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Marshes Shopping Centre donates Chromebooks to St Louis

Marshes Shopping Centre last month presented 20 Chromebooks to St Louis Secondary School in the first donation of their new community initiative.

“900 people are employed at Marshes Shopping Centre, and many have strong links to the school,” said Aoife Kerley of Marshes Shopping Centre.

“The donation forms part of Marshes’ social initiative, Marshes Community Fund, which supports local causes put forward by Marshes customers.

“As Marshes is involved with a number of local causes, we received a lot of requests to assist the school and are very happy to help.”

The donation was warmly welcomed by both the Principal and Deputy-Principal of St Louis Secondary School.

“The gift from Marshes is very generous and well-timed, especially as it fits in perfectly with targets around the promotion of digital literacy in our school,” said principal Michelle Dolan.

“We plan to use the Chromebooks for the accelerated reader programme which has been rolled out to first years.”

Deputy Principal Mary Gilmore echoed Ms Dolan’s sentiments, saying that the donation will be a great benefit to school life.

“The generous gift from Marshes supports our work in enhancing the digital skills of our Junior Cycle students,” she said.

“This support is very welcome and is timely in given that the Department is aiming for high levels of student engagement in learning through teacher use of the digital learning framework, so students can become engaged thinkers, active learners and
knowledge constructors .”

 

 

 

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Parent Nominees for St Louis Dundalk Board of Management 2018-2021

Parents are presented in order of their declaration of interest.

All text below is from candidates.

Please make sure to have your say and send in your vote by Thursday December 13 @4pm.

 

 

 

Candidate 1- Jennifer Ray

 

I am a parent of a child at St. Louis and two other teenage children.  I’m also a teacher of Business subjects and French at Ó Fiaich.  I have years of experience teaching secondary school students, PLC students and adult learners.  I am co-ordinator of the pre-university arts programme at Ó Fiaich where I am involved with academic, learning and support as well as pastoral care of students. I also have 12 years of experience as school secretary including organisation and administration of duties for board of management.

 

As parent representative I could bring a 360 degree perspective of knowledge, but most importantly, I would intend to use my knowledge and experience to effectively represent parents of students at St. Louis.  I would hope to do this in the most collaborative and positive way, in the best interests of our children and students.

 

 

 

Candidate 2-Amanda Shearman

My name is Amanda Shearman, I would like to become a member of the board of management as I think it very important to be involved in the education of our children.  I was on the parents’ committee from Nicole stared primary school and continued it until my other daughter left this year.  I was very involved in the school, I was head parent for the school for communion year and confirmation. I always look at thing in all different views before I decide and respect everybody option. I get on very well with people I would like to think of myself as a people person. I take great pride in everything I do and always willing to step up when needed. I am very aware of children first as I have a cert in this area.

 

Mother of three children, well known to people in the community. Always eager to go the extra mile to help people. Always willing to give a helping hand,  has  been hands-on involved in the parents’ council in the Castletown Girls school over the years when children were attendees of the school. If the school need anything done Amanda would be the first to be called and would help no questions asked.  Very hands on and always goes the extra mile to make sure the task is done to the highest standards. Always help with parents supported them if they need help and always kept any issues private and only discuss any matters with the correct people in question.

 

 Candidate 3 -Eimear Cosgrove

 

FAMILY
My name is Eimear Cosgrove. I’m originally from Carrickarnon, Ravensdale and I now live in Ath Lethan, Dundalk.

I am a proud past pupil of St. Louis. I have continued the St. Louis tradition in my family by sending both of my daughters to the school.

My oldest daughter is now a past pupil herself, having received an education at St. Louis which enabled her to study law at Oxford University and qualify as a solicitor.

My younger daughter has recently started her St. Louis journey, having commenced in first year in August.

EDUCATION
After leaving secondary school I attended the University of Ulster, at Jordanstown. I studied Communication at degree level and Marketing at post graduate level.

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
Having spent some years working as an Executive Officer in the Department of Justice and Equality, I am very aware of the importance of working towards equality and justice for everyone in our society.
My work encompassed communicating directly with people from all walks of life and from many different countries and ethnic groups.
It also entailed being part of an advisory group for the Department in relation to the implementation of revised case work procedures.
I have also gained experience working in the sphere of education while lecturing at DkIT.

PARENT
My role as a parent (like most other parents) can often be demanding, but has also enabled me to gain additional attributes; such as patience, listening skills, empathy, understanding and advocacy skills. 087 6879198

EFFECTIVE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT MEMBERSHIP

In my view, the role of parent/guardian representative on the school BoM entails being an effective communicator and forging strong links between the parents/guardians and the school in an open, honest and transparent manner.

I feel that my background in the field of communication would enable me to facilitate and promote home-school links and help to ensure that the school creates and maintains efficient and clear channels of communication, information and consultation with the parents/guardians.

It is important to ensure that the voices of all members of the school community have a chance to be listened to by the school and that the school respects and values diversity in our community.

My interpersonal communication skills help to enhance my ability to relate to all of the parents/guardians of the school’s students and to be an effective advocate for them.

I strive to be a friendly and very approachable person and I am always happy to listen to the views of others.

WELLBEING OF STUDENTS

Whether or not a student is a high achiever, needs additional support, excels in extra-curricular activities or has a disability, every student matters equally.

The wellbeing of our daughters in St. Louis is of paramount importance. Working to ensure that the school prioritises a positive and healthy learning environment is of utmost importance to me and is imperative in enabling all of the students to reach their full potential.

 

 Candidate 4 -Luke Martin

My name is Luke Martin. I am born and raised in Dundalk .Many people would remember me as one of the candidates in local and general election in 2007 and 2011. For the past 15 years I work as an information officer for Parental Equality.  This organisation support equal rights for both parents. I have worked in a FAS scheme with the Rugby club. I’m also involved in Social Services organisation Meals On Wheels. This voluntary service provides hot meals for elderly community members. I’m also involved for general meetings and fundraising events .

I think I would be a suitable candidate for BoM patents representative as I have two daughters who currently is attending St.Louis school and my experience with Parental Equality and Meals on wheels.  I am very social and honest person who is not afraid to voice my opinion and stand up for what is right.

 

 

Candidate 5 -David Minto

Name David Minto
Born 27-02-1968

Father Albert Minto (RIP)
Mother Briege Minto
Family of 6 kids
Married to Deirdre Minto
Daughter Kayla Minto
Member of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce
Vice President for the last 2 years
Chairman of the organising committee for the St Patrick’s day parade also the world record Santa run in Dundalk where over 5500 Santa’s ran for 1 mile.
Avid Dundalk FC Fan and Volunteer.
Currently Business development manager for CX+ sport and subsidiary of Horseware Ireland
CX+ supply clubs and schools, E.G. Athletics Ireland, Dundalk Football Club, Drogheda Utd, Coleraine FC, Marist, DKIT, St Louis, O Fiach…

 

 

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TY September Report

September, like every month in St Louis Dundalk, was a busy one for the Transition Years. At the start of term the girls met up and were assigned to new class groupings, which is usual. It allows the girls to create new friendships whilst maintaining older ones. Their first outing was to Newgrange House, an adventure centre. There the girls completed a 25 km hike, which fulfils one strand of the Gaisce programme, but also found time for other activities including canoeing, abseiling, and a few karaoke sessions.

Once the girls arrived back to school their academic programme started. The girls get the opportunity in TY to experience all subject areas covered at Senior Cycle, and sometimes the girls find new passions which determine their choices for Fifth Year. This year in keeping with the Dept’s emphasis on Wellbeing, the students will have a short intensive programme working on enhancing the work done in this area at Junior Cycle.

Then it was time to hear what show will be done this year. The girls will be putting on “All Shook Up” from March 12-14 2019 in the Chapel Hall, under the tutelage of Ms Elaine Byrne, Ms Siobhán Higgins, Ms Kate O’ Byrne and Ms Lynne Rice. The hall has been ringing to the sounds of Elvis while the girls work on their moves and grooves.

That same week was also an exciting one for another very different reason. The girls received their Junior Cert results. It was heartening to see that their time in DkIT had not affected results adversely. There were tears of delight and hugs galore.

The week after was busy too. The girls took part in the Opening Mass, which took place at school this year because of Storm Ali, which prevented us from heading to The Redeemer Church as is usual. There was something very special about attending mass in the Chapel Hall this year, with the last vestiges of the fire evident in the stained glass window that are being repaired in Germany at present. There was a beautiful atmosphere as the whole school community gave thanks for saving our school and giving us back so much. That same week a group of TY students headed to Carrickmacross  for the SVP “Youth for Justice” conference.

Last week the girls headed to the Marble Arch Caves in Co Fermanagh where they researched both surface karst features and underground calcite features as part of their TY Geography programme. That same week they had a guest speaker visit from Gaisce to let the girls know of the different requirements to qualify for the Bronze Award.

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Minister Bruton announces launch of School Excellence Fund – Step Up Project – Department of Education and Skills

Nine schools from across the country have been chosen to participate in the school improvement programme. St Louis was chosen as a reult of its effective practice in the delivery of the New Junior Cycle programme. 

Department Press Release: 

“The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D.,  announced the launch of the School Excellence Fund – Step Up Project last Friday in Athlone.

Nine schools from across the country are participating in the initial pilot phase taking place over the coming school year.

The Step Up Project focuses on supporting schools to ‘step up’ in the delivery of the new junior cycle programme. Schools will work together and will be supported by the Inspectorate, who will help with planning and the JCT, who will provide additional teacher training.

The School Excellence Fund approach, which focuses on encouraging local collaboration and innovation, is key to delivering on the governments overall ambition to making Ireland’s education and training service the best in Europe by 2026.

Teachers from each school participated in an opening seminar in Athlone last Friday, where they met with members of JCT and the Inspectorate to refine their Step Up Project plan for the year ahead.

Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said, “The opportunity provided by the Step Up Project will empower participating schools to move to highly effective practice in their implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle. In this way, they will impact positively on student learning and their experience will be used to support other schools as they engage in Junior Cycle reform. I welcome the collaboration of the Inspectorate and Junior Cycle for Teachers in facilitating appropriate and effective professional learning for the schools in this initial stage of the project”.

It is timely that an opportunity be provided for schools to reflect on teaching, learning, assessment and reporting in these three subject areas and to identify how the quality of provision and implementation, both for those specific subjects and for the overall Framework for Junior Cycle, can be raised to the highest level.

Schools participating in the project are required to take a school self-evaluation approach in reviewing their current implementation of the Framework in one or more of three subject areas: English, Business Studies and Science. Schools will be encouraged to identify areas for improvement and will be supported in developing and implementing actions leading to improvement in their chosen areas. Learning from the project will be disseminated to all schools.”

Deputy Principal Mary Gilmore who attended last week’s event along with staff members Róisín Mallon and Anne Marie Kirk is delighted that we have been chosen to participate in the project. “This is a wonderful endorsement of the whole school’s engagement with the New Junior Cycle programme. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the inspectorate to ensure the learning experience for St Louis girls is of the highest calibre.”

Pictured below are: AnneMarie Kirk, Science teacher St Louis Dundalk, Dr David King, JCT, Róisín Mallon, Business teacher St Louis Dundalk, Sinéad Tuphy, Co-ordinator of Step Up Project JCT, Mary Gilmore, Deputy Principal St Louis Dundalk, Eoghan Evesson, Deputy Director JCT, and Emma Gallagher, JCT.

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Awards Night 2018

Awards Evening Goes Ahead Despite Events of Last Weekend
Thank you so much to our wonderful supporters for making our 8th annual Awards Night an extra special one this year.
Pelican Promotions provided us with 150 chairs to allow us to go ahead – and are also providing chairs again next Tuesday for the Leaving Cert Grad Mass. Thanks to Mandy and Shane for their generosity.
Paula Harrison, Mum to Orla and Rachel worked her magic to source 200 chairs from the Clans and Gary O Donoghue, Dad to the two football stars Hollie and Kellie both delivered and returned them in double quick time.
Yet another local club gave us the rest of the chairs we needed. Aidan Mc Ardle, Chairman of Roche Emmets offered us another 200, kindly delivered and collected by Martin Lavery, Dad to Una and Dearbhla, who helped with the loading and unloading!
Blooms donated the stunning floral displays which lifted the spirits of all who arrived that evening.
Des O Loughlin provided the audio visual equipment to bring Ms Mc Grath’s wonderful PowerPoint to life.
Dalton and Dash.ie generously sponsored a Chrome Book for our worthy Ethos winner Jolene.
Trend provided us with beautiful trophies and medals and our Sr Clare Memorial Award and jewellery for the Ethos nominees were Newbridge Silverware.
Ms Dolan thanked everyone for their support in a difficult week and reassured all that we will be back up and running in August in our own building again. She acknowledged the wonderful assistance given to us by DkIT and lots of other schools around town.
Interval acts for the evening were provided by Sixth Year Music students and Senior Council Members. Jolene Murtagh and Eimear Fealy performed a beautifully harmonised version of ‘For Good’ from the hit West End musical ‘Wicked’ Head girl Isobel O Reilly performed a poignantly appropriate song called ‘Rise Up’ which had the audience spellbound. Principal Michelle Dolan praised Isobel for her unceasing efforts all year for the students and the school.

 

Below are the results for the evening.

 

AWARDS CEREMONY 2018 

  • Past Pupil Award: Caroline Mc Elroy
  • Dún Lughaidh Ethos: Jolene Murtagh

Runners-up this yr – Seoda Matthews & Eimear Fealy

  • Best LC: Oonagh Matthews
  • Best JC: Fionnghuala Drumgoole
  • Best LCA: Megan Martin Muckian, Kayleigh O’Rourke, Carla O’Grady, Lauren Rice
  • Leaving Cert High Achievers 2017: Eimer McGee, Maria McArdle, Eimear Shine, Niamh Hayes, Oonagh Matthews, Lauren McCaul, Ciana McGuinness, Hannah Stewart; Niamh Burns, Abigail Ibilola, Áine Grennan, Jessica Murphy, Janae Farinas, Zaneta Salata
  • Academic Achievement:

1st Year:    Winner – Ellie Sullivan 1L

Runners-up – Lauren Briscoe, Ifeoma Enyoazu, Callie McEvoy, Lauren Gregory, Éadaoin Drumgoole, Niamh O’Donnell, Ella Carrie, Sarah Lawrence

2nd Year:   Winner – Eimear Whitmarsh 2U

Runners-up – Aishling Matthews, Kerrie Connolly, Bláthnaid Drumgoole, Isabel Wiseman, Gretta coker, Dervla Mellin, Ciara Roddy, Katie Cotter, Éabha McEneaney, Aoife Lynch, Ellie Mulligan, Aoife Savage

3rd Year:   Winners – Julie Guinan 3O & Hannah Pheifer 3L

Runners-up – Victory Isijola, Aisling McCreesh, Laura Maguire, Sophie Hrechka, Leah Redmond, Natasha Kearney, Eadaoin Cowan, Annabelle Betache, Esther Ibilola, Eva Harmon, Mollie Toner

5th Year:    Winner – Ciara Matthews 5O

Runners-up – Aimee Taaffe, Caoimhe Matthews, Rebecca Gernon, Katie Murphy, Katarina Sidorova

6th Year:    Winner – Seoda Matthews 6I

Runners-up – Alisha Donnelly, Roisín Osborne, Caoimh Mulligan, Isobel Reilly, Caroline Ebbs, Shamsa Shahid

  • Student of the Year

1st Year – Sarah Lawrence 1U

2nd Year – Ellie Mulligan 2U

3rd Year – Eva Harmon 3I

TY – Fionnghuala Drumgoole 4O

5th Year – Katarina Sidarova 5U

6th Year – Seoda Matthews 6U

SPORTING AWARDS

  • Basketball:

1st Year:    Winner – Ifeoma Enyoazu 1L –

Runners-up – Ijeoma Enyoazu 1L & Zara Woods 1U

 

2nd Year:   Winner – Abi Keenan 2U

Runners-up – Aishling Matthews 2L & Caoimhe Daly 2U

 

U-16:        Winner – Natasha Kearney 3O

Runners-up – Kayla Byrne 3I & Katie Rooney 3U

 

U-19:        Winner – Jewell Rosagaran 6L

Runners-up – Dáirine White 6U, Rósín Osborne 6L & Seoda Matthews 6U

 

  • Gaelic Football:

U-14:        Winner – Aoife O’Connell 2L

Runners-up – Abi Keenan 2U & Aishling Matthews 2L

 

U-16:        Winner – Holly O’Donoghue 3L

Runners-up – Aoibheann Murphy 3L, Katie Rooney 3U & Kayla Byrne 3I

 

Senior:      Winner – Seoda Matthews 6U & Róisín Osborne 6L

Runners-up – Dáirine White 6U & Kellie O’Donoghue 5L

 

  • Volleyball:

1st Year:    Winner – Ijeoma Enyoazu 1L

Runners-up – Ifeoma Enyoazu 1L & Vanessa Wojno 1O

 

2nd Year:    Winner – Aishling Matthews 2L

Runners-up – Yvonne Ng 2U & Zahra Zahra 2O

 

  • Soccer:

U19:          Winner – Dáirine White 6U

Runners-up – Sarah McGrane 6U & Kafaya Ayoade 6L

 

  • Camogie: Winner – Kerrie Connolly 2L

Runners-up – Nicole McCabe 5O, Julie Guinan 30 & Zahra Zahra 2L

 

  • Rugby: Winners – Caoimhe Conroy 3I & Jessica Woodlock 5O

 

  • Sportsperson of Year:

Winners – Jewell Rosagaran 6L

Runners-up – Róisín Osborne 6L & Seoda Matthews 6U

Other Awards 

  • Environment Award – Anneke Wisniewska 3U

 

  • Instrumental Group Award – Seoda Matthews, 6U

 

  • Art Students of the Year – Dáirine White, 6U & Brea Coburn 6L

 

  • Junior Cert Business Result – Catherine Carolan, 4L

 

  • John Paul II Award –                 Hannah Mullen 5O (Silver), Jessica Woodlock 5O (Bronze)  )

 

Check out the Facebook page for some photos – more will follow. 

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DkIT Welcomes St Louis Secondary School

DkIT and St Louis have jointly issued the following statement this afternoon.

 

DkIT welcomes St. Louis Secondary School as all operations are transferred to the campus location following the damage to the school in the early hours of Saturday morning.

 

The staff of DkIT and St. Louis have worked closely together to effectively transfer the school operations for the next few weeks to the DkIT Campus. Dr Michael Mulvey, President of DkIT commented that:

 

“We are delighted to welcome the staff and students of St. Louis Secondary School to our campus and to be in a position to provide a safe learning environment for all of St. Louis activities. We are working closely together to ensure that student learning is uninterrupted.”

 

Michelle Dolan, Acting Principal stated that:

 

“The facilities provided by DkIT allow us to continue to provide all of our normal activities. It is envisaged that the Junior and Leaving Certificate students will locate to the DkIT campus and run as normal on Tuesday 15th May with all other classes resuming on Wednesday 16th May. Following intense planning on all sides, the Institute campus is fully prepared and ready”.

 

Michelle Dolan, Acting Principal further stated that:

 

“The entire school will relocate for the next few weeks to DkIT and for the duration of the State Exams. Providing excellent teaching and learning to our students is our priority as well as providing a safe and calm learning environment for all, including exam candidates while they continue to prepare for state exams. We have had reassurance from the State Exams Commission that they have a procedure in place to deal fairly with the exam candidates who have lost project work in the recent fire and will work closely with the school this week”.

 

An Annual Awards night, planned for Thursday 17th, will go ahead in the school Gym as this area is safe. The transport section of the Department of Education and Skills has engaged with the school authorities and support is being provided from Bus Eireann who will carry any student who needs transportation to the DkIT campus from St. Louis School Fatima gate. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Education and Skills to begin planning to repair the school and replace lost rooms and we look forward to returning to our home base in St. Louis by August”.

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Statement regarding fire at St Louis, May 12th 2018

Statement from Michelle Dolan, Acting Principal.

 

A fire broke out in St Louis Secondary School at approximately 3:00am this morning. The Fire Service arrived promptly and managed to stop the fire from spreading into the main buildings of the school. We have lost two rooms today, the Study Hall and the Technology Room.

The Board of Management and I wish to thank the Dundalk and Ardee Fire Services under Fire Officer Paul Kelly who worked tirelessly all night to ensure that both the main building and Dealga were saved. We are indebted to them and truly grateful for all their efforts.

We also wish to acknowledge the outpouring of support from so many of our friends in other local education establishments in this time of difficulty, with offers of support and assistance. Thank you for your care.

Gardaí are investigating the possible cause of the fire and we await their report on this.

I would like to reassure parents that every staff member is on hand to help our students prepare for both our internal summer assessments, and the State Exams in June. We will endeavour to minimise the disruption for your daughters.

We will be relying on the assistance of the whole school community to help us to get back to teaching and learning as quickly as possible.

Thank you to all for your continued support. Please allow us the time to formulate our plans and we will be in touch as soon as we can.

Michelle Dolan.

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School recognised in National League Tables as we welcome our new First Years

The St. Louis community is delighted with the recent recognition of our combined efforts in the most recent edition of The Sunday Independent League Tables.
The figures demonstrate that 100% of the class of 2017 progressed to Third Level and are blazing trails in their chosen specialisms.

St Louis has always provided a climate for growth of the individual in every sense, and the ethos is embedded in staff’s richly supportive relationships with their students.
We prize student wellbeing and nurture the highest aspirations for each and every individual. Louis girls are self directed, dynamic and well researched on possible career pathways. Our thriving annual Careers Fair has forged links with a wide range of universities offering opportunities for application to both CAO and UCAS and more recently EUNICAS.

Maynooth, DCU and our faithful DkIT proved popular with students. Courses were as diverse as the students themselves with a majority progressing to honours degree courses. We celebrate your dedication and wish you every continued success.

So we welcome your daughters to our Assessment test on Saturday morning and rest assured that your daughter will be nurtured and supported to become a Louis girl, encouraged in the qualities of respect, truth, responsibility, happiness and excellence in a caring and inclusive atmosphere.

 

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/school-league-tables/allgirls-schools-send-more-pupils-on-to-universities-35404140.html

 

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Student Council News

The Student Council has had a busy term thus far.

In September they played a vital role at our Open Day. Both Isobel our Head Girl and Jolene our Deputy Head Girl spoke to parents and students about life as a Louis Girl, while the rest of the team acted as guides for our visitors, answering questions about the everyday life of a Louis Girl.

 

 

In October the leaders of our student body along with their mentor Ms P Kelly for a St Louis Schools Network leadership workshop where they met with other Louis Schools and engaged in leadership training. A great day was had by all and many new skills were developed.

The day was called “Team Building,Leadership and Ethos”. The students from many different Louis Schools learned and developed skills in working together in order to make a difference in their respective schools in the year ahead. Each school had their story and needs honoured and our girls benefitted through sharing with and learning from other schools. Sr.Finola Cunnane, who has many links with our school, was the coordinator.

 

TY student Caoimhe Nic Chormaic headed to Dublin in her final act as a member of Louth’s Comhairle na nÓg where she met Minister Katherine Zappone at the launch of a national report on young people’s opinions on how to improve what happens in the classroom. It’s called “So, how was school today?” Well done to Caoimhe!

 

In November the student council decided to get on board with Team Hope’s annual Christmas shoebox appeal. They decided that it would be a great project to organise within the school to help give to the less fortunate this Christmas.
To get the idea up and running they placed a cardboard box in each classroom and encouraged students to donate anything they could to help the council fill as many shoe boxes as possible.
Students were asked to bring in small items under the 4W guidelines which are: write, wash, wear and wow. The items that fall under these guidelines are pens, pencils, copy books, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hat, gloves and a small treat such as sweets or a cuddly toy.
After a couple of weeks the boxes which were placed in each room were full to the brim. Our students were so generous and thanks to them the girls were able to make up and donate lots of shoe boxes. The council also held  a cake sale to donate cash along with the boxes. This really showed the true generosity of St.Louis students and allowed the school community to offer the gift of giving this Christmas.

The girls are also spreading a positive message about being inclusive and caring of each other – check out the hidden messages on the stairs in the school and on the wall on the Council noticeboard and elsewhere.

We look forward to seeing what the girls will do next.

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