Ethos Report - April

Retreats:

The third years had their retreat, led by the Mir retreat team, in school on Wednesday, April 6th. Evaluations afterwards testified to a really energising and thought-provoking day, no misgivings or negativity emerged in the evaluations. Ms O'Callaghan organised the retreat.

2nd Year Retreat : The second years are going to Glendalough for their retreat. Fr. Liam will accompany half the girls and their religion teachers on Wednesday, April 27th and Thursday, May 5th. Ms Morrissey booked the visitor centre and Fr. Liam. She also organised worksheets for the students to complete and transport to and from the site. Ms. O. Humphreys organised the day's concluding prayer service.

Prayer room: Ms. Buckley is organising the prayer room for the month of May. This involves a particular focus on Our Lady. During the month, all religion teachers will bring their classes to the prayer room for services in honour of Our Lady.

Blue Day: On Friday, May 6th, a 'Blue Day' is being held. Organised by Ms. Woods and the other 5th year religion teachers, the day encourages students to fast, give up social media or go on a sponsored silence. Each task demands abstinence for 24 hours. Sponsorship is sought by the students for the work being done by Trocaire worldwide. Its focus this year is on climate change and the detrimental effects this is having on the poorest in society, particularly in the developing world.

Graduations: The 6th year graduation is taking place on May 19th in Ballycane Church. Preparations are well underway, as 6th year religion teachers met on Monday, April 8th, to assign roles and fulfil tasks. Fr. Liam will celebrate the mass and Mr. Lanigan will lead the students in song on the night.
The TY grad will take place in the school on Thurs., May 26th. Again, Fr. Liam will be present with us in a
prayer service before the awards and presentations on the night.

Leadership: Ms. Woods attended a student leadership conference just before Easter, taking four students with her, Chloe Mangan, Riona Devereux, Caitriona Flynn and Eva Murphy, all in sixth year. Chloe had an article printed in 'The Irish Catholic' in February. It outlined the importance of religious and liturgical events in the school year, and the sense of belonging and calm that such events can inspire.

Well-being week: As part of the activities organised for Well-being week, Ms. Curry led early morning meditation in the prayer room. The meditation was very well attended and warmly welcomed by the students.