Coláiste Chraobh Abhann
BON VOYAGE
We wish sixth year students Rachael Grant and Diarmuid Murphy bon voyage as they set off on their three-day trip to Germany and France including a day in the European Parliament as part of the Euroscola Programme. Both students won this trip through the Michael Sweetman Education Trust.
The European Parliament invites schools, teachers and students from all 28 member states to participate in the Euroscola Programme to give students the unique opportunity to experience EU decision making in the form of a multilingual European youth parliament.
Euroscola allows the students to get together, debate, negotiate, amend, vote and finally adopt resolutions on real European issues. Some of the issues they will explore are: Environment and Renewable Energy. Security and Human Rights and the Future of Europe. We look forward to Rachael and Diarmuid telling us all about their trip after mid-term.
BADMINTON
Under-14B Badminton Division 4 semi-final v De La Salle – CCA travelled to Leinster Badminton Centre in Terenure to take part in our first ever Dublin Schools semi-final. The final result was 3-3, however unfortunately we lost when it came to counting the points from each of the six games. In the end were unfortunate to lose by 12 points.
The CCA under-14A Badminton semi-final v Lycee Francais also took place in the Leinster Badmitnon Centre in Terenure where the Division 3 semi-final took place. This match also finished 3-3, with the CCA team losing by 11 points. However, this result does mean that the team have done enough to reach the Leinster finals and represent Wicklow Schools at the Leinster Championships in March.
Well done to both teams and Mr Steele for their continued success.
CROSS COUNTRY
On Wednesday two CCA athletes represented the school and East Leinster Schools at this year’s Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships at Santry.
It was Troy Scully’s last cross country race, after serving the school at the highest level for the past six years. His target was to make the all-Ireland’s (finishing in the top 15). The particular race was ran at a very fast pace, and despite a valiant effort by Troy, he just finished outside his goal, coming in 19th place.
A big thank you to Troy for the many representations for CCA over the past six years.
At the other end Charlotte Pelz was racing at this level for the first time and finished in a brilliant 35th place.
After showing her true potential at the East Leinster Championships, placing seventh, Charlotte started quickly and managed to hold off some fast finishers to se- cure her place. Mr Steele believes this young athlete has a very bright future with CCA athletics in the years to come.
FAREWELL
CCA Staff, parents and students would like to thank our secretary Joss Rogers, who finished working in Coláiste Chraobh Abhann on Friday, February 15.
In her short time with us here, Joss was a friendly welcoming face who met the day to day running of the school with admirable patience and a warm smile for all. We will all miss her and wish her the very best of luck for the future.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
After 14 years as Coláiste Chraobh Abhann’s Deputy Principal, the wonderful Carol Buckley retired last Friday, February 15.
Carol Buckley has been an inspirational teacher, leader and friend to us all here in CCA. It is with a very heavy heart that the CCA school community now must say goodbye, wishing her well as she sets off on her next adventure.
Anyone, who has ever met Carol will testify to how unique a woman she is. Her sound judgement, her compassionate listening ear, and above all her passion and dedication for education are just some of the qualities she possess in abundance. Without question, she embodies the spirit of who we strive to be here in CCA She has touched the lives of anyone who has known her; with staff, students and parents all benefiting greatly from having this very special woman to look up to and guide us over the years.
We now hope she takes a long deserved rest and spends quality time with her husband Billy, and her sons Seán and Conor, before setting off on whatever new path she may choose. ‘Better a thousand days of diligent is one day with a great teacher.’ Japanese proverb. Ms Buckley. Take a bow.