School news from across the Déise
Pictured at the launch of the Waterford Schools Litter Challenge with Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jim Darcy were Transition Year Students Jay O'Donohoe, Mais Msini and Aarin Palackathadathil from Abbey Community College, winners of last year's School Litter Challenge.
Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jim Darcy recently launched the sixth Waterford Schools Litter Challenge at the Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota dealership on the Cork Road.
Sponsored by Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota, in association with Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber, secondary school students from across the city and county will be out and about litter-picking in their localities.
The challenge, taking place over the next six weeks, will see secondary school students helping to keep the streets and parks in their vicinity litter free, and doing their part in helping to keep Waterford top of the IBAL Anti-Litter League rankings.
Deputy Mayor Darcy said, “I am delighted to launch the sixth Schools Litter Challenge. This campaign has enjoyed remarkable success over the years, thanks in no small part to the commitment and dedication of Waterford’s secondary school students and their teachers.
“Each year, they undertake the challenge with great enthusiasm, so I would especially like to commend them for taking meaningful action that makes a tangible difference to their schools, local communities, and the wider environment. Their efforts demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when young people work together towards a common goal.”
For the challenge, Waterford City and County Council is providing bags, gloves, litter pickers and high visibility vests to all schools, with Tom Murphy Car Sales Toyota sponsoring the €1,500 prize for the winning school.
Welcoming the return of the challenge, Tom Murphy, Chairman of TMCS, said, “Tom Murphy Car Sales has supported this initiative from its earliest days, and it is deeply rewarding to see its reach and relevance grow each year. The students bring energy to the challenge, but it is their thoughtful commitment to the places where they live and learn that gives the programme its enduring value.
“We extend our sincere thanks to our partners, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce, whose support continues to strengthen the initiative. Above all, we offer a special thank you to every school taking part in this year’s challenge. Their participation turns environmental awareness into visible, practical action across our county.”
The overall winner of the Schools Litter Challenge will be announced at a reception in City Hall on December 17, 2026.
There was lots of fun and excitement in St Mary’s as pupils celebrated Maths Week!
From maths trails and games to exciting estimation stations, everyone enjoyed exploring maths. A fantastic week of learning, problem-solving and fun was had by all!
St. John's Special School in Dungarvan recently marked the official opening of its beautiful new sensory garden, with former RTÉ weather presenter and meteorologist Joanna Donnelly performing the honours.
The garden was made possible through the incredible fundraising efforts of Mikey Phelan and Mark Cummins, who set out on a charity cycle from Dungarvan to Athens in memory of Mikey's late brother Owen, a much-loved former pupil at the school.
After reaching Athens, Mikey continued his remarkable journey around the world, ultimately cycling approximately 30,000 kilometers and helping to raise over €37,000 through the Cycle for Owen campaign.
The occasion was especially poignant as Owen, who had a great love of weather forecasting, had previously visited the RTÉ studios and was personally welcomed by Joanna Donnelly.
The new sensory garden will provide a peaceful, stimulating space for pupils to explore, learn, and enjoy, while standing as a lasting tribute to his memory.
A great start to the season for our junior camogie team with a fantastic win over Mount Mercy Bishopstown on Friday, October 9. Great work girls.
Huge well done to our 1st and 2nd year camogie team on a great win on Monday, October 12, against Ard Scoil na nDeise! Well done girls!
Our transition years took part in a GAA Coaching Course F1 Nursery Workshop with TY GAA Future Leaders group on October 12 delivered by Waterford GAA GDC's Gavin Whelan and James Lacey, great morning of positivity, networking and learning, well done to all involved!
Some of our first-year students enjoyed a trip to SGC Cinema Dungarvan. Treats and Shaun the Sheep with a film report to follow! Thanks to Ms. Carroll and Ms. Fleming for organising this trip.
Congratulations to our leaving cert applied students who received results for session 2 from the state examinations commission on Tuesday, October 14. The efforts and hard work of the students were reflected in many excellent results. Well done to all.
Congratulations Joanna Millea on being elected South Tipperary and Waterford student representative of the ISSU (Irish Secondary Students' Union).
This coming November we will welcome Ray Langan to our school to deliver his motivational study skills programme to our 3rd and 6th year students.
"RAYSE THE GAME" is designed to equip students with essential study techniques and teach them how to use practical strategies to study smarter and to retain information more efficiently in a motivational and engaging manner.
Our students will participate in a two-hour session with Ray, where he instructs our students on how to study more effectively and learn faster through his unique methods.
An information session on study skills will also be provided as part of the package for Parent/Guardian(s) to assist and support their student in their study and revision.
Buíochas agus Beannacht do Cháit Ní Shé.
Tháinig pobal Ghaelcholáiste Phort Láirge le chéile ag deireadh an téarma le haghaidh ceiliúradh speisialta i Séipéal Naomh Muire, Baile Mhic Gonair chun buíochas agus beannacht a thabhairt do Cháit Ní Shé, a d’éirigh as a ról mar phríomhoide ar Ghaelcholáiste Phort Láirge ag deireadh an tsamhraidh.
Gabhadh buíochas le Cáit as a cuid dílseachta, ceannaireachta agus ceannródaíochta agus as an méid a chuir sí le forbairt na scoile agus an oideachais lán-Ghaeilge i bPort Láirge. I measc na ndaoine a bhí i láthair bhí an tAthair Liam de Paor, scoláirí, múinteoirí, an Bord Bainistíochta, Coiste na dTuismitheoirí, Comhairle na Scoláirí, ionadaithe ón bhForas Pátrúnachta, chomh maith le príomhoidí na ngaelscoileanna agus na mbunscoileanna áitiúla.
Chuir an ceol traidisiúnta agus cór na scoile go mór leis an gceiliúradh. Bhí atmaisféar croíúil agus bríomhar le brath sa séipéal. Ba léiriú iontach é an ceiliúradh ar shaibhreas cultúrtha na scoile agus ar an bpobal láidir atá mar bhunchloch aici. Lean an ceiliúradh ar aghaidh i gclós na scoile le caint agus comhrá i measc an phobail.
Gabhann pobal na scoile buíochas ó chroí le Cáit Ní Shé as an seirbhís dhílis a thug sí do Ghaelcholáiste Phort Láirge. Guímid gach sonas, sláinte agus beannacht uirthi sna blianta amach romhainn.
Go raibh míle maith agat, a Cháit.
