22/07/2016

We learned this morning of the death of Joey Kelly, 1A, and his mother Tina. This is a terrible tragedy for the Kelly family, our school and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Joey and Tina’s family and friends.

Joey had just completed first year and was looking forward to second year. Tina was a past pupil and she completed a PLC course with us last year. They will both be greatly missed by all who knew them.

We can all understand the Kelly family’s need for privacy at this difficult time.

Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated. Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan.

Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been in contact to support the school at this time.

Our school is open from 1-3pm today. Our Guidance Counsellor and teachers will try to help students to deal with the tragic event.

The school has been open to parents to support them and to offer them advice and guidance.

We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time.

Thank you.

Coláiste Mhuire celebrates 1916

Following on from our wonderful ceremony for former staff member and Easter 1916 volunteer Seamus Bevan in November 2015, the school community in Coláiste Mhuire has actively participated in a range of events to commemorate the men and women of 1916.

At the beginning of March, the school was ably represented by Ms. Mary Higgins, Mr. John O' Leary and students Maeve Gilmore, Cian O' Leary and Matthew Roche at the National Commemoration Ceremony held in Croke Park, Dublin. Over 800 schools were in attendance to receive the tricolour and a copy of the proclamation. Master of Ceremonies was Ryan Tubridy, and President Higgins gave an inspirational oration on his vision for Ireland and the importance of Ireland's 2016 centenary programme, while the very talented Seo Linn entertained the crowd. Transition Year student Maeve Gilmore had the proud honour of accepting the flag and a copy of the Proclamation from a representative of the defence forces and, the afternoon concluded with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem Amhran na bhFiann by the army band.

On the afternoon of March 15^th, the school community once again came together for a memorable and spell-binding afternoon of music, spoken word and dancing, culminating with the raising of the national flag in the school’s courtyard. Thanks to event organisers Mr. O’Leary, Ms. Higgins and Ms. Mc Guinness and all talented staff and students who gave of their time and talents to ensure that the afternoon was a marvellous experience for all present. Mr. O’Leary also organised and curated an exhibition within the school of memorabilia from circa 1916. Thanks to all local families, staff, students and their parents who generously loaned artefacts for the duration of the exhibition. Photographs and links to video footage of Coláiste Mhuire’s 1916 celebrations, taken by Ms. Miriam Cuddy are available on the school’s website www.coláistemhuire.org

Earth Day

On Earth Day, April 22^nd, students from Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar, working in conjunction with Ballygar Tidy Towns took part in An Taisce’s Spring Clean campaign. The students took responsibility for cleaning up the forest between the school and the Forest Pitch. The sun shone that afternoon, and plenty of litter was picked and the most unusual piece collected was a safe! Thanks to Ms. Casey and 1^st Year students on the Green-School committee, 2^nd Year German students and TY students.

Lights! Camera! Action! - For the environment

In order to promote correct use of bins, the young students composed a Rap, ably assisted by Ms. Casey, Ms. Cuddy and Ms. Brogan.  The action was caught on film, and post-production work is well underway.  We hope to share details on social media in the future.

National Awards for Alan and Michaela!

Congratulations to Alan Hevehan and Michaela Roche whose entries to the Mental Health Ireland Art & Photography Competition were displayed recently in an exhibition in Dublin City Council Office. Their artworks were among only 24 works selected from over 1500 nationwide entries and both students were awarded the title of Highly Commended. Alan's photograph perfectly captures the theme 'Minding my Mental Health' by reminding us that taking a moment out to appreciate small moments of calm, beauty, friendship and nature can help make life's journey (or a hike up a mountain!) much more rewarding. Michaela's fun minion inspired graphic design creates a sense of positivity and good humour, again reinforcing the importance of helping one another in life.

The awards ceremony in Dublin City Council was well attended and artist and adjudicator Lisa Butterly gave a wonderful description of each work on display. Well done to Ms. Cuddy and all involved. And to the other students in our school who also entered this competition for your creativity & imagination in promoting mental health awareness!

Board of Management’s Welcomes Positive Whole School Evaluation Report of Management, Leading and Learning in Coláiste Mhuire

The Board of Management of Coláiste Mhuire welcomes the publishing of a wonderfully affirming inspection report arising from a Whole School Evaluation of Management Leading and Learning carried out within the school in January 2016.

The detailed report remarks upon the excellent practices already in place in Coláiste Mhuire and, also provides positive recommendations for the school community’s ongoing development. In particular, specific strengths in relation to teaching and learning in the school are noted- good or very good teaching and learning with exemplary practices also noted 

Furthermore, the visiting inspectors highlighted the high priority school management and staff places on care for students. Indeed the positive atmosphere and respectful relationships which permeates life in Coláiste Mhuire was evident and remarked upon in the published report. Similarly, the inspectorate noted the broad curriculum offered in Coláiste Mhuire in the context of its size and, commented on the very high levels of satisfaction with the school from all educational partners- staff, students and parents.

The school’s excellent Transition Year programme also came in for special mention as offering a wide range of experiences to students and as being very well coordinated. While Coláiste Mhuire’s guidance counselling service was also complimented as providing students with regular, very well-informed inputs in relation to study skills and on its comprehensive subject-choice booklet developed for students.

Principal Emma O’ Malley is delighted that the inspection team pinpointed the high level of management and leadership capacity at all levels and, in particular the exceptional level of volunteerism which was evident among staff. Additionally, the inspectorate acknowledged the proactive and ambitious school leadership within Coláiste Mhuire, strong and productive links with the local community and the school community’s exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility. The report in its entirety can be viewed on the Department of Education and Skills website.

Invitation to Careers and Colleges Exhibition in Coláiste Mhuire

Transition Year students are putting the finishing touches to their Careers and Colleges Exhibition which will be held in the school between 10am-1pm on Wednesday, May 18^th 2016.

Third level providers the National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Athlone Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo, University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Maynooth University have all confirmed their attendance on the day. Additionally, SOLAS (formerly FAS) will be on site to provide up to date information on apprenticeships, while Youth Work Ireland will promote their annual guide for school leavers entitled ‘Flying the Coop’. The school will also have an information stand on our PLC offerings for next year.

On that same morning, a number of past pupils and members of the local Ballygar community have graciously given of their time to meet with students and offer advice and expertise on their chosen career paths and professions, in which a young person may find themselves interested.

Transition Years extend a warm welcome to all parents, members of the local community and friends of Coláiste Mhuire to come along between 10am and 1pm on the morning of Wednesday, May 18^th and chat with representatives from the various career areas and school liaison officers from all colleges and universities present.

To Hell or to Connacht!

Coláiste Mhuire Junior footballers beat Coláiste Muire agus Padraig Swinford by 5 points to make it the Connacht finals on May 17^th next. Coaches Micheal Hannon, Noel O’ Malley and Eamon Madden were very impressed with the first half performance where Darragh Keegan led the way with great goals. Coláiste Mhuire, playing against the wind in the second half were in danger of letting an impressive lead slip away but rallied greatly with 10 minutes on the clock. The Coláiste Mhuire team remain undefeated on their way to the final and are eagerly looking forward to meeting opponents Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh on May 17^th In Ballyhaunis.  

Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar School Community Remembers Former Staff Member and 1916 Volunteer Seamus Bevan

Next year 2016, heralds the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising thus beginning a year of commemorative events nationwide. The school community in Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar came together on Thursday, November 26th 2015 with representatives of local community organisations to mark this momentous event in our nation’s history and to celebrate the contribution to the cause of one of our own, former teacher, Seamus Bevan. Also present from Dublin and Belfast were members of the Bevan family, his nephew Joe, grand-nephews Stewart and Briain and grand-niece Ciara. Other invited guests included well-known Irish traditional musicians Máire, Maura and Rita Uí Bheaglaíoch with whose family Seamus often holidayed in Ballydavid, Co. Kerry, a colour party from the Irish Defence Forces, member of the defence forces and past-pupil Captain Áine Gilmore, home from a tour of duty in the Lebannon, representatives of the local Ballygar Tidy Town’s Committee and St. Mary’s Church Choir, former staff, trustees, and current Board of Management members of Coláiste Mhuire.

The gathering was the brain-child of long-standing staff member Eamon Madden, a local history enthusiast. The celebrations began with a ceremonial procession by the Irish Defence forces bearing the tricolour. Assembled guests were addressed by Leaving Certificate History student Padráig Bury, who provided guests with a background to the Easter Rising of 1916. This was followed by a rousing speech from Principal Emma O’Malley on the life and times of Seamus Bevan. Ms. O’Malley invited Captain Áine Gilmore to unveil a plaque, created by Woodwork teacher Eamon Madden in loving memory of Mr. Bevan. There followed a haunting rendition of ‘The Last Post’ by a Defence force’s bugler and drummer, accompanied by a minute’s silence. Stewart Bevan, on behalf of his family, briefly addressed assembled guests and dignitaries, expressing his gratitude to the school community for seeing fit to honour their grand-uncle on such a grand scale. Micheal Naughton and Tomás Kenny representing Ballygar Tidy Towns and St. Mary’s Church Choir, two of the community organisations of which Bevan was a founding member, paid tribute to Seamus Bevan. Subsequently, a short video was screened, with past-pupils of Seamus sharing memories of their beloved teacher. After events concluded in the school, assembled guests proceeded to An Páirc Shuaimhnis, adjacent to Plunkett Park where Ballygar Tidy Towns hosted a tree planting ceremony in memory of Seamus Bevan and all adjourned to the Old Courthouse for light refreshments.

Bevan was born at the turn of the last century in 1900 and raised on Geraldine Street in Phibsborough, Dublin. He was the youngest son of Joseph Bevan and had four other siblings – Charles, Thomas, Catherine and Mary. Joe and his two eldest sons, Charles and Thomas worked in the printing business in Dublin while Seamus was a scholar in the renowned Christian Brothers’ O’Connell Schools on Richmond Street. Joe Bevan was also a committed nationalist. He and his two sons Tommy and Charlie became members of the ‘C’ Company, 1^st Battalion, Dublin Brigade of the Irish Volunteers in 1913. As Seamus was too young to join the Volunteers he became a member of Na Fianna Eireann, or the Irish National Boy Scouts. To all intents and purposes, Na Fianna were under the aegis of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and in fact many of its early members became members of the Volunteers. According to a report from Seamus Bevan’s own hand and taken from the archives of the Bureau of Military History 1913-1921, when a dispute arose among the members of the Fianna of Dublin North City circa 1915, Seamus already independent minded and determined left Na Fianna, becoming part of a new organisation called the National Guard.

When fighting eventually erupted on the streets of Dublin on Easter Monday 1916, Charles Bevan, Seamus’ brother, under the command of Ned Daly is said to have been the first to enter the Four Courts. His brother Thomas and father Joe were also involved in the fighting. However, Seamus, at the tender age of 16 was still too young to become directly involved in the hostilities and so, spent his time dodging gunfire and snipers while running messages throughout the city between the officers of the Companies of the First Battalion. After the Rising was quashed by the British, Seamus’ father Joe was sent to Frongoch in Wales and his brothers were sentenced to death for their involvement in the insurgency. These sentences were later commuted to prison terms and they remained in prisons in Ireland and Britain until a general amnesty in 1917.

Seamus joined the Christian Brothers in 1918 and so began his teaching career in school’s throughout Leinster and Munster. Upon leaving the Christian Brothers in 1931 he continued his teaching career. Arriving in Ballygar in 1951, Seamus took up lodgings at what remains the Curley homestead opposite the school. He joined the staff of Coláiste Mhuire, still in its infancy as an educational establishment, having been founded by the local community in 1948. Seamus teaching subjects were History and English but former students fondly remember his love for all things Irish, including our national language and traditional Irish music. It is clear too from testimonials of those who knew him personally that he was a man of unbridled energy, infectious enthusiasm and complete selflessness. He organised and became honorary secretary of many of the local voluntary organisations such as the Ballygar Town Development Association, Game Protection Association and local Gun Club. So too, he was a founding member of Ballygar Tidy Towns and, was the organist and choir director in St. Mary’s Church. He put Ballygar on the map as an angling destination and even found time to devise and launch an economic policy for the production of agricultural produce. Bevan was also a keen photographer and he left behind an impressive collection of photographic records of a bygone era. However, first and foremost, Seamus was an educator. He never wavered in his commitment to his pupils, helping many to find work or prepare them for university entrance examinations. It is little wonder therefore that when Seamus Bevan passed away unexpectedly and suddenly in 1960, his loss was keenly felt by all in our community. Canon Feely, captured the mood of locals in his eulogy:

“Our little town has suffered a grievous loss in the unexpected death of this distinguished man”.

While an un-named past pupil wrote in Bevan's published obituary how:

“The eighty pupils who formed a guard of honour outside the church as the flag-draped coffin of their beloved friend and teachers was borne away to his native city testified to the manner of the man he was to them. The sad beauty of this final scene – children crying in a little town in Connacht because the rebel stranger boy from Dublin town was going home.

The great, big material world will little note nor long remember the achievements of this righteous citizen in our little town in Connacht but his memory will remain in the hearts of these children forever and the kindly people of this lovely town will not easily forget Seamus Bevan”.

It is fitting then that Seamus Bevan is buried in Glasnevin cemetery, the final home of so many of our national heroes. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

The memorial plaque will be on display in the grounds of Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar in the New Year. 

Pictured Irish Defence Force's Colour Party adding a solemnity to our celebrations

Seamus Bevan's grand-nephew Stewart addresses assembled guests and dignitaries

Members of the Bevan family, Briain O'Neill, Joe Bevan, Stewart Bevan and Ciara Bevan

 Leaving Certificate History student Padraig Bury

 Students enraptured by Seamus Bevan's story

Stewart Bevan, Ciara Bevan, Briain O'Neill, Eamon Madden, Joe Bevan, Emma O'Malley, Captain Áine Gilmore and her colleagues from the Irish Defence Forces who provided a colour party

Irish Defence Force Buglers play The Last Post, before assembled guests observed a minute's silence

 Principal Emma O'Malley and Captain Áine Gilmore

 Principal Emma O'Malley and former Vice Principal Shay Cleary 

Coláiste Mhuire traditional Irish musicians entertaining assembled guests and dignitaries

Another Wonderful Activity Day and Open Night in Coláiste Mhuire

An exceptionally well attended Activity Day for prospective 6th Class students and Opening Evening for students and their parents took place on Tuesday, November 24^th 2015. The Activity Day provided students with a valuable opportunity to sample the Coláiste Mhuire experience and, taste what pupils can look forward to as a new member of the learning community in August. The Opening Evening also enabled parents and students to personally meet and greet staff and, view the school’s facilities.

Principal Emma O’Malley in addressing the gathering outlined the school’s ethos and our fine tradition, both academically and otherwise, of serving the local community of Ballygar and surrounding areas for over sixty years. Fifth Year students, Laura Farrell and Brian Maloney shared their insights on what it is exactly that makes Coláiste Mhuire such a happy, learning community and a hub of activity.  A most enjoyable day was shared by all present. For a Coláiste Mhuire Information Pack please contact Principal Emma O’Malley on 0906624740 or smcballygar@eircom.net

TY trip to Galway

Our Transition Years experienced an informative and educational day out in Galway city on Monday last. The day began with a walking tour of the city with students being informed of the geographical, historical, Gaeilge, French, Spanish, Art and cultural aspects of the City of the Tribes.

Amongst the highlights were Eyre Square, Lynch’s Castle, St Nicholas Church, Galway Cathedral, NUIG, Salmon Weir Bridge, Spanish Arch and the Claddagh.

Monday afternoon was spent at the Black Box Theatre attending a production of An Triail to enhance their Irish studies.

Bhain gach duine taitneamh agus tairbhe as an lá. Mar a deireann an seanfhocal ‘Is minic a bhíonn siulach scéalach’

Thanks to their teachers Ms Mc Andrew, Ms Higgins and SNA Ita Keane for organizing the trip.

German Exchange 17^th – 25^th October 2015

An Irish perspective by Rosie Mc Guinness

On Saturday 17^th October my brother and I were introduced to our exchange partners from Germany, Chiara and Estelle.  We met them at Coláiste Mhuire at  4pm.  We came home and introduced the girls to our family.  We showed them to their room and let them unpack and unwind.  We went for a walk through the forest to Centra and showed them around the town a little bit.  After meeting with Gerard’s friend and his exchange partner, we came home and got ready to go to the musical in the Mattie McDonagh Centre.  Everyone who performed was very energetic, according to Estelle and Chiara.  After the musical Estelle and I went to a party.  Chiara went to bed as she was tired after such a long day of travelling.

The next day, Sunday, we went into Athlone to do some shopping.  We had coffee and tea and it was lovely.  We got to know each other a lot better.

On Monday they came to our school.  Estelle went with Gerard to his classes and Chiara spent the day with me.  She thought that our teachers and classes had an easy-going and relaxed atmosphere about them.  The school itself is very small compared to their school in Germany.  The day went by quickly and they got to experience school life in a small town like Ballygar.

On Tuesday the girls and Gerard went to Connemara in Galway.  Unfortunately I was unable to go as I was doing tests in school.  On Wednesday we went to Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co Roscommon.  We took part in Boda Borg challenge.  Estelle and I were on the same team.  Our knees were sore and bruised after all the climbing and crawling!  We got 2 stamps and were quite proud of ourselves.  However, before going to Boda Borg we went on a boat trip from Athlone to Clonmacnoise. There we saw the historical site and the remains from the monks who lived there and learned about St Ciaran’s Fair City.  It was a tiring day and I was glad to get home and into bed.

We were on the road again early on Thursday to see the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Ailwee caves.  We also got to see the Birds of Prey show which I found very interesting.  The Burren is a lovely landscape and different from what they seen in Germany.  In the Ailwee caves we learned a lot about the history of the caves and the formation of some of its features.

We had an amazing week with our German friend and thank you to Ms. Casey for organizing the exchange for us!

Our trip to Ireland

Report by German student Chiara Drewes

After a quick flight we landed on the green island.  Already in the bus to Ballygar we had a beautiful view of the island.  Before this we only knew that view from the Kerrygold advertising.  It was just like the ads!  Everywhere I looked there were green hills and pretty cows!!

As we arrived in Ballygar at the school, the Irish welcomed us with a lovely banner, “Welcome St. Michael’s”.  That was so nice.  With excitement and anticipation we waited for our host families.  In the evening we saw the students of Coláiste Mhuire perform an energetic musical at the Mattie McDonagh Centre in Ballygar.  After an exciting day, finally we could sleep.

We spent our Sunday with our host family. We watched an important rugby match for Ireland.  For the Irish, Rugby is as popular as soccer for us in Germany.

By staying with a host family you can directly experience the Irish traditions and customs.  For example we found out that the Irish haven’t got the same taste as the Germans.  They eat bacon, sausages and toast – with pleasure, in the morning! They call this the ‘full Irish’!

On Monday we accompanied our exchange partners to our friendly host-school, Coláiste Mhuire.  We could start the day relaxed, because here the school begins at 9 o’clock.  There is about 250 students in the school.  Many of them learn German.  For most of them it’s due to the wish to visit Germany sometime.  Many associate Germany with the Oktoberfest, which they would also like to visit.

On Tuesday we went on a trip to Connemara.  The landscape is marked by the diversity of plants.  The blaze of colour could be compared to a picture of Claude Monet.

On Wednesday a Viking ship brought us along the river Shannon to Clonmacnoise, where we toured an old monastery, which is a museum today.  The “Whispering Door” impressed us most, which the monks used to communicate.  Afterwards it was time for a bit of sport and fun in the riddle park, the Boda Borg in Lough Key Forest Park.

On Thursday we dared to go in to the dark Aillwee Caves, into the 1.3km long cave in which bears hibernated.  Ireland has no Eiffel tower, no Brandenburgertor or Big Ben.  But instead it has the imposing, natural Cliffs of Moher.  These miracles of nature are one of the highlights of Ireland, which characterise the island.

After getting a sense of Ireland from the trips, we had a slightly unusual schoolday on Friday.  We had a sports day for all our students.  Besides the normal sports like soccer and basketball, the sports-mad Irish showed us their favourite sport, hurling. It is a skillful fast game and the boys and girls were so passionate about it!

Despite a strong competitive streak and patriotism (Ireland v Germany), we got along wonderfully, and had lots of fun.   

Now, as our trip draws to a close, it could be said that you can’t compare the little country of Ireland that nearly only consists of nature, with the crowded industrial country of Germany, where there’s always a lot going on.   But Ireland has a calm, relaxed atmosphere, the people also contributing with their own quiet manner.

The little island will remain in our memories, as well as the friendly folk in Coláiste Mhuire and our wonderful host families. I look forward to the return trip of our new friends to Germany!

Ladies U-16 Football

Coláiste Mhuire under 16 ladies football team had a comprehensive victory over Coláiste Èinde of Galway City in Salthill on November 18th. Despite extremely strong winds and cold weather during the game the girls still managed to score a really impressive 8-06! On top of the great win our team were delighted to receive compliments from the referee after the match for their good manners and sportsmanship. Well done to Ms. Cuddy and her young charges!

A Hair-Raising Spectacular of Music and Dance from the students of Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar!

Hairspray – The Musical!

In 1992, music teacher Carmel O’Shea joined the staff of Coláiste Mhuire and was blown away by the depth of talent in her First Year music class. She resolved right there and then, to bring those talents to a wider audience and, 1995 heralded the staging of the school community’s first musical, the timeless classic, Oklahoma. In the twenty years that have passed Coláiste Mhuire has presented productions of The Sound of Music (1999), Grease (2005), Showboat (2008) and Oliver (2012) to great acclaim. Nevertheless, Producer and Musical Director, Ms. O’Shea’s guiding principle has remained the same: the musical is a valuable learning experience for the student and serves as a vehicle to show-case both the individual and collective talents of the student body. And so, everything that is special about Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar was on display with the school community’s most recent offering Hairspray- the Broadway Musical which played to full houses and standing ovations from Thursday, October 15^th to Saturday, October 17^th 2015 in the wonderful community resource that is the Mattie Mc Donagh Centre.

The energetic and enthusiastic ensemble cast provided the audience with a feast of 1960’s-style dance music and downtown rhythm and blues.  In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream, played to wonderful effect by gifted Junior Certificate student Lucia Daly, is to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, and meets a colourful array of characters. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show into wider society. Hairspray is very much a social commentary on the injustices in parts of American society in the 1960s. Leaving Certificate student Seán Clogher impressed with his musicality in his role as Link Larkin, Tracy’s love interest. While Ronan Mockler (6^th Year), Sarah Scott, (TY), Ciara Why (TY), Tara Hevehan (TY), Joe Kerr, (TY) and Maria Mitchell (TY) were wonderful in their individual supporting roles. Shannon Collins (5^th Year) gave a soulful and mature turn as Motormouth Maybelle and First Year student Niamh Bury embodied ‘Little Inez’ to perfection. The comedic talents of Leaving Certificate duo Eoin Finneran and Pádraig Bury playing Wilbur and Edna Turnblad respectively provided great amusement and entertainment to the gathered audience.

A unique feature of this production is that each student in every year had the opportunity to partake in the school musical. So too, Ms. O’Shea acknowledges that the support and assistance of her fellow staff members has been paramount in bringing the musical to fruition. Indeed, the ‘two wise men’ Carmel’s fellow teachers Eamon Madden and John O’Leary have served as set designers for all of the Coláiste Mhuire productions. This year, they were ably assisted in their duties by colleagues Miriam Cuddy, Brigitte Casey and Tom Hannon.  The school’s English department was well represented with Thelma Cunniffe choreographing a fast passed and energetic show and, Eilish Beirne assuming the mantle of Director. Laura Murray acted as Assistant Musical Director and, Evelyn Robinson, Mary Higgins, Rosemary Mc Andrew, Fiona Mc Guinness, Rita O’Connor and Bronagh Murray were in charge of Costumes and Make-up, while Ailish Nolan, Mary Higgins, Fiona Mc Guinness, Owen Curran and Helena Donoghue served as Backstage Managers.  Principal Emma O’Malley headed up Public Relations for the event, aided by Geraldine Fallon, Teresa Clogher and Anna Burke. While recent retirees Joe Costello and Brian Mc Donnell worked alongside Ita Keane, Caroline Tiernan and Michael Flanagan meeting and greeting the public during each performance. Peter Daly captured the event on camera, and Gerard Doyle on film. Parents Teresa Slyman and Therese Mc Carthy also volunteered their time and expertise in hairdressing and, the ever supportive Parents Association once again took charge of the interval raffle. Local businesses too gave generously in their support of this veritable feast of music and dance.  All in all, the community spirit and involvement which makes Coláiste Mhuire so very unique and special as a school established by the local community to serve the local community was evident throughout the event.

Here’s to the next 20 years of musicals in Coláiste Mhuire. Principal Emma O’ Malley can be justifiably proud of the level of commitment displayed by everyone involved, staff, students parents and wider community in ensuring the great success of Hairspray and proof positive that indeed, the show will go on!  

Well done Alia!

Best of luck to Transition Year student Alia Naughton who competed in the ‘Home Cook Hero’ cookery competition held in Dublin on November 7^{th 2015} . Alia qualified in the Top 3 nationwide in the ‘Tiny Treats’ category. The competition was screened on TV3 last week. Congratulations Alia and her dedicated teacher Ms. Evelyn Robinson, we are very proud of you! Pictured Alia Naughton with her teacher Evelyn Robinson and Catherine Fluvio.

Coláiste Mhuire is the Best in the Business!

Six students from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar achieved top grades in Junior Certificate Higher Level Business and were placed in the top 8% nationwide in last year’s state examinations in this subject area. As a result students and teachers were invited to attend the Junior Certificate Business Studies Awards ceremony hosted by NUI Galway’s College of Business, Public Policy and Law in conjunction with Business Studies Teacher’s Association of Ireland on the 14th October 2015. The following students from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar all received an award: Ciara Why, Hugh Daly, Maria Mitchell, Laura Farrell, Brian Maloney and Sarah Scott.  Congratulations to all of the students and their teachers on their excellent performance.

The Numbers All Add up in Coláiste Mhuire as Maths Week is Celebrated!

Maths week was recently celebrated by the Coláiste Mhuire learning community, with all students actively participating in puzzle, quizzes and riddle competitions. Students teased their brains with sudouku in Maths class with great prizes on offer all week. Transition Year’s helped to organise a table quiz for First Year students and congratulations to Mark Dowd, Paddy Downey and Daniel Kelly, the overall winners, who all went away with a goodie bag. A massive thank you to Ms. Tiernan for all her hard work in ensuring the success of the week.

Coláiste Mhuire participates in Forbairt and Mike Hughes Teaching and Learning Seminar

Coláiste Mhuire is participating in this year’s Forbairt programme which is organised by the Professional Development School’s Team (PDST) to build leadership capacity in schools for the enhancement of teaching and learning. Ms. Emma O’Malley, Mrs. Aisling Mc Alpine, Ms. Mary Higgins and Ms. Rosemary Mc Andrew all attended in-service recently and are working towards initiating a project which will be of benefit to teaching and learning for whole school community. Watch this space for updates!

Ms. O’Malley, Mr. Madden and Ms. Cunniffe also represented Coláiste Mhuire at a teaching and learning seminar in Galway which was presented by Educationalist Mike Hughes. Mr. Hughes is a well-known and highly acclaimed educational trainer and author. He is a former Principal in the UK and has developed a reputation as an inspirational and innovative thinker in the field of teaching and learning. We look forward to putting some of his principles into practice within our learning community in the near future.

Brian is the Brain

Congratulations to Fifth Year student Brian Maloney who achieved third place nationally in his Junior Certificate Woodwork exam. Well done to Brian and his teacher Mr. John O’ Leary.

Alia’s Great Bake Off!

Best of luck to Transition Year student Alia Naughton who has qualified for the ‘Home Cook Hero’ cookery competition to be held on November 7^th in Dublin. Alia has qualified in the Top 3 nationwide in the ‘Tint Treats’ category. The winners of the competition will be announced at a black-tie banquet, filmed by TV3 in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin on that evening to be aired at a later date. Congratulations Alia and her dedicated teacher Ms. Evelyn Robinson, we are very proud of you!

Coláiste Mhuire is the Best in the Business!

Six students from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar achieved top grades in Junior Certificate Higher Level Business and were placed in the top 8% nationwide in last year’s state examinations in this subject area. As a result students and teachers were invited to attend the Junior Certificate Business Studies Awards ceremony hosted by NUI Galway’s College of Business, Public Policy and Law in conjunction with Business Studies Teacher’s Association of Ireland on the 14th October 2015. The following students from Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar all received an award: Ciara Why, Hugh Daly, Maria Mitchell, Laura Farrell, Brian Maloney and Sarah Scott.  Congratulations to all of the students and their teachers Ms Nolan and Mrs Clogher on their excellent performance.

Coláiste Mhuire Activity Day and Open Evening

Coláiste Mhuire will host its annual Activity Day and Open Evening for prospective Sixth Class students and their parents/guardians on Tuesday, November 24 2015. The Activity Day will provide students with a valuable opportunity to sample the Coláiste Mhuire experience and, taste what pupils can look forward to as a new member of the learning community next August. The Opening Evening will enable parents and students to personally meet and greet staff and, view the school’s facilities. For a Coláiste Mhuire Information Pack please contact Principal Emma O’Malley on 0906624740 or smcballygar@eircom.net

The Numbers All Add up in Coláiste Mhuire as Maths Week is Celebrated!

Maths week was recently celebrated by the Coláiste Mhuire learning community, with all students actively participating in puzzle, quizzes and riddle competitions. Students teased their brains with sudouku in Maths class with great prizes on offer all week. Transition Year’s organised a table quiz for First Year students and congratulations to Mark Dowd, Paddy Downey and Daniel Kelly, the overall winners, who all went away with a goodie bag. A massive thank you to Ms. Tiernan and Mr. O’Leary in the Maths department for all their hard work in ensuring the success of the week. 

Hairspray ... the musical