Mount Anville
For there is good news yet to hear...
G.K.Chesterton (1874-1936)
Volume 12, Issue 3
21 March 2011
Head Lines...
Two words – ‘Constructive’ and ‘Creative’ – best describe the past nine weeks at Mount
Anville.
Before term commenced, over 100 students from 3rd, 5th and 6th availed of study
facilities during the last week of the Christmas holidays so that they could ‘hit the ground
running’ after the prolonged break due to the inclement weather conditions. 3rd and 6th
Years have embraced the challenge of the ‘Mock’ exams and have learnt from the
experience so that they are now better placed to focus their work for the remainder of the
year. To enable them to make informed decisions for Leaving Certificate subjects, 4th Year
students are receiving feedback from the Guidance Department based on the Cambridge
Aptitude Tests. The 5th Year Science Debating team vindicated their commitment to cutting
edge technology supporting the motion in UCD that ‘Nanotechnology is the Way Forward
in Health Care and in Energy Sustainability’. 2nd Years have also established a strong
reputation in the area of public speaking competing in both class, year and UCD’s
Women’s Graduate Associations’ ‘Under 15’ debates.
The celebration of Catholic Schools Week enabled students to lead the way in their witness
to Jesus Christ. 6th Year Children of Mary blessed the throats of pupils from both Junior
and Senior schools on the Feast of St Blaise. It has been a privilege to attend the weekly
Friday morning Masses which individual classes have celebrated and I know that 1st Year
classes, in particular, have become very close and bonded in the process of planning their
liturgies.
The Transition Year production of ‘Hairspray’ was a tour de force offering each student the
opportunity to combine her own innate talents with the experience of working closely with
others as a team. New friendships were forged and connections made and the results on
stage dazzled audiences over the three nights. Auditions for the Spring Concert and
interviews for the SUCH show are now underway ensuring that the wide range of
giftedness of our students will find expression. Arts Week and the Wesley Music Festival
also provide an important showcase for student talent.
This time of the year is alive with excitement as many teams compete in the later stages of
the various Cups and Leagues. We are very proud of the large numbers of students who
have actively participated since the beginning of the year. We wish them the very best of
luck.
Student initiative and leadership has been evident over recent weeks in their enthusiastic
presentations to in-coming parents and students, in their roles as guides to visitors in the
school and in their on-going involvement as Faith Friends, Mentors and Prefects. In
particular, we congratulate 1C on the initiative they showed by inviting Adi Roche to Mount
Anville. This proved to be an inspirational occasion for 1st, 2nd and 4th Years who were
clearly moved by the manner in which one person has been able to make such a difference
to so many.
Patricia Bourden, Principal
1
Inside this issue:
Chaplain’s Reflec ons
2
Social Awareness
2
School Ma$ers
2
Transi on Year
3
Sports Review
4
Library News
4
think deeper into my own life. The
way I’ll go and buy magazines that
celebrities are featured in or buy
Haven Partnership
The new term began with preparation
clothes to look like them. They are the
for our “Faith Friends” programme
enigma in all our lives that we strive
which will be shared in both the
to know more about. I think the
National and Junior Sacred Heart
Congratulations to the 5th Year LCVP thought behind this play was purely
Schools this year. 5th year students
Class who organised a cake sale for inspired. By Jessica Hayden 4E
will be working with the 6th class of
the charity Haven Partnership. €252
Drama Workshop
the Junior School and our T.Y. students was raised which will go towards
will be working with the 6th class of
helping the victims of the Haiti
On 17 February, the Groundlings
the National School. It is a 5 week
earthquake.
took part in a special event. The
programme which finishes just before
writer and main actress, Jody O’Neill
the girls make their Sacrament of
Fundraising Update
of the play called ‘Celebrity’ came
Confirmation. The senior students
€,000
into school one lunchtime. She came
become “faith friends” to the primary 20
along with a friend of hers, another
students and share their own faith
15
actor, to give the Groundlings a
journey with the girls and help to
drama workshop.
10
build a bond that will continue when
5
During this workshop, we took part in
the students join the Mount Anville
several activities, focusing on
Secondary School in September.
0
reactions and creating characters. We
were each given a picture and had a
“Catholic Schools Week” (30
few minutes to make up a character
January - 5 February) was a great
profile based on a typical facebook
success! Every class in the school
profile. This linked to one of the key
planted a flower bulb representing
themes in the play of social
the theme of “Rooted in Jesus Christ!”
networking. The pictures were,
School Ma$ers
and the various R.E. classrooms are
unusual, to say the least which made
now seeing signs of ‘new life’ as the
the activity all the more enjoyable
The Groundlings
bulbs begin to take root and sprout in
and there were some very creative
the spring sunshine. These flowers are Review of ‘Celebrity’
characters! We also got an
a reminder to each of us that our faith
The Groundlings Society attended a opportunity to share our views about
is something that must constantly be
the play ‘Celebrity’ and ask some
nourished and cared for if it is going play called ‘Celebrity’ and it was met questions.
to grow and remain securely ‘rooted’ with diverse reviews. The Project Art
Centre was a very apt venue for the On behalf of the Groundlings we
in Jesus.
show. It was quaint with the distinct
would like to thank both the actors for
feeling
of
ambience
and
buzz
around
coming in and Ms. Kavanagh for
The 1st year retreat took place during the place. We were set up for a
organizing it. By Anna Dunne 4B &
Catholic Schools Week, on the Feast simple show, as two bean bags sat
Gemma Farmer 4B
of St. Brigid – 1st February. The girls waiting on the stage, although the
had an enjoyable day reflecting,
title implies something much grander. DCU Business School Awards
sharing, and strengthening their faith
The actor’s performance was flawless;
in God and each other. As one
student said: “It was nice to see all our every emotion was done with an
effortless realism. It was almost
year working together as a group.”
believable even though the plot was
a far extreme of celebrity idolisation.
The play gets us to take a look into
the minds of those whose worlds
Don’t forget that you and your
revolve around the rich and famous.
parents are cordially invited to
We can all relate to it, wanting to
participate in our weekly mass held know how ‘Celebs’ live and who they
like and don’t like.
Nicole Jones 4A- A top achiever in
on Friday mornings at 8.10am.
Junior Certificate Business Studies
The concepts in this play got me to
Chaplain’s Reflec ons
Social Awareness
2
Kavanagh- production), (Ms Moriarty
- costume), (Ms O Sullivan, Ms Mahon
The 3rd round of the Joutes A French club has been set up by 5th -music and singing), (Ms DelaneyYears to help students to improve
Oratoires competition was
props), (Ms McNeilis and Ms Estevez
against King's Hospital. The their French. We run fun activities
backstage management, lighting and
such as movie days.. The club takes sound, front of house). Students were
motion was that ‘Sport has
place every Thursday during lunch
become a commercial affair’. We
tutored in hair and makeup under the
and has been a great success. We
were opposing and we won. The
guidance of Ms Harrison and her
team was made up of Nicola Cavey welcomes all students no matter how team. The band for the performance
6B, Ruth Hunter 6D, Isobel D'Arcy 6D good or bad their French is and will was also enhanced by the talents of
have many events running in the near Mr. O Donovan on bass guitar and
(captain) and Elgiva White 6A. The
quarter final was against Gonzaga. future to help promote French in
Ms Tempany on piano.
The motion was ‘It is not a good time Mount Anville. By Nicole Scully 5B
All in all, the musical was a very
to be young in Ireland’. We were
educational and exhilarating
Transi on Year
proposing and were unsuccessful.
experience for the girls as they were
Many thanks to Mr O’Connor for
Pamoja Project
met with rave reviews and a great
organising this event.
reaction from the school community.
Deba ng
Public Speaking compe
French Club
on
Congratulations to the 2nd Year
students who participated in this
competition organised by the Irish
Federation of University Women. The
team was made up of Sophie Jones
2B, Keelin McGrath 2B, Emma
Hamilton 2A and Amelie Feehan 2D.
Many thanks to Ms. Hannon for
organising this event.
Mentoring
This term 5th and 1st year mentors
and mentees have been meeting
informally discussing such subjects as
homework management. 5th year
mentors have also met as part of
their training programme. All pupils
involved should now be working in
groups to prepare for their next
formal meeting where collaborative
and team work skills will be applied
to the creation of Easter bonnets.
Wesley Music Fes val
Congratulations to the orchestra who
achieved high distinctions for their
performance. Well done to Lucy
Norris 2A who won the U14 popular
singing competition and to Maria
Sheridan 2Awho was highly
commended. Well done to Hannah
Conway 2A - U16 and to Rebecca
Tarrant 5B-U18 who were highly
commended in these popular singing
competitions.
Students
Unite
Children's Health
for
The SUCH Committee and their
Guidance Counsellors visited Crumlin
As part of the Lenten season, the
Transition year PAMOJA group and Children’s Hospital. It was a brilliant
Ms. Fitzgerald organised the 'Give It opportunity to see exactly where the
funds that we are working to raise
Up For Trocaire' campaign from
will go and the difference that it will
March 3rd - 4th 2011. All students
make.
and staff were encouraged to
support this worthy campaign.
‘Hairspray’ was just brilliant! Having
witnessed all their talents we are
The focus of this year's
very excited about working with them
campaign examines the theme of
Poverty and Commuity in Honduras. in the up-coming SUCH show.
The 'Give It Up For Trocaire'
We were inundated with applications
campaign aims to raise essential
for positions in the show, closing date
funds for Trocaire's life-changing
was 5.15pm on Friday 11 February
work overseas by making a sacrifice and interviews were held during and
for the day and raising sponsorship. after school the week of the 28th
Food, music, the internet, mobile
February.
phone.. your choice!!!
The standard of applications and
performance at interview was
exceptional and we were very
impressed.
On the15, 16 and 17 February
All positions will be filled and offers
respectively, TY students staged a
made the week beginning Monday 7
wonderful production of the musical
March. We will then be very busy
‘Hairspray’ under the direction of co- working to pull off a ‘Wonderful
ordinators Ms O Sullivan and Ms
Adventure’ not to be missed. The
Kavanagh. The students gave a
Show will run on 13 and 14 of April.
wonderful performance and learned
much from the experience in areas as We look forward to updating you on
everything, once we catch our
diverse as dance, acting and
respective breaths again in May!
production. Many thanks to the
following staff members, ( Ms
3
Careers Update
You all know at this stage that Ms
Mulhall looks after classes B and C
and Ms O’Neill looks after A, D and
E. However, it sometimes can get
confusing so please email
[email protected] and one of
us will get back to you. Check out our
new ‘look and feel’ guidance page!
and four 1st year teams. The girls
have been playing in different
competitions either at South Dublin or
East Leinster level.
at semi-final stages. Hard luck to the
Senior 1, Senior 2, Senior 7 and
Minor B teams who all lost in the semifinals.
All players have made good
progress but have had mixed results.
It is hoped that the 1st Year A team
may qualify for a final. Hard luck to
the 2nd Year A team who lost on the
final ball in that most vital match.
Mount Anville, once again, is the
school with the most teams featuring
in the latter stages of all competitions.
Well done to all 3rd and 6th years,
they truly displayed great work ethic Cross Country
coming up to and during the Mocks,
we hope you enjoyed a well
4 Minor, 3 Junior, 1 Intermediate and
deserved break over mid-term.
1 Senior teams took part in the East
Leinster competition in Avondale on
At the end of the mocks, 6th years
27 January 2011. The Junior A and B
applying to Medicine received a
teams both won silver medals and
preparation pack from their
Jane Fennelly 4D, an intermediate
Guidance Counsellors to assist them
runner, qualified for the Leinster finals
with their HPAT which they completed
held on 16 February. Following a
over the mid term.
fantastic effort, the Junior A team
ably led by Ella Fennelly 2B,
17th February, the 5th years
qualified to represent Leinster in the
attended a presentation by East
Anglia University focusing mainly on All Ireland final in Abbotstown. On
the UCAS application process. It was 12 March , Ella Fennelly came 1st in
the Junior Girls competition while the
a very timely presentation as some
6th years were attending East Anglia Mount Anville team achieved a
the following week for Medicine
fantastic 5th place.
interviews and were able to get some
Our track and field training for all
tips and advice from the
students starts in mid-March.
representative.
Sports Review
Badminton
The competitive season for the 6
League teams ended at the end of
January. The Senior B team, all 6th
Years, reached the final of Division 3
losing to Saint Joseph of Cluny A
team. The Senior C also lost to Cluny
A in the quarter final. The most
improved team was definitely the
Junior A team who lost to St Mary’s
Naas A in the Division 2 All Leinster
Final. Sara Twomey 3D and Vicky
Walsh 3B, are worthy of special
mention for both their excellent
singles and doubles play.
Basketball
The focus of all competitive play this
term has been on the three 2nd year
Ella Fennelly 2B - All Ireland Champion
Orienteering
On 2 March, we entered some 2nd
and 3rd year students into an
orienteering event in Corkagh Park,
Clondalkin. The girls all completed
the course some with phenomenal
times. They had to navigate their way
around the course using their
electronic SI cards to register 14
control. This is the first Leinster Schools
orienteering event we have entered
in a number of years. The girls did us
proud!! In particular, Rachel Healy
3D & Fiona Maher 3D, Kate
McCarthy 3A & Catriona O’Driscoll
3A and Aoibheann Rothwell 2B &
Rionagh Lynch 2B did very well in this
event.
Library News
Author Visit
Many thanks to the
author Sarah Webb who
visited our school library
to speak to 2nd Years
about her books and
writing. Sarah is the
author of the extremely
popular ‘Ask Amy Green’ books. They
tell the story of Amy Green, a
teenage agony aunt, who along with
her quirky Aunt Clover solves all sorts
of teenage problems.
Inter School Library Quiz
Hockey
Congratulations to the 5th Year quiz
As the season draws to a close we
team who came second to Alexandra
can reflect on the excellent
College in the Inter School Library
performances from so many teams. At Quiz on 17 February 2011. The team
the time of writing we have 1 trophy members included Eimear Redmond
won by the Junior B team. We have 2 5B, Fiona McCarthy 5A, Charlotte
teams, namely the Junior C and D
Haran 5A, Jessica Donnelly 5B,
teams, with runner up medals. The
Aisling Curtis 5B and Eve Kennedy
Senior 4, Junior A, Minor A, Minor C 5D. Hard luck girls, it was so close!
and D and 1st Year B teams are all
4