Closing Date for Entries for Sponsored Cycle Next Friday –   May 12^th is the last day for entries for the forthcoming sponsored cycle so if you intend taking part please contact the school as soon as possible.

Remember the following: You do not have to cycle the full distance – join us anywhere along the route from Killaloe to Portumna or get a team together and cycle the distance between you.

This promises to be a most enjoyable day out and the more participants we have the better for everyone. So far we have a large number of teachers committed to the challenge – we need a lot more parents – go on – give it a go!! Phone the school 090 9741053 and sign up.

This Sunday, 7^th May, there will be a Youth Mass in St. Brigid’s Church at 6 p.m. This Mass usually takes place on the first Sunday of each month on a trail basis until June. If you are a regular attender at Sunday mass, welcome again; if you are not a regular attender, or in fact don’t go at all, why not take a risk this Sunday at 6 p.m. and see what happens. You’ll be more than welcome.

Last Friday, 28^th April, half of the TY group travelled to Ballintubber Abbey for their annual retreat. This was an experience with a difference which included personal reflection, personal development, a little prayer combined with a lovely nature walk in the afternoon, before turning to the centre to prepare our homeward journey. The day was co-ordinated by Siobhan, Frank and the team.

Today the other half of the Transition Years have gone to Ballintubber to partake of this very worthwhile experience.

Fr. Abe

An enjoyable evening was had at the Art Exhibition on Tuesday. Special thank you to the Artists who exhibited their work and the Poetry readers. Also thanks to Ms. Muirne Hurley-Goode who entertained us with a few songs while playing the harp.

Circus Skills

On Wednesday last, some First and Second years had the privilege of attending a Circus Workshop as part of Arts Week. There was a total of about 60 students that took part. We were taught various circus skills such as gymnastics and how to use a Diablo and Devil sticks. Everybody had a good time. Many thanks to all who organised the workshops and who took part.

James Killeen, 1^st Yr.

The Talent Show

Wednesday was the start of the talent show which took place during lunch time. It started off with some poems read by the 2nd years and this was followed by singing – both solo singers and groups took part.

The crowd that gathered in room M showed their appreciation of all the acts. The talent show was so successful that it was decided to continue it on Thursday. Once again, Michael Dalton, Mark Finnerty and Daniel Eames rocked the hall with some great songs. The whole talent show was so successful and everyone enjoyed it! The Grand Finale took place on Friday (lunchtime) when Brian Duffy entertained the crowd with his ‘Jumbo Breakfast Roll’.

Ruby Lowry, 1^st Yr.

Twelve Angry Men

As part of the Arts Week, Ms. Lelia Doolan, one of the most influential people in Irish Film, came to the school yesterday (Thursday) to discuss and show the film ‘Twelve Angry Men’ to the 5^th years. Ms. Doolan is a Writer, Film Producer, former Chairperson of Irish Film Board and Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre.

This was a huge honour, and indeed surprise, for us in school to have someone of this calibre. On behalf of all the 5^th Years we would like to thank Ms. Doolan as the film and talk was enjoyed by all.

Joanna Maxwell & Esther Reilly.

Mask Making Workshop

As part of the Arts Week, a small group of 1st years got the opportunity to make masks out of mod-roc over our own faces. We then decorated them with feathers, paint and glitter. We found the workshop very interesting and good fun. Thanks to the organisers.

Lara Summers, 1^st yr.

Bits ‘n Pieces To Note:

Youth Club

Portumna Youth Club open tonight : 8 – 10 p.m.

See you there.

Camogie News

Please note: All of the girls involved in the 7-a-side and Junior Camogie must bring in their socks and gear for Team photographs on Tuesday during games.

Locker Keys

Reminder: Locker keys will be taken back from Thursday, 18^th May. Your Locker must be cleaned out and in good condition to get back the deposit. Classes will be informed when their keys will be collected.

Attention all Fifth Years:

ALL Portfolio items for L.C.V.P. Link Modules must be saved to your folder on the School Server before Wednesday, 17^th May, ‘06.  

Practicals in May

1. Business Studies / Computer Skills.

2. Community Care (Care Assistant / Classroom Assistant).

3. Engineering Technology. 4. Tourism.

FETAC – Level 5 Certification.

Mornings only : 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. 

See posters for further information.

Brochures, application Forms & details available from the school.

"Wars on nations change maps. War on poverty maps change." — Muhammad Ali.

Yesterday, Ms. Lyons and Ms. Cunningham brought a group of Minor, Junior, Intermediate and Senior students to Dangan for the Regional Athletics Finals. Thirty-seven students from our school took part on the day but the competition proved to be tough with only two students qualifying to the Connacht Finals. Julie Larkin (3^rd Yr.) came second in the 1,500m and Damien Larkin (LCA1) automatically qualified for the 3,000m race.

While we were waiting for the last races we took on Swinford of Mayo in a friendly soccer match – which we won!! On behalf of the athletes,

I would like to thank Ms. Lyons and Ms. Cunningham for bringing us to the competition.

Tina McLaughlan, 2^nd Yr.

Eleven Transition Year students travelled to City Hall in Dublin on Wednesday to display their project, ‘Zebra Mussels in Lough Derg – Friend or Foe’.

The students got a chance to see the projects entered from all around Ireland and were addressed by Minister of State, Bart O’Keeffe and 2FM DJ Rick O’Shea. Congratulations to the group as they came second in the Senior Biodiversity Section.

Well done to all – Eoin Fahy, Roisin Gordon,

Thomas Duane, Patrick Dolphin, Megan Moran, Siobhan Gantly, Zara Mullen, Alva Cunningham,

Enda Ryan, Jessica Kelly, Mairead Felle,

Ciara Egan & Lorraine Daly.

L. O’Sullivan.

As most parents are by now aware the sponsored cycle for the school will take place on Saturday 27^th May - four weeks from tomorrow. The cycle will be in two stages: From Killaloe to Mountshannon and, after a break, from Mountshannon to Portumna. We had our first training spin during the week and these will continue every Wednesday and Saturday for the next 4 weeks, leaving the school car park @ 7pm sharp. The next two cycles will cover a distance of approx 10 miles at a relaxed pace. On Wednesday we had cyclists who were on a bike for the first time in a number of years and despite initial apprehension had no difficulty with the distance.

While the main purpose of this event is to raise funds we want it to also be a fun event for all Participants, so please – parents, past pupils, neighbours etc – take the challenge and get involved.

The next training spin will leave the school tomorrow evening (Sat.) at 7 pm and will take a route out the Tynagh road as far as McDonagh’s take through Killeen, to Ballyshrule Cross and back to Portumna.

Remember you do not a special bike but you do need a helmet and you must be over 18 to participate.

Two days ago a significant number of Leaving Certs were careering down the side of a mountain in an alternative stress relieving retreat experience. And escape we did, with exams (and civilisation) the furthest from our minds, once we’d reached the summit. Weather conditions were ideal as the rain held off for the duration of our climb, but that’s not to say is was easy! We were an ambitious bunch and that meant that every member made it to the holy grail and back.

The fact most of us were mountain virgins that was no mean feat! We would all like to thank

our adventure-loving teachers, Ms. Cunningham, Ms. Skelly and Mr. Fallon who enabled us to overcome this challenge and a special thanks to Fr. Abe, not only for organising this annual trip, but also for the other retreats and support he has given this group of Leaving Certs for the past five / six years.

Qualifying round for Inter Girls Shot putt & Javelin and Minor Boys 800m to be held also on Tuesday (lunchtime).

For full list of qualifiers please check the notice in the Social Area.

D. Lyons

L.C.V.P. Link Modules Written Exam

Wednesday, 3^rd May. 10 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

With just a few weeks to go to both State and end of year examinations it is worth taking stock of your study methods. The following are some well proven tips that if taken into account will have a positive affect on your results:

Make a plan – and stick to it. Why not sit down over the weekend and draw up a detailed plan of action. Prioritise the areas that are in most need of attention and consider dealing with subjects in 45 min blocks.

Study a topic not a subject – don’t aimlessly open a book or notes and "read over" a chapter. It is much more beneficial to select a topic, make a list of what you need to know about that topic, highlight the areas you are least confident about – and study these.

Get Noted – Make out your own revision / summary notes and device novel ways to help you remember important facts / dates / names etc.

Buy the paper and listen to the radio! –

Seriously RTE Radio1 and both the Irish Times and Irish Independent run regular very helpful exam guides. Incidentally the RTE Radio 1 Road show has a full day seminar in the Radisson Hotel tomorrow covering the most popular leaving Cert subjects. Details can be found on www.rte.ie/radio/gettingitright

Don’t let anything get in the way –

Make your study a priority over the coming weeks – regardless of whatever distractions might arise.

Take good quality breaks. –

Thank You