Castleknock Community College

Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

2017 - 2018

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 Message from Principal
Mr. John Cronin
A Chara,

Tá an-áthas orm deis a bheith agam arís chun labhairt libh san eagrán seo. Táim an-bhródúil as ucht na hoibre
iontach atá ar siúl i gColáiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha. Is mór an sólás croí dom féachaint ar an éacht oibre a
chuireann an fhoireann múinteoireachta, daltaí agus tuismitheoirí uilig isteach lá i ndiaidh lae.

Is údar mórtais dom chomh maith agus a éiríonn le daltaí an Choláiste go hacadúil, in imeachtaí eischuraclaim
agus go sóisialta. Nuair a bhreathnaíonn tú ar an leabhrán seo, tá mé cinnte go rachaidh an méid imeachtaí atá
ar fáil anseo go mór i bhfeidhm ort.

2017-18 has been another wonderful year for the College. On the field of sport the College continues to excel
with our Gaelic Teams securing three Dublin titles in Camogie & Hurling. In Basketball the boys and girls
were victorious in the Dublin Championships and qualified for the All Ireland Playoffs. The College continues
to establish itself in Athletics and our students achieved provincial success in May of this year. Our Hockey
team were finalists in the Dublin Championships while we celebrated an All-Ireland Champion in the world
of orienteering.

We also salute the continued success of our students both past and present who have achieved success at
National and International Level: Ian Anders represented Ireland in the U19 Cricket World Cup in January
while our past pupil Vakh Abdaladze has lined out for the Leinster Rugby Team and represented Ireland at U20
Level.

This year we returned to the National Concert Hall for the DDL ETB Festival of Music and the College Choir
provided another wonderful performance. We look forward to our Autumn concert when the College Choir
will accompany the Celtic Tenors. The musical year would not be complete without the staging by our TY
students of our annual talent show, Starsearch. Yet again the students of TY and the many performers excelled
in their roles.

Our second year students represented the College with pride at the BT Young Scientist Competition in
January and achieved second place at the SciFest Exhibition in May.

As the academic year draws to a close we can look back on another successful year at Castleknock
Community College. Despite the many challenges that exist in our world today it a source of enormous pride
to work with a team of teachers who continue to honour their profession on a daily basis. We are also blessed
to be entrusted with students who remain so full of hope, enthusiasm and ambition. In partnership with the
parents of the College we will continue to work together to provide the best education for our young people.

Finally we acknowledge the huge contribution made by our retiring teachers Paul Brogan, Fiona Clancy and
Brenda O’Kelly who will be retiring at the end of this academic year.

John Cronin. Principal

Deputy Principals:
Carmel O’Neill,
Mairéad O’Halloran
and Christina Clarke

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 Young Economists and Entrepreneurs
Our Second Year Business Studies Students were winners in the Intermediate
category of the Fingal Student Enterprise Awards in March. Second Year
students achieved third place in the Young Economist of the Year 2018.

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 Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

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 Academic Achievement:
Gold Medal Winner, Junior Certificate:
Ciara Hogan

Gold Medal Winner

Leaving Certificate 2016
Eoin Devlin
Spirit of the College Awards:
Niamh Murtagh, Dr. John Walsh (Chairperson-Board of Management),
Mr. John Cronin (Principal), Claire O’Reilly ( Jigsaw), David Kavanagh
( Jigsaw) & Eoghan Lyons.

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 Gold Medal Winner, Leaving Certificate:
Jean O’Brien

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 Literacy Committee

Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

A key focus of the Literacy Team this year has been the promotion of reading for pleasure amongst students
in the school and increasing student engagement with the College Library. It was essential to the team that
students were kept at the centre of this work and this led to the establishment of the Student Library
Committee. Students from all year groups were invited to be a part of the Library Commiitee and a tentative
6 students soon grew to a group of 18.

These students met throughout the course of the year and considered ways of promoting reading for
pleasure amongst their peers. They visited Blanchardstown Library where they gained insight into the
Dewey cataloging system and also took time to consider how best to catalogue books in the College Library.
One of their priorities was to replenish the stock in the College Library and in order to do this, we arranged
for Book Haven to bring their Book Mobile Shop to the College for a day. The Library Committee and classes
from across all year groups had the opportunity to go on board and select titles that they felt should be in
the College Library. We were able to order all of the most popular titles selected by students, with the result
that over 300 new books now sit on the shelves of the College Library.

The Student Library Committee also compiled a brief for the redesign of the College Library, with a view to
making it a more student friendly, innovative and collaborative space. A groups of TY students have further
developed this by completing a Design Brief and Design Specifications which we plan to implement
incrementally.

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 Debating Society
The Debating Society had another very successful year, headed up by Auditor, Megan O’Driscoll and Deputy
Auditor, Molly O’Connell. Molly and Megan made it to the Leinster Schools Semi Final. The Society hosted
the Leinster Final of the Matheson Junior Mace competition in the College with Sonia Tully, Nina McCarthy,
and Brendan Giurgila participating. We were delighted to have two junior speakers reach the Matheson
National Finals - Dearbhla Peelo and Alex Brassil. A very competitive Internal Leagues competition ran
throughout the year.
`
Special congratulations and best of luck to Megan O’Driscoll who made the Irish Team for the World
Debating Championship in Croatia this summer.

Young Scientists
Alison Egan, Caoimhe Harrington, and Áine Morgan of Second Year qualified to
compete in the Young Scientist Competition in the RDS in January. Their project,
“A Study of Bacteria Found on Pedestrian Crossings in Dublin” achieved the Abbot
Runner-Up Best Project Award at SciFest in ITB on the 2nd May.

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 Student Council

The Student Council at Castleknock Community College has had a busy year. It began in September with
elections to nominate two students from each class in the College to go forward to the Student Council to
represent the student voice. Thanks to our close connection with Foróige, two facilitators visited the College
in October to lead student training workshops to equip them with the skills necessary to run the Council.
High on the agenda this year was the Green Schools Project, PE uniform review, Charity work and a
re-structuring of the Council. As a pilot programme, membership of the Student Council will be a separate
role to Captains and Deputy Captains. Students can be nominated or can self-nominate. The Council also
designed a new badge for Student Council members. Well done to all members and on their achievements

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 Chaplaincy Team

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 The Student Chaplaincy Team endeavoured to extend its reach into the student body this
year. They worked together to develop a theme for each month and a thought for the week
which they presented at weekly assemblies. As always they created and partook in various
interfaith and innovative activities this year. We have celebrated many events such as the
Interfaith Ceremony, Remembrance Service, the Prayer for the Beginning of the New Year,
meditation sessions for exam classes, weekly meetings, moments of reflection and prayer, as
well as the Interfaith/Intercultural Meal. These all demonstrate the contribution of the team
to the spiritual life of the College. One the main highlights of the work of The Student
Chaplaincy Team was the drama for the Ecumenical Christmas Carol Service. It was witty
while also conveying a message of hope and faith that was explored in a present-day setting.
The Team continues to be innovative and dynamic in expressing our multi-faith tradition.

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 Dáil Éireann
On 14th May, the LC1 Politics and Society class travelled to Dáil Éireann to engage in a specially organised
workshop linked in with their course. The visit was facilitated by the Education Officer to the Houses of the
Oireachtais, Mr Conor Reale. Upon arrival the class were given a very informative tour of Leinster House
regarding its history and legacy and also got to sit in both chambers of the Dail and Seannad. They were
then brought to a Committee Room for their workshop, which involved interrogating and discussing aspects
of the Politics and Society course as it relates to the ‘Power & Decision’ making strand of the curriculum.
The specific tone of the debate was tailored towards the upcoming debate and referendum on lowering the
voting age in Ireland to 16. The debate amongst the students was spirited and informed and reflected the
strong opinions and insights the students have developed as part of their studies. Then to cap off a
rewarding and memorable day, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, joined the students for the final part of their
debate and graciously gave up over 30 minutes to a question and answer session. Overall, the LC1 trip to
Dáil Éireann was incredibly rewarding and informative and one in which the students all enjoyed
thoroughly.

Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

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 Music Department
The Music Department have had another busy year.

The students participated in and performed at many events throughout the year – the Interfaith Celebration,
the LCA Concert, the Christmas Carol Service, a drumming workshop and our graduation ceremonies.

The students also took part in the annual DDLETB Festival of Music in the National Concert Hall in March.
Eva Watters, Lucy McCarthy, Laura Armstrong, Megan O’Driscoll, Sarah Joyce, Rachael Armstrong, Gary
Farrelly, Jane Sheridan and the College Choir were involved in solo and group performances on the night.
Performances were of a very high standard and they were wonderful ambassadors for the College.

The College has been afforded a unique opportunity to perform with The Celtic Tenors. The College Choir
has taken part in two workshops with Celtic Tenors, Matthew, James and Daryl which will culminate in a
concert in Laurel Lodge on the 19th October 2018. The school community is really excited about this joint
venture. Tickets will be available late August.

Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

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 The Walton Club

Our students who graduated from the Walton Club at Trinity College this year. Students
from Castleknock Community College were the largest group from any school in the
country participating in the Walton Club.

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 Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

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 El viaje escolar a Madrid
In April 2018, 51 TY and LC1 students, accompanied by five teachers waved ‘Adiós’ to wet and gloomy
Dublin and set off for a five day, fun-filled trip to Madrid, Spain.
Fue un viaje estupendo y queremos dar las gracias, de parte de todos los alumnos, a los profesores que nos
acompañaron. Nunca olvidaremos este viaje escolar.

Home Economics Trip

On March 26th, twenty four Home Economics Leaving Certificate students met with their teachers
Ms. P. Walsh and Ms. G. Walsh, ready to experience a culinary adventure in Italy. Our first stop was Rome were
we had a guided walking tour of the historical sites including the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Then
onwards to Sorrento to begin a busy itinerary. The students visited an array of local artisan food producers
including a honey farm, coffee roasting, mozzarella making and an olive oil producer in the hills of Sorrento.
The students had hands on experience in a hill-top bakery making the local pastry rum babas and later making
gelato in a world famous Geletaria. Evenings saw the students prepare and make their own delicious gnocchi
and pizza. There were so many highlights of the trip including a panoramic drive along the Amalfi Coast and
a fantastic trip to the historical ruins of Pompeii . This trip was certainly a foodie’s delight!

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 Iceland: Fire & Ice
In April, 59 LC1 and LC2 students took off on an adventure to Iceland, the land of fire and ice, accompanied
by Ms. Dunne, Mr. McCorry, Ms. Kelly, Mr. McCluskey and Ms. O’ Brien. It was an absolutely amazing
experience and not one that will be forgotten any time soon...

El Camino Walk
In April, a lucky group of Transition Year students had the
opportunity to hike the Camino Way in Northern Spain.
The 70 km trek from Ferreiros to the Cathedral of Saint
James in Santiago de Compostela was an unique
experience, taking in breathtaking scenery. An
exhausting yet unforgettable journey for all involved.

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 West Lenister Gold Medallists - 4 x 400 m
Mark O’Connor, Vilius Labutis, Sean White-Mullin and Simon Ayres

Aisling Mohan and Molly Brown

Canoeing Team:
Shauna Gurhy, Ms. Eileen Kelly and Oisin McKay

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 Sporting Success Stories
Each year we continue to increase the number of students involved in sports. Our College is firmly on the map
of schools achieving high levels of sporting success and this year was no exception.

Across a wide range of sporting disciplines, Castleknock Community College competed with the best in
Dublin and beyond. Our Athletics teams recorded great success this year in Cross Country and Track & Field.
Six out of our eight teams that competed in the West Leinster Cross Country Championships, finished in the
top three positions with Senior Girls and Boys bringing home the team trophy. Our senior girls, Molly Brown,
Aisling Mohan and Sinéad Nic Sheoin, went on to record a historic victory in the highly contested Leinster
Championships, the first time ever for the College. The winning form continued into the Medley Relays with
six out of our eight teams finishing in the top three.

Track & Field came around quickly after the Easter Holidays with many students winning medals in their
chosen event. Molly Brown and Alex Clarkin qualified for the All Ireland Schools as individuals, as well as the
4 x 400m and 4 x 300m Relay teams. We look forward to our very talented incoming First Years joining the
Athletics in September.

Girls and Boys Basketball continues to go from strength to strength with large numbers of students competing
in the Dublin Leagues. Senior Boys were unlucky to be beaten in the Dublin ‘B’ Plate Final, while Junior Boys
were knocked out in the Semi Finals. Congratulations to our Junior Year Girls who won back-to-back Dublin
Basketball Finals in the Oblate Hall in Inchicore, another historic day in the history of the College. Both teams
advanced to the All-Ireland Play offs in Cork. The future indeed looks bright for Basketball in our College.

Camogie – Junior A Shield Winners

Coach, Ms. M. Shortall.

Ms. J.L. Dunne (Coach), Meadbh Styness, Sarah English, Ciara Olden, Rebecca Smith, Ellen Farrell,
Sarah Smith & Muireann Farrell - Back Row
Jessica English, Kate Finan, Charlotte Cautley, Jessica Knox, Sarah McIntosh, Niamh Cooney, Laoise
Ní Fhlannagáin & Caoimhe Sherlock - Front Row
* Kate Harrison - absent

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 Sporting Success
Senior Camogie: Dublin A Shield Winners - Coach, Ms. M. Shortall

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 Sporting Success Stories

Relay Leinster Champions Relay Leinster Champions

Senior Girls 4 x 300 m Senior Boys 4 x 400 m
Caoimhe Lynam, Aisling Mohan, Molly Brown and Alex Clarkin (110m Hurdles Leinster Silver
Sinéad Nic Sheoin Medallist)

First Year Rugby Team

Coaches - Mr. R. Harper & Mr. D. Breathnach

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 We sadly say farewell to Ian Anders
who has given so much to Cricket in
the school since his arrival in 1st year.
He led out the College Cricket Team
for the last time in May.

Ian Anders with Eleanor Doherty (Ian represented Ireland at the

World Cup in New Zealand.)

Cricket Team
Coach - Mr. M. Collins

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 Sporting Success
Sporting Success
DUBLINHurling
Stories
CITY UNIVERSITY - SEVEN ASIDE FINALISTS
Under 16 Dublin Champions - Coach, Mr. C. Dempsey

Sports Prefects with Ms. F. Clancy

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 Sporting Success
First Year Minor B Basketball Dublin Champions - Coach, Ms. F. Clancy

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 Sporting Success
Northside Dublin League Finalists - Coach, Ms. B. Larkin

Over the three League Orienteering events, more than 150 junior students joined up to try this challenging
but thoroughly enjoyable sport. Some stunning results were recorded in the Leinster League and
Championship with the latest All Ireland Champion Caoimhe Deehan, taking the title in Emo, Co. Laois,
while her brother Ruairi won the Leinster League. Sisters Roisin and Áine McGuinness were both
successful in respective Leagues. Ciara Simm recorded a double win in both Leinster League and
Championship while brothers Ben and Adam Kinsella were 1st and 2nd in the Leinster League. Our
College took all team titles across every category.

Our Camogie students competed in the leagues at all age groups. Building on last year’s success our Senior and
Junior Girls were Dublin ‘A’ Shield Winners. They were both hard fought victories - an outstanding
achievements for Castleknock Community College. Congratulations also to our Minor Girls who reached the
Dublin ‘A’ Shield Final.

Our hurlers had a fantastic year. The boys competed in every age category in the Dublin Leagues. Our U16’s
were crowned Dublin Champions after a fantastic display of skill and team work in the final. Congratulations
to our U14 boys who competed in the Dublin Plate Final but sadly did not claim victory on the day.

Hockey enjoyed great participation across all age groups this year. Our TYs completed a successful Leadership
Programme in Coaching and Umpire Skills. Our Second Year girls were Northside Dublin League Finalists
and despite playing with great intensity and determination, were narrowly defeated.

The 1st Year Rugby Team came third in their first competition, only losing one game and showing excellent
team work and competitive spirt. In the second competition they upped their performance and
completed the Blitz unbeaten, proudly taking the Suttonians Blitz Trophy back to the College.

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 Orienteering Team - Coach, Ms. F. Clancy

We thank all students, staff, parents and PTA for their continuing support of Extra-Curricular activities in
CCC. We look forward to enjoying another great sporting year in Castleknock Community College..

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 Yellow Flag School

Embracing our Differences Unites Our Community

A Diversity Committee was formed in January 2018. Dynamic, creative and inclusive are just some of the
words that can be used to describe the committee. Their main focus was working towards attaining the
Yellow Flag. The Yellow Flag is a recognition of the College’s commitment to supporting inclusion and
celebrating diversity. The committee is made up of teachers, students, parents, outside agencies and
members of management. In order to attain the flag eight steps had to be completed. These steps included
a day of Intercultural & Diversity training for all staff members, as well as an Intercultural review of the
entire College community including staff, students and parents which informed our Action Plan.

At each weekly assembly the Diversity Committee presented its work as well as promoting diversity in the
College. One of the highlights of the year was the Intercultural Week in March. There were lots of
activities to celebrate diversity throughout the week. Some of the highlights include an
Interfaith/Cultural meal during which we shared food from different cultures and all joined together to
break bread. On “Wear Your Culture Day” students were invited to dress in clothing that represented their
culture. The week cumulated in the “We Are” day which was a College wide celebration of culture through
the placing of decorated hands together in a collage..

On May 29th, we were delighted to be awarded the Yellow Flag which will be presented to the College at a
special ceremony in the Autumn. Well done to all involved.

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 Castleknock Community College
Coláiste Pobail Caisleán Cnucha

Carpenterstown Road,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15
Phone: 01 822 1626
email: admin@castleknockcc.ie

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