Pictured below is Ms. Quirke’s 5th year Biology class completing the ‘Escape Room Challenge’ for Science Week.
Students enjoyed the task of answering questions on the Digestive System to break the code and open the locked room.
Congratulations to all our TY students who received their Junior Cycle Results today. They were fantastic and the School Community is extremely proud of all your achievements!!
The School was delighted to be able to hold its Annual Junior Cycle Awards Day today. Parents were invited in to celebrate their son/daughter’s results with their teachers. Many thanks to Ms. Majella Ni Charthaigh, JC Coordinator and her team of volunteer student helpers for organising and coordinating the event. Thanks to our musicians . Many thanks also to Ms. Mary Kelleher Fowler who did trojan administrative work in getting all the portfolios ready. Many thanks to Ms. Margaret Maloney and Ms. Ciara Walsh for their administrative support. Thanks to Ms. Gretta Burchill, TY Coordinator, the Home Ec Department and all the staff who helped out today or who worked with these students over the years. Finally thankyou to the BAM and Cleaning Staff for getting the building ready.
Well done to our Junior Ladies Football Team and their coaches, Ms. Anna Ward, Ms. Ella Ryan, Mr. Ger Carey and Ms. Kate O Donovan on beating Presentation Convent Bandon in their Cork School’s league match at home yesterday. It was a cracking match with Skibb just pulling away in the end.
Hard luck to our Senior Boys Football Team and their coaches, Mr. Tony Harrington, Mr. Colman O Driscoll, Mr. James McCarthy, Mr. Elliot Connolly and Mr. Chris O Brien, First Aider who were beaten in the second game of their round robin series against St.Francis Rochestown today. Full match Report below by the Evening Echo.
DENIS HURLEY ECHO LIVE
St Francis College, Rochestown 3-10 Skibbereen Community School 0-10
Rochestown’s St Francis College will be seeded in next month’s Corn Uí Mhuirí quarter-final draw after they secured a third Group 2 victory on Wednesday.
Going into this clash at Bishopstown’s 4G pitch – affected by weather conditions as it was moved from Newcestown and brought forward two hours – ‘Roco’ had beaten Kerry sides Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and Presentation Secondary School Milltown. Anything other than defeat would secure top spot and they did that. However, the nine-point winning margin masks what was a tricky second half as the winners went 22 minutes without a score.
Having trailed by eight points at one stage, Skibbereen Community School battled back well to trail by just three with minutes of normal time left. However, a pair of late goals from Evan O’Connor and sub Robert Hanley made the game safe for Rochestown. Despite the defeat, Skibb still have to play Corca Dhuibhne and victory over the Dingle school will ensure qualification.
Despite playing against the wind in the first half, Rochestown had an unanswered six points on the board inside 13 minutes. Their full-forward line of O’Connor and Cork minors Bryan Hayes and Seán Coakley looked dangerous whenever the ball was delivered in while Tim O’Brien was impeccable in the full-back line – doing well to cut out one direct ball intended for Daniel Cleary – and wing-back Callum O’Neill was also influential.
Harry Quilligan went close to a Roco goal on 14, his shot across the face of the goal, but they had a green flag just after Niall Daly had gotten Skibb off the mark. From a quick restart, O’Neill found space in midfield, allowing him to pick out a pass for Coakley, who produced a lovely finish. After Hayes responded to a Cleary point, it was 1-7 to 0-2 but Luke Shorten was excellent for Skibb as they clawed back three points before the break – the full-forward scored one and was involved in scores for Cleary and Daly.
Despite losing Cleary at half-time, Skibb had a point from wing-back Dylan Hourihane and, though further chances were squandered, Rochestown struggled to make attacking inroads. After Daly cut the lead to three, Micheál O’Mahony finally ended Roco’s drought on 43 but, with Cathail Hegarty prominent after moving to midfield for Skibb, they kept pushing. Brian O’Driscoll went close to a goal, denied by goalkeeper Mikey O’Connell, who also did well to divert a Shorten shot over the bar.
Daly’s good free left it 1-8 to 0-9 on 56 but Hayes – important in the second half in a deeper role for Roco – looked to have eased their worries with a pair of fine scores. Even so, Tomás Ó Donnabháin’s point for Skibb left a goal in it.
Unfortunately for them, when a goal did come it was for Rochestown as Coakley won a Skibb a kick-out and fed O’Connor for a close-range finish. Hanley, set up by O’Brien, added the third goal at the death, slotting home the rebound after Simon O’Shea had saved his initial effort.
Scorers for St Francis College: B Hayes 0-5 (0-2 f), E O’Connor 1-1, S Coakley, R Hanley 1-0 each, H Quilligan, K Lyons, B Fraher, M O’Mahony 0-1 each.
Skibbereen Community School: N Daly 0-4 (0-2 f), L Shorten, D Cleary 0-2 each, D Hourihane, T Ó Donnabháin 0-1 each.
ST FRANCIS COLLEGE: M O’Connell (St Michael’s): T O’Brien (Nemo Rangers), D Buckley (Douglas), F Leahy (St Michael’s); M O’Rourke (Cobh), L Dwane Fogarty (Douglas), C O’Neill (Nemo Rangers); K Lyons (Ballygarvan), B Kelliher (Carrigaline); B Fraher (Nemo Rangers), H Quilligan (Douglas), M O’Mahony (Ballygarvan); E O’Connor (Ballygarvan), B Hayes (Nemo Rangers), S Coakley (Douglas).
Subs: R Hanley (Douglas) for Fraher (40), C Buckley (St Finbarr’s) for Kelliher (48), O McAdoo (St Michael’s) for Buckley (53, injured), E O’Flynn (Douglas) for Coakley, E Collins (Douglas) for O’Mahony (both 60).
SKIBBEREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL: S O’Shea (Ilen Rovers); W O’Donovan (Castlehaven), J Bohane (Castlehaven), T Farrell (Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh); D Hourihane (O’Donovan Rossa), C Hegarty (Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh), H O’Donovan (Clann na nGael); F Hurley (O’Donovan Rossa), T Ó Donnabháin (Clonakilty); B O’Driscoll (O’Donovan Rossa), N Daly (O’Donovan Rossa), K O’Driscoll (Ilen Rovers); A Fahy (Ilen Rovers), L Shorten (Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh), D Cleary (Castlehaven).
Subs: D O'Donovan (Castlehaven) for Cleary (half-time, injured), J Buckley (Castlehaven) for Farrell, C Coombes (O'Donovan Rossa) for Fahy (both 45).
Referee: N O’Mahony (Newcestown).
Today some TY students travelled to the Raddison Blu in Cork for Teen Talk 2022. Those who opted not to travel got the opportunity to experience the live event virtually from school.
We were lucky enough to be hosted by Anna Geary and heard the life stories, experiences and success & wellbeing tips from speakers such as Stephen McDonnell, Donna Kennedy, Darragh Fleming, Sheila Naughton and Pat Slattery.
The message from the day was very clearly- it’s okay to ask for help!
Many thanks to the Cork County Council, Teen Talk Team, Ms. Burchill for organising and for Ms. R. O’Brien and Ms. Wycherley for travelling today.
CAT4 ASSESSMENTS
Dear Parent/Guardian of a First Year Student,
In line with good practice as set down by the Department of Education, Skibbereen Community School assesses all students to see what their needs are and how we can best help our students learn and achieve.
As part of this process, we administer incoming assessments to students during their first year at second level. We would like to inform you that our incoming assessments will take place during the school day, Wednesday 23rd November this year.
The Cognitive Ability Test that we administer is made up of a series of short tests, which assess a student’s reasoning (thinking) abilities in key areas that support educational development and academic attainment. No preparation is necessary; it is important that your son or daughter does not become anxious as no pre-learning or knowledge is needed to complete the tests.
CAT has many uses and can help your son or daughter and his/her teachers to plan appropriately and set targets for different key stages along their second level education journey so we would appreciate it if you would support our endeavours and ensure that your son or daughter is present for the assessment on the 23rd Nov 2022.
The test will take place on line so it is imperative that each student brings their device to school fully charged and that they bring a pair of earphones/headphones to use on the day as there will be audio instructions to complete the test.
If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 028 51172 or email info@skibbereencommunityschool.ie.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Anton O’ Mahony, Ms Fiona Ronan, Mr. C O’ Brien
Principal Guidance Counsellors
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Classes will end at 12.10pm on Wednesday, November 23rd to facilitate the presentation of Junior Cycle Certificates. Buses have been informed.
Regards,
SCS Management.
November is traditionally the month of remembering and praying for those who we have loved & lost and those who have gone before us.
The SCS book of remembrance has been placed outside the Chaplain's Office in our Sacred Space all month where staff and students could write the names of their loved ones. A candle was lit in their honour, and they were especially prayed for. We have also had prayer services to remember and pray for those loved ones & Ms Callaghan created a beautiful Garden of Remembrance with her class.
As November draws to a close, we would like to remind you that this Friday, November 25th at 7.30pm there will be a Bereavement Mass in St Patrick's Cathedral. You will be given the opportunity of writing the name of your departed on a candle and you can present the candle during the mass.
There will be a cup of tea afterwards in the Presbytery.
It was all hands on deck last week to help local woman Sally Daly and other local volunteers with the Annual Shoe Box Appeal! We were delighted to be able to link in with the local community to help such a worthy cause.
Many thanks to the teachers, SNA's and students of SCS who donated boxes, goodies and their time!
As part of Stand-Up Awareness Week SCS staff and students were invited to take part in Rainbow Jumper Day today!
All funds raised will go towards the School Memorial Garden & Belong to Youth Ireland. A huge thank you to the Wellbeing Team and to all involved in this week's activities!
WOW! Walk On Wednesday and be in with the chance to win on Wednesday.
Join the Walk on Wednesday group at Trevor's at 8:30 am and receive a ticket to be placed in a draw to win a free meal at the school cafeteria. WOW2WOW!
Today, the Well-being Committee welcomed Luke Murray, a past pupil and now a youth worker with the YMCA, to give a talk to 4th year students as part of SCS Stand Up Awareness Week to support LGBTQI+ students.
Many thanks to Luke for the informative talk.
The School Community were honoured to attend Craig’s Anniversary mass in Drimoleague today. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Crowley and our TY Year Group and teachers prayed with Craig’s family and friends. A Blessing was done at the graveside and everyone was invited back to the Community Hall for refreshments. The family showed a most beautiful video collage of Craig’s life .
We would like to thank the Rodrigues family for sharing their day with us. We would like to thank their friends and the parishoners of Drimoleague for serving the refreshments. We would like to thank our Chaplain, School Staff and Damien Long Coach Hire for the free buses. We would particularly like to commend our TY Students for the respect that they showed today. They were a credit to our school.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig and his family today.
Many thanks to our SPHE students and their teachers for making this Rainbow of Hands to mark Stand Up Awareness Week. This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise our LGBTQ+ community. It is a time when we as a school show solidarity with students to ensure they feel seen, heard, and safe, and to ensure everyone knows that biphobic, homophobic, and transphobic language and bullying will not be tolerated.
DONT FORGET RAINBOW JUMPER DAY ON FRIDAY!!!!!!
Congratulations to our school Equestrian Team who competed in the Sceilig Interschools Show jumping in Watergrasshill.
A stellar performance from our competitors and their four-legged teammates, for our first event of the season.
Our school was represented in both the team events and the individual classes.
Despite the wet and wind swept conditions, our equestrian team jumped their way into the 'Jump-off's'.
Well done to Muireann O'Donnell, Benjeman Wycherley, Niamh O'Reilly, Éabha O'Reilly & Oscar Wycherley,.
Well done to our U19 Ladies Basketball Team and their coach Ms.Maria Wilson who beat Scoil Mhuire by 48 points to 23 points away today. Hard luck to our U16 Ladies Basketball Team and their coach Ms. Noirín O Brien who lost to their Junior Team. Well done also to our Junior Ladies Football Team and their coach Ms. Anna Ward who beat Carrigaline Community School at home today.
TY students had a ball Karting and Paintballing in Watergrasshill last Friday. Many thanks to Mr. PJ Fitzgerald (Fastest Driver), Ms. Grace Callaghan and Ms. Shirley Wycherely for accompanying the students and thanks also to Ms. Gretta Burchill for organising the event.
West Cork Ladies beat Mid Cork Ladies in Banteer yesterday in the U15 Divisional Cup Final by 5-13 to 4-15.
SCS had seven students in the West Cork team. Congratulations & well done to Eabha, Emily, Allie , Kate, Holly, Aoife & Abbie on a great achievement.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Involvement of parents/guardians in the life of Skibbereen Community School continues to be a very important element of our mission, as we strive to develop a ‘Community of Learners’ where everybody works together to ensure that all the members of our school community, parents, staff and most importantly students get the best possible opportunity to grow and flourish.
The support, commitment and co-operation shown by parents/guardians to our school and students over the last couple of Covid driven years has been immense and very much appreciated. However, the restricted contact years of Covid made it difficult to maintain the more formal partnership structures that exist within the school.
First amongst these more formal partnership structures has been the Parent’s Association, which prior to Covid had built strong links and worked collaboratively with the school on a number of projects.
As we now enter a new post-Covid phase we are looking to renew and redevelop our more formal partnership structures and in particular the Parent’s Association.
The primary role of the Parent’s Association is to work in partnership with the school for the betterment of the students in the school in a manner that supports and empowers parents to be active in the best interests of their children’s educational journey.
The Association is open to all parents/guardians of the school but is generally run by a committee who work on behalf of the parents. To date this committee has been comprised of two parents from each year group in addition to the two parent representatives on the Board of Management.
Once formed, the committee then selects a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and any other roles it deems necessary. In addition to the Parent’s Association, parents/guardians are represented on the school’s Board of Management. The Board of Management acts as a corporate body to oversee the running of the school on behalf of the Trustees.
The Board comprises of six nominees of the Trustees and two nominees each of parents/guardians and the teaching staff. These nominees are selected every three years which is the term of office of the Board of Management. The Board is about to begin a new three year term. Therefore, two nominees of parents/guardians must now be selected.
We encourage all parents/guardians to take an interest in both of these crucially important roles within our school community. We are now inviting interested parents/guardians to a meeting to select members for both the Parent’s Association Committee and Board of Management.
The meeting details are as follows: Date: Monday, November 14th 2022 Time: 7pm Location: Skibbereen Community School Agenda: Selection of a Parent’s Association Committee Nomination of Board of Management Representatives.
Looking forward to seeing you then,
Anton O Mahony Principal – Skibbereen Community School.
Well done to our U19 Girls Basketball Team and their coach Ms. Maria Wilson who beat St.Angela’s away yesterday in the league and to our Junior Ladies Football Team and their coaches, Ms. Ella Ryan, Ms. Anna Ward and Mr. Ger Carey who beat Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Rathmore in the Munster Championship.
Any 6th year students/parents & guardians who are interested in applying for DARE as part of CAO Application 2023, please consider attending one of these information sessions being organised by MTU.
Registration essential.