Rotary Leadership Success – report by Ms. Lorraine Kelly
We would like to congratulate Gia Simmons in 5th year for her participation and success in this year’s Rotary Leadership Competition. Rotary Leadership Ireland celebrates the leadership capacity of young people in Ireland.
Gia won the school round of the competition, which consisted of an interview with members of Wexford Rotary Leadership Club. Gia reports that she “was up against 9 other very worthy Loreto candidates” and we would like to congratulate the students who put themselves forward for this competition also.
Because Gia won the school round, she got through to the club round which represents the Wexford Branch of Rotary. There were 14 schools taking part. It also consisted of an interview, which was followed later in the day by a lunch where they announced the winner – who was Gia!
A week later Gia went on to compete in the Regional final where 3 out of the 21 National winners would be chosen. This stage took place in Clonmel and she was up against 7 other candidates. It also consisted of an interview, which was again followed by a lunch where the 3 winners were announced. Unfortunately, Gia did not win this round, which consisted of a trip to the Irish, British and European parliaments.
However, we are really proud of Gia for all her hard work in preparing herself for all three interviews. She was asked her opinion on lots of leadership and political issues including homelessness, terrorism and the effect of social media on young peoples’ self- worth. Noel Dempsey of Wexford Rotary Club commented that Gia represented herself, her family, her school and her county to a very high standard and that she should be extremely proud of herself.
Gia stated “I really enjoyed the whole experience of all stages of the competition. I have gained many valuable skills and learned a lot about myself as well. All the individuals that I have met have been so kind and welcoming, especially the organisers in Clonmel who made all 8 candidates feel very welcome. The members of the Wexford Rotary Club were so helpful at all stages of the competition and made it so enjoyable for me. I would recommend taking part in this brilliant experience to anyone”.
Hockey Update – by Ms. Loraine Copithorne
Both Senior A and 1st year A teams travelled to Kilkenny College on Wednesday, 13 December for league matches. The seniors came up against a very strong and skillful Kilkenny side. Ellen Lambert put in a stellar performance between the goals but Kilkenny’s clinical play proved too strong for us on this occasion. The girls will face the same opposition in mid January for the first round of their senior cup.
First year As lost to a narrow margin of 2-0, with two late goals coming in the second half. The girls braved torrential rain and biting cold and played very well, considering this was their first match playing together as a team, with a super performance from Lizzie Walsh in goal. Training will now pause for the festive period and recommence for all teams in the New Year with many matches on the agenda and the prospect of training and playing on our new Astro turf pitch.
First Year A Team
Lizzie Walsh (GK)
Sarah Taafe
Isabelle Lett
Imogen Deas
Aoife Cullen
Mia Walsh
Cerys Thompson
Ava Kearney
Helen Barry
Sophie Mahon
Naoise McManus
Faye Gilmore
Caoilfhionn Ni Nuallain
Sophie Lynch
Flora Doran
Sinéad Barron
Cora Hackett
Jane Sinnott
Senior A Team
Ellen Lambert (GK)
Chloe O’Connor (c)
Sally Shortle (c)
Ella O’Connor
Ciara O’Connor
Emma Byrne
Molly Byrne
Clodagh Walsh
Ellie Mernagh
Charlotte Breen
Anna O ‘Driscoll
Sarah McRedmond
Yvonne Buttle
Isabel O’ Connor
Clare Barrett
Orlagh Parle
New School Update
School will resume after the Christmas holiday in the existing building in Spawell Road.
We are very hopeful that the move to our new school will commence in the week beginning Monday, 15 January 2018. To this end, a letter to families will be issued beforehand with full details of the arrangements for the move.
On behalf of the Board of Management, I wish all members of the Loreto school community a very happy Christmas and every blessing for the New Year.
School will re-open on Monday, 8 January 2018.
Billy O’ Shea,
Principal.
