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31st May 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 15 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Swords School Celebrates 25 Years In Style A
week of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of one of Swords’ most famous schools, St Colmcille’s Girls National School culminated with a reunion of the school’s first ever pupils. This unique gathering of the 1986 Junior Infants class provided the high point in a memorable week for the school. The reunion, which was held in the school, was the brainchild of school principal, Bernadette Murtagh and was attended by a large gathering of 30 year old ladies and some retired teachers. Great excitement was generated as old friendships were rekindled and existing ones reinforced. Many of those present had kept up contact throughout the years and remained good friends, while others had only met for the first time since leaving school. In some cases, after a few seconds of doubt, accompanying screams indicated that recognition had been achieved and a new friendship was about to be made. Many
retired teachers, including former principal, Anne McDonagh greeted the girls like old friends. This friendly atmosphere and easy mixing of pupils and teachers ensured that the night was an unqualified success.
By Patrick Finnegan The school had been transformed into a trip down memory lane, as various classrooms were revisited and old videos and DVDs of Holy Communions and other significant school occasions of yesteryear were viewed. One of the
girls, Deirdre Keaney gasped as she exclaimed, That’s my dad”, as she watched wide eyed as her class Communion Day was on video. She also spoke of her complete respect for Ms. McDonagh. “When she pointed her finger in the air, normally with a set of keys in her hand, you knew instantly that you were in trouble,” said Deirdre. Current principal, Bernadette Murtagh, was clearly delighted with the large turnout and she reminded the gathering of another notable female institution that is 25 years old. “While Oprah is ‘wimping away after
Beverton Preschool in Donabate recently held a charity event for the Mater Breast Cancer Appeal. A petting farm was brought to the preschool to the great excitement of the kids. It is expected that the appeal will top the €1,000 from last year's event. Pictured enjoying the event are Isabelle Coogan, Sinead Lee, Brian Stenson and Eabha O'Farrell.
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a quarter of a century, St Colmcille’s is going from strength to strength,” she said to rousing cheers from everyone. She praised the work ethic that has always been in evident in the school. The week of celebrations included the raising of the school’s fourth Green Flag for Transport, by County Mayor Ken Farrell and the opening of a special Silver Anniversary Sensory Garden. This garden was officially opened to mark the celebrations. It is the work of several pupils, parents and teachers who designed and created this unique gift to the school. Several late evenings and many hard working hours were spent getting this project off the ground. The school is grateful for all the support and enthusiasm of so many mums and dads. To mark the occasion, the school is very happy to announce the setting up of the School Orchestra Project. For years, it has been the school’s dream to have its very own orchestra and now that dream is a reality. See Picture on page 10