Coláiste Chill Mhantáin

PUBLIC SPEAKING

On Saturday, January 20, Niamh O’Toole (TY) took part in the Regional Final of the Soroptimist’s Girls’ Public Speaking Competition. Niamh faced off against other competitors from schools around Leinster and she spoke about empowering women. The girls were asked to deliver a six minute speech which they had a few weeks to prepare and then had to deliver a two minute impromptu speech. Niamh did us proud and walked away runner-up on the day. Well done to Niamh on a fantastic achievement.

HEALTHY LIVING WEEK

A host of activities took place in the school last week to celebrate Healthy Living Week. Every morning, everyone was welcome to avail of free tea, coffee, toast, cereal, fruit and yogurts at Breakfast Club; a Dodgeball tournament took place in the PE Hall for First year students and their mentors every lunchtime; a Healthy Living Quiz took place in tutor time each morning; Louise Lennox, celebrity chef, hosted a workshop on Thursday for first year Home Economics and JCSP students; and on Friday Ready Steady Cook Friday saw two teachers take on two Fifth year students in a cook off.

Throughout the week Home Economics and SPHE students were busy spreading the word about Healthy Living Week with a display of posters outside the Home Economics rooms and First year Home Economics students took part in a food tasting class. They sampled a range of fruit, veg, milk and cheeses while revising topics such as health, nutrition and food commodities covered to date. The students enjoyed trying new foods. None of the students had heard of Sharon Fruit before so were particularly interested in trying.

CELEBRITY CHEF

First year Home Economics and JCSP students spent last Thursday with Louise Lennox; leading chef, food writer, broadcaster and children’s food media specialist and also known from RTÉ’s ‘The Restaurant’. The students started off the day by making Japanese Katsu Curry Noodles which was packed with loads of fresh vegetables and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

This was followed with mixing Science and Home Economics to carry out edible molecular gastronomy Science experiments ‘Fake fried egg’ made from mango, coconut milk and yoghurt; and apple caviar. A great day was had by all. Thanks to JCSP and the school for funding this great event as part of CCMs Healthy Living Week.

BIFE VISIT

Many thanks to the Guidance Department for arranging for our students to visit the BIFE open day last Friday week. The courses available are excellent and provide students with access routes to careers and further education.

SPELLING BEE

On Monday, January 22, all First year students, who were willing to participate in a Spelling Bee, gathered in the library. Over 70 students attended. The early rounds saw a lot of students face many tough spellings and by the last round three strong contenders challenged each other’s ability. In the end Simon St John one Avoca, won the competition with Adam Canavan, one Erne, taking second place and Josh o Connor one Barrow, taking third place. It was a very enjoyable competition with a great atmosphere. Well done to all who participated.

DÁIL TRIP

3 Slaney students studying CSPE and third years studying Business visited the Dáil last Tuesday as part of their course to inform them about the Government of Ireland and provide them with an opportunity to see the Dáil and the Seanad in person. It was a very impressive experience for them all. The students were also escorted through Trinity college on what turned out to be a warm sunny day in Dublin.

GREEN SCHOOLS

Green Schools’ meetings take place every Thursday in F21A at 1.30. New members are very welcome.

BASKETBALL

It was a busy day in the CCM sports hall on Tuesday last with three basketball matches on. Woodbrook Bray came to CCM for the first junior matches of the school year.

The second year girls’ team played first. The CCM girls put in a great performance throughout the game. Malwina Wesolowska and Shauna Kelly carried the ball well and scored some excellent scores. The game was close throughout with only one or two baskets separating the teams the whole way through. However, in the last seconds of the game Woodbrook managed to get one last basket and win the match 18-16.

The first year girls were up next. This was their first ever game playing together and for some it was their first ever basketball game. They got stuck in from the start and played well together. Woodbrook had a more experienced team and managed to get ahead early in the game and remained ahead. However, the CCM girls did make a comeback and the game finished 12-22.

The CCM boys then played the last match of the day. This was a very tight game. The CCM boys played a very skillful game. They did not give up throughout the whole game. When Woodbrook went ahead by 12 points CCM managed to pull them back to four points. However, CCM couldn’t pull ahead and the game finished 30-26 to Woodbrook. Thanks and well done to all involved.

UNDER-15 SOCCER

Hard luck to Mr Cassidy and the lads who came so close to qualifying for the next round of the Leinster Cup. However, a late equalizer put Patrician Naas in the driving seat for extra time and they grabbed a goal to put them through to the next round.

The team was also unlucky in the final of the Wicklow/Wexford League which was captured by Wexford CBS However, the team has had an amazing season with some outstanding victories and have shown great skill and a determination of spirit which will see this young team go very far in the future.

CROSS COUNTRY

The second outing for CCM AC took place last Thursday in Avondale. We had some great performances: Aimee Bell King came fourth in the junior category, followed closely by Bonnie, her sister, in sixth. Adrianna Majdrzak had her first outing for the school and ran a very respectable first cross country race.

Finn Egan Barron also had an exceptional race to qualify in eighth position with the top 15 going through to Leinster. Cormac Byrne had a gutsy run with a sore ankle to finish very admirably. James Byrne, in his first race this year, had a great run in the senior grade by coming 11th over a harsh 5km distance.

One of the finest team performances came from the Intermediate Boys’ race. Joseph O’Shea stormed to second with Tom, his brother, in 13th with Cian Kelly, who could be considered the most improved athlete overall at the meeting, coming 20th. Last but not least, Cormac Flynn battled exceptionally to finish in 13th spot to earn himself a qualification to