Coláiste Chill Mhantáin

U-19 BADMINTON

Coláiste Chill Mhantáin welcomed a number of teams to the school on January 14th to participate in an U-19 blitz. Separate boys and girls competitions were run. Participating in the boys blitz were Coláiste Chill Mhantáin, St. Kevin’s, Dunlavin and East Glendalough School. In the girls section Dominican Convent Wicklow, Loreto Bray and East Glendalough School competed against each other.

The boy’s competition was held in the morning and proved to be a tight contest throughout between Coláiste Chill Mhantáin Team A and East Glendalough School with it all to play for in the final doubles match. It ended all square in the competition with both teams winning thirteen matches each topping the table ahead of St Kevin’s, Dunlavin and Coláiste Chill Mhantáin Team B.

And so, much like a boxing match it came down to a count back, with Coláiste Chill Mhantáin Team A winning it on the overall points scored. Our team consisted of Enda Dempsey, David Stapleton, Seán O'Callaghan and Daniel Montgomery.

The girls also had a great competition with very competitive games throughout. This competition again was all up for grabs going into the final round of games after some wonderful displays of power and skill. In the end the Dominican Convent Wicklow prevailed and were crowned worthy champions after a tough challenge. Well done to the organisers of the event and thanks to our Principal Mr. Donoghue for facilitating the blitz. FIRST YEAR PARENT INFORMATION

Parents and students who will join the school in 2013 attended an information evening at Coláiste Chill Mhantáin on Wednesday January 16th. Over the course of the evening parents were informed about school expectations, subject options and facilities available. Our Senior Mentor team made a presentation about their role in helping students make the transition from primary to second level. The evening was a wonderfully positive step both for the teachers, future students and parents. Our Assessment morning will be held on Saturday January 26th at 9.00am. CAREERS PRESENTATION

Our Fifth and Sixth Year students attended a careers presentation on Thursday January 17th. Two representatives from The Quinn School of Business University College Dublin (UCD) gave students information on the courses on offer in the college and career possibilities. This presentation was followed by a question and answer session. Students found the experience informative and helpful. LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED TASKS

Leaving Certificate Applied students are currently putting the finishing touches to their tasks. Students will present for an interview at the end of the month where their work will be examined by external examiners. The following tasks will be examined, Contemporary Issues task, Practical Achievement Task and Information and Communications Task. LCA1 students will be presenting their General Education work for their first task interview. We wish them every success in their final preparations. LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES

Our Student Council have organised a number of lunchtime activities from Tuesday to Friday every week. Activities include board games, video games to name but a few. All students are welcome to participate. HOME SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON

Over the coming weeks a number of classes/courses will commence for parents. COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF DRUGS

On Tuesday January 15th Community Awareness of Drugs(CAD) began in the parents’ room. This is the second roll out of this course in the school and it will run from 10am to 12pm every Tuesday for the next six weeks. This course provides participants with an opportunity to update information on drugs and their effects, explore attitudes, beliefs and decisions related to drug misuse, and develop a family orientated drug prevention strategy. INCREDIBLE YEARS PROGRAMME

This programme starts at the end of January and takes place every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon for fourteen weeks in the parents’ room. It is facilitated by Dr. Patrick Loughrane Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE and nurse Tara Noone Childcare Work Manager. The programme is designed for parents of children aged three to ten years who are challenging boundaries and limits and not responding to regular parenting ideas. SPEAKEASY

On Thursday January 24th a course for parents on “talking to your child about the Facts of Life and relationships” facilitated by the Irish Family Planning Association will begin in the parents’ room. The course runs for eight weeks from 11am to 1pm every Thursday morning. COMPUTERS

Computer classes for parents resumed in G25 on Friday last at 11am. It is hoped that during this term parents will also be able to work on the MOS certification. PAIRED READING

Every Monday a number of parents participate in paired reading with First and Second Year students in the library. This is of great benefit to the students and we would like to take this opportunity to thanks the parents for the giving of their time. SENIOR FOOTBALL

Our Senior football team played against Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew in the County Semi – final on Thursday last in Rathnew. Despite adverse weather conditions both teams gave strong performances. However, Coláiste Chill Mhantáin proved the stronger team winning by three points in extra time. Top goal scorer for Coláiste Chill Mhantáin was Aaron Nugent scoring an outstanding eight points.

Overall the team displayed great team effort and skill. We wish team luck as they progress to the next round. We would also like to acknowledge our local clubs who are always most supportive in allowing us use of their facilities and pitches. SOCCER

Hard luck to our Junior Soccer team who were narrowly defeated by Dublin Oak Academy on Wednesday January 16th. Coláiste Chill Mhantáin conceded four goals at the beginning of the match but fought valiantly to draw back the deficit. Unfortunately at 4 – 3 as we pushed forward seeking an equaliser we were caught on the break and conceded a goal. The game finished 5 – 4 to Dublin Oak Academy. FIRST YEAR TRIP TO EURO DISNEY

The dates for the First Year trip to Euro Disney 2013 has changed. Students and staff will be departing on Sunday May 19th. PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Our parents’ Council met last week and Mr. Donoghue thanked them for their input into recent policy reviews and their continued support, interest and positive contributions to the school.