31 January 2020
Celebration of Mary Ward Week – report by Ms. L. Jordan
Last week, Loreto Wexford celebrated Mary Ward Week. To mark the event, we were delighted to welcome back our Deputy Principal for many years, Sr. Carmel Swords. Sr. Carmel spoke to all of the students in the school about life for Loreto students in Rumbek, South Sudan. Ms. Chris O’ Reilly and the Prefects’ Council presented Sr. Carmel with a cheque at the end of her presentation for Loreto, Rumbek. This money was raised by our students last year through various fundraising events such as bake sales and sponsored walks. Each student received a chocolate bar at the end of the presentation to mark the 435th birthday of Mary Ward.
The vision of Mary Ward was that girls all over the world would have access to education. Our students are helping to make that vision a reality through their fundraising work for the students of Loreto, Rumbek. A great day was had by all as we enjoyed seeing Sr. Carmel Swords visit us here at our new school in Pembroke Hill.
Academic Awards Ceremony 2019
The annual Academic Awards ceremony was held in the school on Monday, 16 December. This event is organised yearly by the Academic Council and is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our academically gifted students. We have many students who are talented in other areas such as sport, art, music, etc. and these students are duly given their recognition at our annual prize-giving ceremony in May. This event specifically celebrates students who have achieved outstanding academic results in examinations in the previous year.
Our Principal, Mr. Billy O’ Shea opened the evening by welcoming the students and their invited guests, teachers and members of the Academic Council who organise the ceremony. As chair of the Academic Council, Ms. Patricia Kinsella then introduced each member of the council and gave a brief explanation of the role and function of the Academic Council in the school. This council meets once a month and takes an overview of the education that we offer in our school, ensuring, for example, that we are catering for all students of all abilities, that we offer the best choices to students, reviewing results of state examinations and intervening with students in a pastoral way who may be having difficulties.
Ms. O’ Reilly followed by congratulating all award recipients and continued with a few inspiring and though-provoking words. Firstly, she reminded students to remember and be thankful to those who have helped them achieve their success, most notably their parents or guardians and their teachers. Secondly, she asked them to consider using the gifts they had been given for the greater good – to help those less fortunate than themselves, to give back to their local communities or to society.
We were very fortunate to also have present on the evening our newly elected President of the very first Loreto Wexford Past-Pupils Union, Cate Hartigan. Cate congratulated the students on their success and spoke with heartfelt words. The school was delighted to welcome Cate on her first representation for the Past-Pupils Union and we look forward to hearing more from her in the future.
The evening concluded with refreshments served in the GP area surrounded by the lights from the Christmas tree and beautiful Christmas garlands and decorations.
Finally, we offer huge congratulations to all our award recipients on their outstanding academic success and we wish them every success as they continue in their studies in the future.
A. For high performance in her 2nd year summer examinations – presented by Mr. Joe Cummins
Rachel Goff
Ella Kavanagh
Colette Mythen
Grace O’ Brien
Susie O’Gorman
Aisling Shipsey
B. For high performance in her 5th year summer examinations – presented by Ms. Linda Jordan
Níah Donnelly
Alison Doyle
Aobhín McGrath
Camille McGrath
Angel Maria Thomas
C. Junior Certificate Awards for Outstanding Achievement – presented by Mr. John McGinnity
Molly Benson Aoife Kelly
Kate Bone Isabelle Murray
Maeve Buckley Aoife O’ Connor
Clíodhna Creane Muireann O’ Gara
Chloe Fortune Catherine O’ Sullivan
Sinéad Hegarty Jessica Ruane
Ciara Kavanagh Mai Ling Tynan
D. Leaving Certificate Awards for Outstanding Achievement – presented by Sr. Helen O’ Riordan
Ayah Abubakar Emaan Khan
Grace Barry Tara Lambert
Molly Byrne Laura McDarby
Sadhbh Cullinane Ellie Mernagh
Catherine Devereux Eimear O’ Donnagáin
Aisling Gouldson Brona O’ Dowd
Ali Gunning Sinead Rafter
Anna Harpur Amy Richards
Eve Hession
Loreto Girls Take to the Country
The Wexford Schools Cross Country took place in Adamstown on 23 January 2020. Meet director was Wexford CBS teacher Ger Forde, himself a fine athlete. The one-field course was in excellent shape and the weather, while a bit misty, was fine.
From the very first race, the Minor Girls, there were some classy individual runs by Loreto girls. In that race Cara Kelly showed that all the hard training is starting to pay off with a fine silver medal-winning performance. She was followed by schoolmate, and one of Kilmore AC’s rising stars, Freya Thompson.
Flora Doran bagged another bronze for the school, this time in the Intermediate Girls race. Ahead of her she had international athlete, and cross country specialist, Claragh Kane (Presentation Wexford) taking the win and Elizabeth Gahan (Gorey CS) in second. With three other Loreto girls finishing in the top ten – Caoilfhionn Ní Mhualláin (7th), Emer Halpin (8th) and Kate O’Flaherty (9th) Loreto won team silver, just 7 points behind Presentation Wexford.
The school had no one in the Senior race. Róisín O’Reilly was in absentia as she, heading into a weekend of high level indoor racing, followed the advice of her coach and rested up. Loreto still managed to finish joint second overall with CBS Wexford just behind champions St Peter’s. This Thursday, the Loreto girls will be back in action at the South Leinster Championships in Carlow.
School News in Brief
- Best wishes to all 3rd and 6th year students who will be sitting their mock examinations in the coming fortnight.
- Today marks the end of Healthy Eating and Living Week in the school. Events have included workshops with a nutritionist and fitness instructors, healthy bake sale and an input on the valuable work of Pieta House. As a follow through, healthier options will be available in the vending machines on a trial basis for students in the month of February. All students will also be surveyed on the possibility of Oven Door introducing some potato/meat/veg dinners a couple of times a week. Sincere thanks are extended to Ms. L. Jordan and Mr. Buckley for their great work in spearheading the week’s activities.
