Lenten Challenge

Pictured here are class 1F enjoying lent, having decided to focus on doing things they enjoy and on appreciating the little things.

Seen here is the current challenge of “joke of the week”.

Many thanks to Pat Deasy, who inspired us for this week’s task.

Enterprise Competition

Well done to Jella Smile, MC Grass Measuring, CES Beads and Listarkin Glass who represented Skibbereen Community School today at the Celtic Ross Hotel in the regional finals of the Student Enterprise Competition. 

Congratulations to Jella Smile who won the innovation award & to their teacher Ms. Mary O’Donovan!

TY Beach Clean Up

On Thursday 2nd of March, a group of 12 TY students from Skibbereen community school participated in a beach clean-up organized by Mr. Rory Jackson. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy. The students were enthusiastic and eager to participate in this noble cause. 

Preparation and Organization: Prior to the event, Rory Jackson of the Oceans Plastic Project had made arrangements to provide the students with all the necessary equipment such as gloves, bags, and litter pickers. He had also done a pre-survey of the beach to identify the areas that needed cleaning. The students were divided into groups, and each group was assigned a particular section of the beach to clean. 

The Beach Clean-Up: The students started their clean-up early in the morning, and despite the chilly weather, they remained motivated and focused on their task. They worked tirelessly, picking up plastic bottles, cans, cigarette butts, and other debris. They were careful not to damage any wildlife or their habitats during the clean-up. 

During the event, Rory gave a brief talk on the importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy. He explained to the students how the trash they were collecting would have negative impacts on the marine ecosystem and wildlife, if left unattended. The students were impressed by the enormity of the issue and pledged to do their part in keeping the environment clean.

The students collected approx. 35 kgs of plastic waste including wrappers, containers, plastic gun cartridges, fishing line, rope, plastic bottles, part of a boat and a plastic fish box.  One of the things we noted was the amount of smaller particles of plastic (micro plastics) which abounded in the high tide line. These are virtually impossible to collect but cause significant harm to the organisms that inadvertently consume them, and which unfortunately in turn, make their way into our own diets.  

Conclusion: The beach clean-up organized by Rory was a success. The students not only cleaned up the beach but also learned about the impact of pollution on the environment.  Plastic is made using oil and natural gas. Plastic items are distributed globally using vehicles run on fossil fuels. It is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. Ultimately, we need to address the plastic issue at source and minimise the amount of plastic being produced as its production, distribution and disposal have such a detrimental effect on the environment. The event was a reminder that we all have a responsibility to keep our environment clean and healthy for ourselves and future generations. The efforts of Rory and the Skibbereen Community School students have set an example that others can follow to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.  

When students were deciding where to stop for lunch, they considered which local delis/ fast-food outlets had the most environmentally friendly options. Ger’s Wild Atlantic Diner, Drinagh café and Costcutters (Trevor’s) all have the option of using ceramic plates and metal cutlery which minimize plastic waste.   

We would like to thank Mr Rory Jackson, Ms Burchill, Mr Uhl, Ms Burke, Mr Damien Long and the Cork Co. Council litter collection team for organising and facilitating this series of beach and estuary clean ups.  

Report by Callum Moloney  

TY Daffodil Pickers, March 2nd.

Many thanks to our TY Lads for volunteering to pick daffodils today in Castlehaven to support the upcoming Irish Cancer Society’s “Daffodil Day”. Many thanks to Mrs. Sheila Carroll for organizing.

1st Year Girls Basketball

Congratulations to the 1st year girls basketball team who defeated Bantry today 59- 27.

The girls now progress on to the quarter final.

Our 2nd 1st year team lost in extra time to Bantry in an exciting game.

Well done to all involved!

5th Years attend AgriAware Walk & Talk

The 5th year Agricultural science class attended the AgriAware Walk and Talk that was held in Clonakilty Agricultural College on Wednesday 1st March.

The students gained an insight into the different areas of the ag science syllabus such as grassland, genetics, soil, slurry, fertilisers, dairy and they even got to met some spring lambs. 

Presentation to Students on Food Waste

Pictured here are Dr. Sandra Flynn and Dr. Colum Gibson giving a wonderful presentation on food waste, and promoting “Young Chef Recipes” to our students on Monday.

It was very informative and students learned many new facts based on how to reduce food waste. Students were encouraged to change their attitudes to food waste.

An excellent presentation was given by Dr. Gibson who has promised to come back to do a food survey in the near future.

Thanks to Ms. Órla O’Sullivan, Ms. Deirdre Hennigan and Ms. Grace Callaghan for organising. 

Cycle Against Suicide Online Information Evening for parents with Dr. Blanaid Gavin, March 9th 7-9pm.

Cycle Against Suicide with Dr. Blanaid Gavin: https://people.ucd.ie/blanaid.gavin is hosting an information evening for parents.

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀

In this session, Dr. Gavin will talk about what anxiety is, why it happens, when to be concerned, and how to help.

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀

In this session, Dr. Gavin will discuss what is known about the causes and consequences of depression and what is known to aid recovery.

Taking place via zoom on Thursday, March 9th - 7 pm to 9 pm, this event is free to all parents. 

For parents wishing to join, please register at: https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/croke-park-hour/

Munster Schools Cross Country Finals, Feb 24th

The three SCS students who qualified for the Munster Schools Cross Country at SETU,Waterford on Friday last,performed brilliantly.

Ultan Dennis McAleavey finished a very creditable 22nd out of the 79 qualifiers in the Junior Boys' race, while his older brother Ferdia gave it everything finishing  an impressive 16th out of the 64 qualifiers ,over a hilly and testing 5k course.With 15 individuals qualifying for the All Ireland's, Ferdia just missed out by one place!.

In the Intermediate Girls' race, over a hilly 3k,Caoimhe Flannery was right up with the leaders from the start and clinched one of the coveted 6 medals on offer,finishing in 5th place out of 52 qualifiers.

Caoimhe will  now represent SCS in the All Ireland Cross Country Schools finals on the same course at SETU in Waterford  on March 11th.

Senior Ladies Football team are crowned LGFA Munster Champions, Feb 28th.

Congratulations to our Senior Ladies Football Team and their coaches, Ms. Ella Ryan, Ms. Anna Ward and Mr. Gery Carey on winning the LGFA Munster School’s “C” Championship today in Mallow. The School Community are extremely proud of their achievment and they have done themselves, their families and their Clubs so proud. Many thanks to their coaches for all the effort, the travelling supporters, parents and local Clubs for all the support. SCS Abú!!

Soccer Cork Cup Matches, Feb 28th

Well done to our U19 Boys Soccer Team and their coach Mr. Conor Uhl on beating Scoil Phobail Bheanntrai in a cracking Cork Cup Tie today at home. Final score was 3-2.

Hard luck to our Junior Ladies Soccer Team and their coach, Ms. Orla Higgins on losing to St.Peters’ Community School in their Cork Cup Tie.

Class 1A Launch Lenten Campaign in SCS

Well done to class 1A for launching our Lenten campaign in SCS.

The school community is encouraged to do one positive thing for themselves each day. Thanks to Emma Limerick and Emma Hegarty for assisting us in our adventure today.

Thanks to Ms. Órla O Sullivan and Ms. Anne O’Farrell for organising.

5th Years attend Webinar in Religion Class

Fifth years attended a webinar today in their Religion class.

It was very informative on ‘new year and new focus’.

Dr. Mark Rowe gave a presentation on lifestyle medicine. He promoted a healthier life, addressed anxiety, stress and how to boost wellbeing.

Strong friendships are key to long term relationships was a key message. Being good to yourself is paramount.

Thanks to Ms. Órla O Sullivan for organising and to Mark Keating for settting up the webinar.

Best of luck to our Senior Ladies Football Team in the Munster Final Tomorrow, Feb 28th

Best of luck to our Senior Ladies Football Panel and coaches in the Munster Final tomorrow against Coláiste Muire Ennis at 12noon in Mallow GAA Grounds.

1st Year Girls Basketball

Congratulations to our 1st year girls basketball team who beat Scoil Mhuire today on a score line of 22 - 14. 

1st & 2nd Year Boys Basketball

First and second year boys enjoying comfortable victories over Scoil Mhuire A. G. last Friday.