Coláiste Bhaile Chláir was recently awarded The Amber Flag, an initiative which aims to encourage Schools, Colleges, Clubs, Societies and Organisations to promote and actively bring about a culture change in the promotion of positive mental health within the educational system.
What the Amber Flag will do is acknowledge these efforts and unite all community groups in the promotion of Positive Mental Health. It becomes a daily topic of conversation leading to a cultural shift where mental health becomes The Norm leading to the breaking down of Stigma that is associated with mental health resulting in individuals seeking help sooner, when mental health issues arise.
Our schools Amber Flag committee called Headspace organised a walk for all of the school highlighting the importance of positive mental health.
Hector ó hEochagáin visited the school, spoke to the students about his own experiences and announced the winning forms.
Art students visit pop-up gallery in Corrandulla
The second year Art students were treated to a homely welcome at the Pop-up gallery of Birgit Lochmann and her husband Peter when they went to visit the local exhibition.
Sitting in their splendid landscaped garden on Gaudi inspired benches, the students were given an introduction to the history of Art before they were given a guided tour like no other through the gallery, where Peter and Birgit explained the inspiration behind the art work before being introduced to a Hang among other unusual and interesting musical instruments.
A further treat was in store when the dental technicians, Birgit and Peter, gave an invigorating lesson in the making and colouring of false teeth. The students were also captivated by the work of an illustrator Nora Zoelzer-Bryce, who’s breathtaking and descriptive paintings were also on display.
The trip was certainly enjoyable and educational as well as inspiring for our budding artists at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir.
Art Exhibition at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir
The Art students at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir have been busy organising an exhibition of beautiful and creative art pieces that is a culmination of this year’s hard work. It is an excellent opportunity for others to see the outstanding work produced by these admirable and artistic students.
Displaying and viewing art work is an essential part of art appreciation and important for students to recognise their unique talents and achievements. The exhibition included a wide range of sketching, prints, graphic designs, paintings, mixed media and sculptures. We look forward to an array of beautiful and inspiring work in future exhibitions.
‘Galway Cathedral’ by Harry Bradshaw (2nd year)
Grace Lenihan (2nd year)
‘Ballerina’ by Saoirse McNamara (2nd year)
Sketch—signed by An tUachtarán M D Higgins—by Luke Adams (2nd year)
‘Rain’ by Orlaith Roe (2nd year)
Maddie Duffy (2nd year)
First Year Exhibits include:
IT Lessons for Senior Citizens
by Robyn Gough
On the 12th and 19th of May 2015 the form 1 Nic Dhonnchadha in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir held IT lessons for the senior citizens of the Claregalway community.
In these classes we were teaching the senior citizens about computers; how to work apps, to organise files, how to turn off and on the computer, the internet, uploading and storing photos and any other things they wanted to learn.
We provided computers but if they had their own they could bring them down if they wanted to.
Two students were paired with a person to work with. It was a lot fun for the students to become the teacher for the day!
Between the lessons we offered tea/coffee and a biscuits and some homemade cookies and buns.
We decided that we wanted to do this to give back to the community and we hope to do the same next year.
Coláiste Bhaile Chláir Junior Football
by Sarah Coady
This year, the football coaches at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir entered a junior panel into the City Schools League organised by Ms Maire Connolly of LGFA. The standard of Gaelic football is high at Claregalway College due to the amount of different clubs based in the area and the stiff competition from nearby schools.
With only first and second year girls in the school we set out for our first game against Calasanctius College of Oranmore knowing that it would be a close, competitive match. The Claregalway girls dominated the first half with superb defence from the backs and some spectacular saves from the goalkeeper. Following some brilliant scores delivered by our speedy forwards it looked like victory was in sight. Being against the wind in the second half gave Calasanctius a great opportunity to catch up to the Claregalway girls, which they did with some top quality scores. With ten minutes to go the Claregalway girls managed to maintain a narrow lead until three late goals delivered by Oranmore’s Emma Connelly. This resulted in Claregalway losing by four points in the end. A fair win by Calasanctius but a tough lesson for us Claregalway girls.
With the second League game coming up our coaches Mr McHugh, Ms Nic Dhonnchadha and Ms Dabbagh knew some intense training would be needed to ensure success against the Dominican College, Taylors Hill but unfortunately with players missing due to other commitments and injury we only managed a draw. Despite the disappointment we still had enough points to keep us second on the leaderboard. The intensity of the training was increased and with players returning from injury Claregalway set out with high hopes to win our next match against St Enda’s College Salthill. With spectacular weather on the day the Claregalway girls were on top form even from the first kick of the ball. It was a real team effort with all players supporting each other, and making great use of the pass and go tactic practiced in training. The final score was 3–16 to 3–3.
With one win, one draw and one loss Claregalway were faced with having a play-off against Dominican College who they had drawn with previously. We had a soaring victory and we ploughed our way to the final. Preparing for the final the coached used the same tactics used to secure the U14 Connacht Final won a few weeks previous. We were meeting out great rivals Calasanctius in The Prairie in Salthill. As the day approached we were more than ready to put up a great battle with the superb Oranmore team. In the opening half of the match both teams displayed great skill and heart. Claregalway defence was led by the mighty Aoife Lyons and Laura Flattery. Captain Gemma Coll played an integral part in defence and showed great leadership skills holding back many Oranmore scoring opportunities. Despite this as the half time whistle blew Claregalway knew changes had to be made with their play as all the hard work was not converting to scores. Going into the second half with fresh minds and legs Claregalway created many goal chances, with Hannah Coady missing a powerful shot on target.
Once again Emma Connelly of Oranmore kicked two goals with meant that Calascantious came out on top as the better team on the day.
Overall the girls football at the school has been a huge success and with incoming first years next year Coláiste Bhaile Chláir will be ready for any ball thrown at them next year!
Another Successful Year for the School Bank in Coláiste Bhaile Chláir
We had another great year working with the school bank—with the help of Ms Emma O’Donnell from Bank of Ireland Mervue, we ran two promotions.
Emma O’Donnell, Michael Aherne and Patryk Kazimierczak
52 students opened new accounts this year and we therefore qualified for the competition to win an iPad. Michael Aherne was the lucky account holder who won the iPad.
We also ran a school tour competition—second year, Kaelum Larkin from Ballyglunin and first year, Liam Molloy from Corrandulla got their school tours paid for because they had saved money each week for six consecutive weeks. Proving that saving really is a good idea.
Patryk Kazimierczak and Emma O’Donnell
The school also got a cheque for €500—altogether a very successful year! We are looking forward to seeing you next year.
Thanks,
Patryk Kazimierczak
Bain taitneamh as na laethanta saoire!
Wishing students and staff at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir a safe and happy summer, enjoy the break.
