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News 2011-2012
News 2010-2011
News 2009/2010
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Parents' newsletter February 2012 now available
Click here to view the current issue of the LCC parents' newsletter.
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Whole school inspection
Initial feedback from our recent inspection was extremely positive. The inspectors were impressed with the high standard of teaching and learning, our planning processes, school management, parental involvement, range of extra-curricular activities and exam results. They commented on the excellent atmosphere in the school and mutual respect that was evident between staff and students. Our students were described as credit to their parents and the school with a particular mention for the Student council, Gluais members and Prefects. The inspectors felt the Board of Management was doing a very good job and all necessary structures were in place to ensure the highest levels of learning are taking place. Well done to all involved.
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Sports report
Click Our u16 Girls Badminton team reached the final of the Dublin Schools Div.4 League. Unfortunately they were beaten 4-2 by a more experienced Mount Anville team. However all our team members are young enough for this category next year and their coach Ms. Gallagher was thrilled with their achievement in reaching the final.
Hard luck to Stephen Jones, Niall Kelly, Rory Downes, and Gavin Carabini who were on the Dublin Vocational Schools squad which lost the Leinster final to Kildare. Best of Luck to Sean McClelland who plays for the Dublin North colleges hurling team in this weekend’s Leinster Championship quarter-final.
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German exchange
Best of luck to our teachers (Collette Clarke and Emma Ni Bhriain) and our students who head off to Munchberg for two weeks as part of our Exchange programme.
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Arts Week
Our annual Arts Week takes place this week. Our students will participate in a range of workshops throughout the week. On Wednesday we have a whole school table quiz and Friday will be our fancy dress day. Night time events include a Student Variety show on Monday, Teachers Talent show on Wednesday and Battle of the Bands on Thursday.
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Tomi Reichental
Tomi visited and spoke to our TY, 5th Year and Leaving Cert History and students and our 5th German students about his experiences. Tomi was captured by the Nazis and sent to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1944, when he was nine years old. He survived along with his mother, brother, aunt and cousin. Thirty five members of his family perished. The talk he gave to the students was extremely well received. It gave an educational first hand insight into life in Germany during the war and of course the concentration camps. He answered many questions for the students after his talk.
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Sports report
Congratulations to Niall Kelly, Stephen Jones, Rory Downes and Gavin Carabini who are members of the Dublin Voc. Schools team which has reached the Leinster final. In the final they play against Kildare. Well done also to Sean McClelland who was on the Dublin North Colleges hurling team which qualified for the Leinster quarter-final by beating Dublin South. Hard luck to our Senior boys soccer team who lost out in a penalty shoot-out to Coolmine CS.
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Concern debating
Concern Debating: Our senior had an excellent victory over Loreto College, St.Stephens Green in the Concern Debating Competition. The team members were Michelle Bowler, Olivia Healy, Neil Kavanagh and Oisin Walsh.
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TY work experience
We wish the best of luck to our TY students who head off on Work Experience for the next two weeks.
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Mock exams
Best of luck to our Junior and Leaving Cert students who have their Mock exams during the next two weeks.
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Happy New Year
We hope all our staff, students and parents had an enjoyable and restful Christmas holiday period. We wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2012. This is a particularly important year in the lives of our exam students. We wish them the best of luck with their studies. Their Mock Exams start on Monday 23rd.
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Transition Year enterprise
Congratulations to our TY enterprise team who won the fabulous prize of a trip to Strasbourg for 24 students and 2 teachers. Their entry was selected as part of the National Enterprise awards for Transition Year students. Well done to all the team and their teacher Ms.McKenna.
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Biology trip
Our 6th Year Biology students had an enjoyable and highly educational visit to NUIM this week. The visit was a field trip for Biology experiments which is part of their Leaving Cert course.
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Young Scientists
Best of luck to Amir Lawambai and John McMurry who have been selected to participate in this week’s Young Scientists Exhibition. This is an outstanding achievement as Amir and John are only in 1st Year. On Friday 13th all of our 1st Year group were brought to the exhibition by their science teachers.
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Adult eduction classes enrolment
Adult Education & Leisure Activity classes for Spring Term Programme 2012 are available to book online at www.codubvec.ie or enrol in the College on Tuesday 17th & Tuesday 24th Jan. Classes commence Mon 20th & Tuesday 31st Jan. Enquiries 01 6282077.
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25th anniversary launch
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to postpone our 25th anniversary opening night from 18/1/12 to 7/3/12. We hope that you can join us on the revised date to celebrate 25 years of community in LCC.
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Happy Christmas!
We would like to extend Christmas greetings to all our students, parents and staff. We hope everyone has an enjoyable break and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year.
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Christmas concert report
This year’s concert was one of the most successful ever. A huge crowd attended for what was an excellent night’s entertainment. The choirs sang many favourite Christmas carols. Well done to Mr. Duffy and all the choir members.
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Sam Maguire Cup visit
Dublin senior footballer Paul Casey brought the Sam Maguire Cup to the college for a visit this week. He paraded around the school and got a fantastic reception from all our students who had lined the corridors. He was accompanied by Dublin senior hurling captain Johnny McCaffrey. They both signed autographs and posed for photos with our students and staff. Our head boy Niall Kelly thanked Paul and Johnny for taking the time to visit.
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25th anniversary celebrations
The 25th Anniversary committee would like to invite as many former pupils and interested parties within the local community to the launch of its year-long celebrations of its 25th Anniversary. This will happen on Wednesday January 18th 2012 at 8pm. A limited number of tickets are available, so please contact us asap. We would especially love to have a representative from each graduating year there on the night, starting with those who graduated in 1987! If you'd like to book a ticket or require any more information, please email ciaranduffy.lucancc@codubvec.ie before December 20th 2011.
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Celbridge and Lucan choirs launch Christmas CD
The combined choirs of Lucan Community College, St Patrick’s Church Choir, Celbridge and St Thomas’s NS, Lucan have come together to produce a CD of our most beloved Christmas carols this festive season entitled O Holy Night. The choirs were put through their paces on Friday and Saturday November 11th and 12th to record a CD of 18 of the season’s most well-loved carols and songs. The choirs were joined by a 30 piece orchestra, comprised mainly of members of the Kildare County Orchestra. The entire project was conducted, arranged and directed by Ciarán Duffy, a teacher in Lucan Community College and director of music in St Patrick’s Church Celbridge. On the Friday night, Celbridge choir recorded two of their favourite a capella pieces, Quem Pastores (Shepherd’s Watched) and What Child Is This, a Christmas carol based on the familiar tune of Greensleves. The Lucan choir also recorded its signature Christmas carol that night, Ring Christmas Bells, used very effectively in the film Home Alone and more recently in the Garmin Sat Nav advertisement campaigns.
The following day saw the choristers and instrumentalists gather from early morning, and by 10am over 80 musicians were heard belting their way through Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World and O Come All Ye Faithful. Past members of the Lucan CC choir came back for the recording and soloist Katie Maher joined the troops for a wonderful rendition of O Holy Night. The members of the brass section were put through their paces in a choral arrangement of Jingle Bells while the more haunting and evocative Don Óiche úd imBeithil and Silent Night displayed the sensitivities and manual dexterity of the string and woodwind sections.
Brian McIvor was the man in charge of the sound recording and editing the following day. The choir members and instrumentalists, though exhausted, wrapped up by 6pm that evening with an 18-track CD, complete with timely Church bells adding ambience and atmosphere to the junior students of St Thomas’s NS version of Away in a Manger.
The launch of the CD will take place on Thursday the 8th of December at a gala concert in St Patrick’s Church Esker, Lucan.
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Soccer honour for LCC student
Congrats to Jack Tuite who was selected to captain the Irish u-16 Soccer team. Jack is currently a 3rd Year student in LCC.
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Sports report
Well done to all our students who participated in the recent Lucan Inter-schools Cross-country running competition. The u-15 Girls soccer team had a great win over St.Peter’s, Dunboyne in their recent league match. Player of the match was Amy Henderson.
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Fundraising
Our fundraising efforts for charity continue unabated. The long list of TY fundraising activities continues with a recycling (phones, CDs, Games, batteries, cartridges etc.) campaign in aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation. Our Annual “Secret Bag” collection for St.Vincent de Paul which is co-ordinated by Ms.Ryan and the 5th Year charity team also takes place this week.
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Movember
Well done to our male teachers who grew moustaches during the month of November. On November 30th many of our students participated by wearing their own (fake/painted) moustaches. All funds raised were donated to Cancer research.
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Sports report
Well done to our U-18 Gaelic football, U-15 Boy’s Soccer and u-16 Girl’s Basketball teams who all recorded excellent wins during the week.
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25th anniversary celebrations
The 25th Anniversary committee would like to invite as many former pupils and interested parties within the local community to the launch of its year-long celebrations of its 25th Anniversary. This will happen on Wednesday January 18th 2012 at 8pm. A limited number of tickets are available, so please contact us asap. We would especially love to have a representative from each graduating year there on the night, starting with those who graduated in 1987! If you'd like to book a ticket or require any more information, please email ciaranduffy.lucancc@codubvec.ie before December 20th 2011.
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Transition Year work experience
Our TY students have all returned to the school after two weeks work experience. The reports from employers were excellent. Well done to all the students.
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Recycling
We are currently collecting bags of clothes for recycling. If you have any clean clothes which you would like to dispose of please drop them in to the college before Dec.9th. Thanks.
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Chamber Choir Concert
This year’s concert will take place on Dec.8th in St.Patrick’s church, Esker, at 8pm. The choir have just finished recording a CD which will be launched at the concert. All support would be greatly appreciated.
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Sports Report
It was a highly successful week for a number of our teams.Well done to our U-16 Gaelic team who beat Hartstown CS. Best players were Jack Carey, Jack O’Toole and John Bellew. Our u-16 girls Basketball team had a good win over Grange CC. Player of the match was Marian Caminong. In Rugby, our Junior team beat St.Brendan’s, Bray on a 15-0 scoreline. Best players were Shane Dardis, David Solanke, and Matthew Colclough.
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Romeo and Juliet
Class Friedman (3rd Year) enjoyed their recent visit to the theatre. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is on this year’s Junior Cert course and the students found the production to be highly beneficial.
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School trips report
A number of our students were on school trips recently. Our TY group went to Delphi Adventure centre on an overnight trip. They had a fantastic time on got the opportunity to partake in a whole range of outdoor activities. They were accompanied by their year head, tutors and co-ordinator. Our 6th year students had visits to the Jewish Museum and to Athlone for an Irish play while our 3rd year students visited the Mosque in Clonskeagh.
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Chamber choir concert
This year’s concert will take place on Dec.8th in St.Patrick’s church, Esker. The choir have just finished recording a CD which will be on sale very soon.
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Sports successes
Well done to our U-17 Soccer team (11-4) and our u-14 Gaelic team who recorded excellent wins in their respective competitions recently.
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Maths Olympiad team member from LCC
Congratulations to Paul Lombard who has been selected to take part in training with the Irish Schools Maths Olympiad team. Paul is currently in our Transition year and was selected based on his excellent Junior cert Maths exam result.
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Lucan Sarsfields Camogie
Well done to everyone involved with their outstanding achievements in under-age camogie this year. A special mention of course to all the girls who are students in Lucan CC.
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Recent visitors to LCC
Colm O’Gorman (Chairperson of Amnesty International) visited the school recently and gave an interesting and highly educational talk to our TY students and the members of our school Amnesty group. He gave an insight into the work that is currently being carried out by Amnesty. Bobby Kerr of Dragon's Den and Insomnia Coffee fame also visited and spoke to our current LCVP students. His presentation was very well received by the students who were entertained by his reflections on recent Dragon’s Den programmes and his life as an entrepreneur.
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Mental Health Week report
The activities which took place during our recent Mental Health Week were a great success. The internal activities and especially the “wall of hands” were a great success. There was also a great turnout for the talk by David Coleman which was well received by all the parents and teachers who attended. Thanks and well done to our guidance counsellors for all their work.
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6th Year Parent Teacher meeting
This meeting will take place on Tuesday Nov.22nd at 4.15.
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Transition Year work experience
Our TY group are going on two weeks of work experience starting next week. We wish them the best of luck and hope they have an enjoyable and beneficial time while they are away.
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Parents' Association fundraiser success
Our Parents' Association committee organised a very successful bag packing fundraiser at Tesco during the mid-term break. Thanks to all the parents involved and also to our students who helped out.
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Table quiz thanks
Thanks to Courtney’s who organised a table quiz for the college recently. It was well attended and raised much needed funds.
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Homework policy
Our first year students have started the first week of their participation in our homework policy. This week there has been an emphasis on the recording of homework by the students. We hope all parents will help the implementation of this policy by monitoring journals.
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Parents' Association
We wish the best of luck to Shona Hayes who takes over as Chairperson of the Parents’ Association. Thanks to Avril Mullins for the work she has done during her term as Chairperson. The Parents’ Association committee members have organised bag packing in Tesco on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th at Tesco in Lucan. We wish them well with their fundraising efforts.
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Reading Week a great success
Our annual Reading Week was as usual a great success. Students were encouraged to read and the benefits of reading were highlighted for all our students. First and second year students were given some class times to read their favourite books
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Sports report
Well done to our senior soccer team who had a 5-3 win over Templeogue College. Jordan O’Reilly gave an excellent defensive performance and Craig Coulter was man of the match with four goals. The boys U-14 gaelic football team had a fine win over Confey College. Best players on the day were James Macken, Donal Smyth and Graham Moore.
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Mental Health Week
As part of next week’s Mental Health week there will be a talk by David Coleman in the college on Thurs 27th at 7pm (sharp). The talk is titled “Promoting Emotional Health in Young People”. David is a clinical psychologist and is best known as the author and broadcaster of “Teens in the Wild” and “Families in the Wild”. The talk is open to all parents of students in Lucan CC, Colaiste Phadraig and St.Josephs. It is free of charge on first come, first served basis and tickets are available at all school offices.
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Maths Week
Our Maths teachers have organised a wide range of activities to mark this year’s Maths Week. Daily quizzes and activities take place at lunch time. There is Maths themed Poster competition for all junior students. Our senior students will attend a seminar by Engineering Ireland on “Calculus” on Friday. Cross-curricular activities include Maths Poetry and History of Maths. ^ return to top |
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Sports Report
Our Senior rugby team has advanced to the Leinster Cup quarter-final after an excellent 17-13 win over Oatlands College. Our scorers were Conor Gallagher and Curtis Mooney. The U-14 Boys Gaelic football team beat Lucan CBS in a thrilling game. The final score was 7-10 to 6-6. In Badminton the u-16 girls team have advanced to the League final. the members are Jane Doran, Jenny Bowler, Danielle Murray and Aoife Minihane. ^ return to top |
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Enrolment
Applications are now open for enrolment in 1st year 2013 for students currently in 5th class in Primary school. Application forms have been circulated to primary schools prioritised for enrolment in our policy and are also available from the school office. The relevant enrolment policy is available on our school website or from the office. The deadline for applications is 4.30pm on Friday 28th October. All applications submitted prior to the deadline will be placed in categories according to our enrolment policy.
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Sixth year evening
The 6th year careers evening went off very well with an excellent turn-out of parents from all of our 6th year classes. The LCA group had an informative session about careers and the LCA course structure and were encouraged to aim high by Ms.Murphy as LCA coordinator. David O’Sullivan (past-pupil) addressed the LC established students and gave tips for good preparation for the exams. Mr.Grimes (Year head) and our guidance team gave a presentation on good strategies for the year and on the CAO and PLC systems. Students and parents were encouraged to use all of the support structures available in the school and to set their sights high. Many parents and teachers used the opportunity to talk to tutors after the presentation. Thanks to the 6th year management team, LCA coordinator and guidance team for their work in preparing the evening.
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Sports report
Well done to our Senior boys soccer team who had a 3-3 draw with Colaiste Phadraig. Our Senior hurlers have advanced to the Championship semi-final after a facile 8-13 to 0-7 win over Old Bawn CS. The senior rugby players got their campaign off to a winning start on a 24-12 scoreline against Firhouse CS in the Leinster Senior Cup. ^ return to top |
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Cheerios Breakfast for Childline
Students from Transition Year organised a cheerios breakfast on Friday 7th October. Students were treated to cereal, pancakes, scones and croissants and donations will be sent to support Childline. Well done to teachers Mr Duffy, Ms Williams, In Ni Mhurchu and Mr MacCraith who coordinated the event.
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European Languages Day
Well done to all the teachers and students who organised a range of activities as part of the European Languages Day. Posters were displayed and students and teachers participated in a school quiz. Our morning announcements included greetings by our students in a number of different European languages. ^ return to top |
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Camogie
Our senior team got off to a winning start against St.Wolstan’s, Celbridge on a 5-7 to 2-8 scoreline. The girls created history for the school as this is our first time ever playing in the “A” championship. We’re optimistic about their chances as most of the team played on last year’s “B” championship winning team. Best players on the day were Kate Whyte, Orla Beagan, Laura Murtagh and Clare Rigney. ^ return to top |
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Anti-Bullying Week
This week’s particular focus for the school and especially our first years was on the theme of anti-bullying. Our first years were treated to an excellent play based on this topic. A poster competition was run in conjunction with the week’s activities. A follow on to the anti-bullying week will feature a talk by David Coleman (“Teens in the wild” broadcaster) on Thursday 27th October. This will take place in Lucan CC at 7pm. Admission is free but tickets will be issued in advance on a first come, first served basis. Tickets will be available from the college office. The talk is being run jointly with St.Joseph’s and Colaiste Phadraig so a great demand for tickets is expected. ^ return to top |
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Hurling win
Our senior team had a 10-14 to 4-4 win over Coolmine CS in the championship and have now qualified for the quarter-finals. Sean McClelland was outstanding, and was well supported by Daire Hassett, Ciaran Carbery, John Bellew and David Parsons. ^ return to top |
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Basketball
Well done to our U-16 Boys who beat Tallaght CC in their first match of this year’s championship. Our star players were Scott Murray and Michael Vu.
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Parents' Association AGM
The AGM of our Parents’ Association will be held on Tuesday 4th October at 7.30pm in the college. The Guest speaker is Clare Crowley who is currently working as a life skills facilitator and educator and has a diploma in psychotherapy. Topic on the night will be “Parenting Teenagers in the 21st Century”. Her talk will last approximately 45 minutes. All parents welcome. ^ return to top |
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Student safety
The safety of students as they travel to and from school is of concern to us. We would like to remind students and parents of the following. Pedestrians: Those who are walking to school should always use footpaths and pedestrian crossing areas and entered the school grounds through the nearest gate. Cyclists should always wear a helmet and dismount at the school gates. Drivers: We would like to remind those who drop off their son/daughter that it is illegal and dangerous to park at the school gates. ^ return to top |
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Transition Year news
A number of our students have already been involved in charity work. Well done to the students in Class Clarke who have raised funds for Aware and St. Raphael’s special school in Celbridge. A representative from South Dublin Enterprise Board spoke to our Enterprise students about an upcoming competition. In the coming weeks there will be speakers from Arthritis Ireland and Autism Ireland. A past pupil Peter Brady will return to the school to talk about the role of the European Commission. ^ return to top |
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Tenderfoot Theatre
Congratulations to the six students from TY who were selected to be part of the Tenderfoot Theatre group who are based in the Civic Theatre in Tallaght. The students will have four weeks work experience with the theatre group which will culminate in a performance of a play in January. Jenny Oleinik, Anh Nguyen, and Declan Beagan will be involved in writing plays while Megan Wrenn, William Swaine, and Don Harrington will be involved on stage through acting and set design. Best of luck to the students. ^ return to top |
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Goodbye (and hello) to our visitors
Last week we said Goodbye to our German exchange visitors. The students and teachers from Gymnasium Munchberg had a great two weeks in Ireland and were extremely appreciative of the hospitality shown to them. They were guests at a farewell party on Thursday night and returned to Germany on Friday morning. Students and teachers from Lucan will make a return visit in February. This week we welcomed a group of Italian students to the college. They will spend the week integrating with the Lucan students and attending classes in our school. They are here as part of the International House exchange programme. ^ return to top |
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Good start to hurling championship
Well done to our senior hurling team who got off to a winning start in this year’s championship. They beat Maynooth PP on a 5-8 to 2-8 scoreline. Best for Lucan were Daire Hassett, Ciaran Carbery, Stephen Jones and David Parsons. ^ return to top |
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Junior Cert results
As expected the overall results for our 3rd year class of 2011 were excellent. This group had worked extremely hard over three years and this certainly paid off given the high level of grades they achieved. Their parents’ who have been so supportive of their children and the school were entitled to be very proud. The parents and students were very thankful to the year head Patricia Knightly, their tutors and all the teachers for the high standard of education they received during the junior cycle. Despite their studies most of these students also participated in an array of extra-curricular activities. Special mention to Paul Lombard (11 A’s) and Lily Wang (10 A’s, 1B). Congratulations to all the students and we wish them the best of luck in Senior Cycle. ^ return to top |
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Supervised study
The demand for places in our supervised study programme was higher than ever this year. It reflects a focus by our exam year students on their studies. Added to this a large number of our 6th Year group attended the Higher Options exhibition which they found useful as they try to narrow down their college and career choices. ^ return to top |
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Extra-curricular activities
As always there is a wide range of activities available for students. We are delighted with the interest shown by our 1st Year group. These activities are a great source of enjoyment for our pupils and staff and we hope to see as many students as possible getting involved. ^ return to top |
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Welcome to the new Academic Year 2011/2012
We wish all of our new 1st year students the best if luck over the coming
weeks as they continue to find their way through new corridors and
negotiate having so many new teachers with numerous books to organise!
We welcome back all of our other students and hope that our 6th and
3rd years in particular are getting down to some serious study at
this stage and are using all of the resources available to them in
school, at home and online to make this process as painless and
productive as possible.
Finally, a welcome back to all of our staff who have been working
diligently over the past few weeks(and during the summer in many
cases) to ensure a smooth start-up to the year. We would like to
extend our best wishes to Patricia Knightly and Mary Harris who have
taken up positions in other schools from September. We wish their
replacements the very best of luck and we eagerly await an opportunity
to give them a fitting send-off in the coming weeks. Their new schools
are indeed extremely fortunate to have secured such competent,
diligent and professional teachers.
The theme for our year ahead is Building for the Future and we hope
that all staff and students can grasp this opportunity to ensure that
the foundations of success are firmly in place for the year to come. ^ return to top |
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Leaving certificate results
Well done to all the class of 2011 who are to be commended on achieving such great results. A special mention for David O’Sullivan and Rachel O’Neill who both got 590 points. An outstanding achievement. We wish the very best of luck to all the students who have now taken up employment or are getting ready to start college courses. ^ return to top |
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Adult Education autumn programme
The School's Adult Education and Leisure Time Activities Autumn Programme is now available to Book online at www.codubvec.ie Enrolment nights at the College take place on the Tuesday 13th & Tues 20th Sept 2011. Classes start on the 26/27th of September.
Adult Education and Leisure Time Acitivities Programme ^ return to top |
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German Exchange
The German Exchange programme has now entered its 21st year and this week we welcomed Gesina, Sabrina and 14 Gymnasium Munchberg students to Lucan. We hope they have an enjoyable stay with their Irish counterparts. Well done to the committee for organising this year’s exchange and congrats to all the staff who have contributed so much to the success of the programme over the years. ^ return to top |
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Extra Curricular Activities Update
We have already kick-started our extensive extra-curricular programme
in the college. We would like to see as many students as possible get
involved in at least one activity, whether it be of a sporting,
curricular or cultural nature. Our TYs are busy entertaining their
German counterparts, and our school choir has been rehearsing for most
if this week, with several new TY students involved. Our sporting
teams will resume training in the coming weeks, if our weather permits
it! We offer students the chance to participate in basketball, rugby,
hurling, football, soccer an camogie. We have several cultural
initiatives including debating, German and French clubs, chess,
chamber choir, junior choir, traditional Irish group, young scientist
and SciFest amongst others. It's vital that you encourage your son or
daughter to make an effort to get involved in at least one activity.
Please speak to Mr Purcell for more information on any of the above. ^ return to top |
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Leaving Certificate Results 2011
Lucan Community College is delighted with the standard of results that students achieved this year. It is a measure of the hard work and determination of the students, the preparation and encouragement of their teachers and the support of their parents.
Many students sitting the Leaving Certificate achieved very high results and we are honoured to have students who achieved among the best results in the country. These include Rachael O’Neill and David O’Sullivan who both achieved 5 A1s and 1 A2 resulting in 590 points. Our history class also deserve a special mention this year with an outstanding seven A grades achieved by our higher level students. The Leaving Certificate Applied candidates received 3 distinctions and 13 merits. Jack Minihane who was our 6th year student of the year achieved the highest grades in this course. 80% of our Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme students achieved either a distinction or merit in their Link Module.
We are delighted that so many students in our school community can achieve so highly in the Leaving Cert exam. They can be proud of the work they put into preparing for their examinations and can now build on these results as they prepare for their future studies and careers. A small number of students were unhappy with their results but they know that there are other paths that can lead them to their desired destination and that the support of guidance staff is on offer to them.
We wish the class of 2011 every success in the future and we hope that you will always consider yourself a member of the wider community of Lucan Community College and come back to visit us often. ^ return to top |
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LCC Student in training for Mathematical Olympiad
Congratulations to Niall Kelly who starts 6th year in September. Niall features in the June issue of the University News magazine from NUI Maynooth as a budding mathematician engaging in training for the Mathematical Olympiad. Niall is pictured with Sean Ashe, CEO of Kildare VEC who provided a grant for the prizes awarded to some students who attended training in Maynooth.  ^ return to top |
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End of term
Another school year has been completed. It was an extremely busy final few weeks for all our year groups. Our TY and 6th Year students had their graduation ceremonies. Our 1st year group participated in Sports Day, had a fun afternoon thanks to our Gluais group, went on their end of year tour to Lilliput Adventure Centre and managed to do their summer exams aswell. Our 2nd years also had their exams and participated in Sports day. They went to the National Heritage Museum in Wexford for their school tour. Our 5th years had an adventurous day sailing and kayaking in Dun Laoighre. We hope all our students and teachers have an enjoyable summer break. ^ return to top |
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State exams
We wish the very best of luck to our 3rd and 6th Year students in their June exams. They have worked very hard in preparation and I’m sure this will pay off when they start their exams. ^ return to top |
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Leaving graduation
Our 6th Year class of 2011 had a wonderful Graduation ceremony. Apart from their exam time the ceremony marked the end of their time at Lucan CC. For many it was an emotional occasion as some have been class mates since the start of primary school and will miss the routine of school days with their friends. Ms. Birnie and Mr Purcell wished all the students the very best of luck with their final studies and of course their exams. The students and their parents were extremely thankful to the tutors and all the teachers for their hard work over the last six years.
David O'Sullivan (Overall College Student of the Year) and Diane Birnie (Principal)
Jack Minihane (6th Year Student of the Year) and Andrew Purcell (Deputy Principal)
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Transition Year Graduation
The great benefits and experiences of our Transition year programme were displayed for all at this year’s Graduation ceremony. A brilliantly decorated room was full of the evidence of the huge work done by our TY Students during the year. Programme co-ordinator Johanna Williams thanked the group for their participation and co-operation. The students themselves told the audience about the highlights of the year. This was indeed a lengthy list which included fundraising, work experience, Carlingford trip, the Musical “Hairspray”, the Paris trip, German exchange, Build –a-Bank (3rd in National finals), guest speakers, the range of subjects they experienced. Music and singing was provided by Mr. O’Gorman and his guitar students, Mr. Dockery and of course the cast from “Hairspray”. Daniella Parchment got a standing ovation for her absorbing version of “I know where I’ve been”. Ms. Birnie and their year head Ms.Casey congratulated the students on their fantastic year. Student of the Year nominations were presented to the students from the four classes before Evin Mooney was announced as this year’s TY Student of the Year.
Student of the Year Evin Mooney and Principal Diane Birnie.
Josh Doyle (Outstanding fundraiser) and Johanna Williams (TY Programme Co-ordinator)
Sean Morrissey and Claire Rigney (Camogie Player of the Year)
Student of the year finalists: Kevin Okoro,Nikki Dublin,Genevieve Casey (TY Year head),Kevin Richmond, and Evin Mooney
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TY Musical a Wonderful Success
This year’s TY Musical “Hairspray” was a wonderful success for all involved. Three sell-out shows where audiences thoroughly enjoyed a night of superb singing, acting and dancing. Such excellence of course didn’t happen by accident. Many months of rehearsing under the guidance of Mr.John O’Connor and Ms. Vivienne Conway was reflected in the performances. There was over 70 of our TY Students involved in the production and all deserve great credit for putting so much time into this show. Well done to all involved. ^ return to top |
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Graduation Preparations under way
Preparations are well under way for the TY and Leaving Cert Graduations. Both year groups are now in their final weeks. The TY year group is busy finalising their projects and completing their portfolios for the end of year interviews. ^ return to top |
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Sports Day report
Our 1st and 2nd Year students had an enjoyable and of course highly competitive day during their recent sports day. The students participated in a range of sporting activities. Team events included soccer and basketball and the individual events included running, penalty shoot-out, shot putt, poc fada, welly throwing and high jump. Thanks to the PE dept for organising the event with the co-operation of the 1st and 2nd Year year heads and tutors. ^ return to top |
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Reading Week
Our Annual reading week took place from May 9th-13th. This gives students an opportunity to partake in leisure reading during school time. It highlights the importance for reading for overall student achievement in all subjects. Well done to the English teachers for organising and running the reading week. ^ return to top |
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State exams
Junior Cert metalwork and Leaving cert Art exams took place in the college this week. Well done to all the students. ^ return to top |
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ICT Installation progresses
Considerable progress has been made with the installation of Interactive Whiteboards and computers in all our class rooms. When completed this technology will greatly enhance the teaching and learning which takes place in our school. ^ return to top |
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Third place in National Finals for Lucan CC Build-a-Bank team
The Lucan Community College Build-a-Bank team had an outstanding achievement by coming third in the National Finals of the AIB Build-a-Bank challenge.
In September the interviews took place in order to form a team for the AIB Build a Bank Challenge. 26 students from our Transition Year group applied for the available positions. The positions were filled as follows Manager: Michael Burns, Asst. Manager: David Foley, Sales and Marketing : Stephen Fay, Auditor: Robert Neary and tellers: Kate Whyte, Gary Moore and Mark Kearns.
They team developed an original concept for the bank. They decided on “Wonka’s Golden Bank: The sweetest bank in town”. Under the Guidance of their teacher Ms.Priscilla McKenna, the team then drew up their Business Plan and organised finance. The launch of the Bank took place in November. Santa Claus officially performed the opening during lunch break. The launch included music, and promotional items. The bank was open for business every Tuesday, with many seasonal offers.
The regional finals of the competition took place in March. 207 schools entered the competition and regional finals took place at various venues throughout the country. The Lucan team set up their stand and presented their plan to the judges. As part of their presentation they dressed up as Willy Wonka and the Oompa-loompas. The Lucan team won Best Customer Loyalty Programme .Their prizes included a 100 euro voucher each and a digital camera for the school. They then qualified for the National finals. This in itself was an outstanding achievement as only 16 teams qualified from the original 207 entries. The finals took place in the RDS.
They again set up their stand and presented their plan to six judges who questioned them on all aspects of their business. While the judges deliberated, various activities were available to the students before they were treated to a meal. After the meal the presentations took place.
Given the unbelieveably high standard of competition the team was thrilled when they were announced as third place winners. Their prize included a Nintendo Wii for each member of the team and an interactive whiteboard for the school.
This award was well deserved and rewarded the students for their innovation, hard work, presentation and communication skills, and dedication throughout the year. Of course none of this would have been possible without the foresight of their co-ordinating teacher Ms.Priscilla McKenna. Ms.McKenna entered the team for this challenge and guided them throughout the year. She was extremely proud of the students and found all the members of the team to be a pleasure to work with.
Well done Michael, David, Robert, Stephen, Kate, Gary, Mark and Ms.McKenna.
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TY Musical: Tickets now on sale
This year’s production, the hit musical “Hairspray” will take place nightly at 8pm on May 11th,12th and 13th. The students and staff have put a huge amount of work in this production and an excellent night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets are available at the school. ^ return to top |
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TY An Taisce clean-up
Our TY clean-up day was a great success. All our TY students participated and involved themselves in cleaning up the school and surrounding areas. They got great praise from local residents groups for their efforts. Well done to all involved. ^ return to top |
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Good luck to our exam students
Our LC students are busy with their exams at the moment. They have practical exams in Engineering and Art and our LCVP students had their written exam this week. The count down is well under way for all Leaving and Junior Cert exams and wish them the very best of luck with their preparations.
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Lucan CC student is Evening Herald School Sportstar of the Week
Orla Beagan, 2nd year student from Class Keynes has won the prestigious "Evening Herald Sportstar of the Week Award" after an outstanding performance during the final of the Senior B Dublin Schools Camogie Final against St Mc Daras Templeogue. Orla's fantastic contribution throughout the game saw her score 4-6 which led the girls to victory. Orla also plays for Lucan Sarsfields and is a member of the Under 15 Dublin camogie squad. ^ return to top |
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Emphatic win for Lucan CC girls in County Final
County Schools Senior “B” Camogie final
Lucan CC: 5-9
St.MacDara’s CC: 2-7
The girls from Lucan Community College created history by winning their first ever
Senior B final. The final winning margin didn’t quite reflect what was a competitive
and entertaining final. On the day an outstanding performance by Lucan full-forward
Orla Beagan proved to be the main difference between the sides. Orla finished the
game with a personal tally of 4-6.
St.MacDara’s certainly had the better of the opening exchanges and quickly clocked
up a two point lead before Orla Beagan got her first goal after great work from Claire
Rigney and Laura Connolly. The defence were under a lot of pressure but with
goalkeeper Kate Whyte and full back Shannon Clarke both giving excellent displays
MacDara’s were held to 1-3 at half time. Lucan’s first half tally came to 3-5.
It was in the second half that Lucan really began to assert themselves. Captain
Michelle Kelly was dominating at centre-field and Siobhan Grimes was a stalwart at
centre-back.
Laura Murtagh gave the St.MacDara’s goalkeeper no chance of saving her ground
shot and of course Orla Beagan was adding points to her total.
Overall this game was played by two very well prepared teams and a very young
St.MacDara’s side will be back. As for Lucan, many of this team were on the Lucan
Sarsfields minor A county winning team and certainly many of this highly talented
side will feature in many more finals.
Lucan CC: K.Whyte, C. Flanagan, S.Clarke, A. Greene, D.Stapleton, S.Grimes,
J.Doran, M.Kelly capt (0-2), C. Rigney, L.Connolly, L. Murtagh ( 1-1), E.
McClelland, L.Sexton, O.Beagan (4-6), A. McHugh. Subs: C.Clarke, O.Dent.
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Easter Break
We hope all our staff and students have an enjoyable Easter Break. A large group of our TY students and their teachers will be heading to Paris for four days. We presume they’ll have a great time as they take in all the wonderful sights that Paris offers. ^ return to top |
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Final preparations for TY Musical
Our transition year students will be busy over the Easter break with their final preparations for their Musical “Hairspray”. The show will take place on May 11th, 12th and 13th. All support welcome. ^ return to top |
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Oral and Practical Exams Completed
Well done to all our 3rd and 6th Year students who have just completed Oral and Practical exams. We wish them well with their studies over the Easter holidays. ^ return to top |
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Soccer Success
Congratulations to our senior boys team who reached the Dublin final. They had a great 3-1 semi-final win thanks to goals from Dylan Cassidy (2) and Craig Coulter. Man of the Match was Jordan O’Reilly. ^ return to top |
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Internet Safety Talk for Parents of Junior Cycle students
Following on from the Internet Safety Talks held this year for all students, we are now offering parents the opportunity to attend a talk on Internet Privacy/Safety.
The talk will be given by Mr Pat McKenna (ChildWatch.ie) at 7.30pm on Monday April 4th in the College. The material being presented at this talk will not be suitable for children and so we would ask you not to bring children with you. At present we can only accommodate parents of students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year but if there is a demand we will consider offering it to parents of other year groups next year. You may find it helpful to talk to your son or daughter about the talk they attended in school as many students had very interesting questions to raise with Pat after his presentation. Being aware of the opportunities and challenges present when children use the internet is vital for parents in this day and age. ^ return to top |
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5th Year Careers Night
A careers night for 5th Year students from schools in Lucan, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock will be held in Maynooth University on Thursday evening 5th May. There will be 28 speakers from a wide range of different careers such as, Media, Accounting, Engineering, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology and Music Technology. The career talks will be timed to take place at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. The evening is organised so that students can attend two talks, one at 7.30pm and at 8.30pm. We would strongly encourage all 5th Years to attend the evening as it will provide students with valuable information and insights into the different careers. The Guidance Counsellors will be talking to the students about the event over the coming weeks. ^ return to top |
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Helix trip
A large number of our music students and choir members had a highly enjoyable visit to the Helix theatre for the “Emmanuel” project. This visit was extremely beneficial to all the students and they were commended by their teachers. ^ return to top |
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Non-uniform day
In excess of 1000 euro was raised by our students during a recent non-uniform day. The funds are now being donated to an Eastern European orphanage. Some of our teachers will visit this orphanage during the Easter holidays. The money raised is really appreciated and will make a huge difference to the lives of many children who much less fortunate than ourselves. ^ return to top |
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TY Musical
Preparations are well under way for our TY production of the musical “Hairspray”. The students are putting in many hours of practice. The show will take place in early May. ^ return to top |
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"Wells for Zoe" talk
John and Mary Coyne visited our school this week and gave a highly informative and interesting talk to our TY students. John and Mary are co-founders of “Wells for Zoe”, a charity which is doing fantastic work in Malawi. They told the students about how they were inspired by a visit to Malawi six years ago. They then set up their organization which has grown considerably since. They can be proud of their achievements and have improved the lives of so many wonderful people in Malawi. ^ return to top |
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VEC Festival of Music
Our chamber choir and senior music students certainly did our school proud in the recent Co.Dublin VEC Festival of Music. This concert was held in the National Concert Hall. Their teachers Ms Conway, Mr. Purcell and Mr. Duffy were thrilled with the performance of the students and described their overall representation on behalf of our school as “exemplary”. ^ return to top |
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Girls Gaelic Football
Our u-14 team had an excellent win over Donahies CS in their league match. This was a great team performance. Shauna Kinsella and Orla Beagan were outstanding at mid-field and Danielle Murray was player of the match. ^ return to top |
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Mozart Restaurant
Our 5th Year LCA group set up their own restaurant and catered for our teachers during lunch time on Tuesday of this week. The meal was presented and cooked in a highly professional manner. A three course meal was served with all cooking and restaurant services provided by the students. They were quite rightly proud of the achievement with this task which was done as part of their Hotel and Catering module. ^ return to top |
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Table Quiz
Our Parents’ Association will hold a table quiz on March 24th. This will take place at the Lord Lucan pub at 8.30. Your support would be greatly appreciated. ^ return to top |
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Build a Bank
Congrats to the TY Build a Bank team who won the Customer Loyalty award at the build-a-bank competition under the leadership of Ms.McKenna. They certainly worked hard at customer satisfaction with their Willy Wonka Golden Bank theme. ^ return to top |
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Camogie News
Our senior team had a great championship semi-final win over St.Wolstans. Best of luck to the team who will now face St.MacDaras in the final. ^ return to top |
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Internet Safety
A talk has been arranged for 1st and 2nd Year parents on Monday 4th April at 7.30pm. We would encourage all parents to attend. ^ return to top |
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Arts Week
We had yet another highly successful Arts Week this year which took place on Feb 14th-18th. Workshop participation was higher than any other with all first, second, transition and fifth year students getting a full day of workshops. These workshops included song writing, capoiera, juggling, stiltwalking, puppetry, drumming, modern dance, arts and crafts, and cinema. On Wed 16th we had our all-school table quiz and night time entertainment included a Student variety show, Teachers’ talent show, and a Battle of the Bands. On Friday we had our dress-up day and this years theme was “Colours of the Rainbow” with each year and the teachers assigned a colour of the rainbow. All round a very enjoyable week was had by all. Well done to the organizing committee. The events each day were as follows:
Monday: 5th Year Workshops all day. These included Drumming, Rock Music, Capoiera (Martial Arts style dancing),Mobile Cinema and Song writing (a group of students got to write, perform,produce and record their own song). The feedback from the students was excellent There was a Student Variety Show at 7.30pm, where about 20 of our students got perform on stage. A well attended and enjoyable night.
Tuesday: Transition Year workshops all day the same as 5th Years
Wednesday: An all school table quiz. Questions were called out over the intercom. Students were in teams of four in the various class rooms. Very enjoyable. Quizmaster Mr. Michael Smyth W also had a Teacher Talent show, for many the highlight of the week. Performances included, the Kings of Lucan singing Homework's on Fire, Black eyed peas I Gotta Feelin, Crystal Swing, Wagner, The Rubber Bandits, Hot Chicks Birdie Song and the joint winners were Ciaran Duffy as "Mary Byrne" and Mumford and Son and Daughter (Jamie Dockery, Priscilla McKenna, and Colum O'Gorman) The interval act was a re-enactment of Riverdance led by Eoin McCraith and Emma Ni Bhrian as Flatley and Butler.
Thursday: 2nd Years workshops all day. These included Mobile Cinema, Arts and Crafts, Drumming, Circus Skills, Modern Dance, Puppetry, Drama. All were very well received. Battle of the Bands: Four bands performed a collection of their own original songs. The winners were MFM featuring Jason Rankin and Mark Byrne.
Friday: 1st Years Workshops up to 12.10pm. Same as 2nd Years but no Cinema. This was fallowed by the all school photo shoot. This years theme "Over the Rainbow".In the afternoon we had the Student Variety show. The winners were Oliver Moore and Danielle Byrne
All in all an excellent week. Possibly our best ever Arts Week.
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German Exchange
All our students and their accompanying teachers, Ms Bean and Ms McKelvey arrived home safely after their two week visit to Munchberg. They had a great time and commended the hospitality of their German hosts and all the staff at Gymnasium Munchberg.
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Art Competition
Well done to the winners of the St.Patricks Day themed art competition. They were David Gartlan, Caitriona Murray, Joshua O’Neill and Alex Cristea.
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Basketball
Our 2nd Year Boys team had a great win over Colaiste Cois Life. This was a great team effort. Well done to all.
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Table Quiz
Our Parents’ Association will hold a table quiz on March 24th. This will take place at the Lord Lucan pub at 8.30. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
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Parents course on Dyslexia
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) is organising a one-day course for parents on dyslexia in Dublin City.
Topics covered on these one-day parents courses will include:
- Understanding Dyslexia.
- Understanding the assessment report.
- Accessing support in school, e.g. learning support, Irish exemption, exam accommodations.
- Practical suggestions for parents and helping with homework.
- Planning for the future - second level and beyond.
- Computers and assistive technology.
The Dublin parents’ course will take place in the Holiday Inn, Pearse Street on Saturday, 29th January 2011. A free course for third year students with dyslexia will be run in tandem with this Dublin parents' course.
The course starts at 10.00 am and the cost is €60 for members of the association and €85 for non members. Further details on their website, http://www.dyslexia.ie/diary.htm
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Important information about Swine Flu prevention
Parents and students are asked to pay careful attention to these HSE documents about Swine Flu prevention:
Parents' FAQ about Swine Flu
How Students can prevent the spread of Swine Flu
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Christmas Carol Concert a resounding success
This years Carol concert was a resounding success with the college chamber choir performing to another packed audience in St Andrew's Church of Ireland, Lucan. The concert certainly got all in attendance in the Christmas spirit. Choir members were a credit to themselves and performed exceptionally intricate music to a near professional standard. The choir was accompanied by an excellent band of orchestral players. Thanks to all who helped in any way to organise the event. The second standing ovation on the night certainly meant that it was a night enjoyed by all.
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New Adult Education Brochure
Adult Education Classes Spring Term 2011 Enrolment will take place on Monday January 17 and Tuesday January 18 between 7-9 pm. A copy of the brochure is available here. However, to guarantee a place on a course and to optimise security, we encourage all patrons to enrol online by visiting www.codubvec.ie. It will be possible to enrol online from Monday January 10th. If you have any queries in relation to night classes please contact the office on 016282077.
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Vincent de Paul Society delighted with support
Students, parents and staff of Lucan CC were busy organising support for the local Vincent De Paul Society for the 25th consecutive year. Class Dingle produced the Christmas hampers shown with the help of teacher Ms L Quirke. Ms Ryan coordinated a secret bag collection the proceeds of which were gratefully received by local V de P volunteers. They praised the efforts of the school community at a time when the society are experiencing more and more people in need of help and support. Thanks to all who contributed and coordinated.
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Chamber Choir Carol Concert
Lucan CC Chamber Choir's annual Christmas Carol concert will take place next Wednesday, December 15th at 8pm. Tickets are 10 Euro (with 5 Euro concessions) and will be available on the door on the night. It promises to be another great success with the choir rehearsing continuously, despite the disruptions with the weather. The choir will be joined by a guest orchestra on the night and will perform such seasonal favourites as O Holy Night, In the Bleak Midwinter, O Come All Ye Faithful and Jingle Bells amongst others.
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Carlingford trip
Our 5th Year LCA class had a thoroughly enjoyable day in Carlingford on Monday of this week. The students were accompanied by their tutors, Mr. Smyth and Ms.Tapley. The highlight for many was the high ropes adventure which was not for the faint hearted. Other activities included the obstacle course, team building challenge and archery. The instructors were very impressed with our students’ behaviour and overall attitude towards the activities.
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Camogie
Well done to our senior who had a great 4-7 to 1-2 victory over Portmarnock CS in their recent championship match. The team is unbeaten and is guaranteed a semi-final place. Our best performers were Elaine McClelland, Laura Connolly and Laura Murtagh.
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Soccer
There were wins for both our u-14 and u-19 teams. Thanks to a 5-2 win our U-14 team has now qualified for the knockout stages. The u-18 gave their qualification hopes a great boost with their 8-3 win. Scorers were Dylan Cassidy (3), Jack Minihane (2), Ronan Carey (2) and Mark Dwyer (1).
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TY Work Experience
Our TY students have returned to school after two weeks away on work experience. The general feedback from the students was extremely positive. For many it was their first experience of working life and they feel they have benefitted greatly from it. The employers reports on our students were even more impressive. Well done to all.
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Parent/Teacher Meeting
There will be a P/T meeting for all parents of Leaving Cert. students on Tues.Nov 30th at 4.15-6.45
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Debating
Congrats to our Senior Irish Language debating team who have qualified for the next round of the Gael Linn Debating tournament. Well done to all involved.
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Table Quiz
We had three teams who participated in the CIMA Business Houses School’s Quiz. Two of the teams did extremely well by getting a top ten place. They showed a considerable business and general knowledge. There was a total of 37 teams in the competition.
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Sports
Our u-16 boys basketball recorded yet another victory this week. Our senior soccer players were unlucky to lose 4-3 to Hartstown CS, while the u-13 boys soccer team had their first game and recorded a 3-3 draw against Collinstown CS. There will be upcoming games for u-19 Boys soccer, u-16 Gaelic, Senior rugby and our Badmintons. Thanks to all our teachers and students who continue to give so much time to extra-curricular activities in our school.
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Student Council
The members meet every week and continue to give our student body a democratic say in the running of our school. A number of the members recently attended a conference on European decision-making processes. The feedback from all the students was extremely positive.
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Healthy Eating Week
The launch of our school Healthy Eating Week will take place on Monday, November 29th. In conjunction with this we will also have the launch of our new Canteen Menu – “Bia Blasta”. There will be an emphasis on healthy foodstuffs and students will be encouraged to eat their “5 a day”. We also hope that parents will also actively participate in this week. It has been proven that eating healthy foodstuffs is a considerable aid to students’ learning and their ability to concentrate in class.
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Enrolment 2012 deadline: 19 November
The closing date for receipt of Application Forms for 1st year 2012 is 4.30pm on Friday 19th November.
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Science Week
Well done to all the Science teachers who organised a number of activities in conjunction with National Science Week. This was of great benefit to all our science students and extended to staff and students who do not study Science at the moment.
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Past Pupil Success
Congratulations to Gavin Kelly and Constantin Manole who will be awarded an Entrance Scholarship from TCD. Also to Ruth Malone who received a Choral Scholarship at the Entrance Awards in UCD.
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Anti-Bullying Week
Preparations for anti-bullying week which starts on Monday 22nd are continuing. Teachers of SPHE and RSE will specifically focus on anti-bullying lessons during this week and there will be lots of involvement from other subject areas.
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National Concert Hall trip
The music teachers brought a large group of students to the National Concert Hall recently. They had a highly enjoyable and educational trip. The behaviour of the students was impeccable.
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Mental Health Week
Parents‘ talk in Colaiste Phadraig 8-9pm 9th December
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Sports
Our junior camogie team had a facile win over St. Wolstan’s College in their league encounter. Orla Beagan gave an outstanding performance and scored an amazing five goals in the match. Well to our Boys Basketball teams who had wins over Colaiste Cois Life. Scott Murray was MVP for the U-16 team and Stephen Jones was the star player for our U-19 team. Well done to all involved.
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Enable Ireland Recycling Campaign
Open up your wardrobe to a world of possibilities for those with disabilities
Now it’s time for parents and families to get involved in our fund raising programme. It also give us a time to de-clutter your home. Each student in the school will be given a yellow plastic bag to take home over mid term and we hope that each house hold can use it to give unwanted items to help make life for those with disabilities that bit better.
What you can donate:
Clothing, shoes, jewellery, bags, hats ornaments, curtains, towels, books, magazines, unwanted gifts antiques etc.
When can you drop it off?
Wednesday Nov 3rd, Thursday Nov 4th and Friday Nov 5th you can drop them into the college where they will be stored until Enable Ireland collect them on the Friday evening. However big or small your donation will be greatly received by this Irish charity. You can drop off items before and after school or during lunch time. More Information regarding drop off will be available nearer the dates. Smaller items can be brought into the school by students and left in a designated area.
Remember pack that bag or use a black plastic one and help those with disabilities!!!
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Transition Year fundraising activities
This term has been a very busy one for the transition year students. Already they have been busy helping charities raise much needed funds. In September they raised €1000 for Enable Ireland and twenty students gave up their Saturday to bag pack in Tesco for the Peter McVerry Trust who help homeless boys, where they raised over €700. In October the students raised money for Jasper who help children who suffer from Arthritis and they collected for Autism Ireland the sum of €1,300. All of the charities are delighted that our students have given of their time to help those less fortunate than themselves.
Mr Duffy and some transition year students held a very successful breakfast on Friday 8th of October. The students put on a breakfast fit for kings in aid of ChildLine. Some students and staff donated items like scones, juices and milk for the event. They organised it with great skill and a wonderful time was had by all who attended, and most importantly they raised €400 for this worthwhile charity.
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Speakers keep students informed
As part of the TY programme the students have been fortunate to have speakers inform them on the following topics:
- Internet Safety (child watch). The students learnt about how information is used on the internet and how to keep themselves safe.
- Autism: Denis Sexton from Autism Ireland spoke to the students about Autism how it affects the individual and the family and the important work that society does).
- The Chief Executive of Amnesty Ireland Colm O’Gorman paid the TY students a visit on September 28th He outlined the work of amnesty and how the students could become involved by setting up their own school group which they did under the guidance of Ms. McCarthy and Ms. O’Gara ,
- Niall Quinn a recovering addict paid the students a visit as part of the parish mission on Thursday September 30th speaking about his life and changes he made.
- Members of Lucan youth Services spoke with students about youth orchestra and Youth club in the area looking for new members and offering training as leaders to others.
- In early October the students learnt about the AIB Build a Bank Challenge, and were invited to apply for jobs in the school bank. The interviews took place on Wednesday 13th of October with Lydia from AIB & Ms McKenna who will monitor the students and help as they go forward to the Regional finals. Congratulations to the lucky six , Michael Burns (manager), David Foley, Kate Whyte, Stephen Fay, Gary Moore and Robert Neary.
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TY DVD debut
On Friday 15th of October seventeen Tranistion Years made their filming debut. A past student Leanne Caulfield asked if students would participate in the making of a DVD for schools by becoming extras for the afternoon. The DVD is a project called Youthconnect in conjunction with of ISSU & the Irish Congress of Trade Unions focusing on solidarity, globilisation, students & workers rightsand activism in general and the DVD will be seen in second level schools later in the year. A good experience was had by all.
Two New programmes began this year. The first started on September 21st. The students were given an insight into drama by members of the Civic Theatre in Tallaght and were given an opportunity to participate in a workshop which in turn allowed the team to choose six students to participate in an active work experience over a number of weeks in the Civic Theatre called Tenderfoot. The students will link with six other schools in county Dublin and be involved in a production from all areas e.g. set design, writing, acting, production manager etc and will perform in the Civic for their parents and students from the various schools at the end of January. This is a wonderful experience for the six students so congratulations to David Parsons, Liam Byrne, Elizabeth Idowu, Emma Flannery, Conor McNally and Rhys Carey. These students will have a couple of days work experience in the Civic Theatre beginning on Oct 18th & 19th and then three weeks work experience in January so best of luck.
The second programme is our new link with the sports department in Stewarts Hospital in Palmerstown. Each week as part of the Lifeskills course the students travel to Stewarts with their teacher Ms Mc Keever and work with the clients in the area of sports & fitness. It is hoped that in the future some of these clients may take part in the Special Olympics.
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Transition Year work experience
This is an important part of TY where students get to experience the world of work but can identify career opportunities and look to work in these areas so they can make wise choices in the future. It is up to the student to show that they are responsible and independent individuals and that they have attained a placement for the following dates November 8th to 19th inclusive. All relevant paperwork can be obtained from Mr. Purcell. Any parent who maybe in a position to offer work experience could contact the school.
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Transition Year trip to Carlingford
All of the Transition year students will go to Carlingford for an overnight adventure on Nov 1st to 2nd. They will participate in a full schedule of outdoor adventure scaling new heights by rock climbing and new debts by raft building with hopefully no sinking!!!!! A good bit of crack is guaranteed.
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Visit by the Jack & Jill Foundation
The Jack & Jill Foundation will be visiting all students in the school in November to tell students about their work and what they can do to help. So hold on to your old mobiles they can help your school while helping disabled children and their families
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CEO of Amnesty addresses TY
Colm O'Gorman, chief executive of Amnesty Internation (Ireland) spoke recently to our Transition Year students about the work that Amnesty are doing. Amnesty is a 2.2 million-strong organisation, campaigns to free prisoners of conscience, abolish the death penalty, stop violence against women and ensure everyone enjoys full human rights.
The senior students are planning to set up a branch of Amnesty in the school, and this is being co-ordinated by Ms.McCarthy and Ms.O'Gara.
 Kate Whyte, Gary Moore, Claire Rigney, Colm O'Gorman,
Michael Burns and Ian McDonagh
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German Exchange a great success
Our German counterparts from Munchberg Gymnasium have headed back home after two action packed weeks in Lucan. They enjoyed a range of activities while they were here and as always made a great impression on all in Lucan CC. They were highly appreciative of our organising committee. A farewell evening was held on Thursday in the college and the group said their final “Goodbyes” on Friday before heading for Dublin Airport. A special well done and thanks to Ms Bean and Ms McKelvey who were this year’s host teachers and of course thanks to all the students and families who hosted students. The return journey will take place in February.
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Lucan CC participates in Lucan Festival
As part of this year’s festival our 1st year students took part in a series of hip-hop workshops and our TY students participated in a theatre presentation. This proved to be a highly enjoyable experience for those involved.
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Transition Year Notes
As always this year’s students are extremely busy with both class work and other activities which have been organised by their co-ordinator Ms. Williams. Charity work has been a main focus in recent weeks and our students have collected a large amount of money for a number of charities. Our TY students were also given an extremely informative presentation of “Internet Safety” last week.
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Parents to monitor college journal
As well as being a written record of school and home work our college journal forms an integral part of home/school communications. It is essential that parents monitor its contents and use it as a simple and direct method of communicating with teachers and other staff in the college.
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Sports: still time to get involved
Most squads are now up and running but it is not too late for students (especially 1st Years) who are interested in getting involved to do so. Hard luck to our senior hurling and ladies gaelic teams who lost their league games.
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Junior Certificate Results 2010
Diane Birnie (Principal) said that she is delighted with the standard
of results that students achieved this year. She would categorise the
results as very solid throughout with a large number of outstanding
results.
Particular mention goes to Michael Burns who achieved 7 As and 4
Bs, Gavin Byrne awarded 6As and 5Bs as well as Clodagh Flanagan and
Nikki Dublin our top-scoring female students. The gardai visited the
students to congratulate them and remind them of the importance of
engaging in appropriate celebrations. Year Head Ms Casey and tutors
joined in congratulating the students and cheers of excitement rang
thoughout the school. Ms Casey and Ms Birnie reminded students that
this is a learning experience – “If you did well, be proud of yourself, if
things did not go so well, decided what you will do to improve in the
future. A piece of paper does not determine your worth as a person.
You are all wonderful today.”
 Gavin Byrne, Clodagh Flanagan, Nikki Dublin and Michael Burns
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Debs 2010
The Parents Association organised the Debs Function for the Leaving Cert class of 2010. With a large number of students attending and a large contingent of teachers present including Year Head Mr O'Connor, tutors and retired Deputy Principal Mr McDermott, there were plenty of stories told and future plans shared. The Red Cow hosted a champagne reception, a meal, a live band, a disco and a karaoke session. Students then danced the night away at the nightclub and after breakfast returned by bus to Lucan to sleep the day away. The staff and parents join in wishing all of our past-pupils every success in their future studies and careers.
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Leaving Certificate Results 2010
Congratulations to the class of 2010 who performed exceptionally well in this year's leaving certificate examinations. The overwhelming majority of our students have secured their first options for further study and Lucan Community College has yet again proved itself to be one of the best performing schools in the Lucan area in state examinations.
Our Leaving Certificate Applied class performed outstandingly well in the examinations, achieving 7 distinctions and 5 merits; the best performing LCA class in the school's history. Particular note must be made of students Gavin Kelly and Constantine Manole, who between them amassed an impressive 1630 points in 17 subjects. Constantine actually achieved the school's best results ever with 7 A1s and 2 A2s and finished joint 10th nationally. In fact, only seven students nationally scored higher than Constantine!
Well done to each and every one of you and you can be very proud of what you have all achieved. We in the college would like to thank for your work, enthusiasm and effort over the past 5/6 years and we wish you every success in your future.
Junior Cycle Subject Information Sheets
The NCCA has put together a set of fact sheets which give information about the different subjects available in junior cycle. While the fact sheets have been designed with sixth class pupils and first year students in mind, they will also be useful for parents.
They can be used by first year tutors and guidance counsellors in post-primary schools and teachers of senior classes in primary schools. They will also be useful for school information evenings and open days. You can access them by clicking on the following link http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Junior_Cycle/Fact_sheets/
Start-Up 2010
Wednesday 18th August |
Leaving Cert results delivered |
Thursday 26th August |
10.00-12.30 All 1st Year students in school |
Friday 27th August |
9.40-12.00 All 1st year and TY students in school |
Monday 30th August |
No 1st years or T.Y. students in school today |
9.00-11.00 |
All 2nd year students in school |
9.30-11.30 |
All 3rd year students in school |
10.00-12.00 |
All 5th yearstudents in school |
10.30-12.30 |
All 6th year students in school |
Tuesday 31st August |
All students in classes as per timetable. Classes finish at 12.45 |
Wednesday 1st September |
All classes as per timetable. |
Booklists 2010-2011
The college's booklists are now updated and available online. You may access these by going to the 'programmes' section on the left hand side of the site and clicking the relevant programme of interest. All books are available from Abtree Bookstore, Lucan and remember that book grants are available by contacting Mr Purcell in the school on 01 6282077.
School Calendar 2010-2011
The Calendar for the school year 2010/2011 has been announced by school management. If you would like to view this calendar simply go to the section marked calendar from the top of any homepage or access it directly by clicking here. Please note particularly that our first day back after the summer recess is Thursday August 26 2010. Please try to bear this in mind when planning summer holidays.
Forthcoming Graduations
This is an extremely busy week in Lucan Community College with our transition year and sixth year graduations on Tuesday and Wednesday night. This is an opportunity to celebrate and reminisce about the year gone by in relation to the transition years and to mark in a special and poignant way a major rite of passage for our sixth year students. Special academic and extra-curricular awards will be presented on both nights, with the much coveted award of Student of the Year being announced at both ceremonies. Huge amounts of work have been put in to both ceremonies and we look forward to meeting and greeting all of the parents who have been invited to both events.
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Chamber Choir Summer Concert
On wednesday last, 19 May, the school chamber choir performed its bi-annual choral/orchestral concert to an extremely appreciative audience in St Andrew's Church of Ireland. The choir, under the direction of Ciarán Duffy, performed Haydn's St Nicholas Mass, with guest soloists Joan Farrell, Maria Kelly, Cian Elliott and Nathan Morrison. The second half of the concert featured choral favourites such as the opening movement of Vivaldi's Gloria, Howard Goodall's The Lord is My Shepherd, Handel's Zadok the Priest and Hallelujah Chorus,Mozart's Ave Verum and Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. A small presentation was made to Ms Helen Ryan on the night who has been instrumental in the staging of all choral concerts in St Andrew's. A presentation was made to six of our leaving certificate students who have, for the most part, been members of the school choir since first year. To John, Gavin, Rebecca, Ruth, Owen and Bill we say thank you and wish you all the best in your forthcoming examinations.
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TY Musical Plays to Full Houses
The transition year musical has just finished a very successful run of The Music Man. Weeks and months of hard work and dedicated rehearsals all paid off for all of the students and teachers concerned. The show was completely sold out for each of the three nights it was staged in the school hall. Craig Carabini and Amy Duffy wowed audiences every night with near professional performances. They were more than ably supported by Abigail Malone, Mall Kelly, Stephen Jones, Conor O'Neill, Andrew O'Neill, Shane O'Neill, Shauna Callaghan and the many singers and dancers who all added to one of the school's most enjoyable shows. Most audience members commented on the comedic talent of the students and in particular the talented quartet of Kevin Nolan, John O'Keeffe, Dean McHugh and top Soprano, Cian Spollen! A special word of thanks is due to Mr Purcell, Mr Mc Guinness, Ms Robbins, Ms Lillis, Ms McKenna, Ms Clifford, Ms Hickey and Ms Kerwick for all of their help in the staging of the show. In particular, the cast was extremely appreciative of the driving force behind the show, Mr John M. O'Connor. We look forward to next year's show already.
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Start of Term 2010
Please be advised that Lucan Community College will start back on Thursday August 26 2010. We would appreciate it if plans for summer holidays could bare this in mind so as to ensure a smooth start to the next academic year.
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Leinster Cup Success for U18 Soccer Boys
Well done to the U18 soccer squad which defeated Drimnagh Castle last week to record another cup for the soccer team this season. Our senior team created history by becoming the first soccer team from the college to win a Leinster title by winning the League Division 1 title. The game ended on penalties which didn’t reflect the dominance that the Lucan team had for the first 75 minutes. At that stage they were 3-0 up thanks to goals from Ciarán McHugh (2) and Dara Mylod. However, they conceded 3 goals in the last 12 minutes of normal time. There were no goals in extra-time and Lucan secured a sudden death penalties win. Well done to Mr. Brett and the players.
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Maths Whiz Differentiated from the Rest
Great news for one of our 6th year students! Mel O’Leary finished first from a panel of Mathematical Olympiad Trainees in NUI Maynooth. He was confirmed last Friday as having finished 4th in Ireland and has been awarded a place on the 2010 International Mathematical Olympiad Irish team. The competition will take place in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan from the 6th until the 12th of July, 2010.
This is a wonderful achievement for Mel who has always shown an intense love of mathematics and who studies Maths, Applied Maths and Physics at the college. He has ably represented our college at a number of team maths and applied maths quizzes over the years. The Olympiad is not just a competition, but an unforgettable holiday. It will be a fascinating time full of mathematical feats and new friendships. We wish Mel and all of his year group every success in the approaching Leaving Certificate exams and we look forward to following Mel’s progress in Kazakhstan with pride in July. Congratulations to his teachers Ms Birnie, Ms Gamburyan and Ms Gaffney and to all of his family and friends. Well done Mel! For more detailed information on the International Mathmatical Olympiad please check out http://www.imo-official.org/
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Orals and Practicals Complete
Congratulations to all of our 3rd and 6th year students who have had two very busy weeks of home economics and music practicals and Irish, German and French orals. A special word of thanks and congratulations to all of their teachers for preparing their students so well and a special word of thanks to our exam secretary, Ms Regan who organised the exam process with her usual degree of professionalism and enthusiasm. Let's hope that the written exams go as well in June.
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Update on Extra-Curricular Activities
Mr Brett, our extra-curricular coordinator has compiled a thorough overview of what's been happening lately in the school in terms of extra-curricular activities. Please take a moment to brief yourself on the myriad of activities which take place in our school on a day-to-day basis.
Athletics:
Congratulations to the whole team who took part in the recent West Leinster Cross Country Championships. Patrick Elliot finished 1st and went on to finish 3rd in the Leinster Championship. Training for the upcoming Track & Field Championships are underway – thanks to one of our parents, Gerry Martin, for organising training and spearheading the development of the sport in the school.
Hurling:
After suffering defeat in the first round – U14 team due to play Colaiste Phadraig in the next round. We wish them and bainisteoirí Messrs MacCraith & Morrissey, the best of luck.
Rugby:
Great run for the Junior rugby team who narrowly lost to Confey College in the Quarter Final of the Junior Shield.
Language
French Trip to Paris was a huge success again this year thanks to dedicated coordination of Ms Harris. The German exchange was another success and thanks to all for making it so. Our thoughts are with Ms Clarke who is currently Verloren in Deutschland – Viel Glück
Badminton:
Great success in this thriving sport – winning majority of games in the league and narrowly missing out on quarter final place. Paul Lombard showing great improvements as are the new first years. The first ever school badminton kit was presented to the students in March. Thanks to Ms Gaffney and Ms Gallagher for their continued hard work.
Soccer:
The Under 18 team beat Tullow Community College 2-1 in the quarter final of the Senior Leinster League Cup on March 9th at home. They went on to beat Moyne, Co Lonford away in late March in the Leinster Cup. This has been a historic season with the team already reaching and winning the Metro West title and now making it into the Leinster Final for the first time. We wish them, and coach Mr Brett all the best of luck in the final.
The Under 14 team beat Clonkeen College in their first playoff match in the Metropolitan Cup. They are playing St Fintan’s High School, Sutton in the quarter final this week. We wish them and Mr O’Gorman the best of luck.
Camogie
Winner Dublin C League Senior Championship
Quarter Final of All Ireland Senior Championship – unfortunately lost. A great season with great success for the senior girls. The junior team has taken up where the seniors left off beating Colaiste Cillian, Clondalkin 7-14 to 2 in the first round of the championship. Thanks to Ms Freeman for her exceptional coaching skills.
GAA Football:
The Under 14 team narrowly lost to Terenure College last week in the championship semi-final. Well done to the team for their success this year and thanks to Mr Carey for his hard work with the team.
Basketball:
The boys 1st and 2nd year teams finished 3rd in their respective leagues – a fine achievement. The girls 1st and 2nd year teams will be taking part in a national blitz competition in the Basketball Arena this week – we wish them the best of luck. Thanks to Ms Quirke, Mr Kavanagh and volunteer Bob Lambert.
Choir
The Festival of Music took place in the National Concert Hall on Monday 8th March. The school choir performed at the event and student John Maher performed a magnificent solo on the night. Thanks to Mr Duffy for his continued dedicated work with the choir.
Music Dept
The annual music department recital evening took place on the 15th April. It was a great success once again – well done to all the performers who took part on the night and for the music department for organising a tremendous night of music. Thanks to Ms Bean, Mr Purcell, Mr McGuinness and Mr O’Gorman for their time and efforts.
Arts Week:
Great success in February 2010 again with the battle of the bands, numerous workshops (dance, puppetry, juggling, stilt walking) and the now infamous teachers night (where teacher don wigs and perform on stage much to delight of the watching students). Thanks again to the Arts Week committee and Mr Duffy for their continued hard work.
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Chamber Choir Summer Concert 2010
The school chamber choir has been working hard for its upcoming annual summer concert, which will take place on Wednesday 19 May at 7.30pm in St Andrew's Church of Ireland, Lucan. The concert will feature Josef Haydn's St Nicholas Mass in G Major along with other much loved choral favourites including Mozart's Ave Verum, Handel's Zadok the Priest and Hallelujah Chorus, JS Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and excerpts from previous summer concerts. This concert will be fully accompanied by our usual professional orchestra and we will be joined by some of the country's top young soloists for the Haydn Mass. Tickets, priced at €10 (€5 concessions) will be available from any choir member or on the door on the night, or direct from the school office at 01 6282077.
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National Success for 2nd year Students
Congratulations to Gavin Pacini and Mark Hanley, class Magellan, 2nd Year, who won the Games Fleadh XNA Ireland Challenge Schools Cup.
The Games Fleadh XNA Ireland Challenge is Ireland’s biggest computer and console games designing competition for schools and colleges. It is held in Tipperary Institute every year with different themes each year. This year the theme was Pac Man. Mark and Gavin decided to give it a disco angle and incorporate a dance mat and dance mode into it also. Lucan Community College has taken part and won the competition in the last two years. The judges were extremely pleased with the creation and were also glad to see Junior Certificate students taking part as most students were Leaving Certificate students. We look forward to even more success in the future. Well done lads great achievement. Thanks also to Ms Bean, tutor to class Magellan, for her support and encouragement of the lads' talent.
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The Music Man - Dates Announced
The Music Man is a musical written by Meredith Willson. The show is based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organiser and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim but progressive Marian the librarian sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother, Marian begins to fall in love with Harold. Harold, in turn falling for Marian, risks being caught to win her.
The Lucan Community College production will take place from Tuesday 11 May to Friday 15 May. Tickets will be on sale after we return from the Easter holidays so look out for notification of same, as tickets always sell out quickly.
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Class Dingle Enterprise Task
Congratulations to all of the students in class Dingle who ran a very successful Easter Raffle last week for charity. They were extremely busy all week making posters, selling tickets and advertising their chosen charities and all of their hard work paid off in the end. A special word of thanks to Ms Murphy for her hard work and particulalry to Ms Clifford, tutor to class Dingle for the exceptionally hard work she does for the class. Well done to all concerned.
Class Shackleton - Sponsored Walk
The following is an article written by students in class Shackleton, 2nd year, who organised a sponsored walk for their CSPE action project.
On the 24th of March, Lucan CC, 2nd year, class Shackleton organised a fundraising walk for the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA). The ISPCA is an organisation which prevents cruelty to animals in Ireland. It takes in domestic, farm and wild animals who are injured, sick, mistreated or neglected all around the country. It provides shelter, medical care and loving homes for these animals. Our class organised a fundraising walk as an action project for our Junior Certificate, CSPE course. We walked for over three hours around Lucan Demense on March 24 2010. The ISPCA sent in a chief inspector and a Great Dane called Scooby with us on the walk. We brought four dogs of our own on the walk too - Sally, Jack, Rex and Ralph. In the end we raised over €800 for the charity. We would all like to thank the ISPCA for looking after all of the stray, mistreated and abandoned animals and we hope that more people will continue to support them in their efforts. Finally a huge thank you to Ms McCarthy, our CSPE teacher for her hard work and dedication and to Mr carey, our class tutor for accompanying us on the walk.'
Class Shackleton
Race Night
The Parents' Association organised a very successful race night in the Lord Lucan on Friday 12 March. The night was organised to raise funds for the school and it was well supported by the local community on the night. The event was particularly well supported by the staff of the college and Ms Diane Birnie thanked the staff for their participation on the night. She particularly thanked Mr Sean Morrissey, liaison teacher with the association for his endeavors and all of the parents for doing such trojan work on behalf of the school. Despite the number of losses endured by many of us on the night, a great evening's entertainment was had by all.
Poverty Week
Class Bancroft of 2nd year is currently organising to participate in Poverty Week organised by our school's partner charity, Self Help Africa. 7 students will undertake to live without cush modern luxuries as mobile phones, iPods, television, computers etc, and will live on three basic meals a day. A number of other students in the school and some teachers are also participating in this event. We will keep you posted on their progress.
Haiti Appeal
Following the earthquake which recently devastated Haiti, one half of the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, class McAuley of transition year organised a non-uniform day, together with their class tutor, Ms Higgins. In total, they raised €1,190 for Goal and €1,000 for the Irish Red Cross, two aid agencies working in the heart of the affected area. The class would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously to their Haiti appeal and we hope sincerely that their contribution will go a long way to improving the tragic conditions in which the population of Haiti now finds itself.
Mock Examinations 2010
All of the staff in Lucan Community College would like to wish our 3rd and 6th year students the very best of luck over the coming two weeks in their mock examinations. This is the first time that the students will experience what the real thing will be like in June, so we hope that they give it their all and remember that there is plenty of time to right those bad study habits.
Successful trip to Rome
Welcome home to 35 of our 5th year students who enjoyed a school trip to Rome during the February mid-term break. They visited the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Pompeii and Vesuvius in an action packed four day excursion. The students behaved in a respectful and dignified manner at all times, were courteous, well-mannered and positive at all times, especially the 'Elevator 6,' who know how to act in tight situations! Thanks to Ms Duggan, Ms McKeever, Mr O'Gorman and Mr Duffy for accompanying the students on the trip.
Concern Debates Come to an End
Hard luck to our senior Concern Debating Team which lost narrowly to St Joseph's Secondary School, Rochfortbridge on Monday night February 22nd. The team has performed exceptionally well over the last four months, finishing joint top of the national league table, remaining undefeated in the process. They were opposing the motion that 'Genetically modified food is essential in the fight against world hunger.' They served our school admirably and are a credit to themselves and their families. Well done and thanks for all of your hard work to Gary Hartigan, Dean McHugh, Rachel Bridgette and wonder-captain Abigail Malone.
Team Maths Challenge
Congratulations to four of our sixth year students - Gavin Kelly, Constantine Manole, Mel O'Leary and Aoife Ruane who recently came 3rd in the Dublin heat of the IMTA Higher Level Maths Table Quiz in St Andrew's College, Booterstown. They were competing against some 57 other schools and obtained 14 correct answers out of a possible 20. The winning team from Gonzaga College obtained 19 correct answers. Congratulations to all involved, including their teacher Ms Diane Birnie and we wish the team, and all of our exam students the best of luck in their up coming mock examinations.
Arts Week 2010
Lucan Community College's annual Arts Week commenced today with 2nd year students availing of opportunities to do various artistic activities including stilt-walking, modern dance, belly dancing, face painting and drama. Tomorrow sees our 1st year students take to the floor with puppetry, cartooning, drama, theatrical make-up and modern dancing. The Students' Variety Show was an amazing success which included several dancing acts, singers, bands, a beat-boxer and the occasional drag act here and there too! Let's hope the teachers will be up to a similar standard on Wednesday night; they'll have a lot to live up to.
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German Exchange
This coming Friday we say Gute Reise to a number of our 4th and 5th year German students who will travel to Munchberg, Germany for our annual German Exchange educational trip. they will be accompanied by the exchange's most enthusiastic member, Mrs Colette Clarke and new school principal, Ms Diane Birnie. The exchange was established by Roswitha Böhne and Diane Birnie in 1990 and the students of LCC have been travelling to Germany since 1991. The program for the Irish students usually consists of day trips to Prague, Nuremberg, Wurzburg, Munich / Dachau or Weimar, Buchenwald. Field trips to Bayreuth, and Helmbrechts Mödlareuth are also included where possible. We wish them the very best of luck on their educational exchange and look forward to hearing about their trip on their return.
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U18 Soccer Victory
Lucan CC's amazing sporting success continued unabated last week with our U18 soccer squad winning the Dublin West Metropolitan League Final comfortably. Mr Brett and the school team brought the first ever trophy in soccer back to the school in some style last Tuesday afternoon, following a hard-fought final which they won 2-0, both scored by Scott Geraghty of 6th year. Well done to all concerned but particularly to the lads who have trained hard over the past number of months. We await with excitement the upcoming Dublin and Leinster games and wish Mr Brett and the lads all the best of luck.
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Basketball Heart Ache
The senior boys team had a heartbreaking last minute loss in their All-Ireland qualifiers. They had travelled to Carrickmacross last week with high hopes and had led their match with only minutes to go. Unfortunately they conceded the lead in the last minute. They should be very proud of their achievements this year and look forward to next year with fresh optimism. Full and detailed report will follow in the coming days.
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Young Scientist Results
Congratulations to 5th year students Thomas Butler, Rachel O'Neill and Sarah Vu who were highly commended in this year's BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition with their project, entitled 'An experiment to determine the levels of bacteria in rain water collected for drinking in Kenya.' These students have worked tremendously hard over the past number of months, with their teacher Ms Healy, and were rewarded at the end of a hectic week with such an excellent accolade. Our 4th year students (Shauna Callaghan, Greg Copley & Joseph Eiffe) were highly praised by the judges on Thursday and have already started tweeking their project for re-entry next year with their cooperating teacher, Ms Gaffney.
Richard O’Shea, 18 year old sixth year student from Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Blarney, Co Cork was named the overall winner of the exhibition, with his project entitled, “A biomass fired cooking stove for developing countries”.
Richard received the prestigious honour for his pioneering work on the design of a biomass-fueled cooking stove for use in developing countries. Over 2 billion people in the world depend on stoves to cook their meals every day, and his project built a new one which uses as little fuel as possible and which ideally produces no smoke. Richard made a strong impression on the judges with his detailed research into the chemical processes involved in burning timber, and with the various designs he came up with using very simple materials such as tin cans and nails which are very easy to find in Third World countries. An added bonus is that his stoves can be built using simple tools such as a Swiss army knife. Richard impressed the judges with both his scientific knowledge and the engineering skill he showed in his construction work.
1,135 students competed during the week with 509 projects from all 32 counties across Ireland. The RDS welcomed thousands of visiting students, teachers, parents, and members of the general public during the exhibition, including all 144 of our own first year students.
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1st Year Enrolment
On Monday 18 January 2009 all in-coming 1st year students will be afforded the opportunity to experience their first taste of a second level school when they sit their entrance examinations. Their parents and guardians will also be afforded an opportunity to talk to many of the staff of Lucan Community College and will be informed of our rules, numerous policies, extra-curricular activities and will be able to meet with our school's management team. This is an extremely important day for all incoming first year students as they get an opportunity to see what life will be like when they start second level education in September and gives us as a school an opportunity to welcome them and their parents to our thriving school community. We look forward to welcoming you all on Monday and wish all of the students the very best of luck in their entrance examinations. All queries in relation to 1st year enrolment should be directed to Mrs Deirdre O'Donoghue through the school office on 01 6282077.
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Sublime Hurlers Capture Gold for Lucan CC
Lucan Community College 8-2 Templeogue College 4-11
Earlier this year, our exceptional hurling team was victorious in the Dublin Schools Senior Hurling Final. Their dedication and commitment in training and matches all season, and in previous years, finally paid off as the lads brought the first major piece of sporting silverware back to the Esker school in quite a long time. The final score of 8-4 to 4-11 reflected an exciting high quality game of hurling. LCC got off to a great start with two early goals from Sean McClelland before Templeogue got their opening point. Liam McClelland joined his brother in the scoring stakes with a goal. Stephen Jones got a point and Sean Mc added another 1-1 to leave the half-time score at 4-2 to 2-4.
The defence came into their own in the second half. Shane Claffey in goal was excellent and captain James Cavanagh led by example at full-back. Shane Donoghue was outstanding at centre-back and managed to score a goal and a point. Templeogue drew level with only 8 minutes remaining but this hardworking Lucan side battled to end. Other outstanding performers were Craig Carabini, Ross Fagan and David Bellew, but this day belonged to Sean McClelland who finished with an amazing 6-2 personal tally. Well done to all concerned and particularly to Mr Seán Morrissey and Mr Eoin MacCraith for their time, dedication and commitment to the sport.
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Night Classes Term 2
Enrolment for the second term of our night classes will take place on Monday and Tuesday the 18 and 19 January between 7 and 9pm. You may enroll online at www.codubvec.ie and leaflets should have been delivered to all homes in the locality at this stage. If you have not received one, you may collect one at the school. If you have any queries about Adult Education at Lucan Community College, contact our Director of Adult Education, Mary Harris at +353 1 6282325
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ISSU - International Student Identity Cards
On Friday 9th October Lucan Community College Student Council invited Leanne Caulfield, President of the Irish Secondary Students' Union (ISSU) and former Chairperson of our Student Council to a meeting to inform us about the International Student Identity Cards. Lucan Community College is one of the first schools in the country to be taking part in this programme. As a pilot school we will be one of the first to be able to avail of the Student Card and to avail of the many brilliant advantages that comes with it. Students are encouraged to apply for a card as they provide many discounts and are a recognised form of Student I.D. worldwide. More information is available on the website www.studentcard.ie These cards are currently being enjoyed by huge numbers of students throughout the school. For more information on the school's students' council please check out Lucan Community College Students' Council page.
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Students' Council Members visit Brussels
In order to mark the International Day of Students, the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) was invited to attend a conference organised by the Organising Bureau of European School Students Unions (OBESSU) and its third-level equivalent, the European Students’ Union (ESU). The conference took place in Brussels from the 15th to the 18th of November 2009. The aim of the conference this was to commemorate those who have put their lives at risk during the constant struggle to obtain student rights and to discuss how student rights can be achieved in the future.
Two members of the Lucan Community College Student Council Abigail Malone and Owen McCabe, through their association with the ISSU, were invited to represent the second-level students of Ireland along with the President of ISSU (and past pupil of Lucan Community College,) Leanne Caulfield.
There were over eighty students from across Europe both second and third-level students representing countries including Romania, Denmark, Finland, England, Estonia and Lithuania among many others.
It was a great experience for both Owen and Abigail, and an inspirational few days witnessing the hard work, dedication and motivation that go into the constant struggle for students’ rights across the world. Well done to both students - let's hope that the idealistic young minds of Abigail and Owen continue into the Irish political sphere and remain exactly that - idealistic!
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Carol Service 2009
This year's carol service was another tremendous success thanks again to the hard work and dedication of the teachers in the RE and Music departments. The students were reminded of the real meaning of the Christmas season. This year's theme was of hope reminding all of us that at times of difficulty we always have a degree of hope to cling on to. Students from all years were represented through singing, reading or providing instrumental accompaniment. Thanks to all who made it another success. At the end of the service presentations were made to Paddy MacDermott and Mai MacAtavey who are both retiring this year. See stories below for further details.
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Young Scientist 2010
We take this opportunity to wish our young scientist competitors, Thomas Butler, Rachel O'Neill, Shauna Callaghan, Greg Copley and Joseph Eiffe all the very best for the upcoming BT Young Scientist competition in the RDS from January 12 to 16 2010. The projects entered this year are entitled 'An experiment to determine the levels of bacteria in rain water collected for drinking in Kenya' and 'The effects of different strengths of electro-magnetic fields on the germination and growth of plants.' Good luck to all involved and teachers Ms Gaffney and Ms Healy. For more information check out www.btyoungscientist.com
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Happy Christmas
We would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you the very best for this Christmas season. May it be a happy, peaceful and safe time for all of our students, staff, parents and members of the wider community. Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
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Retirements Aplenty
Two more long serving members of staff left us on Tuesday last. Mai MacAtavey and Hubert Taylor announced their intentions to retire on December 1st last to much shock for all of the staff. Between themselves, Paddy and Séamús we have lost over 135 years of teaching experience, something which will prove very difficult to replace. Mai was a teacher of Business Studies and was the sole teacher of Accountancy for many years. She was the current year head for our 5th year students and they, in particular, were very upset to see her leave. Mai was presented with a gift from her 5th year students and tutors. Hubert was a teacher of Construction Studies and Materials Technology (Wood) and instilled a level of perfection and astute attention to detail in his students, the like of which will never be seen again. Hubert was also in charge of TY, LCA and LCVP work experience along with being responsible for the finances of these same programmes. We wish Hubert and Mai all the very best in their retirements and look forward to seeing them soon in the new year for their retirement parties.
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Paddy McDermott Retires
It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to our much loved deputy principal, Mr Paddy McDermott, on Monday December 21st. Paddy has decided to retire after 42 years unbroken service in Lucan Community College. Paddy joined the teaching staff of Lucan Vocational school in September 1967 as a teacher of geography and history. Throughout his career paddy was a year head, an organiser of numerous foreign trips, a member of various union and VEC committees, a driving force behind the school's redevelopment and extension in the 1980s and ultimately a deputy principal. Paddy was greeted on his last day by the staff of the school who provided a guard of honour either side of the red carpet to Paddy's office where he enjoyed a private breakfast before the start of his working day. The students later provided Paddy with a guard of honour where he and his wife, Mary, greeted the entire school to the sound of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' over the PA system. The school's carol service (see news items) ended with a presentation to Paddy from the students' council. Owen McCabe and Abigail Malone presented Paddy with a stunning crystal vase and cards signed by every pupil in the school. A presentation was also made to Mrs McDermott. Paddy spoke to the students and wished them all the best for their future and thanked them sincerely for the lovely day he was having. He said that he would miss the school hugely and that he was proud of the reputation which the school had in the community. He spoke fondly of the special relationship which exists between staff and students in our school and that he was honoured to have worked with so many excellent students over his 42 years of teaching. The staff had lunch organised for Paddy and Mary and former principal, Mr Séamus Ó'Néill, spoke fondly of Paddy's hard working nature and of his commitment to ensuring exceptionally high standards at all times. The school's new management of Diane Birnie and Andrew Purcell also spoke in honour of such a dedicated man and promised to continue the excellent work Paddy had done up to now. Paddy's former classroom of J2 was renamed the 'Paddy McDermott Geography Room' in a ceremony attended by students, geography teachers and other members of staff. 'Paddy Mac's' status as a 'ledge' is truly fitting and his humour, dedication and professionalism will be sorely missed. We wish Paddy and Mary every good wish for the years to come and wish Paddy well in his retirement.
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Retirement of our Principal Seamus O'Neill
Monday 30th November 2009 marked the last day for Seamus O'Neill as Principal of Lucan Community College. Mr. O'Neill and his lovely wife Valerie were greeted by red carpet at the entrance of the school at 8.30am and whisked away to the staffroom to enjoy a buffet breakfast organised by members of staff. All teaching and administrative staff enjoyed breakfast together in honour of Seamus' retirement from 28 years of service to Lucan CC, 10 of which were in the role of Principal. Following breakfast, Mr.and Mrs. O'Neill enjoyed a tour of the school, where students and staff lined the corridors to show their appreciation and respect for the man who had brought the school into the new millennium. After basking in the glow of admiration demonstrated, Mr. O'Neill addressed both junior and senior students in two separate audiences, where once again the student body represented their gratitude to Mr. O'Neill for all his hard work and the energy he has devoted to the school. Student Council Representative Abigail Malone presented Mr. O'Neill with a stunning crystal trophy on behalf of all the students, while Mrs. O'Neill was delighted to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers, in recognition of the support she has given to her husband over the years.
But that was not the end of Mr. O'Neill's day! He then proceeded to the newly renovated science area, which has been dedicated to him, the Seamus O'Neill Science Suite.The new school principal, Ms. Diane Birnie officiated at this ceremony and to end his last day with us in Lucan CC, Mr. O'Neill unveiled the plaque naming the science area in his honour.
We wish Seamus and Valerie O'Neill many happy and healthy years to enjoy this new era in their lives together!
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School dates to note
Tuesday 8th December: Please note that the time and date for the 6th Year Parent/Teacher meeting has been changed to 1.30 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. on the 8th December.
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Pandemic A H1N1 Update
The number of students absent due to illness has decreased substantially since october mid-term and some students and staff in high risk categories have received vaccination. However, precautions and procedures outlined in letters sent home and on this website will continue to be enforced, especially as the weather deteriorates. We look forward to the announced roll-out of vaccination to young people, and will inform you of any update we receive from H.S.E.
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Fall of Berlin Wall remembered
Students of German at Lucan CC celebrated the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, with a week long remembrance of the history behind the building and subsequent fall of the Wall. The C area in the school was decorated to resemble the wall, with a graffiti adorned side balanced by austere brick work on the other, representing the West and East sides. Students engaged in research projects based on the history of the Wall and the stories of desperate attempts to flee to the west, and members of the rest of the school were encouraged to visit the C area to view the project which decorated the interior walls of the area, informing anyone who had time to read about the history and personal anecdotes of those who experienced it all.
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TY trip to Carlingford
The annual transition year trip to Carlingford Adventure Centre took place on the 2nd and 3rd of November. Despite the cold and wet weather, the entire T.Y. year along with their tutors and year head headed north for two days of adventure filled activities including raft-building, abseiling, archery, pier-jumping, and team building games! Based in the heart of Carlingford village, the centre boasts excellent accommodation and services, including superb instruction and care for students and staff alike. As you can see from the pictures a good time was had by all!
 
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Memorial service for deceased staff
Beloved colleagues and teachers Carol Meehan, Don Nicholl and Linda Clarke were remembered in a special memorial service held in Lucan Community College on Wednesday evening, the 21st October. The service was attended by staff and students of Lucan CC, as well as members of the Board of Management, the CEO of Co. Dublin VEC and other special guests, most notably members of the Meehan, Nicholl and Clarke families. The service included tributes to our dearly departed, read by friends and family, and those in attendance were carried through the service with beautiful renditions of various hymns by the outstanding Lucan CC choir. Following the close of the memorial service all were invited to attend the unveiling of the Memorial garden, established in honour of all those we have lost from our school in the past few years. Lit by candlelight, a monument adorned with the names of the deceased was officially unveiled.
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GOAL Jersey Day
Students and teachers of Lucan Community College took part in a Jersey Day in aid of GOAL on Friday 16th October. Students and teachers were encouraged to wear the jersey of their favourite sports team. A contribution of €2 per participant ensured a generous donation to the GOAL charity. GOAL is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to the alleviation of suffering amongst the poorest of the poor. It is hoped that this fundraising activity will help them in their work.
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Pandemic A H1N1
Pandemic A H1N1 also known as Swine Flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus. For more information on symptoms and management of this virus for parents, students and teachers in Lucan Community College please click the link below.
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Pandemic A H1N1 information
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