ETHOS Report – May 2016
Blue Day: On Friday, May 6th, Blue Day was held, organised by Ms. Woods and the fifth year religion teachers. The day sought to fundraise for Trócaire and to create awareness about its campaign which, this year, focuses on climate change. Many 1st, 2nd and 5th year students in the school became involved. Wearing blue clothing that day, the students either abstained from food or social media for 24 hours, or went on a sponsored silence. Money collected was returned to the Parish office and forwarded to Trócaire's head office.
6th Year graduation: The 6th years had their graduation mass in the Church of the Irish Martyrs in Ballycane on Thursday night, May 19th, 2016. It was organised by the 6th year RE teachers, Ms. Farrell, Ms. Irwin, Ms. O'Callaghan, Ms. M. Humphreys, Ms. Morrissey and Ms. O. Humphreys. Fr. Liam Morgan celebrated what was a wonderful mass, complete with music and song led by Mr. Lanigan. Teachers, students and parents commented afterwards on what a special occasion it was, complete with an opening ceremony of light, penitential rite, reading and reflection, prayers of the faithful and dressing of the altar. Engaging and warmly-welcomed speeches from Katie Dempsey, Roisin Sheridan, Ms. McCabe and Ms. Forde preceded a much-enjoyed slide-show, after which everyone gathered for photos and refreshments, which had been organised by the Parents Council.
TY graduation: On Thursday, May 26th, 147 transition Year students had their graduation ceremony in the sports hall. The evening began with a prayer service, organised by Ms. O'Callaghan, Ms. Woods, Ms. O'Shea, Ms. Morrissey and Ms. O. Humphreys. Again, Fr. Liam Morgan led everyone in prayer, with Ms. Elliott enhancing the liturgy with uplifting music and song.
Posters on the wall testified to a very busy year. Ms. Barton and Ms. Moloney then presented all students with their certificates and awards, having expressed their gratitude to management, teaching staff and parents, for all the support of what is a tremendous programme in St. Mary's. Given to the students, with their certs this year, were bangles with the motto, 'Pray, hope and don't worry'. These were organised by Ms. McCabe and blessed by Fr. Liam as the prayer service drew to a close.
Various sporting and academic awards were also presented by Mr. Langton, Ms. Walsh, Ms Fleming, Ms. McEntegart. Ms. Reidy. Ms. Doherty also spoke on behalf of the teachers and students from TY who had recently participated in the opening stages of this year's Cycle Against Suicide campaign, drawing attention to their slogan, 'It's ok not to feel ok and it's absolutely ok to ask for help'. Again, the Parents Council supplied refreshments afterwards.
Prayer room: Ms. Buckley decorated the prayer room in honour of Our Lady and many classes had their end-of-year prayer services there. Such services signal an important moment in the relationship built between RE teacher and class-groups. It is wonderful to have such a comfortable, spacious, quiet and atmospheric room in the school, within which students and teachers can enjoy good liturgy.