7 May 2021
National Irish Debating Competition – great success story
On 21 April, Eve Donohoe (3rd year student) won the Leinster final of Comórtas Óráide an Phiarsaigh.
Comórtas Óráide an Phiarsaigh is an Irish language national debating competition that is organised yearly by Gael Linn. The competition comprises of a series of rounds in which hundreds of secondary school students from around the country compete for a place in the All-Ireland final. For each round, Eve was required to compose and deliver a debate ‘as Gaeilge’. Some of the titles of her debates included:
-“Tá na rudaí is luachmhaire sa saol seo in aisce” (The most valuable things in life are free.)
-“Táimid go maith in Éirinn ag pleanáil don todhchaí” (We are good in Ireland at planning for the future.)
The debate for the Leinster final of Comórtas Óráide an Phiarsaigh was the challenging motion “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”. (People live in the shadow of one another.)
The event, which was live-streamed on Gael Linn’s Facebook and YouTube pages, was a most challenging competition. Eve was honoured to win, especially considering the high standard of the other competitors. Subsequently, she will be competing in the All-Ireland Final later this month.
Eve would like to thank Mr. Cornejo, her amazing Irish teacher, and the Loreto school for their unwavering support throughout this competition.
Go n-éirí an t-ádh léi!
Covid-19 preventive measures – important letter from the Department of Education and Skills (DES)
The DES sent a letter to all school principals on 5 May highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in schools in relation to Covid-19 preventive measures during the summer term.
Key points in the letter are as follows:
- Schools can continue to hold end of year graduation ceremonies for sixth year students, however it will not be possible for schools to carry these out in the traditional format. It is important that schools continue to implement key infection prevention control measures to minimise the spread of COVID-19. Schools must make every effort to avoid organising events that could lead to the unnecessary congregation of students or family members.
- In respect of TY, the Department has advised of the importance of the opportunity for strengthening peer relationships and connections. Bonding activities are an important part of the TY programme, provided they adhere to health and social distancing guidelines. In this context, outdoor activities merit consideration, within the guidelines.
- Following discussions with the education partners it was agreed as part of the Accredited Grades process, that post-primary schools would close on 28 May this year rather than 4 June in order to complete the work required on Accredited Grades.
- It is of the utmost importance that schools should note in respect of sustaining public health measures in schools until the end of the year, that in the Leaving Certificate examinations, candidates will not be allowed to present for their examinations if they been diagnosed with COVID-19; have any symptoms of COVID-19; are a close contact of a confirmed case; or develop these symptoms at any stage over the course of the examinations; are self-isolating, have been advised to self-isolate, or to restrict their movements
- The importance and impact of public health measures within schools to prevent the onward spread of COVID-19 infection has been repeatedly shown in schools with low positivity amongst close contacts. It is really important that these measures continue to be implemented, and that families are encouraged to support schools in keeping COVID-19 out of schools, by ensuring they follow national public health guidance, and staying away if anyone has and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
- Public Health Specialists Dr Kevin Kelleher and Dr Abigail Collins, together with the Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU) have recorded a message for students on staying safe at this time, to protect themselves and their friends and to avoid disruption to school and examinations. It can be viewed here.
School News
- Booklists for 2021/2022 will be available on our website on and from Friday, 14 May along with details of the Free Books Scheme.
- The school calendar for 2021/2022 will be available on our website on and from Friday, 21 May. The calendar will be subject to ongoing revisions in accordance with prevailing public health guidelines.
- Despite all obstacles presented by Covid-19, Transition Year students have still managed to have a very busy and eventful year. Details of their many and varied activities are to be seen in the TY section of our website. We thank the co-ordinating teachers, other staff members and the girls themselves for being so creative and flexible in this most challenging year.
John Paul 2 Newsletter
Please click here for this week’s newsletter – another uplifting production by this great group of students.
