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On Saturday 12 March 3 pot lucky St Leo’s students found themselves living the dream  that many a teenage girl has dreamt of.

Senior students Hanna Sheerin, Bernadette Dunne and Shauna Ray dined in style in the company of one of Irelands hottest boybands ‘The Script’. Accompanied by principal Clare Ryan and staff member Lynda Fagan the fortunate trio headed to the famous O2 arena in Dublin to see the Irish lads perform. This was well deserved as they had made great efforts to support a well – known children’s charity. The local girls were the overall winners of a school raffle which was organised in aid of the ISPCC. The charity, in conjunction with Cheerios Childline encouraged various organisations throughout Ireland to hold a breakfast morning in which they would sell boxes of the Cheerios cereal to raise funds for the worthy cause. Out of all participating organisations only one group could be selected to receive five VIP passes and St Leo’s College were the lucky takers. With these golden tickets just arms length away students could not spend their pennies quick enough. Each student who bought a box of Cheerios had her name automatically entered into the raffle with the prize being one of five passes to meet and greet Irelands newest addition to the music industry. Over the course of the following school weeks three names were pulled at random.

The day kicked off to a great start for the ladies who were collected at their school gates by a private limo which was waiting for them. At arrival to the O2 they were warmly greeted by Caroline Downey and Penny Dicks, members of the ISPCC, who thanked them for their generous contribution to the Irish charity. Afterwards the group was transferred to the green room where there came the jaw dropping, heart stopping moment when they sat alongside The Script. Friendly banter was had, autographs were signed and countless photos were taken. As if the day could not get any better for these girls they were then treated to watching the boys perform live, gaining an extra bonus when Ryan Sheridan appeared on stage as an opening act. The day ended on a note of good will with drummer Glen Power reminding the girls that ‘it is nice to be important and important to be nice’ a quote that has proved to be nothing but the truth.

Olivia O’Leary column on RTE1 Drivetime , March 8 2011. Olivia shares some thoughts for International Women’s Day on her time in St. Leo’s College.  Olivia O’Leary on RTE1′s Drivetime, talking about her time in St. Leo’s

St. Leo’s College will be a hive of energy and excitement this week as Transition year students prepare for their annual show ‘Girls on Broadway’. It features hits from musicals currently running on Broadway including ‘Hairspray’, ‘The Lion King’  ‘Sister Act’ and a medley of songs from previous Broadway favourites. It’s a night that promises singing, dancing and general ‘razzle dazzle’. There are some one hundred and twenty students from the school participating in this quality production. The staff of St. Leo’s have all rallied to the occasion and offered their support.

The girls are being worked hard by Director Olivia Smyth especially in the many lively dance routines. The magnificent songs from these shows come alive under the direction of Mr Ian Curran and M/s Ann Buckeridge. The beautiful costumes are the work of the Home Economics department under the guiding hands of M/s Patricia Morrissey and M/s Mary Nolan. The fabulous backdrops and stage props are the result of the work of art teacher M/s Marie Nolan and her team. Of course the person who keeps every one on track is the co-ordinator of the show M/s Mairead Redmond.

The show takes place this Thursday 10^th and Friday 11^th in the school gym commencing at 8 o’clock sharp. Tickets: Adult 10 euros, Family ticket 20 euros and 5euros for a student ticket. A matinee performance for the local primary schools will take place at 11 o’clock on Thursday morning. A show not to be missed

There was a large attendance in St. Leo’s recently for the 2^nd annual Catherine McCauley lecture delivered by Professor Hannah McGee Dean of the Royal College of Surgeons. The school community was joined by the local Sisters of Mercy, members of the Parent’s Council, Board of Management as well as representatives of CEIST. The evening was hosted by the Science Department and the master of ceremonies was Vice Principal M/s Lillian Fogarty.

Professor McGee dedicated her lecture to her mother and to her deceased father Tom. Indeed the importance of family was a constant theme throughout the lecture. She complimented her niece Catherine a transition year student in the school for being a member of the 2011 All- Ireland Basketball winning team.

Professor McGee began her lecture by drawing parallels between St. Leo’s and the Royal College of Surgeons. They both were founded around the same time in the 19^th Century and both were founded to fulfill a need in their communities. She outlined the development of the College of Surgeons and in particular the dramatic advancements and procedures in medicine that have taken place since its foundation.

She then proceeded to show how the present College has a marvelous mix of cultures from around the world and indeed how the College has developed programmes to train doctors in their own countries particularly in Africa. This was in order to prevent a brain drain to the First World.

She mentioned in particular the importance of research in medical science both at home and abroad in order to ensure that programmes were targeted and effective. Professor McGee is the driving force behind much of the research carried out by the college.

She drew attention to research carried out by the college that has helped create safe drinking water in Africa by simply exposing the water to the ultra violet light of the sun. There is no cost involved and is extremely effective. She also spoke of research into collagen and its use in the fusion of bones that is currently underway in the college

On the negative side she demonstrated that research has shown that smoking rates have not declined in Ireland since the introduction of the smoking ban.

Professor McGee stressed at the outset of her lecture that she wished to talk in particular to the students. She wished to point out to them the importance of education. She stated that this message was particularly important at this time of economic crisis. There was hope and that not to worry about where an education would lead. The career will follow the education and she explained how this happened to her.

She returned to the theme of family and place and made special mention of her late sister in law Margaret. She spoke warmly of her time in St. Leo’s as a boarder and of her love of her home place in Ballymurphy.

In her reply Principal Clare Ryan drew attention to the parallels that Professor McGee had outlined between St. Leo’s and the Royal College of Surgeons. In particular she applauded the idea of links with the local community and the idea of giving something back. She referred to the Outreach programme developed by the Royal College which aims to help some of the deprived areas close to the college. Similar programmes exist within St. Leo’s .and the school is very proud of this. M/s Ryan sincerely thanked Professor McGee for her outstanding lecture and wished her continuing success in the future. M/s Ryan then called on M/s Mairead Redmond to make a presentation of a specially commissioned piece of jewelry to Professor McGee. Ms Ryan paid special tribute to Mairead who was responsible for co-ordinating the whole event. All present were then invited to the ref for refreshments to conclude an outstanding evening in St. Leo’s

Congratulations to the Senior Basketball team who have reached a second All-Ireland final this year.  They played three matches this weekend against Gortnor Abbey, Castleblaney and Listowel and were successful in all three.  The team will be travelling to the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght at the end of March to play the League Final against Colaiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our student Amy Lawler on Thursday 27th January 2010. The school community held a  Service of Prayer remembering Amy RIP on Friday.   May her gentle soul rest in peace.

The week 24^th to the 28^th was designated Safety Awareness Week in St. Leo’s. A major effort took place to ensure that each student of the school was made aware of the importance of health and safety in the school. The week was organized by the Fire Officer in the school M/s Fiona Kelly and her team of Transition year students.

The Principal M/s Clare Ryan held an assembly was held for each year group. The importance of health and safety within the school was strongly emphasized by M/s Ryan. She paid particular intention to fire drill instructions. She explained the importance of treating each fire alarm seriously and clearly outlined the procedures to be followed for evacuating the building when the fire alarm sounds. She then proceeded to walk each group outside to their assembly point for a trial run.

Meanwhile M/s Kelly had given the latest instructions on dealing with a fire alarm to staff and in particular to class heads. These are responsible for conducting a roll call of the class once outside to ensure that each student is accounted for. Each class head then reports to M/s Kelly who in turn reports to the Principal. Later a fire drill took place to test the evacuation procedures. Both M/s Kelly and M/s Ryan expressed satisfaction with the outcome but M/s Ryan said there was no room for complacency when it came to Health and Safety in the school.

In conjunction with all of the above the Transition year team organized  a slogan competition for First Years with the emphasis on fire safety. Each slogan was displayed throughout the school once again raising awareness throughout the school community.

Congratulations

A huge congratulations to Deirdre O Sullivan Cpt and the Senior Football team who received the Bramley Sports Star of the Year award at an award ceremony held in the Lord Bagenal Hotel recently on their achievement in winning the 2010 Senior Football title. Deirdre accepted the award on behalf of the team

Congratulations are also due to the Senior Basketball team who beat Mercy Coolock in the Semi – final of the All Ireland Cup. Well done girls and a special congrats to the coach M/s Clare McGrath. Good luck in the All Ireland.

Catherine McCauley Lecture

Final preparations are underway for the above lecture. It will take place in the school on Wed Feb 9^th at 7.30. The lecture will be delivered by former past pupil Professor Hannah McGee Dean of the Royal College of Surgeons. The evening will be hosted by the Science Department of St. Leo’s and will be one of the highlights of this academic year.

On Thursday the 13^th and Friday the 14^th January, all third year students took part in the Oireachtas Education Programme. The programme is an education initiative organised by the Communications Department of the Oireachtas. Its aim is to empower young people studying C.S.P.E, to take an interest in the political process. The programme consisted of a visit from Ben Dunne, Niamh Kavanagh and Celine McMahon – Oireachtas Education Officers on two separate days.

The first session covered the Democracy element of the C.S.P.E course – the need for rules and laws, Ireland’s Oireachtas, Government and the Budget. Each student was provided with an Oireachtas Education pack which they used during the first session. During the second session four local T.D’s attended and the students were offered the opportunity to ask questions on current political issues. The T.D’s who attended on the day were Bobby Alyward, John McGuinness, John Paul Phelan and Mary White. The programme was a great success and was viewed by the students as educational, informative and enjoyable.

TL21- Teaching and Learning for the 21^st Century Transfer Initiative 2010-2012

St Leo’s College is involved in this two year pilot process where schools engage with each other to share best practice under the professional guidance of Education Centre Maynooth NUI.   Teams from a number of schools, including St Leo’s, attend workshops in Kilkenny Education Centre.  This work is reinforced by regular meetings in school and collaboration with the school community to undertake actions to improve teaching and learning.  The process is focusing on homework and aims to enhance practices in homework in a way which improves student confidence, learning outcomes and builds strategies for lifelong.

Catherine McCauley Lecture

The above lecture has been rescheduled to take place on Wed. 9^th Feb. The lecture had been due to take place in December but was cancelled due to weather conditions. The lecture will be delivered by a past pupil of St. Leo’s Professor Hannah McGee Dean of the College of Surgeons.

Parent Teacher Meetings

The rescheduled Parent Teacher meeting for 5^th years will take place on the morning of the 21^st January.  5^th Year students are invited to attend with their parents. It too had been postponed in December due to the adverse weather conditions. It will be followed in the afternoon with a Parent Teacher meeting for 1st years.

Transition Year News

4A and 4D  Heritage classes will attend a series of classes in between now and June in  Carlow Library presented by Executive Librarian M/s Carmel Flahavan. The title of the course is Transition Year History, Heritage and Research Module. 4B and 4C have just completed the same course and were very impressed by it.

Auditions continue for the Transition year musical to be held in March. In the meantime all transition year students are receiving instruction on self defence techniques.

Sport

The All – Ireland Senior League Basketball play-offs will take place in St. Leo’s on Jan 22^nd It promises to be a great day.