lI’s
Minor II had a tough start to the season with narrow losses to Alexandra College and Loreto-on-the-Green. They drew with Wesley College and their post-Christmas league fixture will be against Muckross College.
Minor III’s
Minor III had a great win over Santa Sabina and lost narrowly to Loreto, Foxrock. They now play St. Andrew’s College and Sion Hill after Christmas.
First Year’s
The First Years have been entered into two leagues with the standard of hockey being very strong. There has been some great hockey played already. They have played friendly matches against The High School, Loreto, Foxrock, Wesley College and Holy Child Killiney. Some of the girls have never played hockey before but are settling in very well.
Junior II
Junior II have had a good start to the season with a good win over Mount Sackville and drawing with a good Loreto, Beaufort side. They lost to Muckross College but have league fixtures soon after Christmas when they will play Loreto-on-the-Green and Mount Anville, which are both at home. Junior III Junior III got off to a tough start with losses to Wesley College and Mount Sackville, but they bounced back with a
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St . Gerar d’ s Seni or School News le t t e r S u mme r 14
S p o r t s O ve r v i ew - H oc k ey
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Sp o r t s Overview
Show-Jumping St. Gerard’s kicked off the Showjumping year with 18 riders in our squad. We welcome our first years; Rebecca Power, Oscar Hayes-Restan, Wolfie Von Teichman, Julieanne Kissane and Claire Fisher. We hosted our annual show at Boswell Equestrian, Ashford, with the help of parents and riders. Twenty five teams of four riders and ponies fought it out competitively. St. Gerard’s was well represented with four teams, but unfortunately, despite three out of four of the teams getting into the jump off, we were not in the ribbons on this occasion. St Mary’s, Knockbeg College won the Open Team competition.
Since September, we have competed at five competitions; Coilog, Mullingar, Barnadown, Kildare and, most recently, Broadmeadows, North Co. Dublin. Congratulations to our team of Shona Callan, Mily O’Loughlin, Mark Finnerty, and Kirsti Connole who won third place at Broadmeadows, with Mily coming fourth in the Individual Open. We expect to enter 2015 in a strong position and plan to compete in at least six competitions nationally, ending with the final in Coilog Equestrian on the weekend of the 11th and 12th of April. Well done to all competitors in 2014. Keep your ponies fit over the Christmas, and let’s give it socks for 2015.
Boswell Susie Cantwell
Boswell Sophie Reboul Geraghty
Isobel Reboul Geraghty Barnadown 4th Place Sophie Reboul Geraghty
Rep re se ntat ive S por t s H ono urs : Irish U18 Hockey
U19 Leinster Rugby
Congratulations to Elena Tice and Sarah O’Loughlin who have been named in the 25 strong panel for the Irish U18 team as they prepare for the European Hockey Championships in July 2015.
Congratulations to Con Callan and Kyle McCarthy who have been selected to represent Leinster in the U19 Interprovincial Series.
Irish Cricket
Congratulations to Sarah O’Loughlin and Elena Tice who represented Leinster in the U18 Interprovincials at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, Comber, County Down.
Congratulations to Elena Tice who has received her 50th Cap for Ireland with the Senior Women’s Cricket team, competing in the T20 European Championships in Scotland in August.
U19 Connaught Rugby Congratulations to Andrew Lynch who was selected to represent Connaught in the U19 Interprovincial Series.
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U18 Leinster Hockey
U16 Leinster Hockey Coach Congratulations to Ms Sarah Scott, coach to the Leinster U16 Team, on coaching the Leinster U16 Team to their third Interprovincial success over the last four years.
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S p ort s O vervi ew
Sailing St. Gerard’s sent two teams to compete in this year’s Sutton Dinghy Club Regatta in October. Light winds proved very challenging, with one noticeable pairing being that of Ken O’Grady and Sam Hennessy in their Laser 2. They scored a first, a second, a third and a fourth place out of five races. Unfortunately, a heavy handicap on their boat meant they missed out on an individual placing. Also representing the school were Hilary Gallagher, Claudia McCabe, Rosie Gibbons, Andrew Moore, Michael Moore, Ralph Ledwidge and Eli Pigot.
st. gerard’s First Year buddies
Golf St. Gerard’s School competed in the Leinster Boys’ Senior Matchplay league. Although we did not progress out of our group, the team finished in a respectable third position. Our Junior Boys’ Team played in the Leinster Boys’ Stroke Play qualifiers, but sadly missed out on qualification by only eight shots. Well done to Sam, and his father, Sean McCarthy, who won the St. Gerard’s family golf competition in Dun Laoghaire golf club in October.
LEinster Interpro Representatives Sarah O’Loughlin , Elena Tice & Mr Geraghy
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Leinster U18 Interpros Representatives
Andrew Lynch and Kyle McCarthy with MR GERAGHTY
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TERM 3
TERM 4
JANUARY 2015
april 2015
DATE
EVENT
DATE
EVENT
Mon 5th
Term Commences - 8.50am
Mon 13th
Thurs 8th
3rd Year Parent-Teacher Meeting - 4.15pm
Mon-Fri13th-17th TY Work Exp/Community Service (Week 3)
School re-opens - 8.50am
Thurs-Fri 8th-9th Science Week / B.T. Young Sc. Exbo. - 9.00am
Tues 14th
3rd Year Info afternoon for parents - 4-5.15pm
Tues 20th
5th Year Parent-Teacher Meeting - 4.15pm
Thurs 16th
3rd Year Sub Options Evening for parents - 7.30pm
Thurs 22nd
5th Year Retreat - All Day
Cyberbullying Awareness Day
FEBRUARY 2015
Mon 20th
Incoming 1st Year Parents Evening - 7.30pm
EVENT
Thurs 23rd
Senior Rugby & Hockey BBQ - 7.00pm
Tue-Thur 10th-12th Transition Year Musical
Thurs 30th
Summer Concert - 7.30pm
Wed 11th
Leaving Cert & Junior Cert Mock Exams
MAY 2015
Fri 13th
School ends for Mid-Term - 3.45pm
DATE
EVENT
Mid-Term Break
Monday 16th Feb to Friday 20th Feb Incl.
Mon 4th
School Closed - Bank Holiday
Mon 23rd
School re-opens - 8.50am
Wed 6th
Interschools Sailing Regatta - 2.00pm
Mon-Fri 23rd-27th LC & JC Mock Exams continue
Mon 11th
Photograph Day
Mon-Fri 23rd-27th Transition Year Outdoor Pursuits
Tues 12th
Senior School Family Tennis Tournament - 6.00pm
Thurs 26th
Sun 17th
Prize & Sports Day - 12 noon
Wed 20th
6th Year Grad Mass & Valedictory Dinner - 7.00pm
DATE
2nd Year Retreat
MARCH 2015
DATE
EVENT
Thurs21st
TY Parents Presentation Evening - 7.30pm
Mon 2nd
1st Year Parent-Teacher Meeting - 4.15pm
Mon 25th
TY Info Evening for 3rd year parents - 7.30pm
Mon-Fri 2nd-6th
TY Work Exp/Community Service (Week 2)
Mon-Fri 25th-29th Summer Exam Week for 1 / 2 / 5 Years
Mon-Fri 9th-13th Seachtain na Gaeilge
Mon-Wed 25th-27th TY Retreat toGalway
Mon 17th
CLOSED St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday
Fri 29th
School Year Ends
Sat 21st
Careers Morning - 5th years - 9am-12.30pm
Thurs 26th
6th Year Parent-Teacher Meeting - 4.15pm
Wed 3rd
State Exams Commence
Fri 27th
School term ends for Easter - 3.45pm
Easter Holidays
Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April incl.
St. Gerard’s School Winter Ball took place on Saturday 22nd November, in The Druids Glen Resort. A remarkable €35,000 was raised on the evening. I wish to thank all parents and friends of the school who generously donated items or kindly sponsored the event. Sincere thanks also to everyone who generously gave on the evening, so as to ensure that the Open Door in Bray and the Outreach Programme to Zambia would benefit from the proceeds of the Ball. A sincere word of thanks to the Ball Committee, for its immense effort in organising a most enjoyable evening for everyone.
2014
Annual Winter Ball
The Christmas Bazaar took place on 11th December with all of the proceeds going to four charities, which support the homeless (Fr. Peter McVerry Trust, Focus Ireland, Five Loaves in Bray and the Simon Community). Congratulations to all of the students, staff and parents who gave so generously of their time and financial support to ensure the success of the wide variety of activities that took place throughout the night.