We are delighted to announce that Ms Edel Donlon will be taking up the role of Acting Deputy Principal from the end of November until the end of the academic year.

We would like to remind parents/guardians and students that school is closed on Thursday 9th November, as per school calendar, to facilitate Junior Cycle Training for teachers.

Please see some information below regarding upcoming events in Ballyroan library that may be of interest:

1. Ballyroan Library will be hosting a Comic Fest Event on Thursday 9th November at 6.30pm. Stephen Mooney and Declan Shalvey Declan Shalvey, two of the most prolific and successful Irish comic creators, will talk about their work and the world of comics! Free tickets are available to book on Eventbrite at the following link https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/comic-fest-stephen-mooney-and-declan-shalvey-in-conversation-tickets-745436289007?aff=oddtdtcreator. See attached poster.
2. Ballyroan Library will be hosting: Autism and Teens with Zara Doyle of AsIAm. This talk explores Autistic culture, minding mental health, self-care, and relationships. Details: Wednesday 8th November at 6.30pm. Booking on eventbrite.ie. See attached poster.

Please see the attached letter regarding booking slots for the 5th Year PTM (13th November). The deadline to secure appointments with your daughter's teachers is Wednesday 9am. After this time, the portal will be closed.

Many thanks.

This year the school will be taking part in the MS Readathon for the whole month of November. It is for a worthy cause and is a terrific way to boost your reading. All of the details are available on our website. Please see attached link https://ourladyslibrary.wordpress.com/

Welcome everybody back to yet another fabulous TY weekly report! As always, keep an eye on Google Classroom for any news and updates, and we hope everyone enjoys the well-deserved mid-term break!

Reading Week - Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.)

Everyone became D.E.A.R. readers during class this week as we celebrated the highly anticipated Reading Week! Students could participate in a wide variety of competitions and activities to celebrate Reading Week, including the book-themed baking competition (congratulations to all the winners and everyone who participated!). Today, each student dressed up under one of the five themes allocated to each house for reading week.

B House: Roald Dahl

C House: Harry Potter
L House: Disney Characters
M House: Pixar Characters
P House: Fairytale Characters 

Sciences

Rotations are once again in full swing. This week the TY Physics group were keeping things LIGHT making rainbows in the run up to mid-term break and Stand Up Awareness Week. 

Kenya Volunteers

The Kenya Volunteers are raising money to bring much-needed supplies to underprivileged children in Kenya. So far, they have hosted a lovely bake sale, which took place yesterday in St. Joseph's Hall, where there were lots of delicious treats and cakes to help raise money for this amazing cause! The Sixth Years also held a Halloween Raffle today at lunch in the GPA with some amazing prizes, including numerous luxurious hampers. Well done to all the students who won a prize! Thanks to everyone who has supported the volunteers in their efforts so far.

Guest Speaker

TYs were very lucky on Tuesday to have author, blogger, and podcaster Ciara Geraghty visit to give a talk. We learned of her career as an Irish author and the many ups and downs along the way, inspiring many of us to look at a career in writing in the future.

Sign Language

The very exciting and useful sign language course began this week! Students were lucky to begin learning sign language with their lovely instructor, Bernie, and participated in an enjoyable and educational first lesson before the mid-term break! TYs learned how to sign their names, ages, question words, and greetings, and also enjoyed finding out how to sign what they would dress up as for Halloween!

TY Reminders

Work Experience: Block 1 Form

A reminder that the VERY important TY Work Experience: Block 1 Form is due to be filled out today! You will not be able to edit the form after today. If this form is not completed on time, credits will be lost. 

TY Work Experience: Policy

Please see attached a copy of the TY Work Experience Policy. This is an important document and should be read by students and parent(s)/guardian(s). It includes important details relating to insurance that should be shared with employers. 

Camino de Santiago - Expression of Interest Form

There is a form currently available on the TY Google Classroom. This initial expression of interest for a trip to the Camino de Santiago does not guarantee a trip or a spot. This trip is approximately €1,200, and it will take place in Spain between the 1st - 8th of June 2024 (please note these dates are subject to change and are approximate). You can view the sample itinerary list on the TY Google Classroom.

What’s On Next Week

Midterm 

Next week, everyone will get their well-earned and much-needed break! School will resume as normal on Monday, 6th November. Happy Hallowe’en!

The CAT 4 Aptitude Test 

On Wednesday, 8th November, TY2 and TY3  have their CAT 4 Aptitude Test during Periods 2, 3 and 4. The CAT 4 Aptitude test assesses a student's ability to reason in key areas that support educational development and academic attainment. These results are very relevant in making college courses and career decisions. They are used to help aid students in making their subject choices for the big LC. Please look at your Careers Google Classroom for information on where to go.

‘In November, We Remember’

In the Church calendar, November marks the month of remembrance and prayer for deceased loved ones. Some activities and displays will help us remember our friends and families and look forward with hope.    

Stand Up Awareness Week

Stand Up Awareness Week will be The week we return from mid-term, November 6th-10th. It is a time for people in Ireland to take a stand against LGBTQIA+ bullying. This week, we will celebrate our school as a welcoming and kind environment to everyone.

School Closed - 9th November 

This is a reminder that on Thursday, 9th November (the week we return from Midterm!), school is closed due to Junior Cycle Teacher Training. 

Written by: Kate Smyth, Freya Lilly Eggen and Ciara Brereton (TY5)

• Basketball
• A busy week of fixtures for both of our league teams. On Wednesday our U16 and U19 teams welcomed Colaiste Pobailscoil to Our Lady's. The U16 team had a resounding victory by 50 points.Well done girls! Unfortunately, the U19 side were beaten by a strong Pobalscoil team. On Friday, both teams are in action again, this time away to Confey college. Good luck to all in these games and congratulations girls on a great start to the season from all involved.
• Hockey
• it was all action for our minor teams in OLS this week. The minor 2 team began the week strongly with a hard fought away draw in Mt Anville. Neither side could score in an end to end game in which both teams gave their all.
• On Tuesday our minor 1 side travelled to St Wolstans, where they quickly built a lead and remained in control throughout to finish up with an 8-0 win. The next day, the same side lined out against a more formidable opponent in Sutton Park. The girls performed excellently and kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive game, but unfortunately could not find the net, meaning the score finished at 0-0. Well done girls on a super start to the season!
• Next week sees us take a break from league matches as the school closes for mid term break. The minor, junior and senior sides will play inter school friendly matches on Thursday and Friday and on Saturday morning, the first years will play a blitz!
• Have a great mid term break and we will see you all when we are back!
• Have a super sporting weekend!