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Final Term
With our schools finally re-opened for all students for the first time in 2021, we wish every blessing on our school communities.
In years to come when we look back on 2020/2021 it will certainly be acknowledged as an extraordinary time in history when in the midst of the unknown and despite the many horrors, there are countless examples of heroism, compassion, goodness and evidence of the unaltering power of the human spirit.
Schools have demonstrated remarkable resilience and have risen to challenge after challenge with patience, fortitude and good humour and for this we thank our School Leaders, Staffs, Students, Parents and wider school community. This too will pass!
For this particular Newsletter, we include a News Roundup - a brief visit to each of our 107 CEIST schools and invite you to celebrate being part of the CEIST community. Ní neart go chur le chéile!
Save the Date!! CEIST Student Gathering 27 April 9.45am-10.45am
We look forward to being joined by Professor Luke O Neill who will offer his insights, share his wisdom and expertise and above all inspire hope! We look forward to coming together as students from our 107 CEIST schools!
Be Kind!
For the final term, as the rituals and routines of daily school life resume, we ask that you think positively and act generously to those around you.
YSI Virtual Speak Out 2021
From April 12th – 16th 2021 students from all over Ireland spoke out on the issues that matter most to them and highlighted their innovative ideas for change.
Thousands of students have taken part in Young Social Innovators, designing and co-creating solutions to social issues impacting people, communities and the environment. CEIST are delighted to see so many of our schools take part in YSI and commend, schools, teachers and students for their courage in challenging norms and behaviours which often hurt, often offend and always need to be challenged. Young Social Innovators aligns very closely with the CEIST Charter and our shared values and as such we very much honour all participation. The following CEIST school were involved in the recent Speak Out:-
- Coláiste An Chroí Naofa, Carraig na bhFear
- Coláiste Bríde, Clondalkin
- Coláiste Na Toirbhirte, Bandon
- Eureka Secondary School, Kells
- Méanscoil Muire gan Smal, Roscmmon
- Mercy College, Coolock
- Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk
- Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School, Drimnagh
- Presentation Secondary School, Wexford
- Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown
- Sacred Heart Secondary School, Tullamore
- Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty
- Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise
- Scoil Dara, Kilcock
- Scoil Mhuire, Carrick On Suir
- Scoil Mhuire, Trim
- St. Joseph's College, Lucan
- St. Joseph's Secondary School, Doon
- St. Joseph's Secondary School, Tulla
- St. Leo's College, Carlow
- St. Mary's Secondary School, Charleville
- St. Mary's Secondary School, Ballina
- St. Mary's Secondary School, Mallow
Concern Debates
Not 1 but 2!! Just so proud of our finalists in the Concern Debating Competition 2021 and best wishes to both teams.
Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally Limerick successfully qualified for their place in the Concern Debates Shield final when they overcame opponents St. Louis Secondary School Carrickmacross, debating the topic "To End Hunger the World must embrace GMO's".
No stranger to Concern Debating finals, Presentation De La Salle, Bagenalstown once again were successful in reaching the All-Ireland Concern Debate Cup Final when they defeated Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey, debating the motion "Multinational Corporations are cleaning up their act".
Earth Day 2021
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to highlight environmental issues across the planet and demonstrate support for environmental protection.
First held in the United States on April 22nd, 1970, it has since become the biggest secular observation day in the world, and an opportunity to highlight the issues and environmental challenges affecting our world.
On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, China, and some 120 other countries, Ireland included. This signing satisfied a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic climate protection treaty adopted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference the previous year.
In conjunction with Earth Day 2021 President Joe Biden will host a global climate summit, with earthday.org staging a broad range of events to highlight climate and environmental literacy, climate restoration technologies, reforestation efforts, regenerative agriculture, citizen science and clean ups that are taking place around the globe.
Irish Angus Competition
Congratulations & best wishes to TY students at Eureka Secondary School - Anna Curran, Cara Finnegan & Clara Muldoon, who have reached the National Finals of Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.
Also to the team from Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty who will participate virtually in their final round interview on Thursday 22 April.
This exciting competition, which is run with partners ABP Ireland and Kepak Group, challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project. The initiative aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus brand while educating students about the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.
Each group also benefits from the proceeds raised through the sale of the animals at the end of the competition. The overall winners also receive a bursary towards further education.
School Community Dog
St. Raphael's Secondary School in Loughrea has become only the second of two schools in the country to enjoy the benefits of its newest arrival - a School Therapy Dog - a labrador retriever named Teal.
The newest member of Rang Breandán received a warm welcome from the entire school community and is settling in very well. His brother Travis has also been placed in a school and featured on RTE News recently. The dogs joined both school communities as part of a 'Community Dog' pilot scheme from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind General Manager Tim O'Mahony said so far the feedback has been "very, very positive". "The dogs are having a huge impact," he added, confirming that because the dog is placed in a school setting, it helps multiple people and is of huge benefit.
Click here to download our April 2021 Newsletter and catch up on all that has been happening within our CEIST Community.