East Glenda lough School
SHOEBOX APPEAL
This year the pupils of EGS rose to the challenge set to them by Ms Minogue Jones and Ms Minogue. This was to contribute 200 boxes to the Team Hope appeal. In previous years we have done very well in managing an average of 150 or so boxes so this year we were confident we could at least reach this target but who knew how appealing a pyjamas day could be.
The pupils have shown that a considerate and generous spirit exists within the walls of this school as with each day the boxes poured in and were filled to the brim with all kinds of goodies for the children of countries less well off then themselves.
By November 13 we reached our 200th box with Lucy Heather of 6G making the final contribution. We are so proud of all our pupils efforts and their continued generosity of spirit. It is extremely heartening to see how empathetic these young people can be to take the time to think of others.
We should also mention the contribution made by parents to this appeal too and they should be very happy to know what a great cause they have supported. On behalf of all EGS staff we thank you whole heartedly.
GIRLS SOCCER
Our under-17 girls soccer team have qualified for the semi-finals of the Leinster B cup after a hard fought victory against Gaelcholáiste na Mara.
We opened the scoring when a dangerous inswinging corner from Sinéad McGettigan led to an own goal from an unfortunate G na Mara defender. The ever dangerous Rhiannon Wynne O’Sullivan had two great chances to extend our lead but was denied by excellent goalkeeping. Emma Cox then took centre stage for our opponents, scoring two goals, the first of which was an excellent strike from 30 yards. T.
railing 2: one at half time, Grace Hurley moved up front to support Rhiannon in the second half. Both Grace and Rhiannon were a real handful for the G na Mara defense and they were rewarded when firstly, Rhiannon headed home from another corner and then Grace scored a brilliant individual goal.
To their credit G na Mara never gave up but thanks to brilliant defending from Holly Jenkinson and Sinéad McGettigan, they had few opportunities to get an equalizer. Their best chance fell to Emma Cox, who was denied by a top class save from Vikki Elms Kinlan. Both teams deserve great credit for what was a very hard fought but sporting encounter.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Our under-19 boys basketball team suffered defeat against Woodbrook College recently. This was a game where the lads never really got going and they allowed their opponents to dictate the tempo of the game. Individual players will be disappointed that they didn’t perform at the level that they’re capable of. They still have an outside chance of making the semi-finals but a win in their next match is now essential.
RUGBY NEWS
JUNIOR CUP – EGS 48-19 St Conleth’s. EGS put in a dominant performance vs a spirited St Conleth’s side in the Duff cup. Adam Neil led from the front with a four try masterclass combining strength and determination, he was also a thorn in the side of Conleths’at the breakdown where he turned over numerous balls he was supported ably by Max Richards, who added a try hinself.
Nicky Flood controlled matters well from out half aided by the snappy service of Peter Schmit, Nicky also added two tries to go with his four conversions. The try of the match however came from Captain Howard Noonan bursting clear from his own ‘22 to score under the posts. Next up EGS face a very stern test against a strong Gorey side.
SENIOR CUP – EGS 29-19 Templeogue College. The Senior Cup took to the field last Wednesday with 14 men and produced a dis- play that will long be remembered in EGS rugby folklore. Captain Luke Thompson demanded a his side to play for the jersey and he got the response he asked for. Luke was ably supported by his inter provincial lieutenants, Harry Noonan in the pack and Paddy Mac.
Kenzie at out half who controlled the game masterly.
Throughout the team there were moments of individual brilliance from Emmet Wallace’s tackling to Harold Stephenson and Jack Farmer’s resolute defence in the mid field. The 14 who took the field and did their school and themselves proud were; Luke Thompson, Rossa Marron, Harry Noonan, Eddie Ferns, Emmet Wallace, Ronan Cullen, Chris Fitzpatrick, Thorfinn Newton, Paddy Mac.
Kenzie, Harold Stephenson, Jack Farmer, Gavin Fogarty, Andrew Neale, JJ Power.
TY KILLARY TRIP
Our long awaited trip to Killary Adventure Centre presented both of these qualities to us. On November 6, our East Glendalough School fourth year group made our way to the west of Ireland for a week of adventure. The fun didn’t just start when we arrived at the centre, but when we boarded the train in anticipation for the long journey ahead to Westport.
They say time flies when you’re having fun and this theory was confirmed to us by our train journey, which included music, card games and laughter. However, the fun brought fatigue to us by the time we arrived at the centre. But our spirits were revived by the enthusiasm of the instructors.
The excitement continued the next morning as our first day of activities awaited us. The activities provided, ranged from bog runs to giant swings. The turf challenge tested our resilience against mud and cold temperatures, but by far, brought out the best qualities within us, cooperation, team spirit and our eagerness to help each other.
The turf challenge allowed us to run through bogs filled with thick mud, to jump over horizontal logs and to slide down pipes into a sea of mucky water.
Another adrenaline-filled experience was the Ringo rides. This activity involved simply, a speedboat and inflatable rings floating on the fjord. We would sit on these rings while the speedboat cruised along the fjord with the desire of throwing us out of into the cold waters (which was mostly successful).
Unfortunately, this week of entertainment was forced to come to a conclusion. However, we did not leave empty handed. This experience strengthened our bonds and our willingness to thrive in new environments. The trip far exceeded our large expectations. (By David Yagüe and Ella Richards).
TRANSITION YEAR NEWS
This week has seen the first set of modules come to a close. It’s hard to believe that nine weeks has flown by so quickly. There were final debates taking place in Ms Byrnes class, the bake off reached its climax with a very deserving Cara Ryan being crowned Bake off champion. The two adventure groups capped off a varied program with trips down to Gravity high ropes course in Gorey. All agreed that the journey was well worth it and some fine climbing was on display. In tutorial we had the pleasure of Kamila Strutz speaking to the group about nutrition and the perils of fast food and refined sugars.
Looking forward the TYs are excited about their first trip up to Dublin to see the stand up comedian Jer Carey talk to them about all things teen. Also the group is finalising their first work experience placements.
Science Olympiad – Sarah Jennings (TY) recently competed in the Science Olympiad, a prestigious competition for those who achieve the very highest marks in Junior Certificate Science. Sarah also had a paper upgraded on appeal, giving her a remarkable 11 A-grades: top marks across the board. Well done, Sarah.
CAREERS
On Wednesday, November 15, senior students enjoyed a careers talk on the new Social Science degrees at University College Dublin.