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GREETINGS FROM THE EDMUND RICE SCHOOLS TRUST
Welcome to our Summer edition of eSíol and thanks to all schools that have
contributed. I would particularly like to thank our Link Teachers who do such
wonderful work, meeting with us and each other four times per year. They also
arrange for articles to be submitted. We are grateful to everyone in our schools for
their contributions to eSíol.
We were thrilled with the participation of so many schools in our celebration of
Edmund Rice9s Feast Day. The presentations by our students from primary and
secondary schools around the country were terrioc so well done to everyone who was
involved in any way.
We are very aware of how busy you are at this time of the year and it9s important for
everyone to take a well-deserved break when holiday time comes. Good luck to all
students who are sitting state examinations and to students transferring from primary
to secondary school.
Enjoy reading our network magazine and have a pleasant, safe and enjoyable
Summer.
Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive
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RICE COLLEGE WESTPORT
First Year Spaghetti Tower Challenge
In Science class 1st year students participated in the Spaghetti Tower STEM challenge. They
had to construct a tower as high as possible using only 30 pieces of spaghetti and 1m of
masking tape. Tallest tower with a marshmallow resting on top and unassisted won the
challenge.
Second Year Foil Boat Challenge
In their Science class 2nd year students participated in a STEM challenge. They had to work
in teams to make a boat of aluminium foil only. The boat had to float and be able to hold
weights. The boat which held the greatest number of marbles won the class challenge.
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Positive Living Week 2024
Our annual Positive Living Week took place from 11th-15th March. The theme of the week
was <Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise again=. The week is grounded in
promoting the principles of positive mental health. During the week we hosted various
activities, discussions, games, guest speakers and workshops.
Mr Rabbette launched the week with an address and he announced the good news that our
application for co-education has been approved from September 2025 so the week was off to
a positive start. The Mayo News sent a photographer to capture this important milestone and
an article was included in the newspaper the following day. Our 5th Year Mentors delivered a
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sweet treat to teachers and students. Students participated in lunchtime activities and a SPHE
quiz. Our 1st year students joined together in the Assembly Area to play a game of Bingo
which was a fun end to Day 1.
Music Generation visited the school on Tuesday to facilitate a Big Band Workshop with our
TY students. The students picked up instruments and learned a U2 song which was new to
many students. Our 6th year students continued with their schedule of Tuesday Talks and we
welcomed two past pupils who presented to our students. Conor spoke to students about
studying maths at third level while Brian from SDS Design Engineers spoke to students about
an exciting new civil engineering apprenticeship. Our 1A class attended a workshop in ATU
Mayo Castlebar Campus where they learned about the principles of sustainability and the
importance of leaving no trace. It was an educational and insightful experience for our
students. During the day students participated in meditations, walked on the Greenway and
played another leg of the Travis Cup on our Astro pitch.
We walked on Wednesday with short Greenway Walks happening throughout the day. Our
3rd year students enjoyed a hot chocolate in Servd after completing their Greenway Walk.
Michael O9Sullivan from Humourfit is always a welcome visitor during the week. He
performed his one man dramas for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students. The dramas are based
on themes like bullying, peer pressure and substance abuse which are relevant issues for our
students. Our senior rugby team played in a Connacht final in the Showgrounds in Galway
but unfortunately the result did not go our way on this occasion. Our 5th year English
students travelled to Dublin to see a performance of John B. Keane9s Sive in the Gaiety
Theatre and they enjoyed some retail therapy on the way home.
We celebrated PI Day on Thursday, 14th March (3.14). Our 3rd year students participated in
the PI Quiz in Castlebar. We wore our Cosy Clothes today and this was a most welcome treat
for students. Lauren and Jenna from Mayo Mental Health Association facilitated the Breathe
programme with our 2nd year students. The programme helps students to identify coping
skills that they can use in times of stress. Our Juvenile GAA team welcomed Summerhill to
our home pitch to play the next game in their league and they were victorious in a good
spirited game. Our 3rd year students participated in a Sport Afternoon and played various
games in the Gym and on our Astro pitch. Kathryn from the Marie Keating Foundation
visited the school to present to our LCA students as part of their Social Education module.
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Our TY students joined the SHS students on a Greenway Walk through Westport House; the
poor weather did not dampen their spirits and they enjoyed the benefits of fresh air and
exercise.
The week ended on Friday with the final visits to Deirdre in Carrowbeg Stores for 99s. Liam
Moffat Sports Physiotherapist visited the school and presented to senior students about the
importance of resilience and minding their physical health. He shared some of his
experiences, offered practical advice and shared some stories about overcoming adversity and
injury. The TY Wellbeing Team organised a cinema trip for our students and the SHS students
to see Oppenheimer ahead of the Oscar Awards.
The week ended on a positive note for another year. Positive Living Week is an important
part of our Wellbeing programme each year. Students are given some time and space to
consider the indicators of Wellbeing and to reflect on their own Wellbeing. The Amber Flag
committee submitted our application for our fourth Amber Flag after this week. We are
hoping to be awarded another Amber Flag which acknowledges our efforts in the area of
promoting positive mental health within our school community. Positive Living Week was a
busy and enjoyable week for our school community and we are already looking forward to
and planning for next year.
1A and 1B 8Leave No Trace9 in association with ATU
Well done to class 1B who completed their 8Leave No Trace9 course at ATU Mayo at the
end of April. A big thank you to Pauline Jordan and all the Outdoor Education students
who looked after the Rice College students so well.
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Transition Year International Trip 2024 - Italy
After travelling through the night, the group of 76 students were delighted to take their water
bus (known as a vaporetto) into the heart of Venice.
We had changed into our shorts and were enjoying the sun and heat. The palaces around St.
Mark's Square were thronged with people and it was there we met our guides.
Wearing headphones, we worked our way through the less well-trodden streets and lanes to
learn of the city's history, its rise to prominence as a trade centre and the challenges it faces
today.
We left for our hotel in the late afternoon, glad to finally reach our base camp - Hotel Jolanda
- for the week. The lads quickly discovered the indoor swimming pool and full sized pitch.
We'd have to load up on the pasta before any activity could take place !
Over the next few days we visited many towns and amenities around Lake Garda.
Thanks to all who travelled and made the tour such a memorable one.
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U17 Soccer All Ireland Final
The 2023/2024 season was yet again another exceptionally successful year for the U17
Soccer team in Rice College. Rice College retained their title as 8Champions of Connacht9
with an impressive win over St.Muredach's College Ballina in Umbro Park.
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Rice College progressed into the All Ireland semi final against the Ulster champions Abbey
VS. Rice College played an outstanding game taking complete control from minute 1. Rice
came out comfortable victors on a scoreline of 4-0.
Another All Ireland Final beckoned for the students of Rice College. This was the 3rd
consecutive All Ireland final in a row. A testament to the sporting excellence of the students
and the school.
The Final took place in Athlone town stadium on the 17th of April. A huge support followed
both teams to the venue which set the tone for an exciting game. Unfortunately it was not to
be on the day. Rice fell behind to an early goal and while they controlled the second half of
the game the equalising goal remained elusive and the game finished on a scoreline of
Portmarnock 1-0 Rice College.
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TY Greenway Cycle
Our Transition Year Group cycled the greenway as part of Smarter Travel. The boys enjoyed
stunning views and a wonderful lunch where they bonded and compared cycling speed!!