School News Week ending 2nd  March

Storm Emma: Due to the red alert last week which saw the country in a near state of lockdown, MCC remained closed for Thursday & Friday, with safety a priority for the school community. No doubt students, especially our exam years, appreciated this time to rest and revise!

School News Week ending 9^th March

TY Enterprise: The Transition Years have been very busy recently working on their Enterprise projects. On February 22nd, the school Enterprise Final was judged in MCC by Brian Dolan and Carmel Coll from the Leitrim Enterprise Centre. A high standard of entries by all were on display, with three groups qualifying for the Leitrim Enterprise County Final, held in the Bush Hotel on March 6th. The three successful businesses were COEPTIS LTD, by Shane McGourty, Scot Ferns & Alex Nitsche Canning (Christmas logs & skin shield cream), The Makeup Masterclass by Rachel Stenson, Sophie Reynolds & Sophie Geelan (an evening hosted by three makeup artists in the school library) and Slat Mate by Adrian Shortt, a product to aid farmers working in slatted sheds. All three businesses participated in the final in The Bush Hotel, with Adrian receiving a runner up prize for his Slat Mate. Congratulations to all for their involvement and many thanks to teachers Ms. Fitzpatrick and Ms. Gilheaney for their involvement with the projects and Leitrim Enterprise for their support.

Fairtrade: On Thursday March 8th, a group of 1st Years (1C) were chosen to represent MCC at the Fairtrade parade in Carrick – on – Shannon. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the importance of supporting Fairtrade where possible in the locality. Mohill Community College is now a recognised Fairtrade school and so will continue to encourage the use of Fairtrade. Thanks to Ms. Columb who accompanied the group on their trip, where all had a great time on the outing.

Senior History Trip: The 5th & 6th Years last week headed off the school grounds and to the historical backdrop of Trim Castle, to further their Senior Cycle History studies. Accompanied by Mr. Nolan & Ms. Conefrey, the group were brought on a tour of the castle, before a visit to the Irish Military War Museum and an overnight stay in the Newgrange region. The following day, they attended the GPO Witness Museum, where students were given a closer look at the events of the Easter Rising. Glasnevin Cemetery was also on their list, with a tour of the historical area and the graves of those buried there. The students all agreed this was a great way to further their understanding of what they learn in class and the trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Mr. Nolan & Ms. Conefrey for all their organisation and hard work!

TY Bank: A group of our Transition Year students, under the guidance of Bank of Ireland Mohill and Catherine Murray, last week launched the school bank. Every Thursday (until the end of April) during Class 1 & 2, students may visit the school library to set up an account in the school, using a minimum of five euro to activate the account, or indeed lodge money to a previously existing Bank of Ireland account. This is a great initiative to encourage the habit of saving among our students and well done to all those involved!

Bereavements: We offer our sympathies to the following members of staff on their recent bereavements: Una Duffy on the death of her uncle, John O’Grady and aunt in law, Bernadette Duffy; Elaine Purcell on the death of her uncle, Pat Brosna and Martina Callinan on the death of her aunt, Eileen Glynn. May they rest in peace.

School News Week ending 16^th March 2018

Senior English Trip: The 5th and 6th years were in for a treat last Thursday when they were accompanied by Ms. Dolan and Ms. McManus to Claremorris Town Hall, for a performance of John B Keane’s “Big Maggie” by the Corofin Players. Teachers and students alike were impressed and delighted at the show, with some overheard describing it as “brilliant” and “so enjoyable” to watch. Many thanks to the senior English teachers for their planning and involvement and to all students who made it a wonderful outing.

Basketball: The 2nd year girls played Carrick last week in a closely contested battle, narrowly losing out in the end with a score of 14 – 11 to Carrick. Well done to all of our girls involved in the teams, 1st and 2nd year, this school season and a word of thanks to Ms. McGovern for her involvement and dedication with the group.

Home Economics Trip: The 2nd Year Home Economics students moved their studies from the classroom with a trip last week, under the guidance of Ms. Kellegher and Ms. Noone, to Sligo. The students visited Rosses Point where they took a walk along the beach, taking in the sea air and focusing on wellbeing, before a visit to the craft shop to stock up on equipment for their sewing classes. Students returned to school refreshed and well equipped for their upcoming practical work in class at MCC! Thanks to the Home Ec teachers for organising the day.  See school’s Facebook Page for photos depicting the enjoyment!!

Healthy Schools: The Healthy Schools committee, including student representatives from each year group, were delighted with a presentation of a well earned Healthy Schools flag on Friday 16th March, during a visit from Colleen Fahy (HSE Healthy Schools Promotion). The group, led by teachers Ms. Columb and Ms. Hanly, have worked extremely hard over the last few years to encourage Healthy Living in the school, in a way that allows students to participate in a healthy lifestyle in school and out. With a theme of “Fun, Fit & Fantastic”, the school has hosted guest speakers and events such as Walk and Talk, where students took a stroll in the local area while discussing physical and mental health. Big Brother / Big Sister mentoring programme continues in school while posters showcasing the projects are on display around the halls. It is a sign of the dedication of both teachers and students involved that they have received this recognition and a huge thank you from the school community for your tireless work in making MCC the best it can be!

Agreed Report for the attention of Staff, Parents, Students:

Digital Skills for Citizens Project:

Three students availed of the Digital Skills for Citizens training which gives them QQI level 6 Train The Trainer qualification. In return these students deliver the Digital Skills for Citizens course to their peers. The objective of the Digtital Skills for Citizens Project is to provide citizens who have never used the internet with the confidence, motivation and skills to reap the benefits of participating in today’s digital world. Roscommon Leader Partnership which coordinates the delivery of the training for students have also delivered a module on Agfood. Daithi, Shane and Scot are planning their training timetable which involves training their TY peers alongside upskilling Ag Science students in Fifth and Sixth years. Our thanks to Roscommon Leader Partnership for offering us this opportunity and in particular to Mary Guihen, who is our school contact.

Mohill Enterprise Town and Christmas Market:

On the 3rd of December Bank of Ireland hosted a local business exhibition in the school’s gym. It gave the local community an opportunity to display various local businesses, as well as presentations on the day to Mohill Community College.  We were absolutely delighted to receive a presentation of Football Jerseys from Bank of Ireland, presented on their behalf by Mickey Harte. Entertainment through the day included singing, Irish Dancing, Face-painting and a jiving competition.

Green Schools Committee:

We are hoping to get another Green Flag this year for transport. The committee formed last week and includes Rose McLoughlin, James Doyle, Rebecca Bohan, Eoin Gaffey, Bronwyn Keegan and Shane McGourty. They are working hard to achieve this goal.

JP McManus All-Ireland Scholarship:

Congratulations to Evan Harkin on receiving the JPMcManus All-Ireland Scholarship at a ceremony in Limerick on Saturday the 25th of November. It was presented by JP McManus and Mary Mitchell O’Connor. The guest of honor on the day was President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.

Leitrim Sports Partnership Leadership Programme:

TYs are almost at the end of a 5 week programme to help them develop and learn new skills as leaders of a group. The programme is run by Seamie and will conclude before Christmas.  Thank you to Leitrim Sports Partnership.

Sport:

The U-16 boys team trained by Mr. Kennedy recently played Balla in Co.Mayo. Unfortunetly they were heavily defeated. Best of luck to the team in future games!  Mr. Nolan and the Senior Boys Football Team have an outing on Thursday 21^st in the Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis – good luck to all.

Meanwhile the U-16 Girls Basketball Team are playing in a North-West Final to be played in the School Gym on Tuesday 19^th at 4 pm.  Best of luck to the Team and Management.

Science Week:

An interesting challenge for Science Week was the challenge to produce a short video on the topic ‘The World and Science’.  Congratulations to the winners Alannah McGuinness and Aoife McLoughlin.

Musical Success:

Congratulations to Maeve Newton on winning, with a friend, Christmas FMs song-writing competition with her song ‘This Christmas’.  Speaking of musical successes well done to Drumshanbo on their recent production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Sympathies:

We extend our sympathies to Gillian Donegan (1^st Year), Laura Farrell (3^rd Year) and Orla McGowan (6^th Year) on their recent bereavements.  Sympathies also to Ms. Martina Callinan on the recent death of her mother, Mrs. Maura Callinan.  May all our departed relatives and friends rest in peace.

Au revoir/Adiós:

We are sad to say goodbye to some of our international students these days – Maria, Inés, Carlo, Marta and Daniela.  School life is all the richer by having this international flavour.  Among other things we will envy you the warmer climate to which you return!

Christmas Greetings:

We wish our whole school community a very Happy Christmas.   Time to rest, relax and enjoy.

Authors Ellie Jones and Rose McLoughlin, Transition Year

We are delighted to hear of  yet another Scholarship Award, conferred on Evan Harkin on Thursday 16th November 2017.  Evan will receive his JP McManus All Ireland Scholarship Award on Saturday next 25th November in the University of Limerick.  The Guest of Honour is President Michael D. Higgins.  The Scholarship Award celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.  Evan is the third Mohill Community College student to receive this Scholarship.  Well deserved affirmation of academic diligence and success.