Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Stoirm Ophelia

October 15, 2017October 15, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Beidh Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh dúnta amárach de bharr stádas dearg aimsire – Stoirm Ophelia. Níl cead ag aon scoil oscailt amárach má tá stádas dearg aimsire i bhfeidhm.

Bí an-chúramach amárach.

Ná téigh lasmuigh nó cuir tú fhéin ‘s aon duine eile i mbaol.

Níl a leithéad den stoirm seo feicthe ag éinne againn mar 1961 an bhliain dheireanach a bhí ceann chomh holc – Stoirm Debbie.

Eolas faoi Debbie anseo – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Debbie_(1961)

Storm Ophelia – Be prepared, be sensible and be careful and stay safe

15 OCTOBER 2017

Limerick City and County Council emergency teams are on standby as Storm Ophelia bears down on Ireland.

Limerick is one of the counties where a RED wind warning has been issued which, currently remains in effect from 9am on Monday 16 Oct to 3am on Tuesday 17 Oct.

A separate ORANGE rainfall warning is in place and is in effect from 9am until 9pm on Monday 16 Oct.

We would encourage people to stay indoors and don’t make any journeys unless absolutely necessary.

We would recommend a few tips to keep everyone safe:

secure anything that could blow away such as secure garden furniture, trampolines, flower pots etc as these could be turned into missiles in the wind. Take them indoors if possible
don’t leave wheelie bins outside on footpaths or at front of houses
be prepared for services to be out, charge Mobile phones, have torches on stand by with spare batteries
please don’t leave candles unattended
don’t make unnecessary trips
check on your neighbours to see if they are ok, especially if they are elderly
where possible bring your pets inside

Dial 999/112 for emergency services only if needed.

Limerick City and County Council 061 556000 Out of Hours 061 417833

ESB Networks 1850 372 999

Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050

Stay safe everyone.

Limerick City and County Council will continue to monitor the situation as Storm Ophelia makes landfall and tracks across Ireland.

The local authority’s emergency teams are on standby and they will be deployed when it is safe to do so.

While the Severe Weather Assessment Team will meet tomorrow morning [Monday 16 Oct] to reassess the situation based on the most up-to-date information from Met Eireann and the National Emergency Coordination Group.

The scheduled meetings of the full council and the Metropolitan district have been postponed until further notice.

Limerick City and County Council has been in ongoing contact with the HSE and the Gardai and are appealing to the public to exercise extreme caution.

Monday should be a no bike day.
Drive with extreme caution and expect the unexpected. It goes without saying, do not use your phone while driving.
Listen to local radio and national media broadcasts regarding the current weather situation.
Stay away from fallen trees and fallen electricity cables.
Stay away from open water and coastal areas.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and heed all safety warnings issued.

The National Emergency Coordination Group has issued these key messages:

All unnecessary travel should be avoided on Monday, while the storm is passing.
Don’t travel in Red level warning areas during the height of the storm unless absolutely necessary, and take due care if travelling in all other areas. Listen to local radio and national media broadcasts regarding the current weather situation.
High seas predicted, the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period.
Very strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclist and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
Given anticipated weather conditions, tomorrow should be a no bike day.
Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country, with contingency planning activated by the ESB. The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850372999.
Bus Éireann’s schools transport services will not be operating in counties covered by Red level warnings. Because of the duty of care owed to children and to avoid the risk arising from travelling, the Department of Education and Skills is instructing all schools to act on the Department‘s advice and remain closed. Crèches and Montessori facilities should also remain closed tomorrow.
People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours today in advance of the oncoming severe weather conditions and again after the worst of the event has passed.
People are advised to remove patio furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings, which can be turned into missiles by the wind.

The public are again reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings.

Information is available on www.Limerick.ie, across social media platforms and other traditional media sources.

Be prepared, be sensible and be careful and stay safe.

Useful Links:

Oíche Oscailte 2017

September 6, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Cuireadh

Beidh fáilte roimh scoláirí Rang a Sé agus a tuismitheoirí/caomhnóirí teacht chuig ár Oíche Oscailte.

Sonraí anseo.

Invitation

We invite Sixth class pupils and their parents/guardians to our Open Night on 14 September 2017.

Clic anseo i gcomhair Flyer / Click Here for Flyer

Tuairisc Aontaithe Phobal an Choláiste Agreed Report to College Community

July 20, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Bhuail an Bord Bainistíochta Déardaoin, 1 Meitheamh 2017 ag 5.30 in.

Seo an tuairisc aontaithe ón gcruinniú sin.

Tréaslaíonn an Bord Bainistíochta le scoláirí uile Ghaelcholáiste Luimnigh as a gcuid díograise, díchill agus rannpháirteachas i ngach gné den scoil-bhliain. Tá an Bord Bainistíochta thar a bheith bródúil as éahtaí agus cur chuige scoláirí na scoile.
Guíonn an Bord gach rath ar phobal na scoile don Samhradh.
Ba mhaith leis an mBord Bainistíochta ardmholadh a thabahirt don bhfoireann uile i dtaobh na h-éachtaí le linn na bliana agus an dul chun cinn suntasach chun cur le foghlaim agus forbairt scoláirí an choláiste.
Gabhadh buíochas ar leith do Chomhairle na dTuismithoirí maidir leis an gCeolchoirm a bhí ar siúl i mhí Aibreán agus an díograis a léiríonn an Comhairle chun bualadh go míosúil leis an bPríomhoide.
Moladh na múinteorí uile, scoláirí agus stiúrtheoir an cheolchoirm, Máistir Cathal Mac An Raoi as an ceolchoirm álainn a bhí ar siúl.
Gabhadh buíochas do phatrúin an choláiste, an Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna Luimnigh agus an Chláir agus Príomh Fheidhmeannaigh, George O’ Callaghan agus a chuid foirne bainistíochta maidir leis an gcúnamh agus comhairle le linn na bliana.
Ghuigh an Bord gach rath ar scoláirí sa tríú agus sa séú bhliain in sna scrúduithe stáit.
Beidh an chéad chruinniú eile den Bhord Bainistíochta ar siúl ag deireadh mhí Mheán Fómhair 2017.

The Board of Management of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh met on Thursday, 1 June 2017 at 5.30pm. The following is the agreed report for the school community.

The Board praised and complimented all pupils for their enthusiasm, hard-work, dedication and achievements during the year.
The Board is extremely proud of all its pupils and wishes the entire school community a very enjoyable Summer break.
The complimented the staff for all its efforts and hard-work in developing the academic and personal development of pupils of the school and for the many achievements in 2016/2017.
Particular reference and commendation was made regarding the time teachers invest in extra-curricular activities for the benefit of the pupils.
The Board would like to thank the Limerick and Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB), our Chief Executive, Mr. George O’ Callaghan and his management team for for all of its guidance and support in complementing the education and development of pupils at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.
The Board is very grateful to the Parents of the Parents Council who meet with the Principal every month to discuss all aspects of the school’s service.
The Board praised the Council for all its work with the highly successful Bealtaine Concert.
Especial praise was given to the students, staff and DIrector of the Concert, Mr. Cathall King for staging a wonderful concert.
The next Board of Management meeting will take place in September 2017.

Mock Trial

May 25, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

HOMS Visit to Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh

On Wednesday the 24^th of May, HOMS paid a visit to the Transition Years of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh to take part in their Mock Trial. The idea came from Transition Year student, Hugh Gallagher, who participated in the HOMS Transition Year Programme in March. Hugh said that his phenomenal experience on the Programme inspired him to hold classes with groups of his fellow students, teaching them about the Irish Legal System and Law using what he had learned at HOMS. As part of this initiative, Hugh organised a Mock Trial competition in his school, and one of our solicitors, Kevin Hegarty, kindly obliged to play the role of Judge.

As students played their parts, witnesses were cross-examined, barristers made their opening and closing statements and the jury retired to decide on the fate of the defendant. It was clear that all of the students had worked very hard to prepare for the Trial, and when the verdict was read out, justice was served.

Well done to Hugh and to all of the Transition Year students at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.

Maeve Brosnahan │ HR Graduate

Holmes O’Malley Sexton Solicitors │ Bishopsgate, Henry Street, Limerick │ DX 3007 Limerick │ also at 2 Ely Place, Dublin 2 │ Direct Line: +353 61 445574 │ www.homs.ie

Action Plan for Education Event

May 10, 2017May 10, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Action Plan for Education Forum on The School of the Future-the Role of ICT in Education.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton T.D. hosted a regional Action Plan for Education forum on ‘The School of the Future’ – the role of ICT in Education in Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Sir Harry’s Mall (Meal Sior Anraí), Limerick on 5 May 2017 between 8.30 am and 12.45 pm.

The Minister recently established an Expert group to develop a plan to implement the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020.

This plan, which has a capital budget of €210 million, will combine what has worked well in exemplars of innovation across the country with what has been recognized as best international practice.

The areas discussed during this event included (but were not limited to) the following:

– How do we harness and support clusters of best practice across the country?

– What is excellent practice in integrating technology in learning and teaching?

– Safeguarding learner wellbeing in the digital age.

– How do we ‘future-proof’ our education system, and ensure it is flexible to the arrival of new technology?

The format was as follows:

– 08:30am – 09:00am – Registration with tea/coffee

– 09:15am – 11:00am – Interactive discussion between Minister Bruton, panel and audience

– 11:00am: Meeting Closes

Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020

This plan, which has a capital budget of €210 million, will combine what has worked well in exemplars of innovation across the country with what has been recognised as best international practice.

With that in mind, the Minister hosted this consultation to listen to how the goals in this area can be achieved within the finite resources available.

Discussion Areas:

How do we harness and support clusters of best practice across the country?
What is excellent practice in integrating technology in learning and teaching?
Safeguarding learner wellbeing in the digital age.
How do we ‘future-proof’ our education system, and ensure it is flexible to the arrival of new technology?
What are the barriers to integrating ICT in teaching/learning?

Panellists:

Richard Bruton T.D.- Minister for Education & Skills
Donncha Ó Treasaigh – Principal, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.

Mr. Ó Treasaigh has expertise as an educator in embedding ICT in Teaching, Learning and Assessment, and led the successful application by Gaelcholáiste Luimnich to be Ireland’s first Apple Distinguished School.

Timmy O’Dwyer – Campus Leader Limerick, Executive Director Service Supply Chain, Dell,

Mr. O’Dwyer is Vice President within Dell EMC in the Support and Deployment organisation. He leads a large global team responsible for service parts and whole unit operations infrastructure supporting basic and upsell warranty services. The team consists of internal and external members including several thousand partner team members. In addition, Timmy is site leader for the Dell EMC campus.

Professor Teresa O’Doherty – Dean of Education, Mary Immaculate College.

Professor O’Doherty has expertise in the area of Teacher Education Policy and the History of Irish Education. She is an active member of a number of national and international projects in the area of teacher education and teacher induction.

Chair- Dr Mary Shire – Vice President Research, University of Limerick.

Dr. Shire comes with an extensive background in the Pharmaceutical industry, with extensive industry knowledge and expertise.

Attendees:

Attendees from a number of sectors were invited including Industry, Education & Training Providers, Schools, those involved in the Digital Strategy and the Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Maria Byrne, Chair of the BOM, Cllr. Joe Leddin, Cllr. Michael Begley, Cllr. Cathal Cronin and Cllr. Ciaran O’Hanlon, Mayor of the City, were also invited to attend.

Ceolchoirm Bealtaine

April 28, 2017April 29, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh’ Parents Council hosted a special concert in the Lime Tree Theatre which included a unique corporate event for our closest and most valued business links in Ireland on Wednesday, 26 April.

We were delighted with the success of this event, – a celebration of the college’s continued and successful development.

Our valued partners had an opportunity to mingle and listen to the experiences and views of Mr. John Moran, Former Secretary General of the Department of Finance, at a special corporate drinks reception, which took place prior to the concert.

Mr. Cathall King, a teacher at the College, was the Musical Director of the event which included the wonderful talent of both pupils and staff of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.

Seoladh Ábhair Polaitíocht & Sochaí

March 11, 2017March 13, 2017Donncha Ó Treasaigh

Deirdre Clune, M.E.P. was present at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh on Friday last, March 10th to officially launch a new Leaving Certificate subject, Politics and Society. Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh is the only Gaelcholáiste in the country to offer the subject and one of only a small number of schools in Limerick. Deirdre Clune, M.E.P. told students and those gathered at the launch that she was “envious” of them having the opportunity to study Politics at second level. She spoke about the period of unprecedented change which we face at present due to global events such as Brexit, the election of Donald Trump in the USA and the upcoming French elections. Senator Maria Byrne, spoke on behalf of the Board of Management at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh and praised the school for its continued innovation and willingness to pursue new challenges.

10-3-17 Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Dierdre Clune MEP launches Leaving Certificate Syllabus Subject on Politics Society. Dierdre Clune, MEP pictured here in Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh with subject teacher, Clodagh DeBhailis and the first pupils to take the new Leaving Certificate Syllabus Subject on Politics Society, Julia Leonard, Aoife Harrington, Shane Byrne, John Lillis, Matt Lucy and Peter Clancy. Picture: Keith Wiseman

10-3-17 Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Dierdre Clune MEP launches Leaving Certificate Syllabus Subject on Politics Society. Picture: Keith Wiseman

10-3-17 Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Dierdre Clune MEP launches Leaving Certificate Syllabus Subject on Politics Society. Sinead NiChiardha, Vice Principal Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Senator Maria Byrne and Dierdre Clune MEP. Picture: Keith Wiseman

10-3-17 Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Dierdre Clune MEP launches Leaving Certificate Syllabus Subject on Politics Society. Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Principal Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Dierdre Clune MEP and Senator Maria Byrne. Picture: Keith Wiseman

During the academic year 2015/2016, invitations were invited from the NCCA from schools who were interested in being among the first to offer a new Leaving Certificate subject, Politics and Society, to students to begin in September 2016. Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh was successful in its application and the first cohort of students will be examined in this subject in June 2018. Nine Fifth- Year students are currently undertaking this subject and have engaged in a meaningful way with it.

Students Aoife Harrington and Shane Byrne spoke about the debates they have in the Politics classroom, describing it as being very different to any subject they have studied before. Teacher Clodagh de Bhailís spoke of the “Independent Learners” who have undertaken the subject and have embraced the challenge with passion.

Politics and Society aims to develop the learner’s capacity to engage in reflective and active citizenship, informed by the insights and skills of social and political sciences.

Deputy Principal, Sinéad Ni Chiardha, said that the “Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh community is delighted that the new subject Politics and Society is available at the college. We are delighted with the percentage of students who have decided to study the new subject and feel that the demand will remain steady in years to come.” Sinéad said that “Politics and Society is a wonderful subject for students to pursue as it equips them with many of the skills necessary for Third Level including Critical Thinking, undertaking independent research and indeed not being reliant on a textbook.”

During the academic year 2015/2016, invitations were invited from the NCCA from schools who were interested in being among the first to offer a new Leaving Certificate subject, Politics and Society to students to begin in September 2016. Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh was successful in its application and is the only Gaelcholáiste in the country currently offering this subject to its Fifth Year students. The first cohort of students will be examined in this subject in June 2018.

Nine Fifth Year students are currently undertaking this subject and have engaged in a meaningful way with it. Three teachers are qualified to, and expressed an interest in, teaching the subject and Ms. Clodagh de Bhailís has been timetabled as the first teacher to teach the subject at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.

The changing local, national and global environment presents many challenges and opportunities for young people. It also requires of them a range of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes so that they can achieve their goals in this environment. These include:

skills in critically assessing information and its sources and in gathering and processing information
intercultural skills to enable them to communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds in employment and in other settings
an understanding of the processes of globalisation and individualisation and their opportunities and challenges
the imagination to think creatively and to propose new and alternative futures

a willingness to play an active role in their society
a disposition towards taking responsibility for the outcomes of their actions.

Drawing in particular on the skills of critical thinking and imagination and on the content knowledge of sociology, anthropology, political studies and philosophy, Politics and Society can, in collaboration with students’ learning outside school, in home and community contexts, provide an opportunity for students to develop the above skills, knowledge, values and attitudes. The distinctive analytical frame of reference of these subjects can also help to develop skills of critical analysis that enable people to make an informed, considered and effective contribution to their society. The content of these subjects can support the development of an understanding of equality, inequality and diversity in a range of areas of human life, including gender, ethnicity and social class. In this way, Politics and Society can contribute to the development of active and participatory citizenship through education. It can play a key role in informing people as to how social and political institutions at local, national, European, and global level operate, and of the importance of political and social institutions in shaping our society.

The subject focuses on four key areas: Power and decision making, Active Citizenship, Human Rights and Responsibilities, Globalisation and Localisation.

This subject interests students with an interest in careers in law, politics, sociology, human rights, journalism, government administration, equality.

Politics and Society (P&S) is less fact based and more discussion based, informed by theory and data/evidence

Through active and participatory learning and through the experience of learning in the wider community, Politics and Society can enable young people to develop the skills appropriate for active and thoughtful participation in the life of their communities.