1. Art and Diseño

Winter Edition January 2015
Telephone: 028 3026 4632 / Visit:www.shsnewry.com
SHS Newsletter
Dear Reader,
Content:
Regulars Page
Art & Design 17
Business Studies 04
Design & Technology
14
Drama 15
English 16
Geography20
Government & Politics 12
History 21
Home Economics
22
Languages18-19
Mathematics23
Religion 05
Science24
Sport08-10
Features
Careers Week 12
Charity13
Formal20
New Additions03
Prizegivings6-7
2
School Bank 03
SHS Open Night
17
Young Enterprise 04
Welcome to the winter edition of our School
Magazine. Time has flown since August,
when our senior students received their exam
results and our new Year 8s entered the gates
of Sacred Heart for the first time. This has
been a very busy first term with many joys
and successes throughout all departments in
our school. Extra-curricular activities are up
and running and many students have the
opportunity to avail of these.
Inside you will find that we have compiled a
vast collection of events, trips and memorable
occasions during the first term.
This would not be successful without whole
school support. Many thanks to all involved
in this latest production.
Mrs Catherine Kearney ~ Editor
& Magazine Committee
Moving on…
Congratulations and good wishes to Fr. John
Byrne who has been appointed Parish Priest to
Moyraverty and Seagoe Parishes.
We would like to thank Fr. John for his work as
School Chaplin.
Welcome...
A warm welcome is extended to Fr. Colum Murphy
who will act as our new School Chaplin. We hope
you enjoy your time with us.
Best Wishes…
Get well soon to Mrs Mary Crozier and Mrs
Sophie Kelly. Sending you warm thoughts and
best wishes for a speedy recovery and we look
forward to your return.
SHS Newsletter
BANK 2014-2015
Boomerang Bank is open every Thursday
between 12.45pm - 1.15pm in classroom H5.
BOOMERANG TEAM:
Manager: Kathryn McPolin
Assistant Manager: Tara Duffy
Financial Controller: Moyagh Gallagher
Sales & Marketing Executive: Emily Grant
Customer Service Representatives:
Aislinn Fegan & Catherine Magner
Our mission is to make Sacred Heart students responsible and
aware of the importance of managing their money efficiently
and sensibly. Boomerang Bank is a pioneering non-profit
banking organisation in Sacred Heart Grammar School which
provides a convenient medium for students to improve their
knowledge of saving facilities through an approachable and
student orientated banking service which reaches beyond the
boundaries of regular banks. We strive to cater to their needs
to the best of our ability, promising our priority will always
remain; the students.
To add an element of novelty and provide fun events for our
students we want to take advantage of as many seasonal
activities as possible. As a result we have organised so far two
events to take place during Christmas and Easter. On 16th of
December a movie day was organised for the junior school
by Boomerang Bank. To Boomerang Bank the retention of our
members is as important, if not more so than the recruitment.
Once a member of Boomerang Bank all of our customers will
receive five star services as our main objective is to hold strong
to our set mission statement...
Cash for
Clobber
Members of the Eco Committee are pictured with
their teachers Mrs Hegarty and Mrs Brennan
along with Mrs Quinn our School Housekeeper
proudly displaying the many cash for clobber
bags gathered and awaiting collection.
New Additions…
Congratulations to Mrs Patricia McClelland, her
husband Sean, big sister and brother, Laura
and Brendan on the birth of their baby daughter,
Lucy; to Natalie and Stephen on the birth of their
baby son, Jack. Let’s hope the sleepless nights
are few and far between!
Welcome Back…
To Sr. Karen Small, Sr. Marie O’Shea, Mrs Anne
Marie McKevitt, Mrs Maria McCourt and Mrs
Sharon Carragher. It is good to have you with us.
Love is in the air!
Warmest congratulations to Miss Carmel
Muckian on her recent engagement.
3
SHS Newsletter
John
McGrann Local
Entrepreneur
Young
Enterprise
Year 8 students attend “Your School Your
Business” seminar.
During Careers Awareness Week a local
entrepreneur, Mr John McGrann visited the
Business Studies department to talk to Year 13
and 14 students about enterprise.
With over 30 years’ experience in business, Mr McGrann
delivered an engaging and inspirational sixty minute session
on starting his own computer software business in Craigavon,
how he successfully managed expansion overseas and the
sale of his business for a seven figure sum.
A group of Year 9 students pictured enjoying the
activities at the “Moving On” seminar.
Mr McGrann gave students an excellent in-depth insight
into his motivations for becoming a business owner, what
entrepreneurial qualities are essential to succeed, the
importance of planning and managing cash flow, effective
recruitment and empathising with consumers.
Students were given an opportunity to ask questions and
were very appreciative to Mr McGrann for taking time out of
his business schedule to talk to them!
An update by Mr P Rafferty
A Fond Farewell…
Best wishes to Mrs Shiela McCamley who has
retired after eighteen years as cook in our school
canteen. We would like to thank you for your
invaluable contribution to school life and wish you
good health, happy memories and time to do the
things that make you happy.
All the best...
The school community would like to wish Dr.
Stephanie Grant all the best as she has been
offered the opportunity to act as the Royal Society
of Chemistry’s Education Co-ordinator in Ireland.
We hope you enjoy your secondment Stephanie.
4
Tree of Knowledge
Year 12 students recently participated in a Study
Skills Programme. The course involved teaching
students how to develop a positive attitude
towards life and learn how to deal with stress.
The students had great fun and participated fully in all the
activities.
SHS Religion
Legion of Mary Presentation
Year 8 students and their
Form teachers were
delighted to welcome back
to Sacred Heart Mrs Vera
Fegan who attended our Year
8 assembly on Thursday 23rd
October.
Mrs Fegan is always very welcome
and we are very privileged that
she decided to call in to share the
virtues of such a good cause with
our students. After her inspiring talk,
Vera distributed miraculous medals
and rosaries to each Year 8 student.
Pictured are the altar servers and
Liturgy Committee for 2014 - 2015.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at SHS!!...
5
SHS Newsletter
Internal Prizegiving in SHS
30th September was an important day in the Sacred Heart Grammar School calendar. It was the day when we
celebrated the great achievements of our many students.
It was a chance to congratulate every individual student, on her unique achievements bringing pride to staff and parents alike.
Awards were presented for full attendance, Key Stage 3 high achievers, GCSE language achievements, outstanding contribution
to sport and GCSE and AS art work. Quiz Club, Health Committee and Mini Company members were also recognized.
It was a great day of celebration and even though not everyone in the hall received an award everyone was surely a winner.
6
SHS Newsletter
GCSE Prizegiving
December 2014
A Level Prizegiving December 2014
7
SHS Sport
Sacred Heart Gaelic
Football Round Up
The ladies might not have completed the season as they wished
but this does not reflect the effort and commitment shown by the
girls. A special mention must go Emma McPolin and Olivia McEvoy
who now finish their playing time with the school. We wish them
every success in their future careers in the GAA. Beir bua!
It has been a very busy term for all involved in Gaelic Football at
Sacred Heart. At National level, our past and present students
have excelled on the big stage at county level. We have played
5 matches at Under 20 & Under 16 level. Our Under 20 squad
narrowly missed for the semi-final of the Ulster Championship and
our Under 16 squad has qualified for the semi-finals of the Under
16 Ulster championship.
Under 20 Panel: Emma McPolin (Captain), Olivia McEvoy,
Dearbhlá Keenan, Jayne Hearty, Lydia Leary, Grace Ferris,
Kathryn McPolin, Aine Murray, Katie Taheny, Shona Fitzpatrick,
Emer Scullion, Aoife McCarthy, Roisin Kelly, Leanne Fearon, Ellen
Hannaway, Niamh McDonald, Alex Shortall, Megan Hearty, Bridin
Thompson, Frances Keenan, Niamh Reel, Clare McMahon, Caitlin
Smyth, Ciara Morgan, Cristin Brown,
Ulster Champions!
Our past (& 1 present!) students contributed immensely to the
success of Armagh and Down ladies in their respective Ulster
Championships at the end of the summer. Armagh captain,
Caroline O’Hanlon, alongside Marian McGuiness & Aoife McCoy
powered Armagh to an Ulster Senior championship victory over
Tyrone. Whilst in the Intermediate Ulster Championship, Down
captain, Niamh McGowan alongside Eliza Downey, Sinéad
McNamee, Emily Martin and present student, Emma McPolin
spurred Down on to victory against Fermanagh.
All Ireland Champions!
Unfortunately, Armagh fell at the semi-final hurdle to eventual
senior champions, Cork. However, Captain (and Former Sacred
Heart Sports Captain) Caroline O’Hanlon won her 3rd All Star and
TG4 players’ Player of the Year for her performances this season!!
A fitting end to an amazing year for Caroline!!
Down defeated Sligo to progress to the All-Ireland final. With
so many Sacred Heart girls involved, in fact one of the most
represented schools in the county, we decided to run a bus to
the final. It proved to be a very fruitful and enjoyable experience
for our girls! Down won the All Ireland Intermediate title, 6-16 to
1-10, with Sinéad McNamee scoring arguably the goal of the
match! Eliza Downey was nominated for an All-Star at full back
for her performances. Down Captain, Niamh McGowan (former
Sacred Heart Sports Captain) lifted the Mary Quinn cup and gave
a wonderful speech in Croke Park.
Under 20
The Under 20s, under the leadership of Emma McPolin, faced a
difficult opening game against St Catherine’s Armagh. The team
travelled to Armagh for this fixture and were faced with a strong
breeze in the first half that made conditions extremely difficult.
They held their own with strong performances from Emma
McPolin, Ellen Hannaway and Jayne Hearty in the first third of
the game. However just before half time a three goal salvo, in
as many minutes, changed the complexion of the game. Sacred
Heart found this very difficult to recover from and with the wind
dropping in the second half they could not turn the game around.
Despite this, the team battled hard and matched St Catherine’s in
the second half. Unfortunately the gap was too big to close and the
girls were defeated 8-7 to 1-3.
In the second match Sacred Heart faced the much fancied Virginia,
Cavan. The girls put in a fantastic effort against the eventual
group winners. Strong performances from Olivia McEvoy, Niamh
McDonald, Frances Keenan and Katie Taheny saw Sacred Heart
in contention at half time with a scoreline of Sacred Heart 1-4
Virginia Cavan 2-4. A strong second half by the Cavan opposition
saw outstanding performances from Rosin Kelly, Alex Shortall,
Emer Scullion and Dearbhlá Keenan. The attitude of the team
was epitomised by a sweeping move, covering the full length of
the field, and finished to the net by Niamh Reel. However it was
not enough as Virginia finished the stronger of the two sides on a
scoreline of Sacred Heart 2-8 Virginia, Cavan 4-8.
8
Under 16: The Under 16s went into their first game against Our
Ladys, Castleblaney, knowing that in a very tight division including
St Catherine’s Armagh & Virginia, Cavan only a win would do. In
a tightly contested first half, our girls were behind 0-4 to 0-3, Aoife
McCarthy scoring 2 points and Roisin Kelly saving a penalty! To
add to our woes, star midfielder Leanne Fearon, got injured and
had to leave the field of play! The battle continued in the second
half, Roisin Kelly, Niamh McDonald, Alex Shortall (Captain) and
Ellen Hannaway defending strongly. In midfield, Frances Keenan
and Niamh Scullion excelled. A goal from Ciara Morgan and a last
gasp point from Claire McMahon ensured a 1-7 to 1-6 victory for
the Ashgrove girls.
Our next match was in Armagh against St Catherine’s. Although
we dominated the first half, it was not reflected on the scoreboard,
2-3 to 1-2, Clara Cowan and Niamh Reel getting the goals.
However, the second half saw a much better performance from
Sacred Heart. Cristin Brown, Megan Hearty and Shona Fitzpatrick
were super in defence. In attack, scores from Aoife McCarthy,
Orla Burke, Bridin Thompson and Ciara Morgan , a brace of goals
each, proved crucial as Sacred Heart ran out winners by 8-5 to
2-7.
Our final game involved the long trip to play Virginia, Cavan. Again
the first half proved to be a tight affair Sacred Heart leading 1-7 to
1-4 at half time. But the second half proved to be a different story.
Roisin Kelly, Shona Fitzpatrick, Niamh Whyte, Ellen Hannaway &
Megan Hearty excelled in defence. Frances Keenan and Niamh
Scullion ran the show at midfield. In attack, Emer Scullion had
an excellent game (scoring 5 points) as did Niamh Reel, Ciara
Morgan and Bridin Thompson.
Sacred Heart now plays Loreto, Milford (Donegal) in the Under 16
semi final in February.
Under 16 Squad
Aoife McCarthy, Alex Shortall, Shona Fitzpatrick, Aislinng Clarke,
Leanne Fearon, Emer Scullion, Ellen Hannaway, Roisin Kelly,
Niamh McDonald, Megan Hearty, Bridin Thompson, Frances
Keenan, Niamh Reel, Orlagh Burke, Claire McMahon, Seana
Mulholland, Ciara Morgan, Niamh Whyte, Caitlin Smyth, Cliodhna
Shannon, Cristin Brown, Clara Cowan, Mathilda Kinney, Sascha
Boyle, Niamh Scullion and Emma Magee.
Under 14 and Year 8
The Under 14 and Year 8 squads will begin their campaigns in the
New Year. And finally…
I would like to thank Mr McKinney (Principal) and Mr Murray
(Head of PE) of St Colman’s College, for the use of their facilities
this term. I would also like to thank Sr. Julie Mc Goldrick, Mr
Eamonn Devlin, Mr Jude Quinn, Mr Denis Cotter, Mrs Siobhan
McCaffery, Ms Bronagh Crimmins and Mrs Mary Friel for their
help and support.
Mr S Burke
SHS Sport
Camogie News
Cross Country
A report by Mrs A McKevitt
By Mrs M Friel
The Under 16s took part in the County Down Blitz, which was
played over two days. On the first day of the blitz Sacred Heart
played some outstanding camogie, demonstrating excellent
skills and great team work. After the first day Sacred Heart
was drawn against Newbridge Integrated College in the
Shield semi-final. Sacred Heart showed how strong they
were beating Newbridge by an exceptional margin, only
allowing Newbridge to score 1 goal. Excellent performances
from Caoimhe Fitzpatrick and Dearbhla Quinn in the back
line and great supporting play from Hannah Mc Ateer, Niamh
Cunningham and Molly Brown up front, proved too strong
for Newbridge. St. Columban’s Kilkeel came through the
other semi-final. Sacred Heart continued to play brilliant
camogie and Ciara Morgan demonstrated some outstanding
goalkeeping skills securing a Sacred Heart victory. Sacred
Heart converted some excellent scores, scoring a total of 19
goals. It was a full team performance.
Congratulations to all our cross country
runners who took part in the Newry & Mourne
Championships. We had great success on the
day despite the very poor weather conditions.
Caoimhe Fitzpatrick/Niamh Cunningham (Captains), Ciara
Kelly, Ellen Hannaway, Aoife Kelly, Ciara Cunningham,
Lauren Mc Conville, Lucy Mc Avoy, Shauna Keenan, Hannah
Mc Ateer, Dearbhla Quinn, Caithlin Smyth, Catherine O’Hare,
Bronagh Cassidy, Eireann Tinnelly, Fianna Mc Aloon, Clare
Mc Mahon, Ciara Morgan, Deirbhile Larkin, Molly Brown,
Clara Cowan, Eden Casey, Niamh Burns, Niamh Fitzgerald,
Aoibheann Quinn.
Year 9 Team finished 1st
Niamh Scullion won
the race
Caoimhe Shannon
Maeve Watters
Orlaith Reel
Under 16 Camogie
Team
Year 8 Team
finished 2nd
Maeve
Murdock won
the race
Stephanie
Hall 2nd
Sadhbh
Sweeney
Grace
Cunningham.
Senior
Camogie
Congratulations to
Cassie Fitzpatrick and
Elizabeth Wilson who
both made it through to
the final stages of the
Camogie Colleges
All-Star Trials.
The girls performed
extremely well and
Cassie has recently been
informed that she has
received a Camogie
College All-Star Award.
Year 10
Team
finished 1st
Tara Breen won the race
Lucia Morgan
Niamh Burns
Ciara Byrne.
Senior Girls
Emma Laverty Year 13 won the race.
Well done to everyone involved.
9
SHS Sport
Ulster Schools’ Gala
Success for SHS
Swimmers
Huge congratulations to our swimmers who
competed at the Ulster Schools’ Swimming
competition held in Ballymena. The team of
eleven Year 8 and 9 students included Eimear
Reilly, Abbie Gribben, Tara Fitzpatrick, Polly
McElherron, Clara McKeever, Aimee Burns,
Sadbh Sweeney, Maeve Murdock, Lauren Boyle,
Emma Haffey and Katie Magill.
Each girl achieved her personal bests in their individual
swims but the highlight of the day came when the four strong
team of Tara, Polly, Emma and Katie took 3rd place in the
Freestyle relay. This was an excellent result for the Sacred
Heart first timers who were competing against the best
school teams in Ulster. (All girls are members of the Newry
& Mourne Swimming & Waterpolo Club).
Golf
Congratulations to the school Golf Team who
recently won the Tavistock cup. Their opponents
were St. Patrick’s High School, Keady.
The golfers played superbly and were tremendous
ambassadors for the school.
10
Down Ladies Football
SHS Newsletter
Out with the old, in with the new...
A Level and G.C.S.E success celebrated
11
SHS Careers
Careers Committee News
September saw the formation of the 2014-2015 Sacred Heart Careers
Committee. The Committee aims to inform students about upcoming
career and university related events, organise speakers to represent
various career choices, and encourage students to become more
informed about the choices available to them in relation to their future.
In their first term, the Careers Committee organised visits from representatives of
Oxford University, Cambridge University, Liverpool (John Moore) University, UCD
and the DKIT. They hope to continue organising these speakers throughout the year.
The speakers all presented their universities to the students providing details of life
on the campus, entry requirements, courses available, the CAO and UCAS points
systems and the extracurricular activities available on campus.
Additionally, the Careers
Committee helped to run a
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Careers day for the
Year 12s, which involved speakers with careers in STEM fields talking to the
Year 12s about considering science as a viable career path.
Some of our Year 13 students were selected to participate in a Sentinus
Insight into Engineering
programme.
The students had the
opportunity to spend a day
at the engineering faculties
of QUB and the University of
Ulster; they also had two days
on an industry placement
related to their preferred field
of engineering.
Careers Awareness Week took place during the week beginning 17th November.
Departments organised a range of activities to highlight the possible career paths
linked to their subject.
A competition was organised with Year 8 ‘Guess the job’ and Year 10 ‘Create a limerick on a chosen job’. The winner of the Year 8
competition was Eimear Byrne 8D and the Year 10 competition winner was Megan Kearney 10A.
Careers Committee
Mock Council of the
European Union
In October, three Year 13 Government and Politics
students had the opportunity to attend Parliament
Buildings, Stormont to debate topical issues that
affect the European Union.
Topics ranged from EU Foreign Policy to how to
address the issue of youth unemployment.
Pictured are the students involved (from left to right) KatieAnne Hanna O’Hare, Chloe Smyth and Daisy Eccles.
12
SHS Charity
‘All Wrapped Up’
SHS students proudly display their festive jumpers in aid of
Northern Ireland’s Cancer Fund for Children’s ‘All Wrapped Up’
Christmas Appeal.
Year 8 students give
generously to Hope Shoebox
Appeal 2014.
St. Vincent de Paul Christmas
Hamper Appeal.
Best Foot Forward
On Friday 3rd October, Year 11 students took part in a sponsored
walk in aid of the Samaritans. Although the weather was
inclement a good time was had by all in aid of a worthy cause.
Getting into the Festive Spirit
Year 9s, pictured below, held a very successful Christmas Fayre
in St. Clare’s Hall to raise funds for NI Children’s Hospice. Each
Year group got the opportunity to browse and buy while soaking
up the Christmas atmosphere. A total of £1200 was raised on
the day.
Pictured below are the lucky prize winners at the Year 9
Christmas Fayre.
Hats For HEADWAY
12D organised a HATS FOR HEADWAY day. All
monies raised went to the very worthy charity and
Moya Murphy, a representative from Headway,
collected the cheque.
13
SHS Design & Technology
Glen Dimplex
In October Year 10 students were brought on an
industrial visit to the Glen Dimplex manufacturing
facility in Newry.
In one side of the factory the students were able to see the
same processes that they were using in their Balancing
Toy project, for example sheet metal folding, applied on an
industrial scale to make radiator panels. On the other side
of the factory the students saw the making of cutting-edge
Renewable Energy heat-exchange equipment.
Pictured is Mr McNally with
some Year 10 students.
3D Rapid
Prototyping Machine
The Technology and Design Department recently
took possession of a 3D Rapid Prototyping
machine. Students can now quickly make parts
for their projects that have been designed using
Computer Aided Design.
Pictured is Sarah-Jayne Webb with a part made for
her AS project along with the other Year 13 students
Shannon Kelly and Chelsey Doyle.
New Beginnings…
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our school community-our Year 8
students. We hope that you have enjoyed your first term in Sacred Heart.
14
SHS Drama
‘Crazy For You’
It has certainly been a busy term in the Drama Department! We
opened the term with our sparkling production of ‘CRAZY FOR
YOU.’ Our talented cast and production team certainly did justice
to the ‘all singin’, all dancin’ Gershwin Classic. ‘Who could ask for
anything more?!’
Careers Week
To mark Careers Week in SHS, the Drama Department invited
IGNACY RYBARCZYK, Polish actor, director, photographer
and teacher, along to talk to the Y13 & 14 students. IGNACY
is a specialist in the system of renowned Theatre Practitioner,
Constantin Stanislavsky, and he came back to lead focussed
workshops for the exam classes.
Soroptimist Public Speaking
Daisy Eccles, Y13, was the winner of the SOROPTIMIST PUBLIC
SPEAKING competition in October. Daisy will go forward to
represent this area in the Northern Ireland final in February. She
proved that it is ‘good to talk!!’ Good luck, Daisy!
The Lyric Theatre
The Yr 13 students enjoyed an evening at The Lyric Theatre in
November when they went to see The Abbey Theatre’s production
of the JB Keane Classic, ‘SIVE.’ Mary Tiernan (Yr 13 student) in
her review of the production stated: ‘I felt that JB Keane’s tale of
love, intimacy and loneliness was seamlessly pulled off by Conall
Morrison.’
The Crucible
On Friday 5th December, the GCSE Drama students were treated
to a screening of The Old Vic’s production of ‘The Crucible.’ The
Omniplex, Newry arranged a private viewing of the exam text for
SHS! It was a memorable and very worthwhile experience for all
involved!!
Public Speaking Competition
Etain Mc Evoy, Cliona Patterson, Sarah Patterson, Daisy Eccles
and Scout Dobbin have worked very hard in recent weeks
preparing for a public speaking competition entitled: ‘Young
People Find Language For Their Faith. ‘ The competition is run
by The Knights of Columbanus and the girls enjoyed engaging
with current Church teaching and developing their own thoughts
and ideas around vital Faith issues. Well done!!
Anti-Bullying Policy
In Drama Class, Year 9 has been working on the issue of ANTI
BULLYING. As part of their work 9C studied the current ANTI
BULLYING POLICY of our school and presented their findings/
suggestions to Mrs Brown, Vice Principal.
A report by Sr. Treasa OSC.
15
SHS Newsletter
The pen will always
be mightier than the
sword. Discuss.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single
girl in possession of a pen, must be in want of
The Write Place.
Here we express ourselves creatively, and in all ways we
can imagine through writing. We do so in a fetchingly fun
way.
And every Wednesday we make our way to The Write Place.
We sit in Mrs Mc Creesh’s classroom, H9 and we read what
we have created and we write. We write together. We create
together.
We’re as reserved as a table someone forgot to book, and
at the same time as open as a well-read book. Here you’ll
find storytellers, and story listeners and story interpreters,
but more than likely a bit of all of that in all of us. And if you’re
any or all, or none at all but you might like to be, you’d be
most welcome to join us. If you’re a fiction writer, a poet, a
social justice writer, or even all three, or maybe you don’t
even know what you are, or what you’re even capable of
writing, then The Write Place would be a place for you to
widen your horizons and see things from a new, maybe a bit
more unconventional, way.
We’ve entered competitions and will continue to do so
throughout the forth coming years. They range from sci-fi
to adolescent fiction, from reality to the supernatural, and
we hope to run competitions for people within the school to
enter as well.
Before The Write Place, there was a hole; a hole that we soon
filled with words and with love of literature, and friendships
that came from that.
So, if you’re writing, or thinking about it, The Write Place, is
the right place for you.
You already have your write of passage, now all you have to
do is join - senior lunchtime every Wednesday.
Composed en masse by members of
The Write Place
Congratulations to Mr Simon Burke who recently
participated in the Santa Run to raise funds for KBRT.
16
Janet is our
January
Calendar Girl!!
Janet McKeever 10C has been chosen as a winner
in Newry and Mourne District Council ‘Schools’
Environmental Calendar 2015’ competition.
Janet’s winning entry was selected as the January entry for
the calendar.
Janet is pictured at the Presentation Ceremony held in the
Boardroom Council Offices recently.
Students received their prizes from Mayor Daire Hughes
including a specially framed copy of their winning poster.
SHS Newsletter
SHS Open Night 2014
17
SHS Lauguages
Italian
During January and February 2015, the Modern
Languages department will offer an Italian crash
course!
In collaboration with the Abbey Grammar School, 20 senior boys
and girls will get the chance to learn the basics of the language
while doing fun interactive activities!
The class will be in H12 from 3.35 to 4.45pm on Wednesdays
and it will be taught by Miss Commault.
French Movie Night!
On 24th of January, the French Department will have
a French Movie Night after school!
All Year 13 and Year 14 students are invited to come and watch
L’Auberge Espagnole (Cédric Klapish) after school with Miss
Commault. French food will be provided!
About the film: Xavier, a French university student, leaves Paris
to spend a year in Barcelona as part of the Erasmus exchange.
With his new European housemates, he will embark on a crazy
journey, full of unforgettable experiences. The film is in French,
English and Spanish and will be shown with subtitles.
Year 8 French Club!
For two months, Year 13 students and Miss Commault
offered a French Club to Year 8s.
Every Tuesday, they met after school and had great fun doing
all kinds of activities: drama, songs, games… and French food!
Vive le Club de Français!
18
Les Portes Ouvertes
2014!
Open Night 2014!
The French and Spanish departments had a great
team working during Open Night! Visitors particularly
appreciated the girls’ good manners and enthusiasm
for languages… as well as the food!
European Day of
Languages
European Day of Languages is celebrated annually on
26th September and throughout that week in Sacred
Heart students had the opportunity to participate in
lots of activities to celebrate languages.
In their language lessons, they took part in quizzes; the Year 8
students designed posters in Art, displaying their creativity on the
topic of languages. In the canteen also all week, there was a
beautiful variety of dishes to choose from, ranging from an Italian
menu to French and Greek dishes, which proved a great success
with the students!
The Year 8 European Day of Languages poster winners
pictured below: (L –R) Isabel Johnston, Leah Boden, Aoife
Kearney, Ella Byrne, Stephanie Hall, Aimee Murtagh, Lauren
Boyle and Tara Brown.
SHS Languages
French theatre company
comes to Sacred Heart
The week before Christmas, Sacred Heart welcomed
the French Theatre For Schools company to perform
their play ‘Le Rôle’, a very entertaining production
lasting over an hour, with the emphasis being on fun
and ‘learning by doing’.
All Year 9, 10 and Year 11 students who study French attended
and a number of students volunteered to take part, rehearsing
with the actors briefly before the show began.
With lots of general audience participation, and packed
full of humour, action and songs, it was an excellent way
of ensuring students gain confidence in their ability to
understand and communicate with native French speakers in
a fun environment.
A report by Miss Y Commault & Miss S McIntyre
Irish Language Quiz
A Report by Mr J White
The Irish Department at Sacred Heart recently
entered twenty students into the regional GaelLinn Junior Irish Language Quiz which took place
in Newry Sports Centre.
All students had shown they had a distinct flair for the
‘teanga’ during their Irish classes and well capable of
competing in the quiz. In the end four Year 10 Irish students,
Andrea Fletcher, Tara McKinley, Treasa McKinley and Aoife
McQuillan from 10C emerged in a very credible overall 2nd
Place in the competition. An outstanding performance in a
competition which was eagerly contested by a number of
local schools. At the end of the competition the Girls enjoyed
reminiscing their Gaeltacht memories with a céilí.
Students of Irish from Sacred Heart have been attending
this wonderful event for many years, another great accolade
for the Irish Department in the school - Maith sibh féin! Ár
mbuíochas le Gael Linn as an ócáid iontach seo a reachtáil!
European Day of
Languages
To celebrate European day of Languages, the Irish
Department at Sacred Heart challenged Year 8
students to participate in a creative photography/
poster competition that would depict the Irish
Language as a living everyday language.
The Year 8 students were tasked to take a photograph of the
term ‘An Ghaeilge’ in the most unusual environment made up
of the most abstract everyday objects. The competition was
eagerly contested and prizes were awarded to two students for
their outstanding creativity. The runner up prize was awarded to
Lorna McKeown 8A for her creative canvas spelling the term ‘An
Ghaeilge’ with individual Irish County flags/colours. First prize
was awarded to Naomi Tully 8C for her entry which depicted the
Term ‘An Ghaeilge’ made out of Traditional Irish instruments.
At assembly, Mr. White congratulated all Year 8 pupils for their
outstanding entries and praised the creativity shown.
During this week, Year 10 language students also participated
in a language treasure trail, eagerly collecting clues from around
the school using their language skills.
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SHS Newsletter
Girls’
Night Out
The annual Year 14 Formal was held on Friday12th
September in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry. This
is a much anticipated event and everyone worked
together to ensure a great night was enjoyed by all.
The girls all looked extremely glamorous and enjoyed
a wonderful evening which will be remembered for a
long time.
Beth O’Hare (Head Girl) and Council members are pictured with
Sr. Julie McGoldrick, school Principal, attending the function.
The proceeds from the evening were donated to three charities
nominated by the girls; the N.I. Children’s Hospice, Allergy N.I.
and the Michaela Foundation.
New Faces
on SHS Staff
The new school year brought with it the
appearance of new faces in the staff room. Some
of the new arrivals are past students while others
are new to the scene and a warm welcome is
extended to you all.
We hope you have enjoyed your first term with
us!
Returning to the English Department is Mrs
Catherine O’Hagan. New to the Art and Biology
Departments is Miss Sarah Cullen whilst Miss
Yuna Commault joins the French Department.
Miss Paula Dickson joins the Biology Department
whilst Miss Carmel Muckian joins the Biology and
Psychology Departments. Also returning to SHS
is Mrs Teresa Quigg (Chemistry) and Sr. Anne
Lyng as School Counsellor. Mr James White joins
the Irish Department as Head of Irish and Mrs
Lorraine Gribben joins the Careers Department
as Head of CEIAG. Mr Peter Rafferty (Business
Studies) and Miss Rachael Gibson (Home
Economics) also join SHS. We also extend a warm
welcome to Claire Digney, Classroom Assistant
and Declan McClure, Science Technician.
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Geography
Year 10 students Molly Brown (left) and Clara
Cowan (right) are pictured with Minister Fergus
O’Dowd TD at the launch of a new All-Ireland
geology map for schools launched at the Canal
Court Hotel Newry recently.
SHS History
Our Trip to Berlin
24th October - 23:00 hours
Arrived at Hotel Tiergarten in the City of Berlin! Having climbed
6 flights of stairs with my 15 kg suitcase to reach my room on
the top floor, I collapsed on my bed and was engulfed by an
enormous pillow.
25th October - 10:00 hours - Fat Bike Tour
This tour, I must admit, unnerved me - Would I be able to handle
the bike? Would I knock into some poor bystander? Would I
be able to manage the hills? However, when the tour set off, I
needn’t have worried. It wasn’t the same for my friend though
(who will remain nameless) as she lost control of her bike slightly
and bumped into some innocently parked car, which thankfully
gained no serious injuries. The tour was truly a great way to see
Berlin. We cycled past many monuments, statues, churches,
the Berlin Wall, Hitler’s bunker and the Reichstag! I was certain
that cycling all over the German terrain would keep me nice and
warm but unfortunately I got that totally wrong. Instead I was
nearly frozen to death and had to endure a chilling wind for four
hours! I was certain I would be suffering from hypothermia later!
Seriously, a word of warning - DO NOT underestimate how cold
Germany can be! I should have heeded the advice of Mr Devlin!!
27th October - 10:00 hours - Visit to the Reichstag
A beautiful and intricately designed stone building - although it has
an odd glass dome stuck on top. Inside the Reichstag is a maze
of meandering white corridors that lead to various rooms hidden
behind brown doors. The parliamentary chamber itself is clean,
modern and white. Besides the tunnel which the Nazis claimed
the communist Van der Lubbe used to start the Reichstag fire in
February 1933, there is nothing much of interest in the interior
architecture as it was cleverly designed to appear plain and give
the impression that the German government was transparent.
15:00 hours - Charlie’s Checkpoint
Frantically busy with loads of tourists, it was here that I had
my first encounter with the Berlin delicacy, “Currywurst” (which
is basically a very long sausage), but really delicious! A small
white hut standing in the middle of a road which used to be
separated by a ‘humongous’ wall signifies where the checkpoint
once was. Two men dressed up as American soldiers patrol
the entrance. Pictures can be taken with them, but be careful,
it will cost you! Walked through the museum, the story of how
some East Berliners escaped into West Berlin by hot air balloon
was definitely the most dramatic form of escape and caught my
imagination.
14:00 hours - Berlin Olympic Stadium
In my opinion, the best was left to last. The Nazi influence on this
building was still evident with swastika imprints and intimidating,
powerfully built stone pillars and columns, reminiscent of the
architecture of the Roman amphitheatres, still present. The
tour guide, who Mr Devlin and Mr Taggart affectionately named
“Schnell” ( which translated means fast) due to the fact that he,
with the utmost efficiency, sped us through changing rooms, a
swimming pool, an extremely expensive spectators box, an
underground practice racing track and highlighted the original
Olympic torch used by the Nazis themselves. Overall, I found
this tour really intriguing and interesting.
26th October - 11:00 hours
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
On the journey to the camp, the bus turned into a housing estate
and I thought we were lost but from behind the houses the camp
eerily emerged. The camp seemed void of life and colour; it was
grey, morbid and silent. We were met by black iron gates at the
entrance. On the other side of these gates we were greeted by
a barren mass of land. A tree in the middle marked the place
where prisoner’s executions took place. The prisoners’ huts
surrounded the tree. Inside the huts, a smell of damp, sickness
and pain wrapped around me - the autopsy room repulsed me
so much I left at once. But despite the fact that it was painful and
depressing to uncover the consequences of the Nazis’ actions,
I will never forget this experience. It was deeply moving and the
memory of it will forever remain with me.
18:00 hours - Departure from Berlin
After dinner in an American diner, it had come to our last moments
in Berlin. As we retraced our journey back to the airport, I stole
my last look of Berlin!
Auf Wiedersehen Berlin!
28th October - 01:00 hours - Arrived at school
Berlin adventure at an end! It was a whirlwind of a trip which
was over as quickly as it had started. The German culture and
architecture appealed and captivated me and Germany’s people
were friendly and helpful (and thankfully had exquisitely good
knowledge of the English language)! Therefore, despite the
baltic weather conditions, I hope I will get the chance to return
to Germany someday (but next time during the German summer
time).
An account by Katie Moore
15:00 hours
The Palaces of Potsdam
Potsdam - one of Europe’s most imposing royal capitals and a
world UNESCO heritage site. We had exactly one hour to get
round 150 acres of royal palaces and parks. This is a feat only
Mr Taggart could achieve. As I am not Mr Taggart, I only had time
to see 3 of the palaces. All were very elaborate with gold plated
roofs, numerous fountains and hundreds of steps leading up to
their front door.
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SHS Home Economics
Beautiful textile Bags created by
Year 8 Home Economics students.
Livestock and Meat Commission Cookery
Demonstration
Creative textile cushions created by Year 9
Home Economics students.
Year 12 GCSE Home Economics Practicals
based on the theme: ‘The Mediterranean Diet’
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SHS Maths
Junior Maths Challenge
A report by Mrs O Corey
On Thursday 1st May 2014 all the current Year 10 students took part in the annual Junior Maths Challenge.
The Junior Maths Challenge, run by the UK Mathematics Trust, is the single biggest academic competition
in the country with over 240,000 pupils from across the UK competing.
The Junior Maths Challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in
using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The challenge involves a multiple
choice paper with 25 questions to be taken in one hour and it is sat in school under normal exam conditions.
Certificates are awarded to the highest scoring 40% of candidates (6% Gold, 13% Silver and 21% Bronze).
Back in October at the Junior prizegiving, fifty certificates were awarded as follows:
GOLD
Orlagh Galloghly, Aine Gallagher, Caitlin McShane
SILVER
Alex McCloskey-Hudson, Lilli O’Callaghan, Lucia Morgan, Amy Turley,
Molly Gregory, Aoibh McCann, Eva Grant, Jade Melody, Tara Breen, Megan
Byrne, Sarah O’Hanlon, Emma Morgan, Niamh McStravick, Ciara McCreesh,
Corshenna McCoy, Anna Keenan, Eimear Conway, Aislinn Kearns
BRONZE
Alysha Saunders, Megan Kearney, Roisin McArdle, Tara Savage, Majella
Toale, Rosie McCreesh, Aoife O’Neill, Claudia Mooney, Nell Haughey, Ami
O’Neill, Orla Clarke, Treasa McKinley, Niamh Rice, Aimee Morgan, Caoimhe
Bradley, Jane McPolin, Katie Reavey, Vicky Campbell, Beth French,
Caoimhe Brennan, Laura O’Donovan, Amy Watters, Emma Kelly, Eryn Small,
Sarah Griffin, Mia McGivern, Rachel Barr, Cristin Brown, Sasha Boyle.
Congratulations to all the girls who received
certificates and well done to all who took part.
Special congratulations to Orlagh Galloghly
who also received ‘Best in Year’
certificate.
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SHS Science
A Level Students
Make ‘BIG BANG’ At
Cern & Visit Einstein’s
Home In Bern
By Mr P McEvoy
From 19th to 22nd November, twenty five A Level
students along with Vice-Principal Mrs Brown and
Mr McCann visited and stayed at C.E.R.N. in Geneva.
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one
of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific
research. Its business is fundamental physics, finding out what
the Universe is made of and how it works. At CERN, the world’s
largest and most complex scientific instruments are used to study
the basic constituents of matter - the fundamental particles. By
studying what happens when these particles collide, physicists
learn about the laws of Nature.
The instruments used at CERN are particle accelerators and
detectors. Accelerators boost beams of particles to high energies
before they are made to collide with each other or with stationary
targets. Detectors observe and record the results of these
collisions.
Students were given several private tours of experimental sites
and detection chambers in Switzerland and in France, for the
Large Hadron Collider by some of the world’s top physicists.
Afterwards they were able to have discussions with these eminent
scientists. By actually staying on the campus, the students were
“living” with some of the 8,000 scientists who work and study
there. This provided a great insight into the lives of the scientists.
Students were also given a guided tour of the Large Hadron
Collider which is 100m underground and has a circumference of
27km. It is the largest and most advanced machine in the world!
Beside the full scale 12.5t CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid)
detector. This has detected what is believed to be the “God
Particle” the Higgs Boson.
The students left with a fascinating insight into the world of
particle physics and next generation technologies.
The second day of the trip included a 2 hour train journey through
the Swiss Alps to the quaint town of Broc-Fabrique, to visit the
world famous Cailler chocolate factory. After a tour of the factory
students had the opportunity to taste as much chocolate as they
could stomach! No need to say that this went down a treat!
The students also travelled by train to Bern, one of the best
preserved medieval cities in the world. Here they visited Einstein’s
house, where he lived from 1902 to 1909. During these years he
developed “The Special Theory of Relativity”. They also made
time for shopping and coffee drinking!
“I shall mention only one of the scientific experiences which those
happy years in Bern brought: the Theory of Relativity” - Albert
Einstein 1879-1955.
Year 13 Chemistry students getting to grips with an A Level Titration technique
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