Intermediate School, Killorglin - News
ISK News
Spring News (12 Mar 2012)
Spring has arrived and it is time to mention just a few of the activities the students have been involved in recently.
First Years have taken part in a series of events including a public speaking competition, their very own music show and also a highly successful Spelling B competition to mark World Spelling Day.
Best wishes to all teams who continue to represent the school in Football, Basketball and Rugby.
Congratulations to Paddy Collins, Sean Kelliher, Claire Doyle and Laura Kennelly who qualified for the International Childrens Games which will take place in South Korea later this year.
http://icg-daegu2012.com/main/
A group of students from Aix en Provence in France spent some weeks in the school during February and some Fourth Year students from the ISK will complete the second half of the exchange in France during mid-term.
4th Year LCVP students recently went on a highly informative outing to Astellas where they got to see how the company operates.
Congratulations to the 4th Year Business students who took part in the county enterprise competition in Tralee. Credit to all for the time and effort which they put in over the last couple of weeks. Students included: Jane Hickie, Aoife Griffin, Orla Prendeville, Niamh Foley, Amy Cronin, Oonagh Gleeson, Daniel Macbeth, Wesley Delaney, Rebecca Spenser, Eoghan Conway, Ryan Ashe, Daniel O'Shea and Colm O'Mahony.
A group of 4th Year students also attended the Mental Wellness Exhibition in Killarney.
Best of Luck to Fiachra and Niamh Clifford who qualified for the All-Ireland Cross County finals in Galway.
Padraig and Diarmuid Burke also are due congratulations for winning a prize for their contributions to Knibs ( Creative Writing Group in Killorglin). http://www.knibs.ie/
Congratulations to all those from the ISK who particpated in the magnificent Teen Spirit in the INEC in Killarney. http://www.teenspirit.ie/about_us.html
Information Evening (02 Mar 2012)
Understanding Young People & Drugs
A FREE information evening aimed at parents.
Tuesday, 13th March, 2012
7-8.30pm
In KDYS, Denny St, Tralee
No Booking necessary.
This workshop will:
*Explore the nature of drug use among young people
*Provide parents with strategies on how to talk to young people about drugs.
*Assist parents to recognise drug use in young people.
*After the workshop parents will be better equipped to deal with drug related issues with young people.
Workshop facilitators:
David Keane: (BNS,Dip.Couns & Psychotherapy, BA Psych) is a Clinical Nurse Psychologist (Adolescent Addiction) working with the Substance Abuse Service Specific to Youth (SASSY) in Dublin. The role of the CNS is primarily clinical while also incorporating consultations, education & training, audit & research and client advocacy. SASSY offers support to young people under the age of 18 for whom alcohol and/or substance misuse has become a problem. Psychotherapeutic and educational work is the main treatment offered by SASSY, using evidence based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive behavioural Therapy.
Patricia Langton (BA,Msc Drug and Alcohol Policy) is an Education Officer in the HSE Addiction Services since 2004. The role is a broad based one that includes addiction training and education with a wide variety of groups and sectors including Schools, Community, Voluntary and Statutory Agencies. The Education service was involved in designing and delvering The Certificate and Diploma in Addiction Studies with NUI Maynooth from 2004-2009. Patricias background is in Youth and Community work.
For more information contact Gemma Hilario or Deirdre Kearin, Tralee Community Drug Initiatice NEKD, Clash,Tralee on 066 7180190
Quiz Night (23 Feb 2012)
The annual ISK Parent's Association Table Quiz will be held on Wednesday March 7th in the Tapas bar in Killorglin at 8pm. Food is provided for all teams and the entry fee is 40 Euro per team. There will be prizes for the winning team and a raffle.
First Year Parent Teacher Meeting (16 Jan 2012)
This year's First Year Parent/Teacher meeting will take take place on Tuesday 17th January between 4.15pm and 6.15pm.
ISK Open Day (09 Jan 2012)
This years Open Day will take place on Saturday 21st January between 1pm and 3pm.
School Re-Opening 2012 (03 Jan 2012)
The school will be re-opening on Monday 9th January 2012.
Dates for Fourth Year School Tour (03 Jan 2012)
The ISK Fourth Year school tour to Paris will take place from Wednesday 22nd February to Sunday the 26th of February 2012.
Parent Teacher Meeting (14 Nov 2011)
The parent/teacher meeting for 5th & 6th Year students will take place on Tuesday 15th November from 16.15 to 18.45.
ISK Arts Week (13 Nov 2011)
The annual ISK Arts week is taking place again this year during the third week of November and two phenomenal acts are in the line-up to entertain us. The first is Alexander Gorlatch, a highly accomplished and multi-award winning Ukrainian pianist. The second group are an amazing Irish traditional group called Fidil.Fidil are playing on Thursday 24th November and Alexej Gorlatch is playing on Sunday 27th November. Commencing times for each act is at 8pm and ticket prices are 15 Euro for adults and 8 Euro for students and concessions.
Read below for more information.
"A trio of undeniable range, vision, and chops compelling the listener to ponder a rich, rewarding sonic palette produced by three fiddles and nothing else. Enchantment inevitably follows."
Earle Hitchner, Irish Echo 2010
Music Network is delighted to announce a concert by Fidil on Thursday 24th November at 8pm in Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Comprising three fiddlers (Ciaran O Maonaigh, Aidan O'Donnell and Damien McGeehan), Fidil won Music Networks Young Musicwide Award in 2008 and have since released the critically acclaimed album 3 (5 stars in The Irish Times). Tickets priced Euro15 / Euro8 can be booked by calling 066 9761246 or email iskadmins@eircom.net. This concert is promoted by Music Network and Killorglin Arts Festival.
Fidil explore the soundscape of their native Donegal, and through their unconventional approach to accompaniment, arrive at a place where tradition meets innovation, giving the group their unmistakable sound. Their music-making is marked by an intricate and intelligent approach that still manages to maintain the element of fiery exuberance that is the hallmark of traditional fiddle music from Donegal. This is traditional music for the 21st century, mindful of its origins but breathtakingly exciting in its ambition and delivery. The trio have quickly established themselves as stars in the ascendant, scooping up the Music Networks Young Musicwide Award in 2008, with which they have been busy playing concerts on home ground, and in
From Dunkineely, Co.Donegal, Aidan O'Donnell has been described as one of the finest young Irish musicians at present. Awarded TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2010, he has already won the respect of many of his musical peers with Siobhan Peoples claiming that Aidan’s incredible technical ability combined with his deep love of the music of his ancestors will see him become one of the most influential Donegal fiddle players of this generation. He has performed with some of traditional music's most well-known artists, including Donal Lunny, Micheal O Suilleabhain and the Chieftains. In 2007, he won the prestigious Oireachtas na Geailge fiddle title, and has been a regular tutor at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, at the University of Limerick. His debut album with Mayo flute player Kieran Munnelly, called In Safe Hands, was released in 2006 and described by Chieftain Matt Molloy as a salute to the players who have gone before.
Another TG4 Young Musician of the Year (2003), Ciaran O Maonaigh hails from the Gaoth Dobhair gaeltacht in Co. Donegal where his musical education was heavily influenced by his extended family, which includes his teacher Francie Mooney, Altan members Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy,
Damien McGeehan has built on the distinctive fiddling style of his native Donegal with continued studies at the
For Listing Editors:
Fidil
Aidan O'Donnell, Ciarán O Maonaigh, Damien McGeehan (fiddles)
Thursday 24th November
Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
Start Time: 8:00 PM
Ticket Prices: Euro15 / Euro8
Booking Phone: 066 9761246 or email to iskadmins@eircom.net
Promoted by Killorglin Arts Festival
Alexej Gorlatch, solo piano (Ukraine). Sunday 27th November at 8pm.
"Awe-inspiringly confident and assured… with a perfection which apparently effortlessly sets him apart from everyone else... Alexej Gorlatch is one of those players who can take you into areas that others just can not reach. "
Michael Dervan, Irish Times
"This remarkably talented pianist… played with finesse and maturity."
The New York Times
By any standards, the young Ukrainian pianist Alexej Gorlatch is something of a phenomenon. Entering the University of Arts in Berlin at the age of twelve, within a decade he had a trophy cabinet jam-packed with awards, including First Prize at the prestigious Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in Japan, First Prize at the Dublin International Piano competition and Silver Medal at the Leeds Piano competition, in a performance described by The Guardian as ‘immaculate in its poetry and aggression’.
A prize-winning technique is one thing, but Gorlatch has poise, power and passion in equal measure, entrancing audiences from Carnegie Hall to the Salle Cortot in Paris with his relaxed stage manner, singing lines and soulful performances. Add to this an exceptional repertoire spanning everything from Mozart to Britten, and you have the all the ingredients of a terrific solo concert. Prepare to be spellbound!
Programme*
Beethoven Sonata op. 2 no.1 in F minor
Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie op.61
Bill Whelan The Currach
Brahms 4 Ballades op.10
Chopin Mazurkas op.68 no.s 1 & 2
Chopin Scherzo op.31 in B flat minor
For further information, please contact:
Elizabeth Brosnan: Ph: 064 6631365 / conventview@hotmail.com
OR
Louise Walsh, PR & Marketing Manager, Music Network : (01) 6719429 or pr@musicnetwork.ie
November News (07 Nov 2011)
Germany School Tour 2011
In October a group of second year students went on a school tour to Germany. The students were based in the city of Koblenz and had a very busy schedule over four days. Amongst the many activities they undertook were a journey up the busy river Rhine and a trip to Fantasia Action Adventure Park. This annual tour was greatly enjoyer by students and teachers alike.
It has been another busy month in the Sporting area as well.Students have been involved in a range of competitions in different codes, including Ladies Football, Rugby, Golf and Gaelic Football. Congratulations to all students who have participated and a special mention to our senior footballers on their magnificent win in the Corn Ui Mhuiri over the
In preparation for life after school, Leaving Cert students went to the UL, Mary Immaculate and Limerick Institute of Technology Open Day in October. A guest speaker also came to the school from UCC to enlighten the Leaving Cert students on courses and life in general in that university. Further guest speakers and a visit to Tralee IT Open Day are planned in the run up to the CAO deadline in January.
Finally the 30th annual school marathon took place on the Thursday before the mid term this year. It was a great day and enjoyed by all those who participated. Money raised for this great event goes toward the many and various extracurricular school events that take place during the year.
New Leaving Cert Biology Website (27 Oct 2011)
A fantastic new website for all Leaving Cert Biology students is now up and running. This is a very valuable extra resource for Leaving Cert Biology Students. The site contains notes on different aspects of the curriculum, animations, revision questions, homework assignments and marking schemes for exams. To have a look at this this website please go to www.intermediateschoolbiology.weebly.com
ISK Arts Week November 2011 (24 Oct 2011)
The annual ISK Arts week is taking place again this year during the third week of November and two phenomenal acts are in the line-up to entertain us. The first is Alexander Gorlatch, a highly accomplished and multi-award winning Ukrainian pianist. The second group are an amazing Irish traditional group called Fidil.
Read more information below to whet your appetite.
"A trio of undeniable range, vision, and chops compelling the listener to ponder a rich, rewarding sonic palette produced by three fiddles and nothing else. Enchantment inevitably follows."
Earle Hitchner, Irish Echo 2010
Music Network is delighted to announce a concert by Fidil on Thursday 24th November at 8pm in Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Comprising three fiddlers (Ciaran O Maonaigh, Aidan O'Donnell and Damien McGeehan), Fidil won Music Networks Young Musicwide Award in 2008 and have since released the critically acclaimed album 3 (5 stars in The Irish Times). Tickets priced Euro15 / Euro8 can be booked by calling 066 9761246 or email iskadmins@eircom.net. This concert is promoted by Music Network and Killorglin Arts Festival.
Fidil explore the soundscape of their native Donegal, and through their unconventional approach to accompaniment, arrive at a place where tradition meets innovation, giving the group their unmistakable sound. Their music-making is marked by an intricate and intelligent approach that still manages to maintain the element of fiery exuberance that is the hallmark of traditional fiddle music from Donegal. This is traditional music for the 21st century, mindful of its origins but breathtakingly exciting in its ambition and delivery. The trio have quickly established themselves as stars in the ascendant, scooping up the Music Networks Young Musicwide Award in 2008, with which they have been busy playing concerts on home ground, and in
From Dunkineely, Co.Donegal, Aidan O'Donnell has been described as one of the finest young Irish musicians at present. Awarded TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2010, he has already won the respect of many of his musical peers with Siobhan Peoples claiming that Aidan’s incredible technical ability combined with his deep love of the music of his ancestors will see him become one of the most influential Donegal fiddle players of this generation. He has performed with some of traditional music's most well-known artists, including Donal Lunny, Micheal O Suilleabhain and the Chieftains. In 2007, he won the prestigious Oireachtas na Geailge fiddle title, and has been a regular tutor at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, at the University of Limerick. His debut album with Mayo flute player Kieran Munnelly, called In Safe Hands, was released in 2006 and described by Chieftain Matt Molloy as a salute to the players who have gone before.
Another TG4 Young Musician of the Year (2003), Ciaran O Maonaigh hails from the Gaoth Dobhair gaeltacht in Co. Donegal where his musical education was heavily influenced by his extended family, which includes his teacher Francie Mooney, Altan members Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy,
Damien McGeehan has built on the distinctive fiddling style of his native Donegal with continued studies at the
For Listing Editors:
Fidil
Aidan O'Donnell, Ciarán O Maonaigh, Damien McGeehan (fiddles)
Thursday 24th November
Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
Start Time: 8:00 PM
Ticket Prices: Euro15 / Euro8
Booking Phone: 066 9761246 or email to iskadmins@eircom.net
Promoted by Killorglin Arts Festival
Alexej Gorlatch, solo piano (Ukraine)
"Awe-inspiringly confident and assured… with a perfection which apparently effortlessly sets him apart from everyone else... Alexej Gorlatch is one of those players who can take you into areas that others just can not reach. "
Michael Dervan, Irish Times
"This remarkably talented pianist… played with finesse and maturity."
The New York Times
By any standards, the young Ukrainian pianist Alexej Gorlatch is something of a phenomenon. Entering the University of Arts in Berlin at the age of twelve, within a decade he had a trophy cabinet jam-packed with awards, including First Prize at the prestigious Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in Japan, First Prize at the Dublin International Piano competition and Silver Medal at the Leeds Piano competition, in a performance described by The Guardian as ‘immaculate in its poetry and aggression’.
A prize-winning technique is one thing, but Gorlatch has poise, power and passion in equal measure, entrancing audiences from Carnegie Hall to the Salle Cortot in Paris with his relaxed stage manner, singing lines and soulful performances. Add to this an exceptional repertoire spanning everything from Mozart to Britten, and you have the all the ingredients of a terrific solo concert. Prepare to be spellbound!
Programme*
Beethoven Sonata op. 2 no.1 in F minor
Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie op.61
Bill Whelan The Currach
Brahms 4 Ballades op.10
Chopin Mazurkas op.68 no.s 1 & 2
Chopin Scherzo op.31 in B flat minor
For further information, please contact:
Elizabeth Brosnan: Ph: 064 6631365 / conventview@hotmail.com
OR
Louise Walsh, PR & Marketing Manager, Music Network : (01) 6719429 or pr@musicnetwork.ie
2011 So Far (07 Oct 2011)
The School Year So Far
The school year always begins with a flourish and 2011 has been no different.
Firstly the school would like to congratulate all ISK students who sat the Leaving Cert this June. The results came out in August and they were outstanding once again. We would like to take the opportunity to wish each and every one of these students the very best of luck in their futures.
Congratulations to our Fourth Year students who sat their Junior Cert in June. These students also did exceptionally well and performed well ahead of the national average and they can take great satisfaction in what they have achieved.
Several past pupils of the school have also had a busy September. Five of these students ( Darran O Sullivan, Donnacha Walsh, Peter Crowley, Johnny Buckley, Brendan Kealey) were on the Kerry Senior Football panel. Well done on your achievements and no doubt Sam will be back next year.
This year the school welcomed over 120 new first years into our community and they have spent the last few weeks settling into their new environment. Amongst the events that the First Years have participated in have included: excursions to Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre where canoeing, orienteering, rock climbing and abseiling were on offer, a Mountain Walk in Glenbeigh, a Cheerios Childline Breakfast Morning and also a Study Skills session with an Educational Expert.
A group of Second Years also had the privilege of being invited to Aras an Uchtaran to attend a special event of Foreign Ambassadors being awarded their Letters of Credentials, by the President Mary McAlesse.This was a very special day for all the students and teachers involved and will live long in everyone’s memory.
Both First and Second Year students have been actively involved in the local St Vincent De Paul Group and have been regularly visiting Killorglins senior citizens in Ozanam house.
All members of the school, both staff and students came together and particiaped in our annual school mass which was celebrated Fr O Brien.
Friday Music recitals have recommenced and the students and staff have enjoyed some very special performances by our very talented students.
Finally some of our students have achieved great personal honours in their chosen sporting pursuits: Mary Ann Doherty of 4th Year, All Ireland Under 16 Winner
Danika O’Grady of 1st Year, All Ireland Under 14 Shield
Jamie Clifford of 4th Year, All Ireland Coastal Rowing Champion
Career Guidance Website (28 Sep 2011)
This year Ms O'Keeffe - the Careers Guidance Counsellor in the ISK has set up a website that is dedicated to the Career Guidance area. This website is a great additional resource for the use of both students and parents. The website is in its early stages but further information will be added to it throughout the year. Please go and have a look at www.iskguidance.com. Ms O'Keeffe can also be contacted on (066) 9790924.
ISK Code of Conduct (22 Sep 2011)
Code of Conduct Page 1School Calendar 2011-2012 (12 Sep 2011)
Updated ISK School Calendar
School Book List 2011-2012 (12 Sep 2011)
Latest ISK Booklist for 2011/2012
May News (26 May 2011)
The end of the school year has been very busy with many academic and extra-curricular activities taking place in the I.S.K. Some of the highlights have included:
Athletics; The Senior Girls Athletics Relay team have qualified for the All Ireland Final which will take place on the 4th of June. Congratulations to Niamh Clifford, Niamh Joy, Niamh, Niamh Gleeson & Aileen Crowley in getting so far in this national competition and best of luck on the 4th.
SciFest;Three teams from the school were entered into this prestigious competition. Clodagh Woods & Laura Kenelly were awarded the best Science Project in Kerry and both Aisling O Neill and Niamh joy were highly commended for their work. Well Done to all involved.
Football; Congratulations to the First Year Football team who beat Colaiste na Scelige in the final of their competition
Music;The weekly music recitals have continued throughout the last term and have been a wonderful success, bringing joy to the large audiences. Well done to all those who overcame the stagefright and participated so well.
Public Speaking: Students from First,Second and Third Year took part in a very lively and enjoyable debate on the future of the Irish Language in Education.
Irish Dancing: 5 students from the ISK in an 8 hand Ceili Team recently came third in the World Irish Dancing Championship held in Dublin. Congratulations to Adam Fogarty, Lisa Sheehan, Anna Cahill, Niamh Keane & Noreen O Sullivan. Adam Fogarty also won a solo Gold Medal.
Franco/Irish Exchange (16 May 2011)
FRANCO-IRISHLINGUISTIC/CULTURALEXCHANGE
This year the French Department at the Intermediate Schoolwas delighted to establish links with a French school Lycee Georges Duby, which is located near Aix en Provence in the south of France. Six French students,5 girls and 1 boy, arrived at the ISK for two weeks in February of this year. They stayed with their Irish exchange partners and their families and attended school while they were here. The students fitted in remarkably well with their respective host families who gave them a warm Irish welcome andshowed them the beautiful landscapes of Kerry and beyond. Great credit and praise are due to our Irish students who participated in this program and who made every effortto make ourFrench guests welcome.
The students involved were; Nancy O’ Connor, Ciara Courtney, Cathy Kissane, AislingMoriarty, Colin Foley,Machaela O’Leary and Hannah Cronin. Six 4th year students of French will depart the ISK for Aix en Provencefor two weeks in the first week in June to complete the exchange.We wish them the best of luck on this maiden franco-irishlinguistic/culturalexchange and we look forward to developing and expanding links with our French friends in the future 
Background left to right: Yasmine Boukoulty, Lucie Michel, Front: Corentin Llorca, Julia Gai, Solene Tremblay, Lisa Bianchi.
ISK Traditional Music Group (10 May 2011)
Trad Music Group
Siansa is an annual competition organised by Gael Linn which aims to promote the Irish language, as well as Irish music and song. Groups of second level students from all over the country take part every year, with the final taking place in Dublin during the spring. The competition replaced Slogadh several years ago, and through its alternative format allows for a far greater number of more varied entries.
Groups wishing to enter must first put together a 10 to 12 minute set of continuous music and song. A recording of this set is then entered into the competition. Groups which reach the competitions high standard are then selected for the next stage of the competition, the regional finals.
Our own music group was fortunate enough to be amongst the 32 groups chosen to compete in the regionals and travelled to Limerick where the regional finals for Munster took place. Although our group performed well on the day only 8 groups from the 32 were lucky enough to make it through to the final in Dublin on April 10th where the competition was eventually won by 'Eile', Laurel Hill, Coláiste FCJ, Limerick.
Aside from Siansa, the Trad Music Group was also involved in other projects including playing for a Mass celebrated by Bishop W. Murphy at the Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools (AMCSS) Annual Conference attended by principals from schools nationwide and Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD.
February-March 2011 (29 Mar 2011)
ISK February and March 2011
The deaths of Eanna Curtayne, Muireann Clifford and Brid Crowley have taken place in recent weeks. All three had close connections to the school and we offer our prayers and condolences to those who are grieving at this time.
School students have been participating in a wide range of activities recently: The Russell Cup, the Under 15 Boys Team qualified this week from a county semi final with Colaiste na Sceilige
Rugby: the senior boys team participated in the West Munster semi final against Newcastle West
Congratulations to the Second Years Girls Basketball team on reaching the semi-final of the schools girls league, where they were narrowly defeated.
The girls athletic team achieved an outstanding 7th in the All_Ireland competition. Congratulations to Niamh Clifford, Niamh Gleeson, Niamh Joy and Naoise Doherty.
Participation is on-going in golf and hockey. The school rowing team is also participating in the schools championships on the 9th April.
There has also been plenty of activities outside of sport as well.
The Junior Cert Science Quiz team came second out of forty in a recent competition.
Second Year students are heavily involved in Ceiliuradh na N-og and are enhancing school and parish links.
Seachtain Na Gaeilge recently took place in the school and it was a great success, with students and teachers taking an active part in the events of the week.
Tadhg Prendeville was recently presented with the Kevin Melia Award for excellence in music.
Groups of second years went to see Michael Collins (The Musical) in the Siamsa Tire theatre in Tralee. There was a strong school connection with Jack Healy a present student performing a major role in the production and a past pupil Muiris Crowley in the lead performance.
Third Years have also been busy with their “pre” exams and there has also been an information evening for parents of third year students about subject choices for fourth year.
The annual Fourth Year school tour to Paris took place in March and was a great success. This month also saw the visit of a group of students from Aix-en-Provence and France to the school and the community and they got to experience life in Kerry.
The past few weeks have been also very busy for the senior students as well. The Leaving Cert sat their Pre_Leaving Cert exams and this will be followed shortly by their oral exams. In addition Leaving Cert students participated in an interview evening with professionals working in their chosen career area.
REMINDER: The First Year Assessment Day will be held on Saturday 9th April. The assessment will begin at 9.15am
MID TERM UPDATE (10 Feb 2011)
The second term is nearing the halfway mark and it is time for a brief update on some of the students activities since January.
JUNIOR FOOTBAL: The Under 16 football team had a great victory in Rathmore over St Colmans of Fermoy. Result, 0-11:09
SENIOR FOOTBALL: The ISK did not win their Quarter Final match against St Brendans in the Corn Ui Mhuirí. Congratulations to the students who reached this stage in such a prestigious competition and also to the teachers who trained and coached the team.
ATHLETICS: A big Well done to Niamh Joy, Niamh Clifford, Aileen Crowley and Niamh Gleeson who won a team gold medal in the South Munster Athletics competition.
ROWING: Best wishes go to Zoe Hyde and Aileen Crowley who are travelling to Newry on Friday 12th February to attend trials for the national Irish Rowing Team.
RUGBY: The junior rugby team were unsuccessful in their match against Crosshaven in the Under 16 Munster King Cup. Well done to all students and teachers who were involved.
HOCKEY: Hockey is back again in the school and on 2nd of March the First Year Hockey team is travelling to Cork to play the girls of Regina Mundi.
BASKETBALL: First and Second Year Boys are going to Limerick on Friday 12 February to play St Clements of Limerick and St Pats of Shannon. The First and Second Year girls teams are at home to Listowel on Wednesday 16 February.
PRE-LEAVING & PRE JUNIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS: These examinations begin on February 17th and best of luck to all participating students.
STUDENT COUNCIL: The Student Council is up and running this term. Each year has two representatives on the council. First Year; Alanna Pigott (Secretary) and Andre O'Sullivan; Second Year; Eimear O'Connor and Julian Courtney (Vice Chairperson); Third Years; Amano Miura and Gavin Leane (Chairperson): Fourth Years; Siobhan Clifford and Ryan Spillane; Fifth Years; Neil Griffin and Shauna McKenna; Sixth Years; Sarah Breen and peter Mullins(Treasurer). The council meets every Thursday and if students have any issues they can raise them directly with members of the council or place their suggestions in a suggestion box outside the main office. Students can check the noticeboard outside Room 203 for further updates.
OPEN DAY The Open Day was held on Saturday 22nd January and it was a great success with many future students getting their first experience of the school.
DATs TESTS: All third year students participated in the Differential Ability Tests and hopefully the results from these will assist in their Fourth Year subject choices.
University of Limerick: A representative from the University of Limerick is making a presentation to Leaving Cert Students on Friday 12th February.
MOCK INTERVIEWS: All Leaving Cert students are taking part in an evening of mock interviews on Wednesday the 9th of March
LIBRARY: The library is a great facility and all students are encouraged to spend some time there and use its many facilities. Opening times are 12.30-1pm on Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of every week
KERRY COUNSELLING SERVICES: Leona Cronin from the Kerry Addiction Counselling Services is making a presentations on Alcohol and Drug use to students from the Junior and Senior Schools on Friday 12th February.
WELCOME BACK (17 Jan 2011)
Firstly may we wish you all a happy New Year and hopefully you had an enjoyable Christmas break (despite the weather) The second school term has begun last week and it promises to be another busy term for staff, parents and students. Below is a list of just some of the upcoming events. We have also included some useful information from the parents Association. This information is also available in the "Parents" section of this website.
Parent Teacher Meetings 20th January. Meeting of all Parents of First Year Students from 11am-4pm Friday 28th January. Meeting of Parents of 2nd and 4th Year Students from 9.15-4pm
OPEN DAY There will be an Open Day for prospective sudents of the school on Saturday 22 January from 1-3pm.
CAO The online discounted deadline for students completing the CAO in 2011 is 20th January and the normal online or postal deadline is the 1st February. Late applications can be made up until the 1st of May at an increased fee. All relevant students are encouraged to make an application by the 1st of February.
Pre Leaving Cert Examinations The Pre Leaving Cert Examinations will start on the Week Beginning 14th February 2011.
Corn Ui Mhuiri The school will be facing St Brendan’s of Killarney in the Quarter Finals of this competition on the 26th January. Venue to be confirmed.
Mock Interviews Leaving Cert students will be taking part in an evening of mock interviews this term. Date to be confirmed
Paris Trip The annual school trip for Fourth Years will take place between the 1st and 5th March 2011.
Senior Basketball: The date of the Under 19s National Quarter Final match will take place this term. Date to be confirmed.
PARENTS ASSOCIATION INFORMATION
Parents Association Quiz Night Fund Raiser
This year we will be running our popular quiz night on the Wednesday 2 March at 8pm in the Tapas Bar, Killorglin. Last year the money raised purchased an AED for the school. If you would like to take part just turn up on the night, food is provided for all teams and the entry fee is 40 Euro per team of 4. There will be prizes for the winning teams and a number of spot prizes throughout the night. We are looking forward to seeing you there and if you cannot make it but would still like to support our fund raising please leave any contributions at the school office in an envelope marked for the Parents Association.
National Parents Council Post Primary (NCPpp) Newsletter
The Parents Council is affiliated to the NCPpp and there is an available copy of their latest Newsletter under the "Parents" section of this website
School Mock Interviews For Leaving Cert Students
We are nearing the time of year when Leaving Cert Students start preparing their CV's for University or Job interviews. The school arranges mock interviews to help prepare the students and would like to hear from any parents with experience from different business sectors who would be willing to volunteer help in conducting the interviews. Please contact Mr O'Dwyer via the school office if you can assist.
Christmas (15 Dec 2010)
Fellow Past Pupils, it seems a long time since our wonderful celebrations on that wonderful day at the foot of the McGillycuddy Reeks in the Dunloe Hotel. An evening that commenced in our lovely school when all present signed the New Roll Book for our next century. People were so happy that they were reluctant to leave for the Dunloe and the sun shone on a most memorable & marvellous occasion.
This year because of increased numbers in First Year – 185, the biggest number in the school’s history - we have built three new classrooms immediately under the library. They are a modern & thin design which is in keeping with our O’Reilly Centenary Library. The overall school population is now 720 and on the 14th December these pupils put on a Christmas concert. The school was a-buzz with a festive spirit before the Christmas house exams began. We have wonderful talent in the school and the proceeds of the concert go to the St.Vincent De Paul and to The C
If any of you have photos of the Centenary Banquet we would love to have copies for the school archive and we can also share them with the wider community on the Internet.
I conclude by wishing all of you the Blessings of Christmas.
Joseph A O’Dwyer
September - December 2010 (09 Dec 2010)
It has been a very busy start to the new term of 2010 in the I.S.K. This term has seen many changes, some farewells to long-serving teachers (Mr Twomey & Ms Field) and a warm welcome to the arrival of 185 First Years (the largest group in the history of the I.S.K). This large group has necessitated the building of three new classrooms which were completed by the beginning of October and are now an integral part of the school. As well as the farewell to former staff and the welcome to the new First Years, we also have welcomed back all the other members of the student population.
The first term of the school year is nearly over and it has, as usual, been an exceptionally busy one, with many activities across all year groups. Below is a short outline – broken down by year group -of some of the many activities that have happened in the past three months. This is not an exhaustive list but will give you some flavour of what has been taking place.
The First Year Girls Basketball team have also competed in the Blitz in Tarbert.
All first years participated in a Study Skills course that will hopefully be of great benefit to them.
Hockey is making a comeback in the I.S.K. and now takes place every Wednesday Lunchtime and during P.E. on Friday
There are still places available for the First Year School Tour to Germany. For more information, Please contact Mr. Moynihan or Mr.O’Mahony
Third Years
C.S.P.E: This term has been very busy for students studying C.S.P.E. To date, students have gone on very informative trips to Cork Prison, The Dáil and 3 Desmond have also taken part in a clean-up of Rossbeigh followed by a visit to a Recycling Plant to Killarney
All Third Years have participated in a study skills course that should be helpful to them in this exam year.
Fourth Year
The 4th Year School Trip to Paris is currently being organised by Ms.Kingston
Fifth & Sixth Years
5th Year Students went on to Open Days in U.L. and I.T Tralee Congratulations also to the U-19 Boys basketball Team who won their Munster Competition, despite playing in a higher level than they were meant to be in, and have now qualified for the All Ireland competition.
Centenary Banquet (04 Jun 2010)
Dear Past Pupils,
I have not been in contact as it is back to normal school and preparations for State Exams. How kind were the Gods. The Previous Week end was bitingly but on Sat. April 10th the Sun/Phoebus shone from early morning. The many Past Pupils who attended the reception in the school were still bathed in Sunshine. The Landscape of the McGillycuddy Reeks was magnificent and our beautiful school was equally resplendent in the sunshine. Thanks to CliodhnaFoley/Mulvihill and her father Nick we all enjoyedlovely wine and nibbles..
Tours of the school were lead by our pupils under the Head Prefects Darren Curtayne and Lisa Brennan. Lovely background music was supplied another chort of pupils. The school is very fortunate to have many talented musiciansThere was a great sense of occasion.
As I walked along the pathway Ms. Jo Scanlon and her daughters Neasa and Mairead gcreeted me.The coincidence of this is that Ms Scanlon joined the ISK on the same day she as teacher and I as pupil in 1947 Ms Scanlon originated from Ballyduff, Co.Waterford neighbouring town to my mother's home town of Ballyduff. In the same year a Ms Healy of Lismorwe joined the school. My mother always boasted of Ms Scanlon scoring 600 marks in Irish, fullmarks in her Leaving Certificate. In school she taught Irish, French,History etc. She was loved and feared. At 86 she has a great mind. The babble in the Well of the school was energising and helped to overcome any fears or doubts about our celebratory night. Yes, I did have fears and yet I realised we had to celebrate our Alma Mater and to pay tribute to its great role in the academic development and of course in the business development.
We were also paying tribute to our predecessors in running the school in extremely difficult times 1914-18 war. Uprising in 1916-Civil war 1922-25. Second World war 1939-45. My father and mother ran the school on a shoe string. As the story of the Silent films revealed. Admission 2p. Receipts for a night 2pounds two pence. On the proceeds my father paid Ms Daly and caretaker. Yes to the celebrations people wereso happy in the Well it was difficult to move them to the buses taking them to the Dunloe Cstle Hotel. They would have been happy with a Pizza in the school. I travelled with Agnes Marshall neeAhern and her sister Kate, our driver was Dan McKenna, we had an entertaining chat. Agnes travelled from Aix en Provence, Kate from Co. Meath and Dan McKenna from Pallas, Beaufort..
To arrive at the Dunloe Castle in evening sunshine and our visitors milling around in the lovely gardens and to look up at the mountains of the Gap of Dunloe such as Purple Mountain was delightful - Oh for the inspiration of the poetic Muse. I will quote Elizabeth Browning "Earth was crammed with hea ven and every tree and bush alive with God." The ambience of the hotel, the happiness of our past pupils, the glitz, the glamour, the non stop excited discussion of different years meeting, the hustle and bustle was magical, my heart lifted. Yes, Grainne Foley (nee O'Sullivan) and Colm Conway were eagerly exhorting and escorting people to their tables, which they had planned and organised as requests came in for special seating arrangements. Grainne and Colm expende much energy and time, what professionalism and courteousness I have rarely seen.
Eventually at my table were Dr. Garret Fitzgeralld, Louise Farrell (my sister in law) Jerry O'Reilly, President of our Past Pupils and his partner Ann Riordan, Tom Doyle, our historian,Canon Owen Mangan, one of my first pupils, Canon Michael Fleming, Parish Priest of Killorglin, Kieran Griffin, our Headmaster and his wife Siobhan a former pupil from Cromane.Siobhan’s mother was Eileen Griffin, a classmate of mine. Canon Owen Mangan started off the banquet with Grace before meals in Latin and with a joke or two. To the menu itself, a five course meal as befits a Banquet.
The menu was written in all the languages of the school, Irissh, Latin, French, German and Spanish. On every table was a sheet of puzzles to tantalise or entertain anyone in anyway bored. Yes, I started with marinated tiger prawns, asparagus , lettuce, followed by vegetable soup. Main course for me was the piece de resistance, Rack of lamb slightly pink, how the chef achieved this was a miracle, the other main course was brill and sole! Dessert was an extraordinary melange of mouth watering delicacies.
During courses Colm Conway invited people at their tables to speak, this was most amusing as various speakers regaled us with their experiences, the odd one giving me a shock!! Following coffee Canon Michael Fleming blessed us with Grace and a few pleasant words. Kieran Griffin our headmaster spoke very eloquently and adhered to the two minute limit. He was followed by Jerome Conway, past pupil and Chairman of the Kerry County Board, he emphasized the role played by the school since the early days and recalled 1996 when we won the All Ireland Boys and Girls Colleges Finals.
In this year of the centenary, we had four past pupils on the Kerry All Ireland Team, Captain Darren O'Sullivan, Donnchad Walsh, Sean O'Sullivan and Aidan O’Shea,some achievement! Ellen Byrne, now a practising Doctor in Tralee spoke on behalf of the organising committee and of the wonderful experiences of the goodwill of past pup had to do my duty and I recalled our humble origins and a simplified story of the school and concluded by an ode to our Alma Mater.
Ode to I. S K.
O Muse I invoke you to sing Of I S K our Alma Mater Optima Mater
Odyssean Mother Our Penelope kind, caring to her offspring
Womb of Killorglin's Intellect Et alterarum regionum.
Older than our State
Witness and Active in local National and World History
Of Humble Origin housed in amill Carnegie endowed.
Changing home Magnum Opus To Laharn
Yes great Mother now with aview of the Reeks, 'Snowy Summits old in Story' as Tennyson said A fitting landscape for a great Mother whose children Are constellations in the wider Universe.
Mother ever the visionary emphasizing Virtus et Veritas
Fostering educated minds, good citizenship and of course the Roman Virtue Pietas, Loyalty to Gods, country, family and school.
Mother beloved by so many.
Visualised as a Woman well endowed
Curvaceous body But for others your lips do not allure.
Merely your honesty and concern attracts..
You are no Shile na Gig You do not pullyourself apart.
This centenary evening is no obsequy merely A celebratory fling in your Odyssey.
As the next era of your history commences We salute you Alma Mater
Gaudeamus in te et invobis, Alumnis.
Ave et Salve.
After the speeches it was time to circulate, to meet people, join in photographs sharing memories, recognising people. My great success, I recognised all but three people! After dinner we were to move to the banquet hall, newly decorated and refurbished for the occasion and with a very special orchestra to lure people on to the dance floor.
Because of various digressions, I did not ther until 4a.m. At a later stage I said to Gillian O'Shea is it 5a.m. as I should go to bed, the answer was 6a.m. I had promised to meet Garret Fitzgerald at 9a.m. in Dooks for breakfast. Thus the end of our celebrations.
The three main events were firstly, the visit of the President Mary McAleesse. Secondly the visit of our bishop Most Rev. Dr. Bill Murphy and finally the Banquet. All of these were very special and are now a part of the history of our I S K.
I wish to thank everyone our past pupils who were involved in the organising committee, you the past pupils who attended from far and near, our teachers who at all times of the year helped in a most spontaneous manner, and indeed our present day pupils, talented young people who enjoyed and contributed to the three memorable celebrations. In fact one of these musicians has just been awarded third prize in a British Isles musical competition, for piano and classical guitar. Our Summer programme is to build three classrooms.
I would love to hear from past pupils and to keep up a two way flow of information. Wishing you health, happiness and pax. Photos to Follow
Visit by Bishop Bill Murphy (19 Dec 2009)
The second great day of the celebration in this centenary year, was the visit of Bishop Bill Murphy to the school on November 12th. As with the visit of President Mary McAleese, this occasion was endowed with great dignity.
The Bishop robed in our Space Room and indeed we are very proud of this special place, with its wonderful features such as the stained glass window depicting the river of life.
For this occasion we acquired Louis Mulcahy ciboriums which we will be used for future celebrations. The altar, dressed by the pupils at the beginning of Mass, looked radiant adorned with a lovely new cloth, resplendent cruets and candlesticks. The gracefulness of the students was moving as they offered gifts such as the register of all the pupils of the school dating back to 1909. Our choir and our young instrumentalists gave a sense of joy to the mass with their lively music and meditative refrains.
The Bishop, in his homily, emphasised the importance of faith in the lives of young people and the need for direction, purpose and commitment, extolling the virtues of Neil Armstrong and John F Kennedy. After Mass the Bishop, like the President, signed the two registers, connecting the old to the new. The enclosed photographs highlight further this special day in the history of the school.
In planning our centenary year, we decided to mark it with the visits of the President and the Bishop, before the final major event - the reunion of all our past pupils. We now hope that this banquet on April 10th 2010 will be as enjoyable and successful as our recent celebrations. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and it will be a night to remember. Don’t have regrets as it is the one night in one hundred years when you can reconnect with all your former classmates in your old school. Perhaps someone will even think of presenting a friend with a gift of a ticket this Christmas.
Tickets are now available from the school office (066 9761246, email ) priced at €100 - one euro for every year in the life of the school. Any suggestions in relation to the organization of the event including seating arrangements based on classes, years, families or localities are most welcome. Who knows, one may meet an old boy/girl-friend!
Visit by President Mary Mc Aleese (24 Sep 2009)
September 24th 2009 has become an unforgettable day in the lives of our present pupils and also in the lives of those who were so fortunate to be present in the school on that day. The first Citizen of Ireland, President Mary Mc Aleese, visited our school to mark appropriately our centenary celebrations. This was a great honour and indeed recognition of the school's position in the educational tapestry of our country.
On this special day the school was bathed in the warmth and enthusiasm of President Mc Aleese, who addressed the entire population of the school in her own engaging style. Her address was wide-ranging and thought-provoking, describing the architecture of the school as the 'funkiest' she had encountered, before contrasting the present cohort of students with those who arrived at the door of the school one hundred years ago. President McAleese traced the history of the school and its pupils through the important historical milestones of the Great War, the 1916 Rebellion and The Celtic Tiger phenomenon. Despite the recent economic collapse she hinted that many of our past students, who overcame huge obstacles to seek education, would happily exchange their world for the world of opportunity that exists today.
The pupils of the school, who were aware of the importance of the President's office, were touched by the freshness and warmth of the President’s personality, which heightened and amplified the sense of occasion and joy. As the President departed she was met by our past pupils who were members of the All Ireland team, accompanied by another former pupil, Jerome Conway (Chairman of the Kerry County Board) and the Sam Maguire Cup. What a photo shot! - We could have not scripted it!
The vacuum left by the President's departure was filled by the entrance of our past pupils, fresh after their All-Ireland success. They were the very embodiment of health and physical fitness, who spoke glowingly of the contribution of the school to their sporting and academic lives. They offered words of advice and encouragement to present day pupils, who need to find a proper balance between academic and sporting pursuits. Despite fears of an incredible anti-climax our students enjoyed a snack provided by the school before the first years embraced a fun Sports Day organised on our all weather pitch. The other classes enjoyed a disco in the Well and the collective joy was unconfined.
At the end of the day our caretakers, Mossy and Donal launched one hundred Chinese coloured lanterns into the sky. They floated majestically over Killorglin signalling our celebration. I must say it was one of my happiest days in the school, punctuated by nostalgic moments related to my parents and Bairbre, who could have been present and no doubt were. Mother Nature glowed spectacularly, the McGillycuddy Reeks were resplendent and the school sucked in its breath in silence, to later exhale in applause, as the President walked in front of the school on her way to the Space Room. No words can express my thanks to our President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin, for celebrating this memorable day with us.
The next occasion of celebration in our centenary calendar, is the visit of our Bishop of Kerry, Most Rev. William Murphy, on November 12th, 2009. This will be another special day and will celebrate the Christian and Catholic ethos of the school. May I take this opportunity to remind all of you of the great banquet in the school on April 10th next year. To make sure this is a truly memorable occasion we require your presence. Tickets are on sale from the school at a cost of €100, one euro for each year of the school's existence. It will be a night to remember- please renew contact and write April 10th 2010 into your diary!
The First Lay Catholic Co-Educational school celebrates its centenary (16 Sep 2009)
The Intermediate School, Killorglin commences its Centenary celebrations with the visit of President Mary McAleese on Thursday 24th September.
This unique school has enjoyed an extraordinary history marked, in particular, by sustained academic and sporting success with a commitment to the cultural and social needs of the community. From its controversial birth, as a lay and co-educational school in defiance of the norm at that time, the school has witnessed and has been marked by major historical events- the loss of pupils in World War I, the traumatic struggle for independence and the extraordinary revolution in education throughout the last hundred years. Its success has been pioneered by dedicated individuals such as Tom O'Donnell, Jack O'Dwyer, Bairbre and Joe O'Dwyer, who were wholeheartedly supported by a pupil population that rose from 28 pupils in 1909 to its present strength of 650 pupils today.
Its success in the field of education was again emphasized in 2008 by the extraordinary achievement of one of its pupils, Orla Houlihan, who attained the best Leaving Cert result in the country. Indeed the school is also proud of its record in the sporting domain and dares to hope that past pupils, the captain of the Kerry team, Darren O'Sullivan, vice captain Donnchadh Walsh, Sean O'Sullivan, Aidan O'Shea and our famous footballer Mike Frank Russell, will be present in the school with Sam Maguire to greet the President on this exciting day in the school's history.
'This is a fantastic day in the history of an extraordinary school' enthuses school Manager, Joseph O'Dwyer, and we are delighted that the President will be here to celebrate this great occasion with our present day pupils.
Both the school manager and the school principal, Mr.Kieran Griffin, emphasize that the visit of President Mary McAleese is only the beginning of a year of celebration. The very Rev Bishop William Murphy will visit the school on November 12th to celebrate mass on a day when the school, will remember all its past and present pupils. A Gala Banquet will be held on the school grounds on April 10th 2010 with former students returning to their alma mater to mark the wonderful occasion in the schools history. Alumni can contact the school at www.isk.ie to seek further information.
Centenary Year (01 Jun 2009)
The countdown to Centenary Year has commenced on Monday May 21st. The O'Reilly Centenary Library was opened officially by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Mr. John O'Donoghue and blessed by Cannon Michael Fleming. There was a great sense of occasion on opening night. In the presence of over two hundred people, young and old with music, song, dance and speeches a major event in the History of the School was commemorated. It encapsulated in a way the feelings and emotions of people when the old School or Carnegie building was opened in 1909 - it mirrored the first important milestone in the journey of the I.S.K. Click here for more information
Friends of I.S.K. (11 Aug 2008)
I must tell you of the great results in this years Leaving Certificate. One of our pupils scored the top result in the country - 9 A1s. The pupil is Orla Houlihan, a native of Killarney. She is merely 17 years and is a most unassuming girl. Her big interest is playing the piano. Orla's subjects sere Irish, English, Maths, French, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Music.
From the list of subjects you can see the wide range of subjects Orla has studied and that the school offers. These are all top subjects and show the genius of the girl and the professionalism and excellence of our Teachers. It is an extraordinary achievement for Orla and all of her Teachers - in other words what synchronisation. I am proud of Orla and of her Teachers. Orla has one brother, he did his Leaving Certificate and on his results he chose to pursue a career in Medicine. He also was a high scorer. The coincidence is that Orla is also about to pursue a career in medicine. In fact last year in I.S.K., your Alma Matter, had five students graduating in Medicine and six entering Medicine. No the school is not besotted by Medicine. I mention the fact merely to indicate the high achievements in our school. Our pupils enter all faculties, trades and business careers.
I take this opportunity to remind you that your Alma Mater will celebrate its centenary next September 2009. Remember it was the First Catholic Co-Educational School in the country and it is the oldest Lay School in the country. We are the successors to the Hedge Schools.
I would like to hear from past pupils and would like to receive suggestions for celebrating our centenary. There will certainly be a Banquet in the School perhaps in the last term of 2009 - 2010. Please let your voice be heard. Contact us at iskadmins@eircom.net
Wishing you all well for the coming year
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