RICE COLLEGE NEWS

Rice College competed recently in the Connaught Colleges Golf “5 man team” event, winning the “nett” section of the competition.The Rice College team pictured L-R: Blaine Lynch, Darren Campion, Choo Yee Ong, Matthew Golden, Iarla Byrne, Joe Cuddy (Manager), Jack Healy.

Rice College Golfwith Joe Cuddy

Jason Doherty, Kilmeena, son of James and Margaret Doherty, pictured receiving his NUI Galway Sports Bursary valued at €1,000 from University President Dr. James J. Browne. Jason, a recent past pupil of Rice College, got this scholarship in recognition of his prowess in Gaelic Football. Congratulations Jason!

Back Row L-R: Ian McLoughlin, Shane Geraghty, P. J. Calvey, Shane Scott, Shane McDermott, Shane Collins, Cormac McHale, Gary Keane, Colm Higgins, Kevin Keane (N), Ciarán Quinn, David Kelly, George Chambers, Patrick Keane. Front L-R: Brian Fleming, Niall Burke, Kevin Staunton, Kevin Keane, Philip Keegan, Paul Groden, Darragh Drumm, Finbarr O’Mara, David Carroll, Shane Conway (Manager).

Rice College Senior football team 2008-2009

An ounce of go-carting A slice of cycling Mix up well With a pinch of television Half a cup of sleeping And a large tablespoon of fishing

Add a freshly picked mountain bike Stir in a splash of the sunny beach Add the colour of double art Bake slowly with triple P.E. Add a pinch of soccer

Sprinkle with a D.S. Pour in going to my friend’s house Serve with technical graphics and a real Good helping of religion And there you are the recipe is done.

Recipe for happiness By Aaron Chambers (2nd year) (Based on a poem by Hugh Clement)

Defribulators - in Rice CollegeBy Mary McFadden

Eleven teachers from Rice College attended a Defribulation course in the Mayo Education Centre Castlebar on Nov. 24th. The day consisted of theoretical and practical workshops in the use of CPR and defribulation. The Tutor was Mr. Pat Merrick and the course was organised by the Irish Red Cross. Although the school now possesses a defribulator it is hoped that a second one will become available in the near future.Some Relevant FactsThere is an 80% chance of survival if an AED is used within the first two minutes of Cardiac Arrest. 18 people per day die in Ireland from sudden Cardiac Arrest. 1% of people survive a pre-hospital Cardiac Arrest in Ireland. 6,400 people die in Ireland every year from sudden Cardiac ArrestWith the use of a Defribulator anyone can save a life.

The opening school Mass which took place in September gave some students of musical talent the opportunity to come together to provide music and song for the occasion, which also involved an acknowledgemnt of the work of the green schools. The songs and music chosen by the boys themselves were excellently performed and commended on by many who were privileged to hear them. Their musical talents did not go unnoticed and it came as no surprise when the boys were invited to sing at the Parish Mass on December 13th. Many of our students from both Junior and Senior level participated alongside the girls from the Sacred Heart School at the Mass. The celebrant Fr. Micheál Mannion, our school chaplain, thanked both the boys and the girls for their musical involvement in the liturgy. We say thank-you to all you who participated.

By Ms. Mary Mulchrone

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”. ~ Berthold Auerbach Gaelic Football - Rice College

By Shane Conway

Rice College had three gaelic football teams in action so far this year. While we have no silverware to celebrate, we have a lot to be positive about.The 1st years are experimenting with players and formations and along the way they got to a Connacht League semi-final. Injuries to Sean Tobin and Thomas Walsh hampered the team but with players like James Dowd, Ian Duggan and Art Molloy, this team has shown potential. Two players who deserve special mention are John Butler and Padraig Keane. Neither have played gaelic football before this year, still both have been outstanding.The 2nd Year team has had a mixed first term but reached a Connacht League quarter-final where they fell to the Presentation College, Athenry. They have shown that on their day they are as good as the best out there. A little more consistency should see them do well in the championship. Players like James O’Donnell, Liam Sammon, Gary Barnicle, Brian Mullen and Conor O’Malley will make sure of that.The Juvenile team reached a Connacht League Semi-final only to lose out to St. Attracta’s by two points. The conditions were terrible and the match went down to the wire. Lady luck was against them on the day as chance after chance just wouldn’t register a score. Lawerence O’Malley played to his potential in the second half and was unlucky not to be on the winning side. With players like Oisin Sweeney, Liam Kitterick and Liam Staunton on board the year ‘09 looks promising.The Junior team too lost their Connacht League Semi-final to St. Attracta’s by two points!! It was this team’s first defeat in two years. They started slowly and uncharacteristically allowed the opposition to make all the early running. The game was there for the taking in the second half and players like John Sammon, Niall Burke, George Chambers and Brian Fleming showed their class. A Rice College penalty miss and three wides from frees in the second half made it difficult to turn over the four point half-time deficit.This team has also qualified for the Colleran Cup Final (Mayo “A” schools) V St. Muredach’s Ballina. This will be played after Christmas. This team should be a force come the championship.The Senior team has also qualified for the Mayo “A” schools Final (The Flanagan Cup). It will be played in the new year if The Minister for Education gets his affairs in order!!A Connacht League Final appearance saw the team come out on the wrong side of a two point game. This was the first Senior League loss since April 2005. Then perhaps the expectation of winning this competition wasn’t backed up on the day with the performance. A hungry Kiltimagh team deserved their win and celebrated accordingly. It may have been the best thing to happen. It should teach us a lesson: “You only get out of it what you put into it”. The championship will be hard won this year as teams are quite evenly matched. The good news is that it is all up to us. If players like Kevin Keane (F), Cormac McHale, Gary Keane, Shane McDermott and Philip Keegan play well, anything is possible. A game has two halves and no game was decided at half-time. We have had a pretty good first half so now let’s push on and play to our potential in the second half.

Front L-R: Cian Dunne, (team mascot), Con Doherty, Cillian Browne, Craig Beirne, Liam Thompson, Enda Kelly.Back L-R: Colin McDonagh, (Assistant Manager), Edward Dunning, Padraig Keane, Stephen Coughlan, Art Molloy, David Harper, Patrick Moran, Shane Collins (Assistant Manager). The soccer team’s campaign began with an away match to Clifden. The result was 2 - 2, following a late Clifden equaliser. Another away game followed and the result, 1 – 1 after a soft late goal from Summerhill College, Sligo. The entire group generated numerous draws. So the final deciding match arrived, a home game against Garbally College, Ballinasloe. Losing 2 – 1 at half time, Rice College regrouped and attacked the opposing goal with enormous passion. Sadly, Garbally managed to hit Rice College on the break and so the final result was 3 – 1. So Rice College are eliminated from the competition. The players can be very proud of the effort they made over the four months. The team was delighted to welcome back Ian Duggan for the final game, injured for the first two games. This team will make a major impact as second years. So well done, enjoy the memories and here’s to next year!

1st. Year Soccer with Pat Dunne - Manager

Rice College NewsIssue 46 • Dec

Ms. Patricia AtkinsSchool Principal

Calendar 2008-2009 January 7th. - Classes resume after Christmas Wed. Jan 21st. P.T.M. 1st.Yrs, (9.30 - 12 Noon)

Fri.30th. P.T.M. 5th Yrs.,LCA1& TY (9.30 - 12 Noon)Feb. Mon. 16th - Fri. 20th incl.- Mid-Term Break

Mon. 23rd.- Classes ResumeTo Be Verified - Mock Exams (3rd Year)To Be Verified - Mock Exams (6th Year)

March Mon 16th. - Day OffTues 17th - St. Patrick’s Day

April Mon. 6th. - Fri. 17th, - Easter HolidaysMon. 20th. - Classes Resume

May Mon. 4th. - Bank HolidayFri. 29th. - Last Day of Term

June Wed. 3rd. - D.E.S. Examinations begin.

We welcome to Rice College our first female Principal, Mrs. Patricia Atkins. She has made it “three-in-a-row” for Westport, in that Westport’s three Post-Primary schools now have female Principals. Mrs. Atkins, a native of Longford, has hailed from Portmarnock, Co. Dublin with her husband Neil and their two sons, Darren and Rónán. Mrs Atkins was previously a teacher of maths and business in Loreto Abbey in Dalkey, Dublin. She succeeded our Deputy Principal, Mr. Martin McIntyre, who served as Acting Principal, following the retirement of Mr. Frank McCarrick She is looking forward to the challenge of taking Rice College into the 21st century and we wish her every success in her endeavour. May her time in Westport be a fruitful and rewarding experience for her and for her family.

Our new Principal Mrs. Atkins

Remembering Robert McKibbenWe, in Rice College, extend our most sincere sympathy to Robert’s parents, Gráinne and Tony McKibben and to his brother Raymond and sisters Carmel, Maggie, Rachel and his girlfriend Nicola on their tragic loss. Robert sat his Leaving Cert in Rice College in 1993. He was always a courteous young student and we are proud that he brought this quality with him into the Royal Marines. We regret your passing and we salute your memory, Robert. May your gentle soul rest in peace.

Senior Science Quiz Team

By Mary Gibbons -Science teacher

CongratulationsAnthony Ryan B.A., son of Jimmy and Kathleen Ryan, Knocknabola, Kilmeena was recently conferred with a B.A Hons. Degree from NUIG. He is thinking of doing a Higher Diploma in Education for teaching. We wish him all the best in his future career. Anthony is a past pupil of Myna National School and Rice College, Westport.

Alan Ryan B.Sc., son of Mary and Michael Ryan, Kilmeena, was conferred recently with a B.Sc.Hons. Degree in Microbiology from NUIG. Alan is a past pupil of Myna National School and Rice College, Westport

Stephen Mulchrone graduated recently from NUIG with an Hons Degree in Information Technology. Stephen is son of Paddy and Anne Mulchrone, Derrycontoorth West, Newport and is a past pupil of Cuilmore N.S. and Rice College, Westport.

L-R: Cormac Geraghty, Cathal Hastings, Sam DuffyBack : Ms. Patricia Atkins, Principal; Ms. Mary Gibbons, Science Teacher.

National Winners

Niall Ryan who graduated recently with a B.Sc. Hons. Degree in Information Tech-nology Support from GMIT Castlebar is son of Mary and Michael Ryan, Kilmeena. Niall is a past pupil of Myna National School and Rice College, Westport.

Peter McDermott who graduated recently from Sligo I.T. with an Hons. Degree in Business is son of Frank and Annette McDermott, The Pinewoods, Westport. He intends to do a Higher Dip. in Ed. for Teaching or a Masters in Business. Peter is a past pupil of St. Patrick’s National School, Westport and Rice College.

I wish to express my thanks to all the staff, students, parents and community of Westport for your kind welcome extended to me as I commenced in Septem-ber as Principal of Rice College. A special word of thanks goes to Liam Sadler and Frank McCarrick as former principals of Rice College and my immediate predecessor Martin McIntyre for their huge support which continues today. I am delighted to be here. It is indeed an honour and a privilege to be principal of Coláiste Rís. I have seen academic excellence in the Leaving Certificate results and Leaving Certificate Applied, as well as the Junior Certificate results. The recent Sci-ence and Physics inspection was followed swiftly by the Science Quiz All Ireland win at Trinity College. We also had success in the Mental Health Public Speak-ing competition and the Business department has just launched its Business blog on Rice College’s website. I have witnessed sporting success such as the Keane brothers (Kevin and Gary) representing the Mayo Minors in an All Ireland final. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Rice College students are involved at a very high level in Gaelic football, soccer, rugby, golf, handball, swimming, athletics and cycling inside and outside of school. Last year was a very successful year so we have a lot to live up to. No pressure though! Education in Rice College has a moral and spiritual dimension which runs deep and has been added to immensely by music and religion teachers. I witnessed the second Green Flag being raised and celebrated Westport’s third success as Ireland’s Tidi-est Town. I have been touched by the pastoral care and guidance given by all staff to students. There is a sense of mission and reaching out by students to others with initiatives such as the Edmund Rice awards and fundraising for Goal and Local charities. Yet there is a sense of adventure with students partaking in work experience, safe driving and TY rehearsals for the musical after Christmas. The staff (both teaching and auxiliary) has worked tirelessly to assist students with academic, pastoral, cultural and extra-curricular activities. I can honestly say the staff is hugely committed. I thank all the staff for their dedication. Rice College hosts an immense bank of talent in the young sons of Westport and Co. Mayo. I am excited about leading the school for many years to come. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and good health in 2009.

Thank you for your welcome

Congratulations to Kevin Gavin, son of Patricia and Gerard Gavin Teevenish, Aughagower, on receiving the Fergal Quinn LCA National Award in recognition of the high number of credits he achieved in LCA examinations 2008. Kevin is congratulated by Ms. Patricia Atkins, School Principal and by Ms. Julie Kennedy, Co-ordinator of the Leaving Cert Applied Programme in Rice College.

Deputy Michael Ring T.D., complimenting the team, said that it was a tremendous achievement to came first out of forty-five teams at the National Final on Saturday last in Trinity College, Dublin. “You have bestowed great honour on the school and the town of Westport” he said. He continued to extend his sincere congratulations to their teacher, Mary Gibbons, who worked with them and accompanied them to Dublin”.

First Term • 2008-2009

National Award for Rice College student in LCA exams 2008

Music in Rice College

RICE COLLEGE NEWS RICE COLLEGE NEWS

Ms. Mary Mulchrone B.A. H. Dip.Mary, hails from Newport, a teacher of Irish and Music. She has been teaching in the Catholic University School, Lower Leeson St., Dublin. We welcome her home to the West and to Rice College where she is teaching Irish.

Ms. Aisling Kelly B.A., H.D.E., M. A., H.Dip. in Guidance and Counselling, is a native of Athenry, Co. Galway. Aisling taught in Mountsackville Sec. School, Castleknock before her appointment to Rice College where she is taking Career Guidance to all classes.

Ms. Anne Elkayam, Sheroe, Castlebar Rd., Westport, a Special Needs Assistant, has been appointed inRice College.

Ms. Eibhlin Lacey B.A.,H.Dip., Eibhlin hails from Westport. She has taught in St. Mary’s Edenderry and in the Abbey Community College, Boyle. We welcome her to Rice College where she is teaching English and French.

Rosanne Diedrichs I. M.L., M.A.

Rosanne, a native of Castlebar comes well qualified to teach German to all classes in Rice College. She has a degree in International Marketing and Languages from DCU and a Masters in German from NUI Maynooth.

Ms. Sinéad McManus, with her 3rd year religion class, participated in the U.N. Day for the Eradication of Poverty together with teachers and pupils from Murrisk primary school, guests from Ballyhaunis, Fr. Micheál Mannion and a group of OLA Sisters (Claremorris), at the Famine Memorial in Murrisk. It was a very thought-provoking ceremony , remembering those who left their homes, families and countries to find money and sustenance for their own survival and that of their families. The procession walked around the famine ship and down to the sea front symbolising their journeys throughout the world.

U.N. Day for the Eradication of Poverty Ceremony at Murrisk 17.10.08

Rice College TY students raise funds for Western Alzheimer’sThanks to all who gave so generously to the Western Alzheimer’s appeal in October. The TY students of Rice College collected €2,100.00 and were very pleased to give something back to their community.

P i c t u re d L - R : C o l i n M c D o n a g h , B e t t y Dabbagh (fund raiser), John Grant (C.E.O.), Sean Lammond (Programmes Co-ordinator), and Kenneth Keane.

Rice College TY’s “Safe Motoring” courseThirty four TY students from Rice College successfully completed Larry Sage’s “Safe Motoring” course in October 2008 and received their cer-tificates on completion of the course. This will, no doubt, go somewhere towards making our roads safer for all users.

Pictured L-R; Larry Sage (Instructor), Joseph O’Malley, Darren Hoban, Mr. Sean Lammond (Programmes Co-ordinator), Martin Heraty.

Rice College was privileged to be the first school in the country to host a “Democracy Workshop”, presented by an inter-party Communications Unit incorporating members of the Oireachtas. The workshop was introduced by Mr. Martin Connolly to his 3rd year C.S.P.E. class. The follow-up will involve a visit to Dáil Eireann by the class later in the year. Participating in the workshop were; Mr. Enda Kenny T.D., Leader of Fine Gael; Mr. John O’Mahony T.D., Mr. Noel Murphy, Chairman of the Oireachtas Communications Unit and Mr. Martin O’Donoghue, Director of the Workshop.

“Democracy workshop” at Rice College

Participants in the workshop, seated L-R; Mr. Martin Connolly, Teacher; Mr. John O’Mahony T. D.; and Mr. Enda Kenny T. D., Fine Gael Leader with Mr. Connolly’s third year C.S.P.E. class.

By Martin Connolly CSPE Co-ordinator

Schools in Westport 2008 - a DVDBy TY students (07/08) at Rice College

L-R: Mr. Sean Lammond, Programmes Co-ordinator; Nigel Beckett, Choo Yee Ong, Caoimhín McGreal, Steven McDonnell, Joseph Philips, Mr. Patrick Murphy (camera), Front L-R: Paul Nevin, Sean Meehan, Liam óg McNamara, Niall Kelly. Absent from photo: Thomas Leahy and Ben Conlon

Last Year’s TY’s reap the rewards of their labours as they receive a copy of the DVD entitled “Education in Westport”. Thirteen students interviewed school Principals and representatives of Religious Orders to record for posterity the story of Education in Westport and the development of the schools both Primary and Secondary in the local area. The D.V.D’s are available at Rice College on request. Special thanks go to all those people who graciously gave of their time to facilitate the project and to Patrick Murphy, a recent past pupil, who undertook the filming and editing of the work. The DVD is a credit to him. We wish Patrick every success as he ventures professionally into the world of film. The project was overseen by Mr. T. J. Hughes.

Ag Oireachtas na Samhna i gCvorcaigh, d’éirigh le Liam Ó Scanláin, iar-scoláire ó Choláiste Rís an Corn a bhuachan sa Chomórtas Sinsear don rince ar an sean-nós. Is múinteoir bunscoile é Liam i gCiIl Dara a bhfuil an rince ar siúl aige leis na blianta agus morán duaiseanna faighte aige. Táimid go léir anseo i gColáiste Rís ana-bhródúil as an éacht atá déanta aige. Comhghairdeachas leis.

Mór-dhuais san Oireachtas

Roinn na Gaeilge

Le Máire Uí Mhaolruaidh

Le Máire Uí Mhaolruaidh

Mar is gnáth ag an am seo den bhliain, táimid ag moladh don ár ndaltaí tréimhse a chaitheamh i gColáiste Gaeltachta i rith saoire an tSamhraidh. Chaith Stiofán O Fatharta ó Choláiste na n-Oileán lá inár scoil ag labhairt lena daltaí agus ag freagairt ceisteanna faoi gach gné de shaol na gcoláistI samhraidh. Is cinnte gur bhain gach duine tairbhe as an eolas agus as an léiriú a thug sé dóibh.

As part of the Religious Education Curriculum, students are required to complete a journal work - project on a specific title that they have chosen. This project is worth 20% of their overall mark in their religious education exam in June ’09. This year the chosen title of my religion classes is: “A Study of what two Miracles show about the Kingdom of God”. We began by breaking this title into different areas. As well as researching the miracles of Jesus through the internet, the bible and through our invaluable resource, Fr. Micheál Mannion, we also put a twist on it. Miracles were part of Jesus’ missionary work - something which is still very important today, with many of us knowing somebody working as a missionary in third world countries. With this in mind, we travelled to Castlebar library where we viewed a photographic exhibition called “What a Few Can Do”, which tells the stories of many of the missionaries working and living in countries like Tanzania and Kenya. These photographs, containing images of what miracles would be for the native people of these countries, were then compared to the works and miracles of Jesus. This trip was enjoyed by all and I feel that it will prove invaluable for the students in their upcoming Religious Education examination.

“What a Few Can Do” By Susan Mannion

3rd year students at the County Library Castlebar with their teacher Ms. Susan Manion

Rice College scores for GOAL

Mr. Ronan Scully, gladly receiving a cheque to the value of €3,262.70 on behalf of “GOAL” from Mr. Joe Cuddy and his Transition year class in Rice College.GOAL spends millions every year (almost €60 million in 2007) implementing relief, rehabilitation and development programmes to help the most vulnerable in 11 developing countries throughout the world. Well done to one and all for their great effort in raising this donation for GOAL

Choo Yee Ong, Niall Kelly and Stephen Gill, fifth year pupils in Rice College recently enjoyed a great victory in the “Mental Health Ireland” public speaking competition. The team was competing against Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh and St. Gerald’s, Castlebar. Both of these schools have won the National title in previous years and so the standard was extremely high. Choo spoke on the subject of our environment and our mental health. Niall explored the nature of our education system. Naturally enough, the extraordinary educational cutbacks were analysed in detail. The impact on the school system which already lacks resources is likely to be catastrophic. Finally, Stephen urged us to take mental health out of the shadows in order to raise awareness throughout our society. This is a major task, given the fact that there is still a major stigma associated with a person suffering from mental ill health. Yet the stark fact is, that approximately one in four people will experience a mental health difficulty at some point in his or her life. The emphasis in the Mental Health public speaking competition is to:

Promote an awareness among young people of the importance • of positive mental health and the cause and effects of mental illness.Introduce students to public speaking.• Reduce negative attitudes and prejudices associated with • mental illness.

Rice College hosted the event and many thanks to Deirdre and Frank in Carrowbeg Stores for organizing the refreshments. Rice College now goes forward to the Mayo final which will be held after Christ-mas. This is a really excellent opportunity to enable our students to learn about an important subject, to make new friends and to enhance their own interpersonal skills.

By Pat Dunne

Public Speaking

Front Row L-R: Stephen Gill, Niall Kelly and Choo Yee Ong. Back Row L-R: Mr. Pat Dunne teacher, Ms. Kathleen McHale, Sec. Mayo Mental Health Association and P. J. Murphy, Chairman Mayo Mental Health Association.

Rice College public speaking team

Transition Year - Dancing on Ice

TY Year in Focus By Sean Lammond Projects Co-ordinator

September: Induction & Trip to Killary Public Access to Law ProgrammeSpeaker Anne Reilly on the Edmond Rice AwardsSailing Course at GlennansOctober:First Aid course beginsLarry Sage - School of MotoringLaunch of the AIB “Build a Bank”November:Trips to the Four Courts, DublinWork Experience for one weekTrips to the Linen Hall and Westport CinemaCharity collections for Western Alzheimers and GoalRehearsals for “The 80’s Show” commenceDecember:First Aid assessmentsISPCC Holly Day collectionProjects submittedIce Skating in GalwayStudent magazine is launched (Irish Times competition) The majority of the TY students have responded very positively to their hectic schedules and have met deadlines with regard to their studies and projects. On a personal note, I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support over the last number of years particularly Julie Kennedy, T. J. Hughes, Joe Cuddy, Annemarie Keating and Sinéad McManus. I will be concentrating on the work-experience and placements of TY, LCA and LCVP, but will , I dare say, be frequently roped in to assist with some of the activities described above.

New Faces at Rice College

What You Said That I SaidYou said that, I said that, she said that it was raining. In truth, I never said a word. A group of last year’s first year students got so fed up of the repeated use of the word “said” that they compiled a list of alternative words. This list now stands at ninety-four. Could this be a record? and work continues.You stated that, I shouted that, she moaned that it was raining. In truth, I never uttered a word.

Back L-R:Dermott McNamara, Mathew Butler, Martin Walsh, Aaron Chambers. Front L-R: Mr. Maurice Rice, Ms. Christina Görke, Brian Heffron, Dylan Carroll.

Parents’ Council MessageOur Parents’ Council raised much needed funds for Rice College through the clothes recycling bags last year. They hope to do better this year. They ask you to be mindful of our needs during your spring cleaning this year. Have it bagged and deposited at the School recycling depot. Special bags will be made available from Rice College in due course. The project was the brain - child of Mr. John Gibbons, Chairman Parents’ Council. We need all the funds we can lay our hands on in those stringent times.

• Cuts will affect the grants our school receives for extra programmes like Leaving Cert Applied and Transition Year.• The reducing of the “Books grant” for needy pupils will affect families next September.• We will lose up to two teachers on the change in pupil teacher ratio and further concessionary hours may be lost next year. Losing in excess of two teachers means the school losing 80 class periods. School faces a dilemma - cut some subjects altogether or reduce the extra help for weaker pupils.• Some subjects need experiments and field trips that are not optional. Teachers of those subjects need paid substitution• Larger class sizes are inevitable. There is not enough room in classrooms to spread out group-work on worktables.• Teachers of Gaelic games, Soccer, Rugby, Athletics and a host of other sports will not be covered to take teams to away matches.• Young graduate teachers will find it next to impossible to get substitution work, on which they depend to get a start and experience in teaching.• For Ireland to progress in the next generation we need an educated, computer-literate work force. We need to build on Maths and Science skills and to equip the young people to lead the Irish economy while making secure futures for themselves. Long-term objectives are being sacrificed for short-term cutbacks.

Rice College & Oct Budget 2008By Ena HenehanASTI School Steward

Lord of my life and Lord of all time, past, present and future,A new calendar hangs on the wall with days and dates,The coming months hold much in store:Another birthday, tours, games and shows,Classes in the subject I like best,Homework, study, bells by the score,And walking out the Friday evening school door.It’s a year that will be busy, Lord,Give me the health and patience I will need.It’s a year of important decisions,Give me the guidance and courage I will need.During this year may I remember to care for others,May I learn more and more how to be kind and fair,May I forgive anyone who hurts me,May I be thankful to everyone who helps me.May I be a blessing to the people who know me.I wish all of you a very happy New Year. I hope that the coming year will be full of happiness, health and success for all of you in school, at home and in the wider community of which we are all called to be part of.

New Year Prayer By Fr. Micheál Mannion - School Chaplain Elsie Higgins & Ernie

Deacy (Wes tpor t “Tidy Towns” Com-mittee) speaking to 1st Year students

TY (07-08) Edmund Rice Awards

LCA1 students on Town Walk with Ms.Bronagh Joyce (Westport Historical Society) and their teacher, Ms. Annmarie Keating

3rd year R.E. students in pilgrimage mode on Croagh Patrick with teachers Sinéad McManus, Martin Halpin and Fr. Micheál Mannion

Record breakers have a way with words!

By Susan Mannion

Transition Year is a time when students sample different activities and participate in varied courses. It is a time when students learn both in and out of the classroom through the different events that are on offer for students. There is also an element of fun involved in Transition Year and at the request of many of our Transition Year students, we decided to give them a day out in the Galway Bay Ice-Skating ring. Their busy diary was delved into and we were left with just one day where this request to skate or dance (as some did) on the ice, could have been accommodated. This date was Wednesday, 17th of December. Students, some of whom had skated in the past and others who had never dared to venture, enjoyed the day out in Galway. The Christmas Spirit was in full flight and it was an adventure that was enjoyed by all involved.