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Latest News

Leaving Certificate Graduation Night 2013

Thursday 23rd May 2013 was a very special evening in the school -The Leaving Certificate Graduation, Class of 2013 took place.  The ceremony hosted by Fr. Niall was truly inspirational and each student participated in the evening. Principal, Fiona O'Brien thanked the students and their parents for their participation in the life of the school over the past five years. She highlighted how proud the staff are of the Class of 2013 and wished them every success in the next chapter of their life. The night also remembered all the good times the students have spent in Killarney Community College with pictures that brought a smile or maybe a tear to some. We wish the Class of 2013  every success for their onward journey - their own path in life.

Bronze Gaisce Award 2013

This year in Killarney Community College we have 18 pupils receiving their Bronze Medal as part of Gaisce-The President’s Award. Gaisce - the President’s Award is Ireland’s National Challenge Award, the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme, and a challenge from the President of Ireland, to young people aged between 15 and 25.

This year Ms. Spillane was working closely with the students as the Gaisce PAL, the President’s Award leader. She met with students on a regular basis, every Wednesday lunchtime, and monitored their progress, but it was up to these motivated students to organise their own challenges and to carry them out. Students took part in Community placements, Physical Challenges and Personal Challenges over the course of 6 months and they undertook an overnight Adventure Journey including a 25km hike also!

As such, this year’s students were active in both the school and local community as part of their award, whether it was taking part in the school musical, being a Guides Leader, helping with the Killarney Tidy Towns, volunteering in the public library or helping the residents in the local retirement home. Students also strove to challenge themselves by taking up a new skill like rowing, cooking, learning German, painting, carpentry, baking or pushing themselves further in an existing hobby such as playing the guitar, going to the gym or cycling. The fourth section of the award involved students planning, preparing and undertaking an Adventure journey, this involved a 25km hike over two days in Tomies Wood and an overnight stay in local hostel.

We had over 20 students to start with so these 18 young men and women can be very proud of themselves for having completed the award and indeed some have already expressed a keen interest in continuing on to the Silver and Gold Awards.

This year’s Gaisce Bronze Award recipients are: Orla Edmonds, Joanne Kerins, Corah McGlynn, Tadgh Moriarty, Chris Carey, Alex Graham, Lisa Plank, Niamh Sheehan ,Georgia Bernard, Darragh Egan, Kerrie McMurray, Hannah O Connell, Zac Dwyer, Sophie Norris, Lauren Elbel, Kevin Brosnan, Daria Sitnik and Aaron Quigley.

KCC Awards Night 2013

Wednesday 15th May 2013, was a very special night in the life of the college. The school acknowledged and applauded the many achievements of the students in the college. Academic achievement, endeavour, sportsmanship, the Arts, contribution to the life of the school were some of the areas awarded. Students were voted by their teachers in the different categories while teachers and students voted for contribution to the life of the school award.

Awards were presented by Ms. Fiona O'Brien (Principal), Ms. Stella Loughnane (Deputy Principal), Special Guest Speaker Mr. Frank Murphy (Founder and CEO of Monex) and Ms. Denise Mullane (B.O.I.) Spirit of the School Awards).

Award Winners include.....

Principal's Award 2013 - Derina Kelliher.

Student of the Year Award - Robert Fell.

Arts Awards - Suzanna Krupa and Daria Sitnik.

Design and Technology Award - Marek Dzurko.

Bank of Ireland Spirit of the School Awards - John Prendergast and Gavin O'Sullivan.

Contribution to the Life of the School Award - The cast of "All Shook Up".

Best Leaving Certificate Award 2012 - Esidor Pashaj.

Best LCA Award 2012 - Gavin Brosnan and Chloe Enright.

Best Junior Certificate Award 2012 - Daria Sitnik.

Endeavour Awards - Sean Fleming, Robyn Sheehan, Jack Doody, David Goggin, Natalija Aleksejenko, Donimika Gwizdzinska, Elaine O'Shea, Sarah Murphy, Owen Barry, Shane Griffin, Gavin Lyne, Nikita Cambridge, Emly Leahy and Deirdre McCarthy.

Academic Award - Leo Whieldon, Sarah Marie O'Rordan Clifford, Oisin O'Shea, Michael Shannon, Michelle Murphy, Nataalija Aleksejenko, Chloe Dennehy, Paula O'Sullivan, Marie Salova, Alex Mantel, Joanne Kerins, Eoin Fitzgerald and Aine O'Connor.

K.C.C. students in Dublin today at The Lion King Musical - Wednesday 8th May 2013

First Year Cappanalea Trip 26th April 2013 - check out our Facebook Page for photos!!!  

Cycle Against Suicide Campaign 

On Thursday 25th April, 2013 the K.C.C. cycling team returned back to Killarney after cycling from Cork City as part of the Cycle Against Suicide Campaign. It was a fantastic achievement.  

Staff coffee morning, Wednesday 24th April 2013, in aid of the SouthWest Counselling Service for the Killarney area.

Picture includes: L-R: Ms. Maire Spillane, Mr. Jer O'Sullivan and Mrs. Mary Fuller

Daffodil Day Fundraising

On Thursday 25th April, 2013 members of the Killarney Branch of the Irish Cancer Society were presented with a cheque from the Killarney Community College.  They held a coffee morning including the sale of daffodils in aid of Daffodil Day.

Photograph includes:

Back L-R: Mrs. Carmella Sheehy (teacher), Roisin Buckley, Fiona Tangney, Mrs. Stella Loughnane (Deputy Principal), Ms. Maureen Fogarty, Ms. Ann Moynihan, Ms. Kathleen O'Shea.

Front L-R: Sarah Murphy, Darragh Egan, Eoin Fitzgerald, Dylan Dreher, Zac Dwyer.

Cycle against Suicide

Good Luck to our teachers and students who are taking part in the Cycle against Suicide Campaign today!!! 

This cycle is a national event starting in Dublin on the 22nd of April and ending in Dublin the 5th of May with 14 different stages around Ireland. Students and teachers from Killarney Community College are taking part in the 4th stage of the “Cycle against Suicide” on the 25th of April from Cork City to Killarney a distance of about 100 km. They are doing it to raise awareness because everyone has some connection with suicide, self harm or depression. The staff and students at KCC believe that by cycling, together, around Ireland that this powerful message will be delivered.. they believe that the best way to help fight the Battle Against Suicide in Ireland is to do it together.

Our Mental Health is just like our physical health – it is something we have to be mindful of – and from time to time we have to ask for help – and that is OK.

Exercise help...Talking helps...So together let's Cycle Against Suicide. The aims of the cycle are

*Raise Awareness of this prevalent issue

*Offer reassurance that it’s OK not to be OK; and that it’s more than OK to ask for help

*Direct people in need to where this critical help is available both locally and nationally.

Fifteen staff and students at Killarney Community College began training for this event on the 23rd of March 2013 with a cycle of 30km. All participants have also trained individually during the week. They have completed several  group cycles thus far the last taking us from Killarney to Kenmare and back a distance of almost 90 km on Saturday 13th April, 2013. “The effort by all has been fantastic and a great bond has been formed between all of us”, said Engineering  teacher Jer OSullivan. Posters have been displayed around the school to raise awareness of the cycle. “We are all looking forward to the cycle".

"It is a great opportunity for young people to take part in a National event and put a positive viewpoint on what is a difficult issue to discuss” said Construction Studies teacher Denis O Sullivan.

During the week of the cycle, the school will run their own awareness campaign with the issue being discussed in SPHE and religion and a whole school assembly addressing the issue of suicide. Fiona O Brien, principal who is taking part in the cycle feels that "the cycle is a great way of highlighting this very serious issue of suicide that is affecting Irish society. It has encouraged both students and staff to get out and cycle together. This has given the school an additional platform to discuss where students can get support and help from” In October we held a whole school positive mental health week which all students and staff took part in.

Scifest Regional Finals

On Friday 12th April, 2013, second year Killarney Community College student Denis O'Leary achieved second place in the Regional Final of Scifest.  He was awarded with a trophy and an All for One gift card from Intel. Th...e aim of Scifest is to encourage a love of science through active, collaborative, inquiry-based learning. Denis created a project based on the Wii and the Interactive Whiteboard. His idea was inspired by his love of Science. His project consisted of a Wii remote which could turn any projected flat surface into an interactive whiteboard. According to Mr. O'Connell, Science Teacher, "it is a great achievement for Denis and well merited. His obsession which science and technology has shone through".

K.C.C. showcase artwork at Revelations Exposition

On Friday 22nd March 2013, art students from Killarney Community College along with their Art teacher Ms. M. Mahony, attended the opening of the first ever Exposition of artwork created by students from Primary and Secondary schools from all over Kerry. The Exposition was opened, in the Library of the Institute of Technology of Tralee, by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gealtacht Mr Jimmy Deenihan. It was also attended by other local politicians, the president of the I. T. Tralee, The Mayor of Tralee and also the director of the Kerry Education Centre Caitríona Ni Chullota. The students from Killarney Community College were delighted to see all their artwork on display and also to see all the other artwork from other schools around the county. Dylan Dreher, 4th Year student, also got the privilege of speaking about his animation work when he was interviewed by the chairperson of the Art Teachers Association of Kerry , Mr. Shaun Johnson. The Exposition is can be viewed in the Library of the I. T. Tralee up until Friday 12th April.

"Nano Superhero" Competition

Killarney Community College student Zac Dwyer had a smile painted on his face after winning a nationwide 'Design Your Nano Superhero' competition run by Trinity College Dublin. As part of Trinity's Crann and Science Gallery's 'nanoscience schools' competition, Zac used his knowledge of nanoscience to design a nano superhero named Firewall. As part of his prize, Zac's superhero will be brought to life by a professional cartoonist and will be featured in an international nanoscience forum, Euro Nano Forum, taking place in Dublin's Convention Centre in June 2013.

"Zac is thrilled to have won such a prestigious and competitive event", says teacher Andrea Thornton. "He is a very talented artist and we are so proud of his achievement." The CRANN Centre in Trinity College have also extended an invitation to Zac and his friends to visit their science gallery and learn more about nanoscience. 

Boil in the Bag Productions visits KCC

Senior students in Killarney Community College were treated to a unique performance of the 'Scottish Play' when Boil in the Bag Productions visited the school recently. As part of their curriculum, fourth and fifth year students studying Macbeth were delighted to see both a contemporary and classic interpretation of the famous play. And as an extra treat, Boil in the Bag Productions is managed by Butcher Boy actor Eamonn Owens and actress Orlaith Rafter, famous for her role as Robin in RTE's Fair City. Students were star struck by the famous guests, and there wasn't a noise in the school library during the actors' passionate performance.

Fourth Year student Gavin Lyne was very impressed with the diversity of the Macbeth production. "It was really interesting to compare the original version of Macbeth with a modern adaptation that takes place in contemporary Dublin. It helped me to better understand some of the major themes of the play". Killarney Community College students also appreciated the Questions and Answers session that was offered by Boil in the Bag after the performance.

Congratulations to our student Jack Teahan who came 1st in the U16 Piano, Musician of the Year.

Uniform Providers

www.schoolbox.ie Uniform providers.  Contact Jurgen Paul on 086-0272056.

Senior Ecology Trip

Monday March 11th saw 43 leaving cert biology students and their teachers , Ms. Spillane and Mrs. Brosnan head off to Knockreer House Estate to complete their Ecology Field Trip. A complete guided field studies course is available for post-primary schools visiting Killarney National Park and the Ecology course given here fulfils curricula requirements and is designed to allow the student to practice a variety of field techniques. The students started by checking the Longworth small mammal-traps that had been placed out overnight. Voles and fieldmice were discovered inside and after studying the animals physical features in detail, the students released them to the wild again! Students learned about the capture/recapture technique of mammals.

Students got the firsthand experience of using line-transects and quadrats  to assess the effect of shade on ground plants (including measurement of relative humidity, light intensity, soil depth, soil pH etc.) and a study of invertebrates was carried out using a variety of capture methods (pooter, beating trays and sweep nets). The freezing conditions meant that students worked at great speed and the Leaders remarked that they were one of the quickest groups ever to complete certain parts of the study!

The day was complete with a walk back to school through the park where they were amazed at a herd of red deer crossing their path, including two large stags involved in an altercation! A great learning experience was had by all.

Garda Youth Achievement Awards

On Friday 8th March, 2013, The Kerry Garda Chief Superintendent visited Killarney Community College.  He met with the five students that received Garda Youth Achievement Awards for Kerry. They attended  the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2012 in the Ballyroe Height Hotel in Tralee on Friday 15th February 2013.

Back L-R: Ms. K. McCarthy, Adam O'Brien, Niamh Sheehan, Mr. Pat O'Sullivan (Chief Superintendent for Kerry), Ms. Fiona O'Brien (Principal), Joanne Kerins Front L-R: Philip Lyons, Dylan Dreher.

Trocaire - "Connecting for Change"

This Lent, Trocaire launched a 'Connecting for Change' campaign. On 7th and 8th March, schools across Ireland were encouraged to connect with their classmates and create change by fundraising for Trocaire's important oversea's projects. So, last Friday, a fourth year Religion class in Killarney Community College decided to come together and run a marathon - as a class. 25 students and their teacher, Andrea Thornton, togged off and each ran a mile around the Domain in Killarney. When everybody passed the finish line, the entire class had run a marathon, together.

"I feel that it is important to challenge students to think about people other than themselves", said teacher Andrea Thornton. "Everyone in the class fundraised for communities in India. I hope that this has taught our students the importance of helping others." When asked for her opinion on the event, exchange student Lisa Plank said that she was "very glad to have taken part." She also admits to being "surprised to learn that one euro can provide a household in India with enough sweet potato vines for one year's crop. I guess every little does help!"

Back Row L-R: Alex Barry, Niamh Sheehan, Stephen Nagle Moriarty, Orla Edmonds, Adam O'Brien, Aaron Quigley, Georgia Barnard, Louise O'Sullivan, John Murhill, Matthew Lane, Christopher O'Connell, Padraic O'Sullivan, Jamie Lynch, Christopher Scully, Kevin Brosnan, Sylvie Bartlett, Robert Cussen, Daniel O'Sullivan, Conor Cronin, Christopher Carey, Roman Puotkalis, Zac Dwyer.

Front Row L-R: Lisa Plank, Alex Graham, Conor Courtney, Adrain Cronin, Karina Engert, Lauren Elbel, Ms. A. Thornton (teacher)

World Spelling Day

On 5th March 2013, First Years from Killarney Community College spelled their way to success on World Spelling Day. Initially competing within their classes, nine super spellers later battled it out in a 'Spell-Off' Final in front of their peers. After five tense rounds, we were left with two top spellers who continued to spell spar for a further four nail-biting bouts. But in the end, it was ironically the word 'disappointment' which saw Oisin O'Shea bow out of the competition. Spelling Champion Sarah O'Riordain won a voucher for The Dungeon bookshop in Killarney. Sarah said that she was really thrilled to have won. English teacher and organiser of the Spelling Bee, Andrea Thornton, said that she was "extremely happy to see the positive reaction to the event by staff and all First Year students. Killarney Community College has a strong commitment to literacy and numeracy and are always eager to improve these skills in our students. It was a great success and we are definitely going to run more spelling bees in the future."

Sarah O'Riordan(winner) and Oisin O'Shea(runner up).

Back L-R: Dylan Bartlett, Andrew Brosnan, Victoria Alekenjenko, Sarah O'Riordan, Oisin O'Shea.

Front L-R: Leo Whieldon, Lamia Switzer, Adam O'Sullivan, Michael Aherne.

Film Making - Lights, Camera, Action!! 

Killarney Community College had Oscar fever this week as students took on the challenge of film making for themselves. As part of the Junior Certificate Schools Programme 20 Second Year students wrote, filmed and edited their very own film. Having received funding the students set about brainstorming film ideas and script writing with local writer John W. Sexton. Under the guidance of Mr Sexton students created not only one possible film script but six in total. After a deliberation process students finally decided on the Film ‘Milk’ written by all 20 students involved in the programme.

It was lights, camera, and action on Wed 27^th February when students turned their script into real life film. Under the guidance of local film maker Lisa Fingleton students began to learn the ropes of the film industry over three days to create their very own masterpiece. From the camera man, sound technician, the health and safety office, the props manger, the director and actors all roles were carried out by students itself. As coordinator of the Junior Certificate Programme in the school Teacher Ms Denise O Sullivan remarked ‘how inspirational students have been over the course of the last three days’. ‘ Students are really stepped up to the mark and taken control of this project, they are loving the experience gained and they have all developed skills which they would never of had the chance of developing before’. The film itself is a comedy sketch based around the actions of one student when he finds there is no milk for his cereal. The main actor in the film student Christian Mayse instead comes up with the idea of using an energy drink in his cereal as a substitute for milk. Its then that all hell breaks loss around the school with students and teachers seeing the effects of having too many energy drinks for breakfast. Principal Fiona O'Brien remarked how the production was a whole school event with Teachers, Special Needs Assistants and many of the students in the school acting as extras. ‘While the production itself is very impressive, it’s the writing skills which students have learned during the script writing and song writing for the film which is the real success. ‘Students can use a fun and creative outlet such as film making to enhance their literacy skills. The project has really been a great success from start to finish’. ‘Students are learning without even realising it’.

The final product of student’s hard work will be showcased on the schools website once completed for all to see. The students are hoping to hold their own Oscar style event to celebrate their success and watch the fruits of their hard labour. Who knows maybe the film ‘MILK’ will be the next box office hit!

Picture inclues: Back Row: L-R: Kyle Heffernan, Tommy O'Sullivan, Klaus Woessner, Kieran Healy, Nelu Doherty, Jake Grunfield, Alan O'Riordan, Rena Blake.

Middle Row: L-R: Denise O'Sullivan, Cliondha McEntaggart, Adam Brosnan, Shane Courtney, Christian Mayse,

Front Row: L-R: Megan Brosnan, Sinead Lehane, Micheal Kearney, Broghan Edmonds, Lisa Fingleton.

Business in the Community - Marks and Spencer

On Friday 1st March, 2013 a great opportunity arose for the L.C.V.P. students at KCC.  Mr. Paul Daly, Ms. Eileen Fitzgerald, Aine (M&S staff member) and Ms. K. McCarthy held mock job interviews for the students.  The students got a real life role play interview with positive feedback that will aid them when interviewing for a job outside of school. 

 Picture includes:  Back Row: L-R: Jamie Lynch, Lorcan Howe, Adrain Cronin, Daniel O'Sullivan, Syvlie Bartlett, Matthew Lane, Roman Puotkalis. Middle Row: L-R: Eileen Fitzgerald, Dylan Dreher, Adam O'Brien, Chris O'Connell, John Murhill, Louise O'Sullivan, Hannah O'Connell. Front Row: L-R:Paul Daly, Aine(M&S staff member), Conor Courtney, Suzanna Zachowska, Finbarr Corkery, Christine Leon.

Irish Writing Masterclass 

Last Tuesday, January 29th, 11 fourth year students attended an Irish Writing Masterclass organised by KES. Students had an opportunity to work with well renowned authors and poets to improve their writing skills. The students began their day with a workshop from Séamus Barra Ó Suilleabháin. He told them how to brainstorm ideas and how to construct a poem and by the end of the first hour all students had composed excellent Irish poems.

After the break, Killarney Community College students met with well known author, poet and translator Gabriel Fitzmaurice. This was a lively meeting with students writing several riddles in Irish before breaking up for lunch. In the afternoon Dairena Ní Chinnéide from Dingle coached the students in the art of writing poetry. The 10 young men and Joanne had great fun picking items from a bag of props and trying to compose a poem based on the prop.

The KES will shortly be publishing samples of the students work on their website, and if funding allows a book of their work will be released. 

Killarney Community College was ALL SHOOK UP!

Killarney Community College held its first ever Musical Production, "All Shook Up"  which featured the songs of Elvis Presley, directed by Ciaran Gallagher, was held last Thursday 24^th and Friday, 25^th January 2013.  Killarney Community College also catered for the younger audience and invited local primary schools to a matinee showing on Thursday 24^th January. Gael Scoil Flaitheann, St. Olivers National School, Presentation Monastery and Holy Cross Mercy attended.  There was great excitement and singing in the air. Over fifty students from first to fifth year took part in the production and rehearsed hard since October.  All Shook Up was a full in-house production. Teachers and students from all departments were involved; the Home Economics Department, Art and Woodwork Department and I.T. Department to mention a few. 

The show’s producer, Mr. Mike Lynch stated “having previously stared in Tralee Musical Society’s production of “All Shook Up”, I was well aware of the demands facing our students. I am so proud to say each student rose to that challenge and produced a show which surpassed all our expectations.  I have to say I got just as much of a buzz from the reactions to the show as I did as a performer”. According to Musical Director, Ms. Joanna Hughes “All Shook Up” has been more rewarding emotionally involving and more fun than I ever expected when auditions began back in October”. It was a superb professional musical that allowed our students to shine.  The commitment from all the staff and students was phenomenal.  We were completely sold out for the two night showing which was absolutely fantastic.  It was a roaring success.  

Check out the school's facebook page "Killarney Community College" for more photos!!

"All Shook Up" Musical Production is happening tonight and tomorrow night!!!!

Show starts at 8pm, Tickets are also on sale at the door! Student/Child €5, Adult €10, see you there for a night of dance and laughter!!!

C'mon Everybody!!

The countdown is on...1 day to go....All Shook Up nearly ready to take to the stage.

The news monitor in Killarney Community College’s assembly area is literally counting down the days until the school opens its first ever musical, All Shook Up, at 8pm on Thursday, 24^th and Friday, 25^th January.  With fifty students from first to fifth year rehearsing since October, opening night is eagerly anticipated.  “The whole school is all shook up”, says teacher and Wardrobe/Costume Designer, Denise O’Sullivan. Principal Fiona O’Brien explains that, in line with Killarney Community College’s holistic approach to education, All Shook Up is a full in-house production. Teachers and students from the Home Economic s Department, Art and Woodwork Department and I.T. Department have been busy making last-minute alterations and preparing props and programmes.

Featuring the songs of Elvis Presley, All Shook Up tells the story of the inhabitants of a deadbeat town who are ruled by a domineering Mayor Matilda, played by second year pupil, Natalija Aleksejenko. All forms of entertainment, music, singing and dancing are forbidden until the arrival of a leather clad, guitar playing, rock n’ roll loving roustabout called Chad, performed by fourth year student Dylan Dreher. With Chad’s help, the townspeople and Natalie, a starry-eyed mechanic (played by second year student Chloe Dennehy), discover the magic of romance and the power of rock n’ roll.

The staff from Killarney Community College is also very excited to see the different elements of the production fuse together. The show’s producer, Mr. Mike Lynch, previously performed the role of Dennis (now performed by fourth year student Christopher Scully) with Tralee Musical Society. He jokes that “blue suede shoes” have now become part of the Community College’s school uniform. Other teachers involved in the production team include Ciaran Gallagher as director, Siobhan O’Brien as the singers’ coach, Andrea Thornton as choreographer and Mary Fuller as chorus master. The production crew also features Maire Spillane, Denise O’Sullivan, Lorraine Crowley, Michelle O’Mahony, Stella Loughnane, Eilish O’Leary, Denis O’Sullivan, Jer O’Sullivan, Carmella Sheehy, Kerri McCarthy and Dympna Healy. Musical Director, Ms. Joanna Hughes, says that “it has been a challenging but fun and worthwhile experience. We hope All Shook Up will be the first of many shows in Killarney Community College. It has given our school a new lease of life and has allowed our students’ personalities to shine through.”

Fourth year student, Corah McGlynn, playing the role of Honky Tonk Bar owner Sylvia, agrees that Killarney Community College’s students have really benefitted from the rehearsal process. “This musical has given us the freedom to be creative. Our teachers have encouraged us to be vocal, both in the musical numbers and in helping to make decisions about choreography and costume design.” Her co-star, Dylan Dreher agrees completely, “We have also developed our sense of commitment and loyalty by attending rehearsals after school on Mondays and on Saturday afternoons.” All Shook Up’s choreographer, teacher Andrea Thornton points out that drama and music teach students important life skills such as confidence and time-management, as well as giving them the opportunity to make new friends.

So C’mon Everybody, it’s Now or Never! The musical box office is now open at the Killarney Community College. Tickets, €10 per adult and €5 per child, can be purchased from the school office on 064-6632164 or by calling into the office.  Let Yourself Go and Don’t Be Cruel because One Night With You would make our show a great success!

Excitement is in the air at KCC, last minute touches are being put to the most amazing All Shook Up Musical production that will take to the stage on the 24th and 25th January 2013 at KCC.  Tickets can be purchased from the school office on: 064 6632164. Adult €10, Child €5

On 10th January, 2013, 5 LCA students provided a Car Wash service for their teachers.  All money raised was in aid of Talbot Grove, Castleisland.

On Wednesday 21st November 2012, Mr. D. O'Sullivan and Ms. C. Sheehy accompanied fourth year students to the Careers Exhibition that was held in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee.  It was an informative day and offered students the chance to talk to colleges about courses that they may be interested in persuing after school.  They also received literature and books relating to different colleges and courses.

This week, in partnership with the Crocus Project, Third Year History students from Killarney Community College planted yellow crocus bulbs in the school grounds. As part of their Junior Certificate History studies, students learn about World War II and the Holocaust in Europe. Under the guidance of their teachers, Miss Thornton and Ms. O’ Brien, the third year History classes decided to collaborate with the Holocaust Education Trust in Dublin and learn more about this topic.

HETI provides schools with yellow crocus bulbs to plant in autumn in memory of the one and a half million Jewish children and thousands of other children who died in the Holocaust. In Ireland, the crocus blooms at the end of January – around the time of International Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January).

Since its inception in 2005, this project has grown from 6,000 students in Ireland participating in it to more then 45,000 students in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Malta and Poland.  By bringing together students from the school community, KCC students strove to enhance tolerance and mutual understanding between citizens while simultaneously ensuring the transfer of historic memory.

Picture includes: Laura Murphy and Eoin O'Meara

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2012

Second year students and their teacher Ms. Catherine O'Neill at KCC have spent the past few weeks putting together shoebox's full of gifts for children who are victims of war, disease and poverty in some of the poorest countries in the world.  Items include; toys, hygiene items, clothing, games,, sweets and many more.... The christmas shoebox appeal is in conjuction with Team Hope Irish Charity.  

4 LCA Art Trip to the Blue Pool Gallery, Muckross

On Tuesday November 13th, 4th Year Leaving Certificate Applied Students and their teacher Ms. Michelle Mahony from Killarney Community College went on an Art Trip to The Blue Pool Gallery in Muckross.  The trip was very successful and enjoyable. The students had to design and paint either a mug,jug or bowl and they also learned about Ceramics.  Ms. Mary Nesson (ceramic artist) and Helen Quinn assisted the students in their designing and painting of their ceramics.

On Tuesday, Novebember 13th, 2012, Hotel Europe, Killarney saw 700+ people attend the professional top chef Neven Maguire's cookery demonstration.  It was a very lucky night for one of our students who got the chance to meet Neven Maguire, get a signed copy of his cookbook and assist him with his desserts.  Donnchadh O'Sullivan a second year student brought his Earl Grey Tea Scones from the Home Economics Room 2 at KCC to the stage at Hotel Europe.  Below are some highlights of the night!

IT Tralee Open Day

On Friday, 9th November 2012, senior students from the school attended IT Tralee for their Open Day.  It was a very enjoyable and an informative day for the students. It was a great experience for the students to experience real campus life.  Ms. Carmella Sheehy and Ms. Kerri McCarthy attended with the students.

Neven Maguire Cookery Competition

On Tuesday, November 6th, 2012, the Home Economics department held a cookery competition to select a student to assist celebrity chef Neven Maguire with the cookery demonstration he is doing in the Hotel Europe on November 13th, 2012.  This demonstration is a fundraiser for the IHCPT. The students interested had to bake and serve a batch of any kind of scones.

The standard was very high and the competition created great enthusiasm amongst the students and the four judges.  The winner was 2nd year student, Donnchadh O'Sullivan who made and served Earl Grey Tea Scones, which were very impressive and beautifully served.  We wish Donnchadh all the best next week working with Neven Maguire.

All Ireland School Talent Search

Well Done to our students; Conor Courtney and Nicole Riordan who qualified from the semi-final of the All Ireland School Talent search that was held last night Wednesday, 7th November, 2012 in The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney.  Next round is the Kerry Final which will take place on the 16th November 2012, in the Earl of Desmond Hotel, Tralee.  Good Luck from all the staff and students in KCC.

Well Done to KCC U161/2 Boys Football Team who defeated Croom (Limerick) yesterday 7th November 2012 in Mount Collins.  Score: 5-8 to 4-6 in favour of KCC!!

Building Resilience - Free November Talks on Monday Nights

BE AWARE! PREVENT SUICIDE

Venue: The Malton Hotel, Killarney Time: 7.30pm Dates: Monday, November 12th, 19th and 26th, 2012.

Monday, November 12th - Minding Yourself Youth Focus.  Author and Award Winning Journalist Leanne Waters will share her personal battle with bulimia nervosa and her experience of severe bullying as a child.  Jacklyn McCarthy is a UCC Master's Graduate working as a Research Officer with the National Suicide Research Foundation and as Education Co-ordinator with Jigsaw Kerry.  Jacklyn will speak on Trends in self-harm and suicide among young people in Ireland.

Monday, November 19th - From the Valleys to the Peaks.  Mountaineer, Explorer and Motivational speaker Pat Falvey was a millionaire at 25 as he crested a construction boom.  Four years later, he was on the verge of losing his family home.  Pat will share the positive spirit and outlook that brought him back from the brink and to the top of Mount Everest.  Dan O'Connor, Development Manager with Kerry Mental Health Association, has 37 years experience in the area of mental health.  Dan's talk 'Building Resilience in Challenging Times', will deal with issues such as defining mental health, the link between mental and physical wellbeing and how to maintain a healthy mind and body.  It will also deal with the topic of stress, how to identify it and cope with it effectively.

Monday, November 26th - Money Matters Dealing with Financial Problems.  Jerry Doyle is co-ordinator of the Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS) in Kerry.  Jerry will outline the help MABS offers in agreeing affordable/sustainable repayment agreements, dealing with home loan problems, and personal debt to banks/credit unions/credit card companies.  He will also speak on mortgage problems which come under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process.  Financial Adviser Brian Leslie will provide an update and overview on the forthcoming Personal Insolvency Bill and the practical implications this bill for people struggling with loans and mortgage repayments.  Brian works with Prima Finance Ltd which specilalises in restructuring clients finances and negotiating with creditors such as banks.

Positive Mental Health Week - Teachers V's Students Basketball Match - Score: 27:16 (in favour of the teachers!!!)

Back Row: Mr. A. O'Sullivan, Orla Edmonds, Mr. N. O'Sullivan, Front Row: Ms. J. Hughes, Niamh Sheehan, Mr. B. O'Reilly

Reverse roles in school today!!

Back Row: L-R; Ms. L. Crowley, Ms. M. Fuller, Ms. D. O'Sullivan, Mr. M. Lynch, Ms. M. Spillane, Ms. C. O'Neill, Middle Row: L-R; Abigail Graham, Daniel O'Connor , Chloe Dennehy, Broghan Edmonds, Front Row: L-R; Eoin Barry, Aoife O'Donoghue, Nicole Riordan, Nikolai Lozko

Business in the Community - Trip to Marks and Spencer

On Monday 22nd October 2012, Leaving Certificate Vocational  Programme (LCVP) students along with their teachers Ms. Eilish O'Leary and Ms. Kerri McCarthy visited Marks & Spencer, Killarney as part of the "Business in the Community" Initiative.  The students were given a guided tour of the M&S business by the store manager Mr. Paul Daly and food manager Mr. Donal Casey. All daily operations were explained to the students and they got a behind the scenes look at the business also.  It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to explore the life of a product from delivery in the loading bay to selling the product to the consumer.  It was a great experience for the students to see the reality of how a business operates on a day to day basis.  Killlarney Community College has being involved in the Business in the Community initiative with the past three years and has built strong links with Marks & Spencer, Killarney.  Over the forthcoming months the students will engage in preparing their CV and interview skills, which will lead to a mock interview with Marks and Spencers.

KCC students practicing Social Responsibility in association with Wrigley's Bin It Tour

On Thursday 18th October, 2012, Killarney Community College  1st and 2nd year students took part in a Theatre Workshop to change attitudes to disposal of chewing gum.  This workshop was sponsored by the Wrigleys Bin It! Tour.  KCC was one of two Kerry schools who took part in this initiative to encourage Social Responsibility among students.  

L-R: Mr. Shane Robinson, Amy Grady, Sarah O'Riordan Clifford, Aisling Teahan, Laura Courtney, Tara Fitzgerald, Lukas Novikas, Katie O'Neill, David Siurskas, Michael Aherne, Patryk Pakos,              Michael O'Connor, Ms. Megan Armitage

Positive Mental Health and Well Being Week, 22nd - 26th October 2012

Positive Mental Health and Well Being Week will take place in Killarney Community College during the week of 22nd - 26th of October. The focus of the week is to raise awareness of mental health issues, how to build resilience in young people and where to get help if required.

There will be different activities for all year groups during the week with a number of whole school activities for everyone to enjoy.

The College, in association with Jigsaw Kerry will host a talk “Supporting young peoples mental Health”, given by Marie Louise Neary of Headstrong (The National Centre for Youth Mental Health) on Monday 22nd October from 7-8pm. We are inviting any parents in the community that would like to attend.

Jigsaw Kerry have also provided a parents information pack which are available to all parents in the school. We will distribute these at the parent/teacher/ student meetings during the year but they will also be available in the college if you would like to call in and collect one.

During the week,

• Fifth years will attend the mental health exhibition and talks aimed at young people in the Brandon Conference Centre, Tralee on Monday 22 Oct.
• Fifth years have also been involved in healthy sexuality workshops co ordinated through South West Counseling service.
• Fourth years and third year students will be engaged in workshops with Seamus Whitty of Kerry Life Education on Thursday  25^th and Friday 26^th.
• Second years will be involved in a substance misuse awareness talk with David McMahon on Tuesday 23^rd.
• First years will have a fun sport afternoon with the main focus being an developing a healthy life style which leads to positive mental health on Wednesday 24^th .

As part of the week, The Home Economics department will create a “healthy pasta lunch” to be served to all on Wednesday lunch time. The annual teachers versus the students Basketball match will take place at Thursday 25^th at lunch time.

Minding Yourself Programme

All fourth year students will take part in a “ Minding Yourself “ programme during the month of November. This is a holistic life skills approach encompassing coping and problem solving skills. An information pack will be sent out to all fourth year parents.

Marie-Louise Neary - Jigsaw Development Officer

Before joining Headstrong as Jigsaw Development Officer, Marie-Louise worked as a Senior Project Manager for The Food Dudes Health Eating Programme. This is currently being implemented in primary schools nationally by An Bord Bia. Prior to her role with Food Dudes. Marie-Louise worked as a lecturer in public health and health promotion at the Institute of Technology in Sligo.

Marie-Louise holds a BSc (Honours) in Public Health and Health Promotion and an MA in Health Promotion. The focus of her MA research centered on evaluating the implementation of a school based mental health promotion initiative.

Marie-Louise is originally from Donegal and she will be running the Headstrong Learning Network which brings together community leaders in mobilising their own local areas to better meet the mental health needs of young people.

KCC Junior Boys Golf Team

On Thursday 11th October, 2012, the Killarney Community College Junior Boys Golf team finished 3rd in South Munster at the Irish Schools Junior Championship which was held in Macroom Golf Club, Co. Cork.
The Team consisted of; Alan Daly, Conor McCarthy and Robert Cussen.

All Ireland School Talent Search

Well Done to our students; Conor Courtney, Megan Duggan, Chloe Dennehy, Hannah Robson and Nicole Riordan who qualified from the Killarney heat of the All Ireland School Talent search that was held on Wednesday, 10th October 2012 in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney.  Next round is the 7th of November 2012, Good Luck from all the staff and students in KCC.

KCC Open Night - Monday 8th October 2012

Teachers; Mr. Ger O'Sullivan and Mr. Denis O'Sullivan with students; Robert Cussen, Eoin Fitzgerald and Alexander Graham

David Siurskas, Igor Lozko, Patryk Pakos, sixth class students and Michael Aherne

Donnacha O'Sullivan, Shane Howe, Ryan O'Neill, Ryan Casey and Gavin O'Sullivan

Sean Kelliher, Jack Teahan, Conor Courtney and Sarah Fitzgerald

Aisling Teahan, Amy Grady, Roisin Buckley, Rachel Loughnane, Sarah Murphy, Teachers; Ms. Orla Brosnan, Ms. Maura Keane

2nd Year Trip to the Killarney Bookshop and Active Citizens Clean Up

Wednesday 3rd October 2012

Picture includes: Back Row L-R; Ms. M. O'Sullivan, Donagh O'Leary, Shane Courtney, Jake Grunfeld, Front Row L-R; Aiden McClarence, Christian Mayse, Cliodhna McEnteggert

Picture includes: L-R; Gary Martin, Paul Brosnan, Stephen O'Shea

KCC Benefit Night at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium

Cost:  €20.  Ticket includes entry for 2 Adults and 2 Kids to the Race Track on the night.

Upcoming Courses for Parents 

• Project Maths for Parents of 3rd Year      

Date: Thursday, October 11th        Time: 7pm - 9pm          Venue: KCC

• Measure up with Sewing - Date and Time to be confirmed.

• Project Maths for Parents of 1st Years - Date and Time to be confirmed.

T.D. Brendan Griffin back on old school ground!

On Monday 1st October, there was great excitement around Killarney Community College as students were given an insight into the life of a TD.  The 3rd year Diarmuid class had arranged for Kerry South TD Brendan Griffin to visit their class.  Having chosen the topic of Democracy as their CSPE action project 82% of students voted to interview a local politician   A past teacher in the school Mr. Brendan Griffin was delighted to oblige.  With recent voting in the schools students council elections, students minds were focused on the idea of democracy.  During TD Brendan Griffins visit, students learned about his failure and successes in the political arena.  From humble petitions created during his student days to advising Ministers on the running of their ministerial office, TD Brendan Griffin gave students a real life insight into the world of politics.  The visit was a complete success all due to the hard work of each students contacting Mr. Griffin, seeking school permission organising interview questions and photography were all jobs completed by the students under the guidance of their CSPE teacher Ms. Denise O'Sullivan.  As a result of the visit students are already thinking about their own future political careers and how to get involved in democracy even while still in secondary school.  The visit was a great learning experience for all and a day in the life of Killarney Community College they will never forget.

Front Row L-R; Valentina Puotkalyte, Sarah Murphy, Rachel Loughnane, Kira Kelliher, Nicole McCarthy, Fiona Tagney and Kayleigh McCannon.

Middle Row L-R; Rachel O'Brien, Bobbie Jane Breen, Amy O'Connell, Dominik Kaleja, Glen McSweeney, David O'Sullivan, Philip Lyons, Denis McCarthy, Marie Salova, Ms. D. O'Sullivan.

Back Row L-R; Daniel Michalik, Ronan O'Shea,  Julian Gherman, T.D. Brendan Griffin, Kenneth Malon, Aiden Hickey, Liudvikas Brazaitis and Eoghan O'Mahoney.

SHOWTIME!

A Full school show production "All Shook Up" on stage in Killarney Community College, January 2013.

Auditions: Week of October 8th - 12th

• Singers
• Actors
• Artists
• Backstage Crew
• MANY MORE NEEDED!

DVD of "All Shook Up" can be viewed in the library on Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd of October at Lunchtime.

Graffiti Workshop

This week, First and Second year students in Killarney Community College had the great opportunity to take part in Graffiti Workshops as part of the UCC Plus+ Programme.  Outreach Facilitators included Mr. Fionn Woodhouse and Mr. Aiden O'Brien.   The main aims of the workshop was to remind students that they have started a journey, to help them to become aware of their potential, to encourage them to aim for success in their lives, to make them aware they need to take responsibility for their own success/failure and to explore the idea of "contracting in" to their education.  Students participated in activities to involve the fore mentioned aims. 

The UCC PLUS+ Programme seeks to target students and to provide motivational and educational assistance to them throughout their secondary schooling to enhance their ability to compete for third level places.  Killarney Community College are delighted to be linked to the programme.

Picture includes; L-R; Mr. Fionn Woodhouse, Tara Fitzgerald, Robyn Sheehan, Katie O'Neill, Dovydas Siurskas, Lukas Novikas, and Mr. Aiden O'Brien

Girls Football

Well done to our Junior Girls Football Team who beat Killorglin Community College on Friday, 21st September 2012.  

Front Row: L-R; Louise Lonegan, Aisling Teahan, Amy Grady, Tara Fitzgerald, Kaylyn Murhill, Saoirse Kelly, Megan Brosnan, Abigail Graham, Chelsea Coffey, Sadie Murphy, Naoise Brosnan.

Back Row: L-R; Emma Brosnan, Razia McCannon, Sarah Murphy, Leah Kelly, Mairead O'Sullivan, Kiara Kelleher, Laura Murphy, Christine O'Connell, Shania Costello, Rheanne Doona, Nichelle McGuire Lynch, Keelie O'Connor, Grainne Dineen, Alison O'Connor, Carmel Looney, Dominika Gwizdzinska, Mr. B. O'Rielly Trainer.

Careers Evening at Killarney Community College

Killarney Community College will host a careers evening on Thursday next September 27th from 7pm - 9pm.  On the night past pupils of the college will share on their career paths.  Third level colleges will have information stands.

Colleges will attend on the night and will offer valuable advice and information to help the students of Killarney to make an informed choice regarding their career path.  This is a once off invaluable opportunity for students and parents in the Killarney area.

Colleges attending include:

• University College Cork (UCC)
• University of Limerick (UL)
• Institute of Technology, Tralee (ITT)
• Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)
• Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT)
• Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
• Shannon College of Hotel Management

3rd Level Support Services will also be there to offer advice on supports they offer to students starting third level education. DARE, HEAR and the National Learning Network will attend.  Killarney Credit Union and Bank of Ireland, Killarney will be on hand to offer advice on finance, student loans and budgeting.

Football News

On Friday 14th September 2012, the U15 KCC Boys Football team beat the SEM in a friendly match.  Score 1-9 to 1-7.

The team consisted of: Front Row: L-R: Daniel Devlin, Brian Fitzgerald, Eric O'Donoghue, Stephen McCarthy, Tyler Keogh, Kieran Healy, Dean Cronin.  Middle Row: L-R: Conor McCarthy, Rossa Foley, Eoin O'Mara, Ryan Casey, Daniel O'Connor, Michael Shannon, Shane Howe, Conor Harrington, Mr. A. O'Sullivan (Trainer).  Back Row: L-R: James Flynn, Eoin Fitzgerald, Micheal Kearney, Philip Lyons, Luke Doran, Jamie Lynch, Stephen Doherty, Aidan Fleming.

Chinese Module for 1st Year Students

Earlier this year, the college was chosen as a pilot school for the new junior cycle as it has proven itself to be innovative and creative regarding curriculum development.  As part of this, schools are being encouraged to develop short courses and modules in new areas and widen students knowledge base. To this end, Killarney Community College decided to introduce Chinese on to the first year curriculum. Students will experience this as an 11 week taster module. Mr. Lei Zhang from north west China will teach the students a module in Chinese exploring the basic fundamentals of the chinese language while also incorporating the culture of China.The college may develop this in to a short course for the new Junior Certificate cycle depending on the success of this module.

Why chinese ? china has the second largest economy in the world and the worlds greatest exporter. The Irish government are determined to develop educational,cultural and economic links with china. "We want to offer our students the opportunity to learn about chinese culture and the language as we feel there will be an increased demand for this skill in the future" according to Fiona O'Brien Principal.

Picture includes: L - R:

Ciara O'Donoghue, Fintan Brosnan, Aaron Alan, Mr. Lei Zhang, Carmel Looney.

Junior Certificate Results, Wednesday 12th September 2012

Well done to all students who received their Junior Certificate results.

Karate Success

Katie O'Neill a first year student from the Killarney Community College who recently won two Gold medals and one Bronze medal at the Worldwide Karate Championships that were held in Telford, Birmingham.  Gold medals were received in Tai chi and Jihon Kata and the Bronze medal was for Stick Kata.  She represented the White Lightening Karate Club.  It is a fantastic achievement for Katie.