Slán, Ciáo - Sacred Heart Grammar School

Slán, Ciáo,
Adiós,
Goodbye...
Mrs Marie McShane, Mrs Marilyn Murphy,
Mrs Margarita McIlroy, Mrs Fran Daly and
Mrs Finola McParland.
Everyone spoke with humour, fondness and sincerity of their time
in the school and took the opportunity to thank everyone who had
helped and supported them, both personally and professionally,
over a total of 123 years.
The final event of the 2011 - 2012 school year
saw Sacred Heart staff gather to say farewell to
five of their longest serving colleagues:
During a special evening of celebration held in the Golf Club Inn
on Wednesday 27th June, School Principal Sr. Julie Mc Goldrick
presented all five with tokens of appreciation and wished them
well in the coming year.
May everyone enjoy to the fullest the happiness of today and the
opportunity of each tomorrow.
Telephone: 028 3026 4632 / Visit:www.shsnewry.com
Contents:
Dear Reader,
Regulars Art & Design Design & Technology Drama
Economics Geography Government & Politics History
Home Economics
Languages
Mathematics
Music Religion
Science
Sport
Page
04
22
23-24
06
12
07
15
05
18
19
20
16
21
08-11
Features
Charity
Love is in the Air
New Additions
Mini Company
Public Speaking Retirements Vocations Week Year 10 Paris Trip
13
02
02
17
14
12
16
18
Youth Congress
Summer is finally here and once again it is
time to browse through the pages of your SHS
newsletter.
We have compiled a vast collection of events,
trips and memorable occasions during terms two
and three of 2012. This would not be successful
without your support. Many thanks to everyone
involved and enjoy the summer holidays! To those
of you who are leaving, we wish you all happiness
and success in your future endeavours.
Catherine Kearney & Magazine Committee
New Additions…
Congratulations to Mrs Racheal Smyth,
her husband Dermot, big brother and sister
Seamus and Fionnuala on the birth of their
baby daughter, Maebh. Let’s hope the
sleepless nights are few and far between!
Pictured are Year 13 students who attended
the Crossroads 2012 Ulster Youth Congress,
Ballygawley,
on Sunday
26th February
2012 in
preparation for
the International
Eucharistic
Congress 2012.
Year 10 students pictured with their teacher,
Mr P Taggart, relive the “Titanic Experience.”
Love is in the air!
A group of excited students pictured with their
Easter Egg surprise.
2
Congratulations and best wishes to Miss
Martina Finnegan and her fiancé, Liam, on
their forthcoming wedding. Wishing you both
many years of joy and happiness.
NI Assembly
Visit
On a recent visit to Stormont, Year 10 Learning
for Life and Work students were taken on a
tour of government buildings and took part in
a debate in the chamber.
Moneytalk
School Bank 2011 - 2012
Group 1
Jane Gilsenan Manager
Emily Rooney
Lauren Watterson
Katrina Tumilty
Leanne McComisky
Clare Monaghan
Ella Quinn
Aisling Fitzpatrick
Caroline McElroy
Fiona McAteer
Caoimhe Murphy
Group 2
Catherine McAteer Manager
Anna Keenan
Siobhan Brennan
Rebecca Turley
Katie Quinn
Orlaith Boylan
Shannon Killen
Sinead King
Caoimhe Strain
Aoife Mcloughlin
Eimear Murphy
I met with the group every Monday during lunch
time. Initially, Year 14 students were approached
in the hope of encouraging them to set up
accounts before going to University. This proved
successful and many opened an account.
Dearbhla has the
World at her Feet!
Congratulations to
Dearbhla Grant 9C, who
recently participated at
the World Irish Dancing
Championships 2012
in the City West Hotel
Dublin.
We had quite a number of Year 8 students who were also very
interested in setting up accounts.
The students involved in the running of the Bank realised very
quickly the importance of having to check money coming in with
the correct documents otherwise they had a lot of work on their
hands.
I hope that being a member of the School Bank has been of great
benefit to the girls and they certainly have had experience in
document filling. The girls never complained and I have nothing
but admiration for their patience.
L Fleming
Moving on…
In addition to the five retirements [pictured
on the front cover] three other members of
the school community are moving on to new
challenges in the coming year.
Best Wishes…
Miss Nadine Gallagher who has been part of Sacred Heart
for thirteen years as a student,a Science technician and
more recently a teacher of Geography is leaving to take up
an appointment in Shimna Integrated College; Miss Eimear
McShane who has been teaching Religious Studies and
Science during the past year will take take up an appointment
in St. Clare’s Primary School and Miss Martina Finnegan
who has been teaching Home Economics in Sacred Heart
for the past year is also leaving.
Get well soon to Mrs Oonagh Brown, Mrs Mary Friel, Mrs
Sophia Kelly, Mrs Rhoda Hollywood and our school chaplain,
Fr. Niall Sheehan.
Sending you warm thoughts and best wishes for a speedy
recovery.
During a special evening of celebration held in the Golf Club
Inn on Wednesday, 27th June, School Principal Sr. Julie
McGoldrick presented all three with tokens of appreciation
and wished them well in the coming year.
She was placed 11th in her solo
reel and gained two 1st places, two
3rd places and one 4th place in her
team dances.
3
Trashy Fashion hits
the Catwalk
Year 10 Art & Design students were challenged to create wearable
art and couture garments from recycled materials.
The groups shone in successfully reworking
their trash and other used materials beyond
their intended purpose and crafting them into
remarkable cutting-edge couture fashion.
Throughout the project students were educated
about waste and the value of reusing old junk
while also encouraging them to create high
fashion.
The students worked ferverishly and enthusiastically
gathering materials, drawing inspiration from fashion
designers,using opportunities to develop their creative
and designing skills leading to the making of their group
outfit with matching accessories.
All outfits were showcased at the Year 10 Fashion
Show in which each outfit was judged in three areas:
recycling - how effectively the students used their
junk; fashion – were the students able to combine the
‘wow’ factor with wearability and buying potential?; and
finally, choreography and presentation - how well the
students’ piece of music and choice of model’s hair and
make-up performed during a two-minute catwalk.
Ulster Museum shows
‘true colours’
This January and February the Ulster Museum hosted CCEA’s
‘true colours’, an exhibition showcasing some of the best and most
interesting artwork created by students from CCEA’s summer 2011
A level and GCSE level examinations.
Almost 80 young artists had their work on show at the Ulster Museum until Wednesday
22nd February. From fine art and design work to innovative sculptures and animation, this
event was a feast for the eyes!
Local artist Colin Davidson officially opened the exhibition on Thursday 12th January in
front of four hundred guests, including the student exhibitors, their friends, family and
teachers, and VIPs. Speaking at the event he commented:
“It is a pleasure and honour for me to see at first hand the work of so many talented young
people. The ‘True Colours’ exhibition is now well established as an event where creativity,
diversity and craft are celebrated by teachers and students alike.
I have found the eclectic mix of design, printmaking, painting and sculpture both inspiring
and encouraging - it augers well for the future of visual arts practice here.
I look forward to hearing the names of many of these students in the years to come as they
progress in the field of art and design.”
The students found the visit inspiring and motivating, especially as our school’s work was
represented at GCSE level.
Sinead Pearce is pictured viewing her outstanding GCSE artwork on display.
4
Careers Talk
Careers Week
Ciara Dilley, Innovations Director for Kellogg’s
Europe gave a Careers talk to over 80 students
from Home Economics and Business Studies
on the Food Industry and the various careers
students can avail off.
During Careers week in February former
students Sinead Trainor and Aoibheann
Downey from the Environmental Health
Department gave a talk to the Home
Economics class on Careers in this area. The
speakers highlighted the various aspects that
are involved in this career.
Ciara focused
her talk on
a career in
Marketing
and the many
opportunities
there are for
Marketing
graduates
throughout the
UK & Ireland.
The students
thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Ciara’s experiences
which enable her to travel all over the world.
Mourne Seafood Bar
- Cookery School
These are a selection of the fantastic bags
and cushions that Year 8 & 9 students made in
Home Economics this term! Well done, girls!
On 23rd April Year 11 Home Economics
classes travelled to Mourne Seafood Bar in
Belfast!
This trip allowed
the girls to
taste and cook
numerous types
of fish and
seafood, some
of which they
used for their
GCSE Controlled
Assessment.
They were even
lucky enough
to meet a living
lobster who got
very friendly with
the girls as you
can see! They
then enjoyed
him for lunch.
The Home Economics Department would like to take this
opportunity to thank Miss Finnegan for all her hard work
this year and wish her every success for the future. It has
been a pleasure having her in the department. Best wishes
for her wedding in December - Liam is very fortunate.
5
“Let’s Talk”
The Stock Market
Challenge
Economics students, Eva Laverty 14A and
Aoife Burke 13A were guests at a Newry
Chamber of Commerce lunch in the Canal
Court Hotel on Wednesday 14th March.
On Friday 9th March a team of four Year 11
Economics students took part in the Stock
Market Challenge. The competition was held
in Abbey Grammar School which played host
to teams from twenty schools.
By Mrs A Lannon
The event was
organised by the
Newry Chamber
of Commerce
and the guest
speaker was
the Minister for
Enterprise, Trade
and industry
Arlene Foster MP
MLA.
Marc Mallet from
UTV questioned
the Minister on a
number of topics
concerning the
local economy
of Newry and
Mourne.
An Afternoon of Poetry
with Local Poet
On 15th March staff and students were pleased
to welcome local poet, Mrs Alice Kelly to their
library.
Mrs Kelly talked to Year 8 students about her work as a writer,
the inspiration behind her poems and invited questions from
her captive audience. This all made for a delightful and
enjoyable afternoon for staff and students alike and ensured
that each student present had a new understanding and
appreciation of the creative writing process.
Pictured with Year 8 students are local poet Mrs Alice
Kelly, accompanied by St. Colman’s student Gavin
Fleming.
6
The students were given a notional £20,000 which they
had to invest in stocks, shares and foreign currency. The
team had to manage a portfolio of investments and respond
to events as they
happened throughout
the trading week. At the
end of the competition
the team from Sacred
Heart had increased
their investments to
£32,000 and while
the team did not win
nevertheless
the
students
thoroughly
enjoyed their time
as financial market
analysts and risk managers!
Procession to
Marian Grotto
During the month of May Year 8 pupils and
their Religion teachers were involved in a May
Procession from the grounds of the Sacred
Heart to the Marian grotto located in the
gardens of the St. Clare’s Convent, opposite
the school grounds.
As they processed, pupils carried candles and sang hymns
associated with Our Lady. Once at the grotto, prayers of the
faithful were prayed and a decade of the Rosary was said
for the pupils’ own intentions. The Year 8 pupils thoroughly
enjoyed their first experience of the May procession, the
memories of which shall last a life time.
London Calling…
On Tuesday 28th February the Year 13 Politics
class set off for their highly anticipated trip to
London with Mr Taggart and Sr. Julie in tow.
After an avid wait and months of intense preparation, it was finally
here! Leaving school shortly after 5am and wavering between
bleary-eyed tiredness and enthusiastic excitement we were on
our way! One flight, tube ride and short walk later we had arrived
at the Youth Hostel and were shown our rooms where we left our
luggage and gathered what we needed for the day ahead. After
lunch in ‘The Tyburn Restaurant’ we boarded the tube and headed
for the Westminster Bridge, viewed County Hall, Westminster
Abbey and the London Eye. The atmosphere was electric.
At 2pm we had our tour of the Supreme Court - the highest
decision making body in the UK - located in Parliament Square.
Lord Kerr, a member of the court and who attended St Colman’s
College also met with us and provided a detailed insight into the
workings of the court. After this we walked to Trafalgar Square
via Whitehall and Downing Street, where we got a glimpse of
the famous No.10, residence of David Cameron, and where the
Cabinet Office is based. Mr Taggart told us of the Provisional IRA’s
bomb attack across the street that took place on 7th February
1991 when John Major was in power and where the cabinet at
the time where meeting to discuss the Gulf War.
As we all know Sacred Heart girls love their food and being in
London - well, that was no exception! Following our free time in
Covent Garden we were all starving and we quickly made up for
that in Pizza Hut. We all tucked into an all-you-can-eat and drink
buffet and reminisced, gushed on how wonderful London is and
psyched ourselves up for the entertainment that was to follow!
With full stomachs and bursting with excitement, we made
our way to the spectacular West End to watch a production of
‘The Lion King’. Not being a fan of musicals myself, I wasn’t
particularly enthused by the thought of ‘The Lion King’, but upon
arriving at the Lyceum I quickly became excited as I absorbed
the atmosphere and the show began, to much eager anticipation.
The curtain rose, the scene was set and by the time that famous
opening song had begun I was entranced. Everyone was taken
aback by the singing and dancing and colourful costumes, which
were so realistic you almost forgot you were watching people!
The whole show was phenomenal!
After a hectic first
day of rushing
through tube
stations and
flurries of ever-sohip Londoners, we
were all shattered
and ready for
bed! We made
our way from the
Lyceum Theatre to
the Youth Hostel
and quickly found
ourselves falling
asleep in our bunk
beds.
Waking at 5am
the next morning
was truly surrealwe were actually
in London!! Hair
and make-up done, we were ready to leave. Departing the
Hostel around 9, we headed for the Palace of Westminster via
Paddington Tube Station. After the excitement from the evening
before we had all but forgotten why we were on the trip in the
first place. We were quickly reminded as Westminster came into
view and the tour began. The building itself was a work of art
and of course, the artwork inside was equally breathtaking. Goldleafed, painted ceilings and majestic corridors lined with literature
and red carpets greeted us throughout, and the atmosphere of
politics and pin-striped politicians and civil servants engulfed us.
The building both inside and out was magnificent!
A tour guide took us through the building, showing us the House
of Commons, House of Lords and told us of the building’s history,
the monarchy and about the Queen when she visits Parliament.
We were told of the tradition of the knocking-on-the-door during
the Queen’s Speech, and the tour guide described how this door
had survived a fire in 1834.
By the time the tour ended our feet were ready to fall off! We
congregated in the Main Hall where we got to see various
ministers and the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, enter the
House of Commons for Prime Minister’s Questions. Following
lunch we met with Lord Bew in the House of Lords Committee
Room who kindly gave up an hour of his time to speak with us.
Perhaps the one thing we had all been looking forward to the most
was Oxford Street where we were given an hour to shop, shop,
shop! Grouped in threes we split up and availed of the opportunity
to visit Topshop, among others. I think we all underestimated the
sheer amount of walking involved!
At 8pm we left London Victoria on the Gatwick Express clad with
our luggage and shopping to begin our poignant journey home.
Arriving at Sacred Heart shortly after midnight, tired, foot-weary
and wishing we were in London again, our parents were waiting to
greet us. Overall, the trip was a phenomenal success-organised
to the last! We’d all like to thank and extend our appreciation to
both Mr Taggart and Sr. Julie for the sheer amount of work put into
the trip and how amazing they both made the whole experience
for us. It’s safe to say it’s one which none of us will ever forget!
Year 13 Politics
7
‘Pink Jersey Day’
On Friday 18th
May St Patrick’s
College, Maghera
hosted their annual
‘Pink Jersey Day’
at Watty Grahams
Glen Maghera.
Over 500 girls from 26
schools across Ulster came together for an U14 Development
Blitz. The nature of this blitz was non-competitive and focused
on ensuring girls who may not get regular Camogie had the
opportunity to take part in the games. Congratulations to
Shauna Morgan 10D who was presented with the much
sought after ‘pink jersey’ by founder of Colleges Camogie
Lily Spence and National Director of Camogie Development
Mary O’Connor.
Down win Minor ‘C’
All-Ireland
Congratulations to Orlagh Mc
Logan and Elizabeth Wilson
who were members of the Down
Camogie panel who defeated
Kerry in Naas with a 1-16 to 0-10
scoreline. A special mention to
Orlagh who kept Kerry goalless
on the day.
Congratulations to our 3
new Ulster Schools Track &
Field Champions
Lorna Fitzpatrick - Senior Girls winner
- 800m and 1500m
Aislinn Crossey - Intermediate Girls winner
- 800m
Lauren Hutchinson Junior Girls winner
- 800m
Well done to Emma Laverty (Yr 10) and
Eva Laverty (Yr 14) on finishing 3rd in their
respective races.
Dynamic Duo
All- Ireland Schools
Track and Field Senior
1500 metres champion,
Lorna Fitzpatrick
Year 8 Ulster
Colleges Quarter Final
Congratulations to the Yr 8 Camogie team on reaching
the Ulster Colleges Quarter Final. The team travelled to
Arboe Co. Tyrone to play in the Year 8 Ulster Camogie
blitz where they beat St Mary’s Clady, St Paul’s Bessbrook
and drew with St Mark’s Warrenpoint to book a place in the
Ulster Quarter Final. Scores came from Deirbhile Larkin,
Ciara Morgan, Eireann Tinnelly and Caoimhe Smyth. The
quarter final would eventually bring them up against strong
opposition from St Mary’s, Magherfelt. St Mary’s set the
pace which got them into a strong position before half time.
Sacred Heart fought hard and showed great character but
St. Mary’s came out victorious winners demonstrating their
experience at Ulster College level. The girls battled hard
with good performances from Eireann Tinnelly and Caitlin
Smyth. Well done girls.
All- Ireland Schools
Track and Field
Intermediate 800 metres
second place,
Aislinn Crossey
Students who attended the Netball Coaching
Course are pictured with their coaches,
Elaine Rice and Caroline O Hanlon.
8
Sacred Heart Gaelic Football
Round Up
It was a successful season for Sacred Heart in both the Under
20 and Under 16 (B) competitions. Both teams qualified for
their respective Ulster semi-finals. Unfortunately the semi-finals
proved to be games too far for our girls.
Ulster Under 20 semi-finals Sacred Heart 2 - 8 St Mary’s
Magherfelt 3 - 10.
After victories over St Michael’s, Lurgan, St Genevieve’s, Belfast
and a loss to eventual champions St Louis, Carrickmacross, our
girls qualified for the semi-final in February against St Mary’s,
Magherafelt. Sacred Heart competed right up until the end but
was beaten by a well drilled Magherafelt side. However this is
a young team brimming with potential. Ellen McVerry, Aislinn
Gribben, Mary Martin, Aoife McCoy, Ashleigh Dinsmore, Moya
Feehan and Emma Walsh tried hard for Sacred Heart.
Ulster Under 16 Quarter Final: Sacred Heart 5-13
St Louis Carrickmacross 5-8
The Under 16 squad played in St Colman’s College against Under
16 championship favourites St Louis, Carrickmacross who fielded
a team with players fresh from winning the Under 20 title. Despite
a shaky start, our girls put in a tremendous performance and ran
out worthy winners, 5-13 to 5-8. Aoibheann McCoy, Raychel
McEvoy, Ciara Smyth, Aisling Magee, Orlagh McLogan, Moya
Feehan, Emily Martin and Olivia McAvoy put in a tremendous
performance.
Ulster Under 16 Semi Final Sacred Heart 6-11 Loreto Letterkenny
5-15
Some excellent forward play in the first half especially from
Eimear Downey, Moya Feehan, Olivia McAvoy, Mairead Watters
and Orlagh McLogan saw us take a 4-7 to 1-6 lead at half time.
Despite some excellent defending in the second half from Raychel
McEvoy, Ciara Smyth, Sharon Farrell, Aoibheann McCoy and
Sinead Watters, a strong Loreto side hit a ‘sucker punch’ last
minute goal to defeat the Ashgrove girls.
Year 8 Ulster Blitz
Sacred Heart took part in the annual Year 8 Ulster Schools’ blitz
at Cherryvale playing fields Belfast on Friday 8th June. Such was
the popularity of Ladies Football, we were able to field 3 teams
in this 10 a side tournament. The girls acquitted themselves very
well, just missing out on silverware.
And finally….
I would like to thank Mr McGovern (Principal) and Mr Gormley
(Head of PE) of Abbey CBS and Mr McKinney (Principal) and Mr
Murray (Head of PE) of St Colman’s College, for the use of their
facilities this term. I would also like to thank Mr Eamonn Devlin,
Mr Jude Quinn, Mr Denis Cotter, Miss Claire Daly, Mrs Siobhan
McCaffery, Mrs Patricia McClelland, Mrs Mary Friel and especially
Mr Maurice Rooney (coach), for their help and support.
A special thank you to our Year 14 players who will be leaving us
this year; Ellen McVerry, Aoife McCoy, Aislinn Gribben, Emma
Walsh, Orla McKay, Mary Martin and Ashleigh Dinsmore. Thanks
for your loyalty and dedication to the Sacred Heart cause and
indeed to all the outgoing Year 14 girls who wore the Sacred
Heart jersey.
Under 20 Panel:
Ellen McVerry, Aoife McCoy, Aislinn Gribben, Emma Walsh, Orla
McKay, Mary Martin, Ashleigh Dinsmore, Paula Carroll, Niamh
Donaghy, Claire O’Neill, Emma McElroy, Edel Goodman, Emily
Martin, Moya Feehan, Ciara Smyth, Caoimhe Fitzpatrick, Niamh
Carroll, Hannah McKevitt, Orlagh McLogan, Niamh Carroll,
Mairead Watters, Sinead Watters, Raychel McEvoy, Rachael
O’Hare, Eimear Downey, Olivia McAvoy, Aisling Magee.
Under 16 Panel:
Emily Martin, Moya Feehan, Ciara Smyth, Caoimhe Fitzpatrick,
Niamh Carroll, Hannah McKevitt, Orlagh McLogan, Niamh
Carroll, Niamh Turley, Ellen MCartan, Mairead Watters, Sinead
Watters, Raychel McEvoy, Rachael O’Hare, Eimear Downey,
Olivia McAvoy, Aisling Magee, Ellen McPolin, Aoibheann McCoy,
Ellen Fearon, Emer Trainor, Shona Fitzpatrick, Dearbhla Quinn,
Alexandra Shortall.
Year 8 Panel
Lauren Power, Aoibhin McKinney, Caoimhe O’Neill, Andrea
Reel, Nuala O’Neill, Orla Reel, Orlagh McShane, Niamh Reel,
Seana Mulholland, Emma Magee, Kayla Burns, Orla Crawley,
Frances Keenan, Orla Reel, Orlagh McShane, Lauryn Carroll,
Lauryn McKay, Beth Taggart, Emma Taheny, Ciara Morgan, Katie
Cunningham, Eimear Martin, Tara Phillips, Clodagh McGenity,
Niamh Whyte, Orla Hughes, Claire McMahon, Fianna McAloon,
Orlagh Burke, Gabrielle Feenan, Sophie Stuttard, Aimee
McGuinness, Eimear Heaney & Sian McQuillan.
Mr S Burke
Under 14 Gaelic Football
The school Under 14 team competed in the Ulster U14B League this year. The panel got together in early October for the first
time and trained most Tuesdays after school until early March. The first game was played on 31st January away to St Joseph’s,
Crossmaglen and achieved a one point win, 3-3 to 3-2, with the help of a last minute goal from Niamh McCullagh.
The second game was at home to Virginia College, Cavan, and goals won the day for the Cavan side, winning 9-7 to 3-7. The
final game was played on 12th March away to Our Lady’s, Castleblayney, on Oram Sarsfields pitch near Castleblayney. The
opposition was a bit stronger overall however Sacred Heart played to the end defeated on a 4-8 to 2-5 scoreline and Dearbhala
Quinn top scored with 1-3. The girls always gave a very good account of themselves throughout the campaign and have improved
upon their skills and experience for the future.
Panel: Aine Murray, Teresa King, Dearbhla Keenan, Katie Taheny, Niamh Cunningham, Ciara Cunningham, Piera Cafolla, Aine
Cassidy, Grace Ferris, Lydia Leary, Ciara Kelly, Shona Fitzpatrick, Ellen Hannaway, Kelly-Anne McCreesh, Lucy McAvoy, Emer
Scullion, Catherine Clarke, Bridin Thompson, Dearbhala Quinn, Katie O’Hare, Roisin Kelly, Alex Shortall, Ita McShane, Aislinng
Clarke, Orla Tiernan, Jayne Hearty, Annie Ryan, Niamh Loy, Niamh McCullagh, Aoife McCreesh.
Mr D Cotter
9
Sporting Success
The school golf team was able to participate
in the Darren Clarke School’s League again
this year, thanks to the organisation and
commitment of Miss Amy Gilsenan, a past pupil
who is currently on a gap year before going to
university.
Below two Year 10 golfers
recall their experiences to
date:
Being on the golf team this year
has been a brilliant experience.
I have made many new friends
both from school and outside
school; it has prepared me for
going into Year 11 as I know
more girls from other classes.
The competition this year has
been really good. It has allowed
me to try harder and sometimes
show off my skills. I feel I have
improved so much as I have
been able to learn from people I have played against and also
from a professional lesson that we received.
The lessons were extremely helpful as the Golf Professional
focused on what was important when playing golf.
We were incredibly lucky with the weather this year and there
wasn’t one day when we came in completely drenched. I have
loved every moment of being part of the golf team and I would
Juniors win NI title
A report by Mrs S McCaffery
Sacred Heart Junior A netball team finished a
busy netball session with three titles to their
credit. They are Newry and Mourne, SELB and
NI Junior champions.
Congratulations to Lauren Byrne, Lydia Leary, Helen
recommend it to anyone who loves to play golf.
Daisy McElherron
The Darren Clarke School Golf League was one of our best yet.
The number of people who turned up and were interested in
joining the school’s team was incredible and the people whom
we got to meet were great. Every year our school takes part in
this league however places were limited. We had opportunities
to play matches in Warrenpoint Golf Club, Mayobridge Golf
Club, St. Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, St.Colman’s College,
Newry, St. Patrick’s High School, Keady and Abbey Grammar
School Newry.
We really appreciated the opportunity to receive a lesson with
Professional Golfer, Dympna, who helped each one of us to
improve greatly. We also organised a “Putting Competition” in
the school foyer and all proceeds were donated to charity. I
have really enjoyed being part of the school golf team and I
would encourage everyone to try the sport.
Kelly Anne McAteer
Monaghan,
Ashling Fegan,
Katie Tahney,
Caoimhe
McParland,
Jennifer Heaney,
Grainne O’Neill,
Alanna Flynn
and team
captain Jade
Carr on their
tremendous
achievement this
year.
The Junior B team gave a great account of themselves in the
Newry and Mourne league clinching a memorable first-time
victory over St Paul’s, Bessbrook. This is a very strong panel
of dedicated junior players who are looking forward to making
the step-up into intermediate competition next season.
Representative netball honours also go to Olivia McAvoy,
Cassie Fitzpatrick and Jade Carr who were selected for the
RDS U15 development squad and special mention must go to
Helen Monaghan and Olivia McAvoy who have made it through
the very intense first selection process for U17 national squad.
Well done girls!
10
Sustain the flame
Sports Day on Friday 11th May embraced
the Olympic ideal of respect, friendship and
perseverance.
The new school council under the guidance of Lauren our Sports
Captain gave us a thought provoking assembly on what the
Olympic spirit really means and how we could incorporate it into
our sports day.
Each class group represented a country that will be participating
in London 2012. We warmed up with the year 8 raps, moved
onto a continuous steady pace run before lunch with the netball,
basketball, unihoc, rounders and fun events and finished in a
sprint with athletics and the inter continental competition in the
afternoon.
We had many fiercely competitive games and lots of outstanding
performances from many students. Games and races were won
and lost but always in a true sporting manner, none more so than
the staff v council obstacle race at the end. As usual the staff
easily defeated their student rivals!!
We congratulate all our students in years 8 -11 for making Sports
Day such an enjoyable experience and for their continued high
level of participation.
11
Geoscience
Careers Event
By Mrs C Hegarty
On Wednesday 7th March Sacred Heart
hosted a ‘Geoscience Careers Conference’
led by the Geological Survey of Northern
Ireland (GSNI), under the auspices of Dr.
Marie Cowan, a past pupil of Sacred Heart
and Chairperson of Earth Science Ireland.
The event was
attended by
Year 12, 13 and
14 Geography
Students from ten
local schools in the
Newry & Mourne
Area Learning
Community.
The students
listened to a wide
array of career
opportunities on
offer to young earth
science enthusiasts.
Dr Marie Cowan
said: “This is a
fantastic chance to engage with young people who are
motivated and excited by the science subjects. There is
a wealth of great career opportunities available and we
hope we’ve encouraged these pupils to explore them in
more detail. Who knows, amongst today’s audience we
may even have the next Brian Cox, Alice Roberts, or Iain
Stewart!”
Retiring...
The five retirees are pictured cutting the cake
to celebrate an “outstanding” year for Sacred
Heart.
12
Farewell Year 14
On Thursday 10th
May Year 14 students
and their parents
gathered together in
the School Assembly
Hall for their final
Thanksgiving Mass.
This was followed by
a farewell celebration in the dining hall before
embarking on their A-Level examinations.
‘The Little Prince’
Visit
Year 8
students
pictured at
their visit
to the Lyric
Theatre
to see the
production
of “The Little
Prince.”
Readathon
raises a total of
£1,381.25
The annual Readathon has taken place
amongst the junior students over the last few
weeks. There has been a great response
to this initiative and a staggering total of
£1,381.25 has been collected and will be
donated equally between the CLC Sargent
and the Roald Dahl Foundation, who between
them spend it primarily caring for children
from cancer or acquired brain injuiry.
This is a tremendous
amount of money
raised and we would
like to thank all those
students who took
part in this worthwhile
venture.
Mrs M. King
presents a cheque for
£1,381.25 to Ruth Hobson, the Northern Ireland Cancer
Fund for Children representative, proceeds from the recent
Readathon fundraising event organised by Mrs T. Fleming
and the English Department. Also pictured is class 8D who
raised the highest amount for the charity.
Recognition for an
Outstanding Volunteer
On 28th March Year 14 student Aisling
McManus was a guest of honour at a gala
dinner in the Everglades Hotel, Derry. The
dinner was to celebrate the Pramerica “Spirit
of the Community” awards.
Pictured is class 9C, winners of the Catherine
McCourt Cup. They raised £2431.55 in total from
various initiatives throughout the year!
Well done!
As part of their
fundraising
initiatives, 9C
bought a Mass Kit
from the Apostolic
Works in Dromore
costing £1000
On 22nd May Fr. Charlie Byrne, who travelled
to the Lodwar Diocese in Kenya along with
Bishop McAreavey and representatives from
our Diocese last year, came to school to say
a class Mass using the Mass kit and to bless
it.
Lodwar is twinned with the diocese of Dromore. The girls
sent the Mass kit out to Kalobeyei in the hope that its use will
enable the people of Lodwar to grow closer to God.
Aisling was presented with a silver medallion and a cheque
for her
designated
charity in
recognition
of the
contribution
she makes
to the
community
through her
volunteer
work.
13
Environmental
Youth Speak
competition
Annual
Soroptimists’
Public Speaking
Competition
As Kermit the Frog said…’It is Good to be
Green!’ Alex Shortall and Dearbhala Quinn
learned all about this when they participated
in the Environmental Youth Speak competition
in Newry Council Offices in March.
It has been a successful year for public
speaking in SHS. Bronach Rafferty and
Suzy Gilsenan participated in the annual
Soroptimists’ Public speaking competition.
They researched and prepared 5 minutes speeches on We
Waste! Their ideas and proposals were very inventive and
challenging!
Year 8 St Patrick’s
Centre Visit
Alex went on to represent this area in the final in
Newtownabbey in April. Congratulations to both girls.
They spoke on
tuition fees and
the challenges
of an aging
population!
Bronach went
on to the final
in Stormont in
February where
she addressed
a packed Great
Hall! She looked
very comfortable
behind
the
podium there….
watch
this
space!!!!
On 15th and 16th March, Year 8 students
travelled to the St Patrick’s Centre in
Downpatrick. Here they explored the life of St
Patrick the Patron Saint of Ireland.
The girls enjoyed an IMAX tour allowing them to follow in
the footsteps of Patrick. They also learned how to write with
quills in a Scriptorium Art workshop.
The day ended with a visit to St Patrick’s grave and a
guided tour of
the Down
Cathedral. It
was both an
informative
and valuable
day - a
great way to
celebrate St
Patrick’s Day!
14
A “Norman
Invasion” in Sacred
Heart!
By Mrs A Lannon
On Wednesday 23rd May Year 8 students
enjoyed a morning with some Norman visitors
from the Education Department of Armagh
city and district. The “Norman Lords” recalled
how they first arrived in Ireland and how they
so easily defeated the native Irish.
They demonstrated the use of the sword and battle axe and
explained the purpose of the impressive chain mail armour.
Students were
given the
opportunity
to dress up
as a Norman
Knight going
into battle!
The morning
ended with
the students
participating
in a debate on
who should be
King.
Giving you the choice
to use your voice!
This term we held elections for Year
Representatives for the newly developed Student
Forum. The members of the Student Forum have
been elected by their Year group to work with the
Student Council on school issues.
Tales of the
Unexpected!
Niall de Burca, one of Ireland’s finest
traditional storytellers treated students from
Yrs 9 and 10 with the enthralling stories which
were a wonderful mix of horror, intrigue and
traditional themes with a modern twist.
There was unanimous agreement among the students
that the ancient art of storytelling was a most enjoyable
experience. Niall recognised for the diversity of his stories
and an ability to reach all ages has performed and held
workshops in countries as diverse as Poland, Argentina,
Italy and the Netherlands.
He was raised in Galway, has spent many years living in New
Zealand and he says that his experiences as an emigrant
there have had a major influence on his work and performance
style.
He has a
wonderfully
easy style,
full of
energy and
enthusiam
which is
caught
readily
by his
audience.
Year 9: Éadaoinn Burns
Year 10: Melanie Gordon
Year 11: Elizabeth Casey
Year 12: Aine Rice
Year 13: Rachel McNally
Year 14: will continue to be represented by Senior Council
Any student who has a suggestion should make it to their year
representative or to their prefects who will liaise with the Student
Forum.
Each class nominated a student who then made an election
speech to the whole year group; this was followed by a ballot
for the student they wanted to represent them in the Student
Forum.
Each year group meets its own unique challenges in school
life, and it is hoped that this initiative will give all students an
opportunity to work together to find ways to improve their
experiences in school.
The student representatives in each year group (2012-2013) are
as follows:
Year 8: represented by senior prefects
15
Vocations
Awareness Week
Sacred Heart Grammar School celebrated
Vocations Awareness Week from April 23rd
- 29th. The celebration was an attempt to
heighten awareness of the meaning of the
word ‘Vocation’ and to spread the good news
that everybody has a vocation - a calling from
God to seek and find fullness of life through
discipleship - as a married, single person or a
religious.
The week began with Morning Assembly on the theme of
Vocations, given by the junior students for the junior students,
and was followed by a weeklong timetable of talks and
discussions from the following:
Displays
were
also mounted in
the foyer showcasing the fact
that
everyone
has a vocation
and that there
are myriad ways
through
which
people live out
their
vocations
according to their gifts and talents.
Overall Vocations Week was a time for reflection. It encouraged
everyone to take time to pray for vocations to religious life. It
also educated the young people about the importance of silent
prayer and it challenged us all to take time to pray about where
we are going. The young people were invited to talk to others
about where God might be leading them (i.e. reflect on their
own vocation) and above all to listen to God’s voice in their
hearts.
• Bishop John McAreavey & Sr. Carmel (O.C.D.)
• Sisters Fiona & Áine (R.S.M.)
• Father John Denver (S.M.A.) & Father Tumilty (O.P.)
• Father Thierry (O.S.B.) Sr. Karen (O.S.C.)
• Sisters Attracta & Geraldine (O. S. C.)
The various speakers and representatives from the different
Orders shared with the students the specific vocations of
consecrated (religious) life and ordained ministry with their
distinct characters and gifts for ministry within the church.
They invited questions from the students and offered an insight
into their own vocations.
Bishop Mc Areavey & Sr Carmel (O.C.D.)
Sisters. Maureen & Treasa pictured with Sisters Áine &
Fiona (R.S.M.) Sisters Attracta, Karen & Treasa (O.S.C.)
pictured with Sisters Geraldine & Elizabeth.
Run4Unity
Year 8 students participated in the Run4unity
2012 which took place in Sacred Heart School
on 11th May. The students were reflecting
this year’s Eucharistic Congress theme,” In
communion with Christ and others.” The run
raised £353 to help
our sister school
in San Salvador.
Éadaoinn Burns, Aine
Fitzpatrick, Keala Troy
and Lauryn Mc Kay
are pictured with Mrs
M. McShane.
16
No Time to Waste
By Miss E McShane
On 21st March Gemma Mc Court, Fundraising
Officer for Trócaire, gave a very inspiring talk
to Year 10 students about her role in helping to
bring about lasting change in some of the world’s
poorest places.
Students had the opportunity to develop their knowledge and
understanding
of
the work of Trócaire
across the world.
We
presented
Gemma
with
a
cheque for £771.50
raised by students
who participated in
this year’s Trócaire
24 Hour Fast.
‘Get Rich or Die
Trying’
Mini Company 2011/2012
more importantly, we learnt about the significance of teamwork
and the skills required to be successful.”
The Mini Company would like to thank Mrs Fleming for her help
and guidance throughout the year and we would also like to wish
the incoming Mini Company the best of luck for next year.
Eimear Maginn
Pictured are participants in ‘Sacred Heart’s Got Talent.’
This year’s “Get Rich or Die Trying” Mini Company
had a very prosperous year. During the first term
we sold school jerseys which were highly sought
after!
Other opportunities included handmade Christmas chocolates
and bracelets made from buttons.
One of the highlights of our year was undoubtedly “Sacred Heart’s
got Talent.” The proceeds of the show were donated to the Bone
Cancer Research Trust.
To the delight of everyone the Mini Company was able to hand
back 100% dividends to our ever faithful shareholders.
“We were very lucky to have
the opportunity to be part of
the School’s Mini Company
as it gave us a valuable
experience for the future.
We were very motivated but
17
Une Journée
idéale
The French trip this year was amazing! It was
one of the best trips of our life and we have
never experienced anything like it before.
We set off on Wednesday morning at 2:45am with a group of 88
students and 9 teachers. During the trip we saw many famous
sites such as the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the
Eiffel Tower, the river Siene, Disneyland, the Louvre, Versailles,
Notre Dame, Sacré Coeur, Montmartre and Stade de France.
Everyone had great fun and one of the highlights of the trip was
Mrs Dorins’ rendition of “Mama Mia”.
Many new friendships were made during those few days.
It really was a trip of a lifetime!
Aine Cassidy & Rhea Casey 10B
My French Exchange Experience
Recently I took part in the French Exchange programme between Sacred Heart and Lycée Privé
Jean XXIII in Reims. It was a wonderful experience which I will never forget. I had previously
visited Paris and had seen the famous monuments of the capital but this trip would allow me to
discover everyday life in France at first hand.
When our pen pals visited Ireland, it was very nerve racking as it was our first time meeting them face-to-face. However, these
feelings soon disappeared as we participated in many activities
including a Gaelic Football match.
During our stay in Reims, we visited many places of interest.
One was a biscuit factory which Reims is famous for. We were
able to see how the biscuits were made but more importantly, we
had the opportunity to taste them. We also visited the Dragons
Den which was about the First World War. On a lighter note a
whole day was dedicated to shopping in Troyes, a little town
outside Reims. It was a very beautiful quaint town.
I really enjoyed my time spent in Reims and would love to return
to it some day to discover more of its charms.
Clare Monaghan Year 13
18
Intermediate
Maths Challenge
BP Trading
Challenge
Roadshow
A report by Mrs M King
By Mrs M King
On Thursday 10th May an energetic team of
BP presenters called Hayley, Kate and Jamie
arrived at the Sacred Heart to deliver a trading
challenge roadshow to our Year 10 students.
The
BP Trading
Challenge is a oneday roadshow for 1419 year-old students.
The
Roadshow
offers students the
opportunity to put
applied mathematical
and enterprise skills
into action through
an exciting simulation
of real-life trading.
Students worked together in teams, competing against each
other to trade oil and make a profit, demonstrating skills and
values that can contribute towards success in business.
A fun day was had by everyone.
On Thursday 2nd February all Year 12 students
took part in the annual Intermediate Maths
Challenge.
The intermediate Maths Challenge, run by the UK Mathematics
Trust, is the single biggest academic competition in the
country, with over 100,000 pupils competing.
The challenge involves answering 25 multiple choice
questions in one hour and is sat in school under normal
examination conditions.
Only the top 40% of students nationally receive a gold, silver
or bronze certificate
Nineteen certificates were awarded, as follows:
GOLD:
Niamh O’Hare
SILVER:
Holly Burns,
Hannah
Patterson,
Nicola
Melarkey,
Victoria
Morrison
BRONZE:
Aimee
Keenan,
Eimear Doran,
Ciara McKevitt,
Roisin Watters, Stephanie Irvine , Danielle Rafferty ,
Moya Feehan, Maire Mulholland , Mairi-Claire Power,
Natasha O’Reilly, Siofra Daly, Aisling Clarke, Dara
O’Connor, Lacey O’Reilly
Congratulations to all of the girls who have received
certificates and well done to all who took part.
Special congratulations to Niamh O’Hare who also received
the ‘Best in School’ certificate. Well done.
19
Outstanding Young
Musicians
Sacred Heart Grammar School Junior Choir won the
Sacred Heart Past Pupils’ Union Cup for Girls’ Choir under
16.
A Musical Evening
On 19th April the
Music Department
presented a musical
evening in school
which featured
the Senior Choir,
Junior Choir, Senior
Orchestra and Junior
Orchestra plus
chamber ensembles
and soloists.
The proceeds (over £2500)
will be presented to the former
principal of Sacred Heart, Sr
Mark Hollywood, to support the work of the Sisters of St
Clare in Central America.
The Senior Orchestra won the Newry Musical and
Orchestral Society Trophy.
The Jazz Band took
first place in the
class for Secondary
School ensembles.
In February the
school’s Irish Traditional Group (under the direction
of former pupil Rosie Ferguson) won 2nd prize in their
competition at Warrenpoint Feis. They also took part in
Newry Feis winning the Kevin Devlin Cup and the Murphy
Cup.
Cahal Masterson
In March local pianist Cahal Masterson
came to Sacred Heart to perform a recital
of music for music students and all other
interested piano students.
Cahal is currently a second
year piano student at the Royal
Irish Academy of Music, Dublin.
The recital formed part of his
preparation for the second round
of the Isidor Bajic Memorial
Piano Competition held in Novi
Sad outside Belgrade, Serbia.
Music News...
Year 14 student Emily Goss took part in a violin masterclass
with Tamas Kocsis, leader of the Ulster Orchestra.
20
Emily Goss, Bronach Rafferty, Emma Masterson and Sarah
Castelli have gained places in this year’s Ulster Youth
Orchestra. A residential course in the summer will be followed
by an appearance at the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall.
Sacred Heart
Grammar School
Medical Physics
School Trip
On Saturday 21st April 2012, the AS Physics
class along with Mr McEvoy visited Craigavon
Area Hospital. Here we were met by Dr Rice, a
radiologist.
Dr. Rice kindly agreed to give us a tour of the medical radiology
equipment which is a required component of our AS2 Physics
syllabus. Prior to this trip we learnt how physics has a vital
role in a medical environment through the use of imaging and
diagnostic equipment. When we arrived we were first shown
the X-Ray department where Dr Rice talked us through the
scanning process and safety measures associated with this
equipment.
We then proceeded to view an ultrasound where we were
able to see real time images of the neck in a demonstration of
ultrasound, where Dr Rice used Mr McEvoy as his “volunteer
patient”. Dr Rice then showed us a C.A.T (computed axial
tomography) scan and the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
equipment where he explained their diverse uses in day-to-day
medicine.
The visit was beneficial as it gave us an opportunity to ask
questions, view sample images and get an hands on approach
of this element of our AS Physics course. As a class we would
like to thank Mc McEvoy for organising this trip and a special
thanks to Dr Rice who gave up his time. As a result of this
trip the whole class gained a comprehensive understanding
of the relevance of physics in medical equipment along with
its advantages and disadvantages, which will hopefully be of
benefit when it comes to our exam in June!
Photo: Dr Rice & the Year 13 Physics Students ACT scanner
ACT image of the colon: No need for invasive
procedures!!!
Salters’ Festival
of Chemistry
‘Pictured are Sarah Sands, Maebh McMahon,
Maria McGauley and Lauren O’Hare, four Year
9 students who participated in the Salters’
Festival of Chemistry at Queen’s University,
Belfast on Wednesday 30th May 2012. They
were accompanied by their teacher, Dr S
Nelson.’
Best
Wishes...
Best wishes to Miss Amy
Gilsenan who has worked as
a Science Technician during
the past year. Mrs Mary Friel
presents Amy with a token of
appreciation on behalf of our
school community.
A presentation was made
to Mrs Rita Heaney who
is retiring after 25 years of
service to Sacred Heart by
School Principal, Sr. Julie
McGoldrick on behalf of
our school community at a
celebration lunch.
21
Sacred Heart
Success at
Sentinus Young
Innovators 2012
BBC Experience
Year 14 Drama & Theatre Studies students
attended a BBC Experience Roadshow in
Newry Library on 24th April 2012. The students
got hands-on experience of live broadcasting
and had the opportunity to read the news and
perform a radio play!
Design and Technology
students from Sacred
Heart displayed their
GCSE Level Engineering
and Product Design projects to the judges at
the prestigious Sentinus Young Innovators
competition. The event, held on Tuesday
19th June, in the Odyssey Arena Belfast, is
one of the largest showcases of its kind in
the United Kingdom and provides students
with an opportunity to present their design
solutions and manufacturing skills to teams
of expert judges and their peers.
Staff and students at Sacred Heart were delighted to learn
that;
Molly Mc Avoy was presented with the NI Young
Engineers Intermediate Award. She received
a trophy, certificate and prize of £100 for her
Calculator product.
In achieving this award in Northern Ireland Molly will
automatically progress to the UK finals of the National
Science and Engineering Competition ‘The Big Bang’ to
be held in March 2013 in London.
Molly’s prototype is designed for toddlers to use as a simple
calculator in the shape of a cat.
Spells Good!
By Mrs R McCreesh
Congratulations to all the Year 8 students
who took part in the Spellathon.
The Spellathon comprises 10 tricky words that the Year 8
students meet in each of their subject areas. It is impressive
to see so many girls achieve full marks. The students have
an opportunity to improve on their own personal score again
during the Summer tests.
Well done to: Shannon Matthews, Ciara Smyth, Eva
McEvoy, Caoimhe Smyth, Kayla Burns, Meabh
Macnamara, Emma Magee, Meabh Hegarty, Lucy-Jane
Higgins, Niamh Owens and Cliodhna Roe.
Special congratulations to 8B who won the overall
prize for the highest average score - a very impressive
44!
22
NEWRY FEIS 2012
Newry Feis continues to be an important part
of the school calendar. Students from Years
8 - 10 represented the school in Recitation
Competitions, Year 9 students entered for the
Choral Speaking Competition and Junior OneAct Play while Year 12 GCSE Drama students
competed in the Drama Section.
Congratulations go to everyone who took part; students from
the school won medals, certificates and cups but every single
girl played her part in representing Sacred Heart, whether they
took home an award or not. Winning is not the most important
thing and we are reminded of the motto of Newry Feis which
places emphasis on competitors “pacing each other on the
road to perfection”.
On Wednesday 2nd May Sr Treasa’s 9C class performed an
Theatre Visits & Drama Workshops
On Wednesday 15th February 2012 a group
of Year 13 Drama & Theatre Studies students
went to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast to see a
production of Chekov’s “Uncle Vanya” starring
Conleth Hill.
imaginative
and
action-packed
version of the one-act
play “Over The Wall .
Every single girl in the
class was on stage
and impressed both
the audience and
adjudicator with their
energy, focus, team
work and outstanding
performances.
It was no surprise that the play won the Kevin Neary Cup for
Best Junior Play. Miss Finn’s Year 12 class continued the
high standard of performance set by the Year 9 girls with a
complete contrast in style and mood! They performed the
poignant and hard-hitting “Hard To Swallow” which explores
the devastating impact that anorexia can have on a family. The
audience was left moved and stunned at the final curtain and a
powerful message was communicated with such skill by these
accomplished performers.The play was awarded the Declan
Bell Cup for Best Senior Play and Year 12 student Lauren
Fullerton won the May McHenry Shield for Best Actress.
On Friday 4th May, Mrs Turley’s Year 9 class recited “The
Tarantella” and “The David Jazz” in the Choral Speaking
Competition. While they were the only ones entered for the
competition a certain standard must be achieved before a
prize can be awarded at the Feis; the adjudicator unreservedly
awarded the group 1st place for their energetic ensemble
performance and was full of praise for the concentration and
enthusiasm of the group.
Congratulations to all the competitors who took part!
and squeaky toys. Gothic horror…Exquisitely dark…Wickedly
comic!”. Students and staff did not know what to expect but
we were treated to an exhilarating, outstanding and hilarious
evening of theatre; this was a truly unforgettable performance.
We were also very fortunate to host a practical performance
workshop in the school the next day, presented by Zoe Seaton,
director of the play. The workshop was both valuable and
enjoyable; Zoe was impressed with the level of participation by
our Year 13 drama students and it was an excellent opportunity
for them to work with one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting
and accomplished professional directors.
Cultural Envoys Project
It was an innovative and beautifully designed production that
inspired the drama students. It is always nice to have an
evening at the Lyric Theatre and this was no exception.
On Monday 20th February, Year 12 and 13 drama students
attended a very unusual and entertaining production in the
Sean Hollywood Arts centre, Newry: “Melmoth the Wanderer”
is a colourful, condensed and quirky show based on the first
ever horror novel, adapted by the hugely popular Big Telly
Theatre Company and scripted by Nicola McCartney. The play
was described as “comic surrealism meets shock horror… a
random playground of the bizarre inspired by Saw, Psycho,
Tim Burton and Fawlty Towers using projection, animation
As a follow up to this theatre visit and workshop, Big Telly
Theatre Company invited us to be a part of their Cultural Envoys
Project. This involved the Year 13 drama students working
with older people, some of whom are immobile and unable to
attend the theatre. The students participated in a workshop with
Judith Pillow from Big Telly and then visited a local Residential
Home to present extracts and talk about the play with the
residents. The feedback from the girls was excellent and we
know that the residents in the home enjoyed their visit and
have extended a warm welcome to us to return soon. The girls
finished off their visit
to Rockfield Nursing
Home by performing
extracts from their
recent
production
of Willy Russell’s
“Blood Brothers”.
23
Trip to
Stratford
Upon Avon 2012
We all managed to sit upstairs on the open-top tour bus in
the sunshine, despite the fact that it was a freezing cold day!
Everyone was well wrapped up and prepared for any weather
but we were not prepared for the eventful journey home when
our flight from Birmingham airport was cancelled due to a
blizzard.
We certainly had an adventurous extra night! Thankfully we
had booked with Flybe and they looked after us extremely well
- providing food vouchers and paying for all 23 of us to stay
over night in a hotel!
The trip to Stratford has developed into an
annual event and this year the A level Drama
and Theatre Studies classes attended a
production of “The Taming of the Shrew” at the
newly refurbished Royal Shakespeare Theatre
on 3rd February 2012.
Thanks to the girls for their excellent behaviour and participation
during the trip, especially when we had our unplanned extra
night!
After the performance the girls waited at the stage door in the
hope of meeting the actors. They were fortunate to meet the
lead actors David Caves (Petruchio) and Lisa Dillon (Kate) and
discussed the performance with them.
They were both in exceptionally good form and enjoyed the
trip - spot them peeping round the tree at Anne Hathaway’s
cottage!
There were the usual highlights during the 3 day trip: the
backstage tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, exploring
Shakespeare’s Birthplace, visiting Anne Hathaway’s cottage
and Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.
24
Your spirit, endurance and sense of humour were a credit to
you and made it so much easier for the staff to cope with the
delay at the airport! Thanks also to Miss Molly Finn and Mrs
Teresa Carragher for their help and support on the trip.
Brenda Rankin-Sands