Loreto High School, Beaufort Christmas

Newsletter December 2019

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In this season of advent, we take a moment to take stock of ‘what is past, or passing, or to come’. At a time when we await the Light of Christ, we encourage each of our students to consider how can they themselves can be a source of light which brightens our world.

Our newsletter provides you with just a glimpse of some of the activities that have taken place this term and the ways in which we as a school community have brought the Mary Ward Values to life.

We have seen the Values of justice, freedom and truth in action at the start of the year through our girls work with and support of pilgrims in Lourdes, our Rise with Rumbek walk, Clothing Appeal for Uganda, St Vincent de Paul Awareness Week, Mustard Seed non-uniform day and ongoing work for Aidlink. These Values are seen in action through participation in debates, talks and workshops and through our students’ active engagement with the curriculum whether inside the classroom or on our new hockey pitch.

These Values are also palpable at our Student Council and Green School meetings where students urge each other to live the Mary Ward call to be ‘rooted, relevant and responsive’ in the present moment and into the future as global citizens. Our Values of sincerity and joy have been in evidence throughout our term; through our many themed weeks celebrating friendship and connectedness, exploring Maths and Science and when we took time to ‘Drop Everything and Read’ and danced in our school raves. The joy that students feel and bring to our community has been palpable during our talent show, the ‘Night at the Movies’, National Concert Hall and Ray Darcy Show performances and through on-going lunchtime recitals and our recent ‘turkey trot’. But perhaps most of all, our Values are kept alive daily in ways that are obvious, and those that are less so, and are sometimes rooted in random acts of kindness.

All of this is only possible through you our parents and guardians who encourage our girls and support us so well throughout the year. It is also only possible because of the work of our staff, whose compassion and care underpins all that we do and whose love of learning is passed on to our girls, enabling them to become confident young women set upon a path of life-long learning and conscious of the contribution they can make to the world. We also wish to sincerely thank our Senior Prefects and Head Girls who are such powerful, positive role models for all our girls and who give ceaselessly to make our school and even happier place to be.

We wish everybody in our community a healthy and happy Christmas and we look forward to continuing the journey in 2020.

Aoife Kavanagh & Francis CarolanPrincipal and Deputy Principal Loreto High School

Our Carol Service takes place on Friday December 20th from 10-11.30am.We look forward to marking Advent and celebrating Christmas together

as a whole school community. We expect all our students to attend.

Green Committee

Green News – From Hero to ZeroWell done to our Green Committee members and congratulations on all their achievements this term. We meet every Tuesday at lunch time with Ms Cagney and all students and staff are invited. We are working towards the Global Citizenship - Waste and Litter Flag.

Our message this term is to reduce and reuse. We are on a zero waste journey and we initiated this adventure by

banning all single use plastic bottles from September. Our committee requested a new bike shed which arrived recently and

bike workshops will be held in April. We attended the launch of the #andshecycles campaign . The statistics

for girls cycling to school in Ireland is poor but Beaufort is tripling the national average and we hope to improve this figure in the summer term.

Our biggest project is yet to occur. From January 2020 all bins will be removed from the corridors. Students are being asked to use lunch boxes or reusable bags to bring their waste home and start thinking about ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The Green Committee are available to help students at all times on this journey. We have lots of advice and tips so please check the school website or get in touch if you need support.

Style Night

As you may know, 32 students made up of 4th and 5th Years will be travelling to Uganda in June 2020 for an Immersion Programme with Aidlink. The girls are paying their travelling expenses themselves but are fundraising for the essential water and sanitation projects that Aidlink engages in in Uganda. Our main fundraising event this year is a Style and Image Evening taking place on January 30th at 7.30pm in the Assembly Hall hosted by image consultant Kathryn Byrne. Tickets available from Ms Taylor.

AidlinkClothing appeal

Many thanks to all those who supported and contributed to our clothing appeal in support of Aidlink. It was a great success!

Our Beaufort Buzz launched in Sept and has been a great success with clubs and extra-curricular activities to suit all interests. Don’t forget its not too late to try something new.

German Students Invited to EmbassyTwo of our 5th Year German students, Amelia Daly and Rachel Kenny, were amongst the top 80 German students in the Junior Cert German Exam 2018. They were invited to attend an interview for a scholarship to Germany for 3 weeks last June. Amelia loved her 3 weeks in Germany. Both Amelia and Rachel were invited to the German Embassy to celebrate the Day of German Unity on Friday October 4.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal Team Hope

173 gift filled shoeboxes were donated from our school to children afflicted by poverty in Eastern Europe and Africa.A huge well done to 5 Tara who coordinated and organised the Shoebox Appeal in the school this year.

Climate ChangeClara Bermingham (1P) was chosen to represent Dublin as a Youth Assembly Delegate on Climate . There were 157 delegates selected nationwide for the first RTÉ Youth Assembly on Climate. The delegates represented all 26 counties and range in

age from 10 to 17. On Friday 15 November, they convened the first ever Youth Assembly on Climate at Dáil Éireann to discuss and determine their proposals for next steps for Ireland on Climate Action. See link attached to see Clara's bio:https://www.rte.ie/news/youth-assembly-delegates-2019/2019/1011/1082748-clara/

Gerry Murphy-Met Eireann / RTE came to speak to all second years Wednesday November 20th on the topic of weather and climate. 

Lourdes – September 2019Once again, we have returned safely after volunteering with the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.  The five girls, Aoife Leavy, Aoife Minogue, Amy McCabe, Amelia Rodgers and Erica Tobin, all did Beaufort proud.  They showed such commitment, enthusiasm and initiative combined with huge tenderness and compassion and it was an absolute joy to watch them as they looked after the sick pilgrims.  They gave so much of themselves throughout each day regardless of the very early starts.  They never stopped smiling and managed to even motivate their poor retired leader!  In return they learned so much from the pilgrims, listening to their stories and observing their huge faith.I was blessed and privileged to accompany them on this journey and they made my last school's trip such a rewarding one!Over and out, Ms Reilly

Sixth Year History trip to the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks took place on Tuesday 22nd

October 2019. The students visited the Proclaiming a Republic exhibit. The 1916 Rising and its aftermath

form a key part of the Leaving Certificate History syllabus.

Our current fifth year history students went to the National Library to a seminar to get some tips on how to use the National Library for their RSR, which is worth 20% of their LC history.Bronze Age Handling BoxThank you to all involved in the bronze age handling box. Between it moving around classrooms and county it was a whole school effort. The students got great enjoyment out of it and it brought history alive for a lot of students.

Spanish DebatingCongratulations to our Spanish debaters Sarah Brehony (Captain) Aisling Murray, Georgia Mc Donnell, Fiona O'Regan and Julie Moran who reached the semi-finals of

the ATS Irlanda competition. The Spanish

Department

Welcome firstly to all the new library volunteers. The Senior Student Librarian this year is Ellen Kane, supported ably by Claire Farrell and Leah Melia. For the first year ever, there are two TY

Committees helping in the Library. The Library Committee consists of Anna Cali, Abbie Brennan, Cora Keogh, Anna Kinsella and Louise Kenny. The Bookclub Committee consists of Magdalena Miletinova, Una O’Regan, Charvi Goyal, Lucy O’Toole and Lucy O’Regan. The Library Committee had their first official outing of the year to Raven

Books in Blackrock to meet the wonderful Louisa Cameron and choose new books for the library. The Senior Librarian and assistants had the task of choosing and buying all the prizes for D.E.A.R. week. There were 72 prizes in all, and they even managed to stay within budget! ‘Drop Everything & Read’ week was a great

Library News

success with thanks to all the 6th Years who contributed to the organisation and to Ellen Kane, Claire Farrell and Éilis O’Neill for their artwork on the theme of Winne the Pooh. Remember to visit the Library to see the book tree and to pick something to read for the Christmas holidays. See link below for some ideas. https://www.loretohighschool.com/2019/12/reading-ideas-for-christmas-from-our-library/  

English DebatersWell done to our Junior Debating Teams; Isabella O Riordan, Monica Keogh, Eabha Carry and Aoife Copeland who are through to the semi-finals of Loreto debates after a wonderful performance in Foxrock. Well done, girls!

Turkey Trot December 2019

A very successful first ever Turkey Trot in aid of the Peter McVerry Trust took place last

week. It was a one-mile run, walk or cycle around the school organised by the ‘couch to 5K’ group, along with the Student Council, Wellbeing Committee and Green Committee. There was a great turnout and it was lots of fun. Amelia Rodgers was our fastest ‘Turkey’ in the school. Our fastest ‘Turkey Teachers’ were Ms Donnelly, Mr Carolan and Mr Hayes. Thank you to Kate Cowman and Amelia Rodgers for all their hard work in organising this event. Well done everyone.

SPORTS NEWS

Hockey

As we approach Christmas, all our teams are progressing well in their respective leagues. Our 1st

Year teams are commencing their league programme this month so the very best of luck to them. A special thanks must go to our 4th year coaches, Ana Kennedy, Yvonne Gargan, Ellie McAree, Sarah Cooney, Isobel Colclough, Alana Grady, Anna McCreery, Marina Fitzsimons and Elena McDonagh who are doing trojan work with 1st Years.Congratulations to our Senior and Minor Leinster Cup teams who have progressed to the quarter final stages. We urge all hockey players to support both teams to encourage them through to the semi-finals. Well done to Aisling Murray who is currently on the Irish Under 18 panel. We encourage all our players to continue attending training with a view to a successful New Year. Many thanks to all our parents/guardians for your support.Happy Christmas from all the Coaching Staff.

Basketball

The season is well and truly up and running, with 12 teams competing in Loreto and Dublin leagues at different levels. The Senior A and U16 A teams did extremely well in their Leinster Leagues by reaching the semi-finals. All the senior and Cadette teams are through to their respective Loreto

Semi-finals which will take place in early January. A special mention goes to Rebecca Hynes (4 Beckett) who is currently a member and practicing hard with the Ireland under 17 Team. The 1st and 2nd year teams are all honing their skills with practice and some friendly matches in preparation for their leagues commencing after Christmas. They are all showing great promise. Have a great Christmas everyone and practice, practice, practice!!. Mr. Charles + Sheena 🎄 🎄 

CamogieThe girls are working ever so hard in the 2019/20 Camogie Season. The Senior A team after some tough encounters with St Joseph’s Lucan and St Marys Naas, have reached the Dublin Championships semi-final stage and face another tough challenge in their semi-final match away to Dominican College. Best of luck to Captain Robyn Flynn, Vice Captains Hollyn Kennedy, Rachel Dolan and all the Team. The Junior A's have had a great start to the year. They are also through to the Dublin Championship semi-final after topping their group where they have a home semi-final against St Joseph’s Lucan. We wish them the best of luck in this match. The Junior B team which is made up our first years, who are working hard at training which will be sure to pay off. They have reached a shield semi-final against Colaiste Ghlór na Mara. They are training so hard this year and are getting ready for their minor (U14) league which will begin in the New Year. The girls are all doing so well in the group and we wish them the best of luck in their upcoming leagues. As always thanks to all the families and friends for their support and endless lifts throughout the year. It is greatly appreciated. We also wish all the girls the very best of luck in their upcoming Christmas exams. Thanks,

Donal, Jenny, Anne.

 

Christmas Exams 2019

TIME

1st YEAR Hall

1 hour

2nd Year Hall

1 hour

TIME

5th Year Reading

Room Rm 2 hours TIME

4th Year Cafeteria

Thursday 12th 8.40 – 09.40 Irish Maths 8:40 –

10:40

Home Econs / History / Physics

Class as normal

 09.40-10.20

Break Break Break 10:40 –

11:10 Break

 10.20-11.20 Study Study

 11.00 – 12.20 Art Ger/French 11.10-

1.10 Business     Friday 13th 8.40–

9.40Geography English 8:40 –

10:40Biology

School reopens after Christmas break on Monday 6TH

January 2020School will be closed Tues 4th February and Tues 10th

 

9.40 - 10.20

Break Break Break

10:40 – 11:10 Break

 10.20 - 11.20 Study History

 11.20 - 11.30 Break Break

 

11.30 -12.30 Spanish

11.40 - 1.00 Talk / Study *

11.10 - 1.10

Economics / Art

 1.00 - 1.50 Lunch

  

1.50 - 3.10

Talk / Study *  

     

Monday 16th 8.40 – 9.40

Home Econs Science 8:40 –

10:40 Chemistry 8:40 – 10:00 English

  9.40 - 10.20

Break Break Break 10:40 –

11:10 Break  

 10.20 - 11.20 Study Study  

 

11.20 –12.20 Maths Business 11:10 -

1.10 Geogrpahy From 10.00

Ice Skating

         

Tuesday 17th 8.40 – 9.40 Business Music 8:40 –

10:40 Irish

8.40 -2.30

DATS

  9.40 - 10.20 Break Break

10:40 – 11:10 Break

 10.20 - 11.20 Study Study

 11.20 –12.20 English Irish 11:10 -

1.10 Maths         

Wed 18th 8.40 – 9.40 Ger/French Spanish 8:40 –

10:40Acc / Music

8.40 – 10.00 Science

9.40 - 10.20 Break Break 10:40 –

11:10 Break  

10.20 - 11.20 Study Study  

11.20 –12.20 Religion Home

Econs11:10 -1.10 Spanish From

10.00Carol Singing

         

Thurs 19th 8.40 - 9.40 History Art 8:40 –

10:40Ger/ French

8.40 - 10.00 Maths

9.40 - 10.20 Break Break

10:40 – 11:10 Break

10-10.30 Break

10.20 - 11.20 Study Study

11.20 - 12.20 Music Religion 11:10 -

1.10Classical Studies

10.30 -11.50 MOS

         

Friday 20th 8.40 - 9.00 Study Study 8:40 –

10:00 English 8.40 - 10.00 Irish

 9.00 - 10.00 Science Geography      

* Friday 13th 2nd Year - 2Q 11.30 - 11.40 Break 11.40 - 12.20 Talk. 2S 11.30 - 12.20 Study 12.20 - 1.00 Talk 2T 11.30 - 1.00 Study 1.00 - 1.50 Lunch 1.50 - 2.30 Talk 2P 11.30 - 1.00 Study 1.00 - 1.50 Lunch 1.50 - 2.30 Study 2.30 - 3.10 Talk

Friday 20 th 10.00 to 11.30am Carol Service for all

We wish you every blessing for this Christmas and New Year

Beannachtaí na Nollag