Parents’ Association Tuesday 17th May 2022
Acting Principal’s Report
School Development Planning
Form 6 LC Examinations
· Oral examinations and music practical examinations took place from Saturday 9th – Wednesday 13th April.
Junior Cycle HE Practical Examinations
· Took place on Monday 9th May and Tuesday 10th May.
LC & JC Examination Timetables
· The timetables for the state examinations are available from www.examinations.ie
· LC written examinations will run from Wednesday 8th June to Monday 27th June.
· JC written examinations will run from Wednesday 8th June to Monday 20th June.
Junior Cycle Whole School Day
· Takes place on Thursday 19th May. No school for students.
Student Assessments
· Student assessments take place at the following times during Term 3:
(i) TY week of the 9th – 13th May (in-class assessments)
(ii) Form 1 & Form 2 - Wednesday 1st June & Thursday 2nd June
(iii) Form 5 Wednesday 1st – Friday 3rd June
Junior Cycle
· The Junior Cycle class of 2021 received their state certificates of participation on Wednesday 27th April.
Form 5 Subject Options 2022-2024
Following student consultation, the following are the subject bands:
Band 1
Ag. Science
Chemistry
Art
Band 2
Biology
Technology
DCG
HE
Band 3
Geography
Music
History
Band 4
French
Business
Accounting
BOM
The fourth meeting of the BOM took place on Wednesday 4th May. The Agreed Report can be found on the website.
Pastoral Care
12 Form 2 & Form 3 pupils made their Confirmation on Sunday 15th May at Cavan Parish Church.
· Garda Visit: Garda English from Cavan Garda Station came to our school in March. During her visit she delivered a very informative, engaging talk on Substance Misuse to the Form 6 students.
National Go purple Day: Two of our Comhairle na nÓg representatives, Eoin McConnell, and Yasmin Peeters (both Form 2 pupils) coordinated a non-uniform day on Friday 29th April to raise money for Men’s Aid Ireland and Women’s Aid Ireland.
· Fundraising: Well, done to all the TY pupils who were selling daffodils in March to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Thanks also to all the pupils and families who have supported our ongoing collections for the Ukraine appeal. In April the 2nd and 5th year pupils walked through Killykeen Forest Park and raised €2,200 for the Pieta House through the Climb with Charlie initiative.
Update on School Events, Trips, Projects & Competitions
Creative Schools 2020-2022
National CS week took place from Monday 9th – Friday 13th May. There were lots of extra activities planned for students during this week: Hip-Hop Dancing, Sunflower mural with Art students from Cavan Institute, TY BLAST project, Exhibition of students’ work at Cavan Townhall and a Form 5 drama called ‘Shelter’. Form 6 Music students, Jacob Gould and Christabel Bakare entertained the audience with some beautiful singing. On Friday Circus Performer Ronaldo Fanzini entertained the students in Form 1 & Form 2, and the photograph taken by Lorraine Teevan made it to the front page of the digital Irish Times! A special thanks to our hardworking CS committee of teachers and students. Special thanks also to our CS Associate Mary Farrelly and to artists Sarah McKenna (Form 5 drama) and Niamh O’Connor (BLAST Project with TY students).
Global Schools initiative:
We were delighted to receive the silver diplomatic passport award for our engagement with global citizenship education this year. Well done to the committee and the co-ordinating teacher Ms. Bates.
Young Social Innovators Project (TY)
Our TY students have been extremely busy working on their chosen projects within the Young Social Innovators program this year. One group have decided to tackle the unfortunately all too prevalent issue of suicide within our community. This is an area the group have very strong feelings towards and feel their actions will highlight the support units that are within our area for people perhaps struggling with their mental health in these times. One of their key initiatives is to organise training for both parents and teachers within our community. Ms. Hazel Leahy, who works for the HSE, has agreed to deliver a safeTalk workshop/training around this issue. This training took place in the school on Thursday 28th April 6 staff members and 11 parents attended.
National Enterprise Awards
· Eco Ego (William Duffy & Daniel Lord), who took 1st place in the Junior Category of the Cavan Enterprise Awards will represent Cavan at the National Finals scheduled to take place in the Helix, DCU on 18th May.
‘Safe Bathrooms Challenge’
TY students took part in the Shona Project. The girls’ toilets receiving a much-needed makeover. The main aim of this project was to decorate the toilets and to make these more positive spaces for students.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics: The RSC Athletics team trained hard in term 3 in preparation for the Ulster E District track and field event held in the Antrim Forum in May. Notable results as follows: Aoibheann Mulligan won silver in the intermediate girls 200m and bronze in the 100m. Tobi Ogundare received bronze medals for senior boys’ high jump and long jump with Matthew Eguakun finishing 2nd in the long jump. Yasmin Peeters claimed silver in the junior 1500m with Harriet Brady finishing 3rd in the same race. Thanks to Mr. Vahey and Ms. Cahill for all their work with the team all year.
Hockey: League games have been played against Dundalk Grammar School, Mercy College, Navan, and Drogheda Grammar School. The senior team had mixed results this season however the juniors have performed really well having only lost one game. Thanks to Ms. Cowan for coordinating and Sasha Gannon of Cavan Hockey club for coaching.
Rugby: RSC U16 boy’s rugby team travelled to our sister school, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School for a Rugby challenge in early April. They had an enjoyable day and won the match 40:26.
Badminton/Table Tennis: In April, 25 pupils enjoyed a trip to Monaghan Collegiate for a challenge match in Badminton and Table Tennis. Students also had badminton challenge matches against Breifne College. They then travelled to the Ulster Table Tennis finals in Lisburn Racquets where the school had great success claiming 3rd place in Ulster with the u15 girls and u15 boys. Thanks to Mr. Hall for all his organising of these events.
Form 5 Residential Trip: Our Form 5 students made their way to Castlebar for a group bonding/educational trip. The group took part in a number of water activities, cycled the Greenway from Newport to Mulranny, attended the School Summit at the NUIG Air Dome and even managed to squeeze in some shopping!! Thanks to Mr. McHugh and Ms. McQuaid for accompanying the pupils.
School Trips: Form 1 – 17th May: Cuilcagh Mountain & Marble Arch Caves and Form 2 – 26th May: Causey Farm
TY Activities:
· Cookery competition: Well, done to Sarah McGovern and Praisy Reuban (Pictured) who competed in the final of the Young Cook of the Year' final organised by Cavan Institute and Cavan County Council in May.
· Make-up workshop
· Stop Motion Animation
· TY Fáinne
· Hydrobikes: Wednesday 18th May, Lough Carafin, Butlersbridge
· Mock Interviews: Tuesday 24th May 4-6pm
· Trip to Tayto Park: Monday 30th May
Buildings & Maintenance
Sports Hall - Update
Three DTM held, CAD drawings issued with a design for 4-badminton court hall and PE Laboratory. DT to review these plans. Desired location set into the hill to the right of the student path. Stage 1 to be sent to the DE by 24th June. DTM
Modular Building – Update
Same design team working on Sports Hall will deliver this modular building. Location directly across from Art room, set back into sloped field. Excavation of site commences on Tuesday 28th June. Hand over date 27th November
Opening of Special Classes
At the moment class(es) will open for September 2023. Probably ASD Classes
Rewiring of ground floor
To take place over the summer months.
Other Items:
Student Photographs
Photographs have been taken of all class groups and student groups involved in any leadership roles. They will appear in our summer newsletter. Form 1 and Form 6 parents may like to purchase the class/year group pictures from Adrian Donohoe photographer, details on cost and how to do so will follow.
School Uniform Singer Sewing & Knitting Centre will stock the full school uniform, including the blazer and jacket. Uniformity will stock some items.
School Calendar 2022-2023
Students begin to return on Monday 29th August, all students ae back by Wednesday 31st August. Calendar to be circulated on Friday 20th May.
Booklists
Booklists are currently being finalised and will issue to parents within the next week or two.
Upcoming Events
School Awards: Will take place during the last week of term.
Canon Lidwill will lead a prayer service for all Form 3 students on Wednesday 1st June, Form 3 students can remain at home for independent study on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June.
Sports Day Tuesday 24th May
Form 3 Parents Information Meeting about TY, Wednesday 25th May 7pm
LC Graduation Thursday 26th May 7pm (2 guests per student)
TY Awards Tuesday 31st May (during school time)
Summer Holidays Form 1 & 2 – Thursday 2nd June, Form 5 Friday 3rd June
Outstanding Matters
Dugouts for Hockey pitch
Ventilation in Classroom DE Grant – No funding was received.
Parents’ Association Tuesday 22nd March 2022
Acting Principal’s Report
School Development Planning
Erasmus +Key Action 1
RSC has been awarded Erasmus+ Accreditation. We will work with Mobility Hub who will assist us to access funding to provide quality CPD opportunities for staff members. The following teachers sit on the Erasmus committee: Mr. Vahey, Ms. Bates, Ms. Cowan, Ms. McElwaine, Ms. Gray & Mr. Corley
BOM
The third meeting of the BOM is scheduled for Thursday 10th February. Agreed Report can be found on the website.
Incidental Inspection
An incidental inspection on the quality of Teaching & Learning took place on Monday 28th February.
Relationships & Sexuality Education
Delivery of the RSE modules to students in all year groups commenced on Monday 28th February.
Junior Cycle CBAs (Classroom Based Assessments)
The following CBAs for Form 2 Students are taking place:
Business
28-Feb-22
25-Mar-22
Maths
11-Apr-22
29-Apr-22
Leaving Certificate Oral & Practical Examinations
The Oral assessment in Irish and MFL subjects along with music practicals are scheduled to take place from Saturday 9th April to Wednesday 13th April. Examiners will be contacting the schools shortly with suggested dates to carry out these assessments.
LC & JC Examination Timetables
The timetables for the state examinations are now available from www.examinations.ie
Pastoral Care
Elma Walsh, mother of the late Donal Walsh, visited our school on 19th January and spoke to TY, Form 5 & Form 6 students about Donal and the Foundation that was set-up. She received a cheque to the value of €2000 from the student body, money the students raised from The Christmas Jumper Day, sale of Christmas Cards and Shave or Dye challenge.
Ukraine Dry Food Appeal, The Global School Committee are running a collection of dry foods within each base classroom.
· 12 Form 2 & Form 3 pupils are currently preparing to make their Confirmation on Sunday 15th May at Cavan Parish Church.
· Christian Union Dinner Dance is scheduled to take place on Thursday 31st March for Form 5 & 6 students
Update on School Events, Projects & Competitions
Young Social Innovators Project (TY)
Our TY students have been extremely busy working on their chosen projects within the Young Social Innovators program this year. One group have decided to tackle the unfortunately all too prevalent issue of suicide within our community. This is an area the group have very strong feelings towards and feel their actions will highlight the support units that are within our area for people perhaps struggling with their mental health in these times. One of their key initiatives is to organise training for both parents and teachers within our community. Ms. Hazel Leahy, who works for the HSE has agreed to deliver a safeTalk workshop/training around this issue. The training is free, is internationally accredited and takes 3 hours (possibly 2 x 1.5 hours) in-person at the school. Google Form, Mr McHugh, minimum 12 people and maximum 25 people.
The other TY group have focused their intentions on the topic of social media and its positive and negative impacts upon today's youth.
Global Schools Committee
This committee held a very successful Language & Culture week 7th – 11th March which finished with an EXPO on Friday.
The committee also organised a visit from Neale Richmond TD to speak to them and other interest students on inequality.
Seachtain Na Gaeilge
This took place from 7th – 16th March. TY and Form 5 students enjoyed a Bodhrán workshop from Music Generation. Form 1 took part in a table quiz which was organised by the TY students, while the Pop-up Gaeltacht made a welcome return during these weeks.
Creative Schools 2020-2022
Interested Form 5 students will work with Mary Farrelly in creating an original performance that will be staged in the Townhall Theatre during Creative Schools week. Parents will have the opportunity to view this performance on Wednesday 11th May at 7pm in the Townhall.
Cavan Student Enterprise Awards
11 RSC Mini companies represented the school in the Cavan Student Enterprise Awards on March 15th.
Eco Ego (William Duffy & Daniel Lord) took 1st place in the Junior Category and will represent Cavan at the National Finals scheduled to take place in the Helix, DCU on 18th May.
Sweet Bakery (Amelia Allen & Lucy Gordon) took 2nd place in the Junior Category
Beadz by T (Tierna Smyth) took 2nd place in the Intermediate Category.
Easy Bakes (Praisy Reuban, Amy Bleakley & Louise Eccleston ) won a sustainability awarded for their product.
National Music Award
Congratulations to Jacob Gould, a 6th Year Music student who was awarded 1st Class Honours in the over 17 solo singing competition at the Interschools Music Festival held at Wesley College Dublin on Saturday 5th March.
Extracurricular Activities
· Rugby Matches:
Unfortunately, Ulster Rugby have had to cancel the U16 Pollock Cup competition we were entered in this year. Nevertheless, we are moving ahead with several challenge matches this year instead. Thanks very much to Co. Cavan Rugby club for organising our February challenge match against their Juvenile team, which the boys really enjoyed.
A massive well done to all 35 RSC girls who took part in the tag rugby blitz in December. A huge thank you to Cavan Ladies Rugby Club for doing such an incredible job of both organising and running the event that had over 100 girls participating, it was a fantastic experience and event. RSC brought the Cup home!!
· Cross Country Teams:
In January RSC had 32 competitors in the Ulster District Cross Country held at Newcarne Castle, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh. All the runners put in a great performance with this being the first outing for several of them. Most successful on the day were the senior girls with Charlotte Moore, Olivia Moore and Ava Nesbitt taking 1st, 2nd, and 8th respectively to qualify for the Ulster final.
· Hockey:
The girl’s hockey teams have been very busy training every week for their upcoming matches this month. This year we have 4 hockey teams competing in the Meath league: Under 13s, Under 14s, Under 16s and Seniors. They are being coached by Ms. Cowan and Sasha Gannon.
· Table Tennis:
We were pleased to be able to reintroduce table tennis as an after-school activity in recent weeks. The players are being coached by Mr. Hall and they are looking forward to some inter school matches in the coming weeks. The first outing is Thursday 24th to Monaghan Collegiate.
· Fundraising for New Sports Kits
Mr. Plunkett, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Vahey and Mr. McHugh would like to thank all parents who supported the recent fundraiser which raised €1900. Money raised will go towards the purchase of two new sports kits, one for the junior boys’ soccer team and one for the girls’ hockey team.
After School Study
This facility is available to Form 6 and Form 3 students each Monday & Wednesday from 4pm – 6:30pm.
Parent-Pupil Teacher Meetings
The final PPTM took place, by phone, this evening for Form 1 students.
TY Activities:
· Stitching for Palliative Care:
Students in the TY Active Citizenship module were delighted to take part in this initiative. They designed and created handmade bags for patients receiving palliative care in Cavan General Hospital.
· TY trip to Sligo IT takes place on Thursday 24th March
· CAT 4G Assessments took place today, the results of which may assist TY students when selecting their subjects for LC.
Second week of TY Work Experience takes place from Monday 4th to Friday 8th April.
TY students are currently receiving training from Order of Malta in CPR/AED
Prefects
Our Prefects will fundraise for Pieta House during the last term.
Buildings & Maintenance
· Sports Hall Design Team held a meeting on 2nd March, 3 possible locations for Sports Hall have been identified and these will be forwarded to DE for consideration.
· A Grant of €6000, under the Build Heritage Investment Scheme was received from the Cavan Heritage, to assist with replacing the 5 windows on the second floor of the main building.
School Uniform
Singer Sewing & Knitting Centre will stock the school uniform
Upcoming Events
Easter Holidays Friday 8th April, students return on Monday 25th April
Sports Day Tuesday 10th May
LC Graduation Thursday 26th May
TY Awards Tuesday 31st May
Summer Holiday Friday 3rd June
State Examinations begin on Wednesday 8th June.
Outstanding Matters
Dugouts for Hockey pitch
Form 5 Residential Trip
Ventilation in Classrooms
Parents’ Association Tuesday 18th January 2022
Acting Principal’s Report
i.School Development Planning
Second meeting of the new BOM took place on Thursday 9th December. Agreed report is published on our website. Some items to note from the agreed report include:
The Board members were informed about developments in Teaching, Learning & Assessment, namely Student Assessments, Literacy (The literacy team are currently collecting baseline data on Form 1 oral presentation skills), Minicompanies and the Erasmus +Key Action 1 application with Léargas for staff CPD.
The Board reviewed and ratified the Substance Use and Misuse policy.
The Board members discussed how they could engage all stakeholders to help with identifying the priorities for School Development Planning 2021-2024.
Pastoral Care
Our Carol Service took place on Zoom for the entire student community on Friday 17th December. Music was provided by our Form 6 students, members of our Student Council lead our prayers and readings, while Canon Lidwill shared his Christmas reflection with us.
A minute’s silence was observed for Ashling Murphy (RIP) at 10:50 today, Tuesday 18th January.
Creative Schools 2020-2022
Form 1 – Thursday 16th December
A full day programme took place, based on the themes of creativity and connection. Students accessed three workshops on that day (i) Oral Presentation Skills (ii) Christmas Wreath design using hula hoops and old clothing (iii) Housing Poverty by building gingerbread houses.
Creative Writing Workshops
Two-hour Creative Writing workshops took place during the week of 13th – 17th December for all classes in Form 2, Form, 3, Form 5 and Transition Year.
Update on School Events
Hot Food Facility
This made a welcome return on Monday 15th November. Students are sitting in year pods. No more than 4 pupils to a table.
Extracurricular Activities
The following activities are now running for students
Boys & Girls Soccer – coaches: Gary McHugh, Dermot Plunkett, Dale Robertson & Sinead McGovern
Boys & Girls Rugby – coaches: Cavan Rugby Club, Tanya Argue & Lynne Kelly
Girls Hockey – coach: Sasha Fletcher
Note that dressing rooms remain closed, students change in their base classrooms.
After School Study
This facility is available to Form 6 & Form 3 students each Monday & Wednesday from 4pm – 6:30pm.
Pre-Examinations
Timetable to be finalised tomorrow and will be sent to all Form 3 & 6 parents using the iClass App. Form 6 pre-examination to begin on Wednesday 2nd February. Form 3 pre-examinations to begin on Friday 4th February.
Junior Cycle
Junior Cycle Cluster Meeting scheduled for Monday 31st January, no school for pupils on that day.
Parent-Pupil Teacher Meetings
Form 5 PPTM takes place, by phone, on 24th January from 4:15pm – 6:45pm
Form 4 (TY) PPTM takes place, by phone, on Thursday 17th February from 4:15pm – 6:45pm.
Sport against Racism Ireland (SARI) workshop:
TY and junior pupils really enjoyed partaking in a SARI workshop in December. This involved games and activities designed to help teach pupils about the dangers of discrimination, bullying and exclusion.
TY Activities:
The TY Geography class enjoyed a trip to the Marble Arch Caves and a lovely walk up to the top of the Cuilcagh Boardwalk in December. Our TY Active Citizenship module were delighted to take part in a great initiative organised by Carepack.ie. They had to prepare Christmas gift packages for residents in nursing homes across the country. The students really enjoyed this practical, community-based project.
Staff Matters
· Mr. Joshua Hall joins our staff to teaching History and English. Mr. Emmet Blaney has joined our staff, teaching Irish.
Student Matters
· Our Prefects chosen charity to promote & fundraise for this year is the Donal Walsh #LiveLife Foundation. Elma Walsh will visit the school on Thursday 20th January. She will be presented with a cheque for €2000 proceeds from the Shave or Dye event and money raised from the selling of beautiful Christmas Cards.
· Wellbeing Committee are organised the Christmas Door competition for all classes.
· Student Council: A meeting took place on Wednesday 1st December 2021
Parent Communication
· Please ring the school phone 0494361605 if you require to speak with you son/daughter or you would like a message forwarded to them during the school day, 08:40 – 15:45.
· Appointments only to school.
· Please make sure to download the School iClass App to your mobile phone. We have added links to VSware and to Easy Payments Plus.
· Our Christmas Newsletter can be found on the iClass App.
Buildings & Maintenance
· Additional funding has been granted from the DoE to rewire the ground floor in the old building.
· Sports Hall: A Survey Team are currently onsite carrying out a topography survey as part of stage 1 of the sports hall.
· An Additional Accommodation Application to convert the boarding kitchen into a classroom was submitted to the Department of Education – nothing further to report here.
COVID-19
We continue to implement our COVID-19 Response Plan.
Version 7 14.01.2022 Isolation quick guide – Adults and children from their 13th birthday was distributed to all parents. The document outlines the common symptoms of COVID-19 along with other possible symptoms. It has clearly lay out of the actions required for each of the 15 possible situations.
Applied to the DoE for funding to purchase HEPA filters for each classroom. The application currently with an engineering who is reviewing our floor plans to determine the ventilation requirements for each classroom.