Dominican College Wicklow

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council meet with Ms Fallon once every two weeks to discuss issues arising from the general student body, upcoming events, or to plan their next fundraising event. Their annual Christmas fundraiser-The Christmas Jumper Day, which is always a popular event took place on Wednesday, December 11.

This year, the non-uniform day raised funds for the local charity ‘Christmas Together’. This charity provides a venue and Christmas dinner for those alone at Christmas time or those who can’t afford all the trimmings. All the staff and students put in a great effort got onboard the Christmas theme. Prizes were awarded to the ‘best dressed’ in each of the year groups.

In first-year, three students received a prize. Niamh O’Neill, Abi Byrne and Kaya Glavin Foy were the recipients for their exceptional costumes. Rebecca Brennan had a great hairpiece made from Christmas lights and received the prize for the second year students.

The other prize winners were Eva Timmons, Sorcha Cronin, Éabha Boyle and Áine M Kavanagh. Ms Fox won the teacher prize for her brilliant Elf costume. We now wait to hear the final sum raised for the charities. Well done to the student council for all their hard work.

CHRISTMAS FAIR

On Wednesday, December 11, months of hard work by our TY enterprise students came to fruition as their annual Christmas fair was held in Fatima Hall. They were over 20 stalls displaying all different types of products including ‘Cosmic Crystals’, ‘Seasonal Essentials’, ‘Framed Moments’ and ‘Morse Code Bracelets’ to name but a few.

The enterprise students were rewarded for their hard work as they reported good profit margins and future orders were all positive too. Fifth-year student Truly Murphy added to the festive atmosphere as she mixed all the well-known Christmas songs from her decks.

The Student Council ran its annual Christmas Jumper fundraiser to coincide with the fair. So between the decorations, the Christmas music, the fair and the Christmas jumpers, the Christmas Spirit was very much alive in DCW.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

One of the highlights of the Dominican calendar is always the Christmas Carol service held in the Dominican Chapel. This year the service will take place on Wednesday, December 18. There is no admission charge, and all are very welcome. The singing is always of the highest standard and this coupled with the beautiful surroundings, creates a magical atmosphere and is guaranteed to kick start your Christmas season. Pencil in the date.

MARY POPPINS

Huge congratulations to all our Transition Year students on their fantastic production of the timeless classic Mary Poppins. Auditions for the show began on day one of term time in September, and the girls have put in a massive effort since then.

Rehearsals took place in the early evening, during the midterm break and over the weekend too. The girls have learned many lessons on commitment and teamwork which will stand them in good stead in the future. All the effort paid off as the production was a huge success.

The daytime matinees were enjoyed by over 1000 students from the surrounding primary schools. In the evening shows the girls performed both nights to a full house. Jessica Corkish played the part of Mary Poppins for the Thursday night show while Sorcha Cronin played the part on Friday night. Both girls were fantastic. We must also pay tribute to the invisible assistants, the backstage crew, without whom the show could not go on. They too did an incredible job.

The final mention and thanks must go to the musical director Ms Murphy and the stage director and choreographer Ms McIntyre. Their tireless enthusiasm and energy are very much appreciated.

As a thank you to the girls for all their hard work a well-deserved end of term trip has been organised by the TY coordinator Ms Kelly. In the last week of term, they will head to Dundrum shopping centre for some retail therapy and some thrills and spills on the ice.

HOCKEY

The minor hockey team were due to play a home game against Loreto Beaufort on December 10 However, the heavy rainfall the night before meant the pitch was unplayable. The game will now take place in the first week after the Christmas break.

Congratulations to the senior hockey team who top their league following four of their five matches. They have maximum points as they have won all their games and have only conceded a single goal. Their final match in the group stages will also take place in the first week of term in January. We wish them the best of luck.

BASKETBALL

To conclude the basketball season for the under-16 team, a fun tournament was held in Coláiste Chill Mhantáin on December 11.

The girls were challenged to three matches, one game against each of CCMs first and second teams and the third match against East Glendalough. Even though the results did not all go their way they were delighted with the very close encounter with CCMs second team. This game ended in a 17-14 win for the Dominican girls.

Well done to CCM and East Glendalough on their strong performances. Grace McManus showed great attacking skill, scoring six points in one game, while Abi Smith and Lisa Hurd did a brilliant job in defence. The girls enjoyed the experience and many thanks to CCM for hosting.

CSPE

The concept of becoming active citizens and linking with the local community lies at the centre of junior cycle CSPE When better then, to put words into action than during the Christmas season. Our junior students decided to get active.

On Friday, December 13, 2 Emerald participated in a sponsored walk in aid of St Catherine’s Special School. December 16 saw 2 Sapphire visit Blainroe Nursing Home. Here the girls spent time with the residents and sang some Christmas carols.

The third-year CSPE students are currently busy filling shoeboxes for residents in the homeless shelter on Kilmantan Hill. We should all be inspired by the girl’s actions and give a little to those less fortunate.

CINEMA DAY

Continuing with the theme of supporting those in need, the fifthyear LCVP students are organising a Cinema day on December 19, which is open to both junior and senior students. All funds raised will be donated to Pieta House. The Leaving Cert syllabus involves an ‘Action Plan Project’ which necessitates the planning and running of a chosen event. The girls decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for charity. Students will pay €5 to watch the film. The ticket price includes popcorn and a drink. It is a deserving charity so if you haven’t yet bought your ticket please do so at morning registration.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT CLUB

The Christmas craft club is up and running and takes place every Wednesday in D2 at 1.20 p.m. to 1.50 p.m. Currently, students are making personalised Christmas cards. So, if you are bored with shop-bought cards and like to add a personal touch to your gifting, come along and join Ms Hennessey and Ms Flood.