the spiritual development of each person, achieves quality in teaching and learning, shows respect for every person, creates a sense of community and is founded on compassion and justice.
CEIST – Catholic Education an Irish Schools Trust – was established in 2007 by five religious Congregations to carry on the trusteeship of over one hundred Catholic voluntary secondary schools. The five Congregations are the Daughters of Charity, Presentation Sisters, Sisters of the Christian Retreat, Sisters of Mercy and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
CEIST is built on the founding vision of the five Congregations, emphasising the dignity and rights of the human person, empowering the most vulnerable in society and enabling young people to become agents for social transformation throughout the world.
A compassionate and just society inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ
To provide a holistic education in the Catholic tradition
Daughters of Charity
Sisters of Mercy
We believe a knowledge of and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ gives meaning and purpose to our lives.
We are committed to excellence and to continually improving the quality of teaching and learning.
What We Treasure:
The core values of CEIST support and nourish the lives of students, staff and parents.
We respect the unique and intrinsic value of every person.
Our schools are faith communities of welcome and hospitality where Gospel values are lived and where there is special care for those most in need.
We seek to act justly and responsibly in all our relationships.
Catholic education has a long and distinguished history in Ireland. It survived from one generation to the next from the beginning of Christianity on this island. The early monastic schools gave way to the schools of the great European Orders in the twelfth century. The Bardic schools of the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries running alongside the new monastic schools nurtured the love of learning and, as their name suggests, the poetry that was deep in the psyche of the native population. These schools have left us with religious and devotional poetry of great expertise and beauty. With the fading out of the Bardic tradition the Classical schools took up the task of providing an education worthy of their predecessors.
The turbulent political situation in Ireland in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries culminated in the enactment of the Penal Laws passed between 1695 and 1728. The enforcement of the Penal Laws contributed greatly to reducing the people to poverty and to a lack of learning. To be a teacher or a student in a Catholic setting was punishable by imprisonment, expulsion or even execution.
Throughout these harrowing times the established Religious Orders stayed with the people. They founded schools or kept existing schools going secretly. Huge numbers of hedge schools were established. Some Catholics who had managed to retain their wealth sent their children abroad to be educated. But for most children education was out of reach, and for poverty-stricken parents education had to take second place in the battle for survival. It was into this political and religious scene that two Irish Congregations, the Presentation and the Mercy Sisters, were born.
Nano Nagle opened her first school in Cork in 1754. In setting up schools in defiance of the established colonial order, Nano Nagle sided with those who were poor. She challenged the institutional injustice that perpetuated marginalisation and poverty. In keeping with that ideal, Presentation schools promote a faith community inspired by Gospel values and a holistic response to the spiritual, moral, social, intellectual and physical needs of each student.
It was the hope of the founding Congregations that CEIST would carry the heritage of Catholic education in their schools to another age with the same courage, determination and pride with which their religious predecessors brought it through the previous centuries.
Catherine McAuley opened her first school in Dublin in 1827. In similar conditions, the two laywomen responded to the crushing poverty of their native cities. They shared the conviction that education would empower the poor to rise from their destitution. Like Nano Nagle before her, Catherine McAuley began her work with the poorest people in Dublin and her first schools were primary schools for the improvement of literacy and the teaching of the Catholic faith to those who had no other opportunity to learn. She initiated fee-
paying schools for those who could afford education, along with schools for those who could not pay. Inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, Mercy education is committed to the full development and the achievement of the potential of each student, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalised, conducted in an atmosphere of care, respect and joy.
The Presentation Congregation came into being on 24th December 1775 and the Mercy Congregation on 12th December 1831.
The Company of the Daughters of Charity, founded in France in 1633 by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, provided free schooling for the poorest girls. These first schools were concerned with literacy, helping girls to come to know and love God and also acquire skills that would make them independent.
At the time of the French Revolution in 1789, Anthony Receveur founded the Sisters of the Christian Retreat. Their education programme offered a challenge to the French Revolutionaries’ idea of liberty, equality and fraternity that excluded God. Their aim was to awaken an alienated world to God through reflection, prayer and retreat. This objective is embodied in their approach to Catholic education.
Jules Chevalier, founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1854, discovered a Christ who is compassionate, faithful, loving and humane. Imbued with a deep sense of mission, he set up the Congregation to bring the Good News of God’s love to all people. He believed the lives of all could be enriched by a spirituality centred on the heart of Christ. This philosophy is the guiding principle in the various ministries of the Congregation, including schools.
The map opposite illustrates the geographical spread of the 107 schools which form the CEIST Schools Network.
MAYO
Mount St. Michael SS
- Claremorris
Our Lady’s SS - Belmullet
Sacred Heart School
- Westport
Sancta Maria College
- Louisburgh
Scoil Muire agus
Pádraig - Swinford
St. Joseph’s SS - Castlebar
St. Mary’s SS - Ballina
SLIGO
Mercy College - Sligo
Coláiste Muire - Ballymote
St. Mary’s College
- Ballysadare
ROSCOMMON
Scoil Mhuire - Strokestown
Meánscoil Muire gan
Smál - Roscommon
GALWAY
Ardscoil Mhuire - Ballinasloe
Calasanctius College
- Oranmore
Coláiste Chroí Mhuire
gan Smal - An Spideal
Holy Rosary College
- Mountbellew
Mercy College - Loughrea
24 Schools
Presentation College - Tuam
Presentation College
- Headford
Presentation College
- Athenry
Scoil Bhríde - Tuam
St. Paul’s SS - Oughterard
St. Raphael’s College
- Loughrea
Our Lady’s College - Galway
DONEGAL
Scoil Mhuire SS - Buncrana
St. Columba’s College
- Stranorlar
MONAGHAN
Our Lady’s SS - Castleblayney
38 Schools
Coláiste Bríde - Clondalkin
Mercy College - Coolock
Our Lady of Mercy College - Beaumont
Our Lady of Mercy SS
- Drimnagh
Sancta Maria College
- Ballyroan
St. Joseph’s College - Lucan
St. Joseph’s SS - Rush
Mercy SS - Inchicore
Presentation SS - Blackrock
Presentation SS
- Warrenmount
Caritas College - Ballyfermot
TIPPERARY
St. Mary’s SS - Newport
St. Mary’s SS - Nenagh
Scoil Mhuire
- Carrick-on-Suir
Presentation SS - Thurles
Our Lady’s SS - Templemore
Presentation SS - Ballingarry
Presentation SS - Clonmel
St. Anne’s SS
- Tipperary Town
CLARE
St. Joseph’s SS - Tulla
St. Joseph’s SS
- Spanish Point
Scoil Mhuire - Ennistymon
LOUTH
St. Vincent’s SS - Dundalk
Sacred Heart SS
- Drogheda
Our Lady’s College
- Drogheda
KILDARE
Scoil Dara - Kilcock
Coláiste Naomh Mhuire
- Naas
Ardscoil na Tríonóide
- Athy
WEXFORD
St. Mary’s SS - New Ross
Presentation SS
- Wexford
Coláiste Bríde - Enniscorthy
WICKLOW
St. Mary’s College - Arklow
CARLOW
St. Leo’s College - Carlow
Presentation College
- Carlow
Presentation De La Salle College - Bagenalstown
WESTMEATH
St. Joseph’s SS
- Rochfortbridge
Mercy SS - Kilbeggan
MEATH
St. Joseph’s Mercy SS
- Navan
Eureka SS - Kells
Scoil Mhuire - Trim
LAOIS
Scoil Chríost Rí - Portlaoise
Coláiste Íosagáin
- Portarlington
OFFALY
Sacred Heart SS - Tullamore
Killina Presentation SSTullamore
KILKENNY
Presentation SS - Loughboy
St. Brigid’s College
- Callan
LONGFORD
Cnoc Mhuire - Granard
Meán Scoil MhuireLongford
Mercy SS - Ballymahon
Coláiste Muire - Ennis
Mary Immaculate SS
- Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
KERRY
St. Joseph’s SS
- Ballybunion
Mercy SS - Tralee
Presentation SS
- Castleisland
St. Brigid’s SS - Killarney
Presentation SS - Listowel
Presentation SS - Milltown
Presentation SS - Tralee
LIMERICK
Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa
- Doon
Ardscoil Mhuire - Corbally
Coláiste Nano Nagle
- Limerick
CORK
Coláiste na Toirbhirte
- Bandon
Christ King Girls’ SS - Cork
Coláiste an Chroí Naofa
- Carraig na bhFear
St. Mary’s High School
- Midleton
Coláiste Muire - Crosshaven
Mercy SS - Kanturk
Mount Mercy College
- Cork
Mount St Michael SS
- Rosscarbery
North Presentation SS
- Farranree
42 Schools
Presentation SS
- Ballyphehane
Presentation SS
- Mitchelstown
Sacred Heart SS
- Clonakilty
St. Aloysius School - Cork
St. Mary’s SS - Charleville
St. Mary’s SS - Macroom
St. Mary’s SS - Mallow
WATERFORD
Our Lady of Mercy SS
- Waterford
Presentation SSWaterford
Ard Scoil na nDéiseDungarvan
This student is good at creating community, shows respect for everyone, strives for justice and takes responsibility and, finally, seeks a meaning and purpose to life through developing spirituality and human relationships.
This award goes to a student in each school who reflects the spirit and values of CEIST.
mental health is a priority. is an happiness essential. is a self-care necessity.
Health and Wellbeing
To fully understand the importance of being healthy, you will now have the opportunity to learn about physical and mental health and the impact both have on your overall well-being.
One way that you can look after your physical health is by eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep and doing some exercise each day. Good diet, sleep and exercise have countless physical and mental benefits.
• Helps to build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
• Helps to control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat
• Prevents and reduces high blood pressure
• Improves your memory and lengthens your attention span
• Improves your decision-making, planning and multi-tasking skills
• Increases your production of new nerve, blood and brain cells
Ensure you have a healthy diet.
Scan this bar code to access the food pyramid, which shows how often you should eat different food groups.
Ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Avoid being on a screen before you go to bed, and it’s best not to bring your phone into your bedroom.
Try to get a daily recommended physical activity of 30 minutes of exercise. Consider including a column for physical activity in your study timetable so you can actively make it part of your daily routine.
Unfortunately, negative things happen to everyone in life; however, some people seem to bounce back quicker than others. This is referred to as resilience - your ability to bounce back after setbacks.
One useful way of understanding how to develop resilience is to use the acronym BOUNCE
Bad things and times happen, but things do get better. Others are there to help you, but you need to let them know. Unhelpful thoughts don’t make things better. Nobody is perfect.
Concentrate on the good things in your life, it’s not all bad. Everybody has setbacks or struggles. You are not on your own here.
Here are five useful ways that you can build your own personal resilience. In the space provided, identify one way you could incorporate each one into your own life!
Sadly, bullying can be a feature of school life. It is important to understand these facts about bullying so that you can:
(a) Recognise it
(b) Take action and know where to ask for help
Hitting, pushing, spitting, stealing or breaking others’ belongings, making mean hand gestures
Bullying can happen…..
• To anyone
• Anytime
• Anywhere
• In any way
Threatening, teasing, name calling, making sexual remarks
Spreading rumours, encouraging others to reject or exclude someone, embarrassing someone in public
• Report it to someone you can trust.
• Stay calm and in control.
• Talk to friends you can trust and ask them for help.
• Don’t show emotions like anger, fear or upset.
• Be assertive – speak clearly and firmly.
• Show confidence – use positive body language.
Cyberbullying is where information and communication technology is used to deliberately hurt someone’s feelings.
Cyberbullying can take place through instant messaging, chat rooms, online polling sites, blogs and social networking sites.
Cyberbullying can be very dangerous because it is:
• Invasive
• Often anonymous
• Difficult to escape from or stop
• Sometimes a criminal act
• Communicated quickly and to a wide audience
Here are some tips for staying safe on the internet:
HIDE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS: Password, PIN, username and real name, email address, home address, mobile number, personal photos.
FOLLOW NETIQUETTE: Communicate clearly, use emoticons, be polite.
• React appropriately
• Block any sender of nasty messages
• Set your sites/profiles to private
• Save nasty links/texts etc.
• Ask permission before you share anyone else’s details
• Change your password often.
• Open a message from someone you don’t know
• Give details to anyone that you don’t know in real life.
THANKFULLY, THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CYBERBULLYING.
Earlier on in this module, you learned the meaning of the word resilience. People who display resilience have a ‘Growth Mindset’. Let’s find out a little more about this….
What is a mindset?
A mindset is a person’s approach or attitude.
What are the different types of mindset?
There are two main types of mindset. They are known as a Fixed Mindset and a Growth Mindset .
“I learn nothing from mistakes.”
“I am not good at some things.”
“When I am frustrated, I give up.”
“I learn from my mistakes.”
“When I am frustrated, I persevere.”
“I can learn anything if I try hard enough.”
Examine the diagram above to identify what type of mindset you have. What techniques can you use to develop a growth mindset?
A psychologist known as Howard Gardner identified eight different types of intelligences. Research now suggests that different intelligences occur in different parts of your brain.
Here are the eight intelligences identified by Gardner:
The ability to think musically and to hear, recognise and remember patterns. Used by musicians, mathematicians, artists and dancers.
The ability to understand cause and effect; to manipulate numbers. Used by scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
The ability to interpret space and to navigate. Used by pilots, artists, architects and racing drivers.
The ability to understand yourself, to be reflective, know what you can or can’t do and where to get help. Used by philosophers, psychologists and church ministers. SILARUTAN
The ability to understand and relate to others. Used by teachers, salespeople, politicians, human resource managers, doctors and psychologists.
The ability to discriminate between living things and be sensitive to the natural world. Used by botanists, ornithologists, beauticians and top chefs.
The ability to control body movement and the capacity to handle objects skilfully. Used by athletes, actors and dancers.
The ability to use language. Being able to express what’s on your mind and to understand others. Used by poets, novelists, politicians and lawyers.
Developing a growth mindset by recognising your intelligences
A person with a Growth Mindset will ask themselves “In which ways am I intelligent?” and not “How intelligent am I?”
Use the diagram below to identify which intelligences most apply to you. Reflect on times when you have used this intelligence by giving a specific example.
Is this intelligence one of your strengths?
Give an example of when you have used this intelligence:
Kinaesthetic Intrapersonal LOGICAL MUSICAL
Is this intelligence one of your strengths?
Give an example of when you have used this intelligence:
NATURALIST VISUAL-SPATIAL INTERPERSONAL LINGUISTIC