School news Arklow CBS, October 2024
Welcome to the October edition of our School News Report! Arklow CBS has been brimming with and activity this month. From our vibrant Open Night to marking remarkable academic achievements, sports victories, and a variety of events and celebrations, October has truly been a month to remember. In this report, we’ll highlight some of the standout moments from the past few weeks, showcasing the incredible energy and accomplishments of our school community.
Wishing all our students, parents and staff a safe, well-deserved mid- term break and to thank you all for your continued cooperation and support. Mar a deir an seanfhocal ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile . We are looking forward to welcoming everybody back to school on November 4th. Happy Halloween everyone!
Dates for your diary in November:
- Wednesday, 6 November·19:00 – 20:00 - CAO - 6th Year Parent Information evening 2024
- Friday, 8 November - Enrolment 2025/26 - Closing date for applications
- Thursday, 14 November - Teacher Inservice : No classes for students
- Tuesday, 19 November·16:00 – 18:30 - 6th Yr P/T Meeting
- Wednesday, 27 November·16:00 – 18:30 - 3rd P/T Meeting
Open Night 2024
Arklow CBS Welcomes Future Students at Open Night 2024
On October 17th, Arklow CBS opened its doors to an enthusiastic crowd of prospective students and their families for its highly anticipated annual Open Night. The event offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the school showcased the different departments and the extensive range of academic and extracurricular opportunities that our school has to offer to those considering joining next year.
The staff and current students were delighted to meet so many families, eager to provide a glimpse of what life at Arklow CBS has to offer. The evening featured tours of the school, giving visitors a firsthand look at the classrooms, science labs, woodwork room, music room, art room and technology facilities. The school’s sports amenities and extracurricular opportunities were also highlighted, demonstrating the well-rounded education available to students here in Arklow CBS.
An artist’s impression of the new school building was also on display, giving attendees an exciting preview of future developments that will enhance the learning environment.
School Principal Mr. Somers addressed the visitors, expressing pride in the school’s academic and sporting achievements, and commitment to personal development.
In addition to the tours and the principal’s address, attendees were treated to presentations by members of management and our Head Boy Eoghan Ward. Student ambassadors were on hand to answer questions, sharing their personal experiences at the school. All students received a prospectus, a cookie voucher and participated in a treasure hunt around the school
The Open Night served as an excellent opportunity for families to get a feel for the school’s environment and values. Many left feelings confident in the choice of Arklow CBS as the next step in their son’s educational journey.
Arklow CBS looks forward to welcoming a new generation of students in September. Our Open Night is a huge team effort and a big thanks to all our staff, students and parents who helped on the night and indeed on the run up to the night.
Enrolment and further info can be found on our school website.
Junior Certificate Results
Congratulations to all our students on their outstanding Junior Cert results! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of each one of you. This achievement marks an important milestone in your academic journey, and we look forward to seeing even greater success in the future. Keep up the fantastic work!
October Assessments
Well done to our 3rd Years and 6th Years who have completed their October assessments this week. The results will be available to parents via VSWare in early November.
Head boy and Vice head boys elected
James Keeley, Eoghan Ward & Joseph Riley
After a gruelling election campaign which saw the candidates tour the length and breadth of the school outlining their vision, we have a new head boy and vice-head boys.
Congratulations to Eoghan Ward (head boy), James Keeley and Joseph Riley (vice-head boys)!
We would also like to congratulate all seven candidates who were nominated by their peers and made inspirational speeches in front of staff members recently. It is sure to be just the beginning of their leadership journeys!
We wish the boys best of luck in their role for the year.
‘Leadership is not a position or a title. It is action and example!’
Academic Excellence Awards!
Certificates and lunch vouchers were awarded to students who received the top academic results in their Summer Exams recently.
Those students are:
5th Year Summer Exams: Andrew Nolan
2nd Year Summer Exams: George Clune
1st Year Summer Exams: Aleksandar Panic and Chris Zheng
Well done on this great achievement and keep up the good work!
Liaison students of the month
Well done to our Liaisons of the Month- Adam O Leary, Ryan Redmond and Jack Burke.
They were nominated by the first years for this award for the great job they have done for the month of September in looking after them and helping them settle in. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the first years- keep up the great work!
Start of year school mass
Arklow CBS held its annual Beginning of Year Mass in October, marking the start of a new academic year with a spirit of unity and reflection. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Martin for leading a beautiful and inspiring service. A special appreciation goes to the choir and musicians for their uplifting performances, which added to the solemnity of the occasion. We are also grateful to all who contributed to the ceremony, making it a meaningful and memorable event for the school community. Thank you to the Religion Dept for organising.
World Mental Health Day 2024
Arklow CBS marked World Mental Health Day with fun filled activities focused on well-being and relaxation. Senior students enjoyed a refreshing walk to the South Beach, while junior students took a scenic walk in Glenart. Upon their return, all students were treated to doughnuts. Lunchtime featured lively DJ tunes from Darragh Kennedy, adding to the positive atmosphere. To cap off the day, no homework was assigned, giving students some extra time to unwind and reflect on the importance of mental health. Thank you very much to Ms. Rooney for all the hard work put into making this a very special day.
This is a strict order for each and everyone to spend time this evening doing something you enjoy!
Thank you very much to Ms. Rooney for all the hard work put into making this a very special day.
#WorldMentalHealthDay #selflove #BeKind #dayslikethis
Senior Debating
Our Senior Debating Team had their first debate of the year on. They faced Galway Educate Together in their first round of the league stage, in the Concern debating competition.
Our Team consisted of ;
Aaron Byrne (Captain)
Jack Fleming McDermott
Shane Gregory
Ciaran Duggan
Aaron Reddin (Timekeeper)
John Byrne
The motion for this debate was :
“School strikes are the only effective way for young people to have a voice on Climate Change “
Arklow CBS was opposing this motion and did so very successfully.
This was a great debate, with a lot of interesting points brought up about the topic. We had 4 speakers with the captain speaking twice.
We are very confident about the result of this debate which will be announced in due course.
Thank you to Ms Carey for organising and preparing the lads for this and to Galway Educate Together for a competitive debate.Thank you to Aaron Byrne for reporting!
5th year bonding trip
As our 5th year students have taken different paths to arrive here; some via Transition Year, more via 3rd Year and others via different schools, team bonding was organised by Year ahead Ms Kinsella to build trust, ease communication and to boost the connection between them all.
As a result, 5th year students enjoyed an action packed time at Special Ops Adventures in Roundwood! Well done to the red team who were victors on the day!
‘We may all have come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now’ - Martin Luther King Jr.
Bin -It Workshop for 2nd Years
Our 2nd Years took part in a fun filled workshop facilitated by Bin It. The aim of Bin It is to educate and raise awareness of issues surrounding litter and correct litter disposal amongst students. Bin It! features an actor-led workshop which visits secondary schools across participating local authority areas. The workshop, which is aimed at first and second-year students, incorporates a theatre-in-education session which encourages students to dispose of gum litter, and litter more generally, in a responsible manner. Thanks to Ms. A. Kinsella for organising.
This interesting, interactive workshop will hopefully help to prevent littering and raise awareness amongst our students!
TY Work experience
Our TYs have just completed their first work experience. This invaluable opportunity has allowed our students to gain real-world insights, develop practical skills and build confidence in a professional setting. The experience has been a fantastic way for them to explore potential career paths and connect classroom learning with the workplace. A heartfelt thanks to all our local businesses in the town and beyond who welcomed our students. Your guidance and generosity is very much appreciated.
6th Year English Theatre Trip
Recently, our 6th-year students travelled to the Clasach Theatre in Dublin to experience the Gaiety Theatre's production of King Lear. The performance offered a captivating interpretation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, immersing the audience in the emotional turmoil and complex relationships of the characters. Following the show, the students participated in a workshop with the actors and the director, providing them with invaluable insights into the creative process behind the production. This outing not only enhanced their understanding of classic literature but also left them well-informed and equipped to tackle their Leaving Cert paper. The students returned inspired and eager to discuss the themes and performances they had witnessed, ensuring they were ready to engage with the material on a deeper level.
Gaeltacht trip
Bhí turas iontach ag ár ndaltaí ón chéad agus an dara bliain chuig Coláiste na Rinne, Co.Phort Láirge. Bhí an aimsir go maith agus bhí chuile dhuine i ndea-ghiúmar. Rinne na daltaí an iarracht maidir le labhairt na Gaeilge agus tháinig gach duine abhaile le níos mó Gaeilge agus cuimhní deasa. Mhol na cinnirí na leaids mar gheall ar a gcuid iompar agus iarrachtaí. Gabhaimid ár mbuíochas le Ms. E Kinsella, Ms. Cummins agus le Majella a bhí i éineacht leis na daltaí.
Our 1st and 2nd-year students enjoyed a wonderfully successful trip to the Gaeltacht at Coláiste na Rinne. With the weather on their side and spirits high, the students embraced the experience wholeheartedly. They made a fantastic effort to immerse themselves in the Irish language, returning home not only with improved language skills but also with cherished memories from their time away.
The college staff praised the students for their impeccable manners, exemplary behavior, and enthusiastic participation throughout the trip. As the saying goes, "Beatha an teanga í a labhairt"—the life of a language is in speaking it. A special thank you to Ms. E. Kinsella and Ms. Cummins for their support in making this trip a memorable and enriching experience for all involved!
Chess News
Some of our students recently participated in the Glenart Chess Tournament where our students got an opportunity to showcase their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Congratulations to our 3 teams for representing our school so well.
Team 1
Ben Zhou
Philip Michta
Edric Chong
Sylvester Bourke
Team 2
Conor Molloy
Seán Plowman
Sajeevi Muasinghe
Zach Connors
Team 3
Markuss Kazimirs
Philip Baduna
Charlie Lappin
New Kheereepaibool
Athletics News
Congratulations to all who participated in the Wicklow Invitational Athletics 1500m at Avondale Forest Park this October!
A special shoutout to Ben Moran for his impressive performance, securing 2nd place for First Year. Kudos also to Ruairi Cullen, Harry Killeen, and Oscar Dominik, who, along with Ben, earned team medals for their strong 2nd place finish.
Well done to all our athletes who showcased remarkable effort against tough competition, and a particular commendation to those representing Arklow CBS for the first time.
We’d also like to highlight Tommy Dillon for his representation of Second Year at the event.
If you’re interested in enhancing your skills in hurling, football, basketball, or any other sport, or if you want to improve your long-distance or speed training, we invite you to join Athletics Training every Thursday from 4-5 PM. Both beginners and experienced athletes are welcome. For more details, please see Mr. O'Gorman.
Gaelic Football Report by Kristian Dowling
A lovely Monday morning brought CCA to Pearse Park to face our junior footballers in the first game of the Wicklow Championship.
A slow start from our men put us behind after a couple of minutes but the boys bounced back with a goal from Mark Gleeson and a few lovely scores from Odhran Cullen.
We were on top for most of the first half with only one chance going close from CCA but a magnificent save touched onto the post by keeper Ryan Flanagan kept the CCA boys goalless. CCA did put the pressure back on and nicked a goal in the last couple of minutes of the first half to increase the tension.
HALFTIME SCORE: Arklow CBS 1-5 1-1 CCA
We came out in the second half looking to run away from CCA with the win, but that wasn’t the case as CCA kept coming close to another goal but some good defending from Aaron Parle Kinsella, Daniel O’Loughlin, Ryan Mellon and Ryan Flanagan stopped their attacks.
CCA kept on attacking and nicked a goal making the score 1-7 to 2-4 making the game level.
We pressed for a winner and our prayers were answered as Alex Whyte put a ball over the bar and in the dying seconds of the game super sub-James Mcbride hammered home to secure the win for Arklow CBS!
In a super game of football the junior footballers showed they are the team to be beaten in this Wicklow Championship.
FINAL SCORE: Arklow CBS 2-8 2-4 CC
Odhran Cullen 0-4
Mark Gleeson 1-1
Alex Whyte 0-2
James McBride 1-0
Lucas Reid 0-1
Junior Hurling Thank you to our TY students Kristian, Ruairí and Jack for the match report.
A lovely Thursday afternoon saw our Junior hurlers in action in Pearse Park against Meánscoil Gharman from Enniscorthy in the second game of the Leinster Championship.
We started slow conceding 1-1 early but the lads fought back to a level game thanks to a couple of beautiful scores from Lucas Reid but then Meánscoil Garman took control and put another goal over Eoin Byrne in the goal after a few good saves from Eoin.
Halftime score:
Arklow CBS 1-3 2-5 Meánscoil Gharman
The Arklow boys came flying out in the second half, scoring early. Goals from a sharp Senan Byrne and Stephen Byrne put us ahead. Meánscoil Gharman came back strong, scoring a goal and a couple points in response to the the two goals. They kept taking their scores as they led 3-10 to 3-4 in the final few minutes.
With a six point deficit the lads kept driving and Senan Byrne stepped up yet again for the second time smashing the ball into the Meánscoil Gharman net to claim his brace.
The lads fought all the way until the final whistle and showed that they can have the potential to go far. They just have to use this game as a learning curve for future games to come.FINAL SCORE:Arklow CBS 4-4 3-10 Meánscoil Gharman
Scorers: Senan Byrne: 2-1, Lucas Reid: 1-3, Stephen Byrne: 1-0
Senior Rugby Written by James Lawlor
Last week, our senior rugby team played a blitz in Tullow RFC. In the first game they played against New Ross C.B.S. They lost this game 19-12 but fought hard in the closing stages of the match to try and get back into the game after going down 19-0. Ultimately coming short in the end Tries from Josh Nugent and Eoghan Ward with 1/2 conversions for Comghan Powell.
In the second Match they played Selskar of Wexford. Arklow CBS won this game 46-17 a big win for the lads with tries from Eoghan Ward (3) Josh Nugent, Thomas Forde, Sean Martin & Ciaran Redmond. Comghan Powell made 4/6 Successful Conversions
Special mention to Captain Eoghan Ward for leading the team by example with great leadership. Due to the success in the second game the lads have qualified for a shield competition which we wish them the best of luck in the next round
Thanks to Mr.Heelan, Mr.Fennel, James and Mikey.
Written by James Lawlor
Golf
Some of our beginner golfers were out on the green recently as they took part in a local inter schools 10 hole competition at Arklow Golf Links. Well done to all who represented the school.
Golfing success for Ross Doyle Roche
Not only did Ross Doyle Roche represent Arklow CBS at the GUI Leinster Irish Post-Primary Schools competition in Bray Golf Club last week, but we went on to win it!
Ross had a great score of 44 points and will now go on to compete in the All-Ireland Finals next April 2025!
U15 Soccer
Thank you to our TY coaches Kristian Dowling, Kyal Byrne and Jack Killeen for their help and reporting
Our u15 soccer team were in action away to Wexford CBS in the first round of the Leinster Cup.
We started strong as an excellent ball by Will Travers found Alex O’ Brien who lobbed the keeper making it 0-1.
We seemed to switch off as the weather got worse and from our own mistakes, sloppy defending and some lethal finishing from Wexford CBS we were down 4-1 at half time.
We re-grouped at half time and came out flying in the second half and grabbed a goal from a soaring Conal Devereux who rose highest in the box to bring the game to 4-2. We were looking extra sharp and well on top in the second half, obviously the coaches ‘motivation had worked during their half time team talk!
Another 10 minutes passed and we were still in full control as the electric James McBride cracked the bar and Conal Devereux was quickest to react and slotted it into the top corner. 4-3.
We still put pressure on Wexford for the final few minutes of the game as Donagh McKerr, Seán Jaworski, Daniel O’Loughlin and Ryan Flanagan in the goal kept the Wexford attackers quiet in the second half.
We still attacked the Wexford box in the final few seconds hoping for a goal as Aleks Panic and James Mcbride provided by both wings of Hubert Wogralik and Jamie Walker came extremely close, but it just wouldn’t go in.
The u15s showed great fight and determination to fight back and the season looks promising for this team of young men.
FULLTIME:
Wexford CBS 4 Arklow CBS 3
Arklow CBS scorers:
Conal Devereux 2
Alex O’Brien 1
Basketball news Match reports by Ms. Merrigan
Arklow CBS had a good win against Gorey Educate Together. While the final score was 52 17, it doesn’t reflect the very keenly contested first two quarters where Gorey really put it up to the CBS boys. The first quarter was a serious battle with Arklow getting perhaps the better of the possession but the tough Gorey defence making it difficult to put the ball in the net. Gorey ET on the other hand made the most of every opportunity with the very talented Ivan Cuevas Garcia proving very tough to handle getting all six points in a quarter that finished 8 points to 6 in favour of the Arklow Boys. The CBS started to find their shooting form in the following quarters and started to pull away in what proved to be a good test for the Arklow CBS Boys.
U16 Team v Gorey Educate Together:
David Little, Zach Byrne, Cillian McDonald, Sean Lawlor, Cian Tunney, Eamonn Tiskevicius, Biggie Lethalke, Jamie Walker, Daniel Nolan, Ashoka Gunawardana, Wojciech Kowalczyk, Ryan Mellon Saul Kavanagh Keogh.
U16 Scorers v Gorey Educate Together
MVP: Cillian McDonald with 14 points, Biggie Lehalke 8, Sean Lawlor 6, Jamie Walker, Zach Byrne, Wojciech Kowalczyk and Ashoka Gunawardana with 4 each, and David Little and Cian Tunney with 2 each.
Basketball match report Arklow CBS V Glenart College
Arklow CBS u16 and u19 teams played Glenart College in a local derby and came out comprehensive victors in the u16 game, but did face a tougher challenge from a dogged Glenart u19 team, although they did seal a comfortable victory in the end. The games were a great opportunity to get lots of players valuable game time and work on their positioning and shooting. The wins also leave the U19 team as table toppers and the u16 team in a very healthy position in their pool pending the result of one final game against Gorey Educate together. Special mention to the range of scorers on the u19 team with a nearly every player getting their name on the score sheet and a testament to the work these boys are doing in training and in their own time at lunch and after school.
U16 Team v Glenart:
David Little, Zach Byrne, Cian Tunney, Eamonn Tiskevicius, Wojciech Kowalczyk, Ahoka Gunawardana, Sean Lawlor, Biggy Lethalke, Cillian McDonald, Jamie Walker, Daniel Nolan, Callum Nicholson, Saul Kavanagh Keogh
U16 Scorers v Glenart:
MVP: Cillian McDonald with 10 points, followed closely by Wojciech Kowalczyk and Ashoka Gunawardana with 9 each, Jamie Walker 8, Sean Lawlor 3, and Eamonn Tiskevicius and David Little with 2 points each.
U19 Team v Glenart:
Ruzzel Degolado, Ryan Morgan, Daniel O’Donovan, Shane Gregory, Jeddy Osujii, Daniel O’Donovan, Jeddy Osujii, Tom Kavanagh, Abraham Lamanga, Philip Michta, Sean Plowman, Kyle Chase, Leo McCallion, Josh Dodson Smith, Ben Zhou, Scott Hannon.
U19 Scorers v Glenart:
MVP – Jeddy Osujii with 9 points, Ryan Morgan 6, 4 points each to Ruzzel Degolado, Daniel O’Donovan, Shane Gregory, Sean Plowman, Kyle Chase, Tom Kavanagh with 3, and with 2 points each Abraham Lamaga, Philip Michta, Josh Dodson Smith, Ben Zhou and Scott Hannon.
Bin it workshop
Today, all 2nd Years attended a ‘Bin It’ workshop. 🗑️
This interesting, interactive workshop will hopefully help to prevent littering and raise awareness amongst our students!
#binit
Annual Mass
Today we celebrated a beautiful beginning of the year school mass with the theme of ‘New Beginnings’.
Many thanks to our celebrant Fr. Martin for the truly special ceremony and for his welcoming words. Well done to our music department for the beautiful music throughout and to all who participated during the cermony.
5th year bonding trip
As our 5th year students have taken different paths to arrive here; some via Transition Year, more via 3rd Year and others via different schools, team bonding was organised by Year ahead Ms Kinsella to build trust, ease communication and to boost the connection between them all.
As a result, 5th year students enjoyed an action packed time at Special Ops Adventures in Roundwood today! Well done to the red team who were victors on the day!
‘We may all have come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now’ - Martin Luther King Jr.
#teambonding
Thank you to our TY coaches Kristian Dowling, Kyal Byrne and Jack Killeen for their help and reporting