Coláiste Chraobh Abhann
TALENT SHOW
There was a great evening’s entertainment last Thursday evening in Coláiste Chraobh Abhann where first and second year students participated in the very first CCAs Got Talent show.
There were a variety of acts taking part in the competition, including an Irish dancing group called Rince, who were the opening act and who instantly got the audience clapping along to their fast steps. Ayisha White Okoloba performed a moving performance of the song Lost Boy, dedicating her song to mental health awareness. Bobby Dowling sang a Green Day song Time of Your Life on his guitar, while the Greatest Showgirls (Alanna Plunkett and Lauren Hackman) did a wonderful version of This is Me.
Luigi from first year wowed us with his juggling ability including a brief appearance from Mr Eivers as his sidekick. Amber Doyle from second year gave a stunning rendition of the song Burn from Hamilton, while band the Country Girls (Saibhe Smith, Alyssia Larkin, Shaneece Dunleavy, Bryony Conalty and Shauna Healy on guitar) performed a note perfect version of Waggon Wheel.
Seán Sally O’Toole and Kiera Sally O’Toole performed a beautiful traditional air on the concertina and Irish flute, which was then followed by the gravelly vocals of Kayleigh Clements, who gave a stripped back version of the Eurythmics classic Sweet Dreams are Made of These. The final act of the evening was from Miriam Bhunu in second year with her powerful soulful song dancing on my Own.
The three judges of the show were Jade Byrne (Head Girl), Brian Short (Head Boy) and ‘The Voice Star’ Kim Hayden, who had the tough job of choosing the winning acts. After much deliberation the winners were announced. In third place was Seán and Kiera Sally O’Toole. In Second place was Bobby Dowling and the winner of the CCA Talent Show 2018 went to the Country Showgirls.
Kim Hayden, who also performed a few songs on the night, complemented the students for their outstanding performances and advised all the acts to keep practising and to pursue their ambitions. The MCs Charley Delaney Byrne and Nicole Abrigo from fifth year were very professional in how they introduced each act.
Thanks to all the peer mentors who helped with the audition process, and to the parents’ council for their continued support. This night would not have happened without the hard work and time put in by Mr Farrell, Ms Smith, Ms Armstrong and Mr Nugent, who organised this great event.
GIRLS SENIOR FOOTBALL
The CCA Girls’ football team played in the final of the shield against St David’s’ team last Thursday in Kilcoole. The girls played superbly, but were unfortunately beaten by a strong, well organised St David’s side.
Coach Ms Doyle said she was very proud of the girls’ achievement this season and would like to give a special mention to captain Laoise Cullen and Róisín Connaughton, who played their final game for CCA. Ms Doyle said that both girls had been outstanding servants to the CCA Girls’ Football team over the years and wishes them every success in the future both on and off the field.
Well done to all involved.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council HB Ice Cream fundraiser took place last Thursday in the school with all proceeds going towards Down Syndrome Ireland.
The Student Council tied this with their Non-Uniform Day with funds going towards the same charity with over €1,300 raised so far.
Mr Rice and the entire Student Council team would like to thank everyone who contributed to this charity event.
Well done to both the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate art students who completed their practical exam during the week. All were very happy with their results.
GAA BLITZ
Well done to the three first year GAA teams who took part in a GAA Blitz on Wednesday the ninth in Ballinakill. All three teams played really well each winning one of their two matches. Well played girls.
TY ENTERPRISE TRIP
The TY Enterprise students are looking forward to their trip on Monday, May 14. They will be completing the scenic Greystones to Bray cliff walk followed by lunch in ‘Platform Pizza’. We hope they have a very enjoyable day.
GEOGRAPHY TRIP
The fifth year geography class are taking a trip with Ms Fallon to Kippure on Monday, May 14. They will conduct a study of geomorphic processes in a fluvial environment.
DRIVERS ED.
On Friday, May 11, the TY students took part in a ‘Driver’s Ed’ class and workshop in the Wicklow Rugby Club. This should prove to be a very useful lesson for the girls.
TRIP TO GLENDALOUGH
Best of luck to the following girls who will head off to Glendalough on Friday, May 11, to complete their challenge for their Bronze ‘Gaisce Awards’ Kate Costello, Martha Donohue, Louise Drumgoole, Hannah Gormley, Amy Kavanagh, Kte Keaney, Abbie O’Loughlin, Hannah Whelan, Emily Clarke, Rosa Flaherty, Abbie Kearns, Ellie Merrigan, Ella O’Neill, Róisín Ring and Emma Smith. The students will have to do a 26km hike in Glendalough over the two-day period with an overnight stay in the Glendalough Hostel. It should be a great experience for the girls. Thanks to Ms Kelly and Ms Doyle for accompanying the girls.
TY PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP
The TY photography students enjoyed a ‘Photography Trip’ to Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfalls on May 10 to practise their photography skills learned in this module. The resulting photographs are really spectacular. Well done to the girls and thanks to their teacher Mr Loughlin.
MINI MARATHON
Mr O’Brien and the ‘Tanzania Girls’ are looking for volunteers to run or walk the Women’s Mini Marathon for the School of St Jude. The mini marathon will take place on Sunday, June 3, Please contact Mr O’Brien for a sponsorship card. The group have raised €24,000 to date and look forward to your continued support.
PRIZE DAY
Preparations are in hand for the annual ‘DCW Prize Giving Ceremony’. This year it will be held on the afternoon of Monday, May 21. It is always a very important day in the school calendar where students are rewarded for their work – academic, school participation and effort, attendance and sporting achievements. We look forward to this ceremony.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Check out our school website for all the latest news at dominicanwicklow.net.
A big thank you to the organising committee of the parents’ association Golf Outing which was held in the spectacular setting of Druids Glen GC on Friday, May 9. The proceeds from the outing and Gala Dinner are in aid of St Catherine’s School, Newcastle. Through everyone’s generosity a remarkable €12,000 was raised and will be donated to St Catherine’s School. Many thanks to the organising committee of Mark Wyse, Thelma Hodgins, Darina Heavey and Pauline Burke and to all of the parents who played, sponsored and supported the event and for making the occasion so successful.
Congratulations to fifth year Ben Watson, who was selected on the Ireland under-18 Sevens European Championship team which participated in the European Championships in Lithuania earlier in May. Ben had a tremendous tournament and was the highest points scorer in the Championships. A wonderful achievement to have represented Ireland.
Also in rugby two of our sixth year students (Paddy Opperman and Cormac Foley) have been selected for the Leinster under-20 summer Training Programme. Well done to you both and the very best of luck during the summer.
ATHLETICS
We had a significant contingent competing in the East Leinster Athletics Competition on Monday, April 30. It was a dry sunny day in Morton Stadium, Santry and St Gerard’s had 41 competitors on Monday. 15 of which were first years participating in their first secondary school athletics competition so well done.
We had another 48 competing on Thursday, May 3, in the second day of the competition. On day one, our fifth and sixth years displayed their talent in front of the younger years and achieved three gold medals and two silver medals between them, including a 4x300m relay.
SAILING REGATTA
Well done to all pupils who competed in the St Gerard’s Sailing Regatta in Greystones SC on Wednesday, May 2. Conditions were very difficult, and all sailors represented the School with great pride throughout the fleets. A special congratulations must go to the pupils in the following categories, Jack Roy Trophy – Winner: Elysia O’Leary, Lady Sailor of the day – Winner: Elysia O’Leary and Best overall School – Winner: St Gerard’s School. A fabulous event and many thanks to Greystones SC for hosting us.