Bí Cineálta Week
During 14-21 November, we marked Bí Cineálta week as part of the roll-out of our new policy and procedures. Events took place in class, during tutor time and in SPHE and CSPE classes. All Second year students attended an anti-bullying workshop facilitated by guest speaker, Pat Forde, on Friday, 14 November, while Fifth year students attended a talk by Jackie Fox (of Coco's law) on Tuesday, 18 November.
Anti-bullying posters created by the Art department were displayed prominently throughout the school, and all staff and students contributed to the ‘One Inch of Kindness’ challenge which made for a stunning display in the school corridors.
Well done to everyone who participated in Bí Cineálta Week; it is so important that we all remember that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact in someone’s life.
Men's Mental Health Month
The YSI Sharing Smiles group marked Men's Mental Health Month in their class this week. They made posters and engaged in a Walk and Talk activity, giving them a chance to get out in the fresh air and have a chat. We hope all the men and boys in our school student body and staff have enjoyed the celebrations this week and know where to get help if ever needed. Our school has quite a large male student body and CCM simply wouldn't be the same without you all!
Men’s Mental Health Boot Camp
This week, to commemorate the end of Men’s Mental Health Month, a group of lads from First to Sixth Year were given the opportunity to take part in an army boot camp run by Patrick Benson and his squa-mate, Andy. They are both retired Irish military who run team-building workshops for people throughout the country. The boys all worked as a team in challenges such as the KIMs game (‘keep it in mind’)- each team was appointed a captain, and they were given 30 seconds to memorise the details of certain items. They team had to relay the information, through their captain, to the sergeants. Another team activity involved working as a group to move certain objects, such as ammo crates, full jerry cans and ‘injured’ team members on a stretcher. The lads were challenged to work as one unit, not letting anyone fall behind and to support each other when others struggled under the weight of what they were carrying.
At the end of an hour of fiercely tough activities, the boys were reminded just how important their mental and physical health are, and to check in on one another, not letting anyone fall behind. Even though everyone was wet, tired and completely covered in muck, they had a great time, not one word of complaint was heard, and they really did themselves and the school proud. As this month closes, we just want to remind everyone in our school community to mind their mental health, do things that bring you joy and look out for your friends and loved ones.
Geography Week
This week, 24-28 November, we celebrated Geography week in the school with a host of activities, including a daily ‘Geography Question of the Day’ and sustainability lessons in CSPE classes. A geography documentary was shown to interested students at lunchtime on Monday while the week ended with a lunchtime geography table quiz on Friday.
The geography department is accepting entries to the geography poster competition on the theme of 'keeping CCM sustainable' and prize-winning posters will be displayed on the Geography Wall.
Well done to everyone who participated and winners will be announced next week!
Education for Sustainability
Aoife Brezina and Ms Garde will be facilitating the eight-week TY Climate Literacy Programme. Students have an opportunity to complete a comprehensive 8-week facilitated programme. The programme supports teachers and students to create a sustainable future through knowledge, practical skills and taking action. Topics include: climate change; sustainable development & climate justice; plastic & fast fashion; sustainable transport & biodiversity; taking action; food and soil. New topics include: powering our world; green skills for a green future; introduction to circular economy; climate & sport; the changing game.
Leinster Junior Football Round 1.
CCM 4-20 - CBS Carlow 0-7
On Wednesday, 26 November, our Junior team got their Leinster campaign underway with a convincing victory over Saint Mary's CBS, Carlow. Played in difficult conditions, CCM started brightly with some excellent play which led to points from Daniel Connolly, Alex Mernagh David McCormack and Rhys Bean. A great two pointer from CBS reduced the deficit before CCM finished off a superb team move with a goal from the outstanding David McCormack. CCM lead 1-9 to 6 points at HT.
Disappointed with how the first half went, the CCM lads upped their performances in the second half. 2-7 without reply in the first ten minutes saw CCM in a comfortable position going into the last quarter with the goals coming from Alex Healy and Kale Conyard. Further points from Harry Butler and Mernagh saw CCM in full control. Sean O’Brien and Nathan Duffy Gough were excellent in midfield in the second half, while Cathal Byrne, Sam Conyard, Luke Connolly, Harry Messit, Alex McKenna and Rhys Behan were all on top throughout. The 10 CCM substitutes all saw some game time in the second half.
Next up is Round 2 away to Dunlavin CC on 8th December.
U15 Soccer
The U15 Soccer team faced Old Bawn at home in the Leinster cup on Thursday, 27 November, in a thrilling contest. Unfortunately, CCM lost 4-3 after extra time with Old Bawn scoring with almost the last kick of the game when it looked like we were heading for penalties. CCM were leading twice, 2-1 and 3-2, but couldn't quite see off the away side. We controlled the game for long periods with Rian Ward, Rian Gledhill and Jamie Noctor scoring in normal time along with hitting the post and crossbar on numerous occasions as it ended 3-3. In extra time CCM continued to push for the winner but were denied again by the post and some wonderful saves by the Old Bawn keeper before the away side struck on the counterattack right at the final whistle to advance to the next round.