Principal's Update

Dear Parents,   I trust this update finds you and your families in good health.    We are currently in our final term which means our campus is incredibly busy,  our Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate students are working towards their respective State Examinations while our 1st, 2nd, TY and 5th year students work towards their house examinations. I am incredibly proud of the continuous hard work, dedication and enthusiasm the students and staff of Catholic University School demonstrate both inside and outside the classroom.   Our Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations took place over the Easter Holidays while our Music and Art students are currently sitting their practical examinations. This is coupled with the many projects at both Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate which have been completed or due to be complete very shortly.    In addition to our academic pursuits, the importance of extra-curricular activities and initiatives is clear for well-being and personal growth of both students and staff of CUS.   After incredibly successful ski-trip in Vermont and Camino de Santiago walk, we have had wonderful performances of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ in collaboration with Loreto on the Green while our Sixth Year students came 2nd in Ireland in the Bank of Ireland ‘Money Smarts, competition. A wonderful achievement to all involved!    Our newly formed CUS sailing team participated their first regatta in Dun Laoghaire at the weekend, four of our TY students embarked on a six-week exchange to Kearsney College in Durban while our Under 14 Basketball team has been very successful by winning the Dublin plate.   Coupled with our Chess and Debating teams, these events are just a sample of the many activities our students are currently engaged in both on and off campus.   Since 1867, Catholic University School has nurtured students' minds, fostering academic excellence and holistic development by modelling our Marist ethos. We are continually updating our teaching methods to best serve our boys’ needs and academic outcomes.    Catholic University School plans to upgrade our historic building into a modern educational hub with state-of-the-art amenities. This includes adding a gymnasium, enhancing laboratories, a theatre, and social spaces to foster our culture of creativity and positive interaction.    This endeavour will need significant investment to be successful, part of which will be fundraising. We are beginning a consultation process with parents and past pupils to determine the most effective plan. We are being supported by CCS Fundraising, a specialist fundraising firm with extensive school experience. While optional, your feedback would be very welcome and will be gathered through one-on-one meetings and on an e-survey basis.    As we look ahead to the remainder of the term, the coming weeks will be a time of continued growth, learning, and celebration as we work together to make the most of every opportunity and ensure that our boys finish the academic year strongly.   Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a successful and fulfilling final term together.   Yours Sincerely,   Mr. Clive Martin.    

TY Ski Trip

TYs enjoying their ski trip to Jay Peak Vermont. Great conditions and snow every day so far.

TY Classics and Art Trip

Some pictures from the recent TY Classics and Art trip to Rome, Pompei and Naples.

CUSPA December Update

Parents Lunch & Cake Sale Photos

Junior Debating Success

Congratulations to our Junior Debaters who competed in UCD last night. Across the four teams two teams came 2nd while James and Jamie came 1st. Well done to all! Fionn D'Arcy & Daragh O'Sullivan, 1st year. Shane O'Reilly, Harry Murphy & James O'Brien, 2nd year. Daniel Kelly, Seán Cronin & Jamie Furey, 3rd year. Junior Debating takes place on Tuesdays in room 7 from 3:45.

TY trip to Kippure

Some pictures from last Friday's TY trip to Kippure

Ember Team Training in Ovoca Manor

The Ember Team travelled to Ovoca Manor on Tuesday to complete their faith leader training. The Ember team spent 3 days in Ovoca Manor where they worked on their organisation skills, their communication skills and their leadership skills. The Ember team look forward to working with the CUS community throughout the year.

CUSPA Lunch

The Parents Association Lunch was held in the St. Stephen’s Green Club on Friday May 13th and was attended by the Principal, Mr. Martin, the Deputy Principal, Mrs. Roberts Byrne, a number of invited guests including a representative of the past pupils union together with 120 parents from all year groups. It was also great to see so many parents from 6th year for whom the lunch would be their final PA event. The occasion is a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet with fellow parents and school officials in a relaxed atmosphere where experiences can be exchanged and laughter shared. It was an especially welcome chance, the first for two years due to Covid, to renew old acquaintances and begin new friendships. The day began with a sparkling reception where Tea, Coffee and, perhaps more tempting, finely chilled Processo was enjoyed. Guests were then treated to a four course lunch of the highest quality served in the splendid surroundings of the Hibernian Room of this exclusive venue. While the occasion was one of celebration to mark the end of another school year the chance to think of others was not lost and a raffle was held in aid of the CUS St V De P Hamper Fund and Ukrainian Refugees. An incredible €2,140.00 was raised with proceeds divided equally. All monies raised were donated as the entire collection of stop prizes which included hampers, wine and a photographer session were all provided free of charge. Finally, a word of thanks to you, the parents for your support, Yvonne and Amanda (CUS Finance), Susan and Valerie (CUS Office) the school Principal and to those who donated spot prizes. Last, but definitely not least, particular thanks to Mairead Walsh and her team who put a great deal of time and effort into making the day so amazing! CUSPA anticipates that the 2023 lunch will be held in a larger venue as tickets for this year’s event were sold in short course, such is the popularity of the day and we hope to see you or as many of you as possible next year!

School Uniform & Sports Gear Pop Up Shop

Dear parents & guardians, The School together with the Parents Association have been in touch with Uniformity to arrange for a pop-up shop to take place in the School. The pop-up shop will happen on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th in the School hall between 4.30 - 7.00 pm. You are welcome to come in between 4.30 - 7.00 pm with or without the boys to purchase School uniform and School sports gear for the new school year.

Leinster Rugby Development Squad

Well done to Jack Grant and Rían Tracey in 5th Year who recently played for the Leinster Rugby Development Squad against Ireland U18s.

TY Trip to Mondello Park and TY Treat

Some pictures from last week's trip to Mondello Park and TY Retreat to Kippure

Ember Graduation 2022

Yesterday, our Ember team attended their graduation ceremony in DCU. A big thank you to the Ember team for all their hard work this year.

TY Ski Trip

Another great week of skiing on the slopes of Jay Peak in Vermont, this time with our TY students

Who are members of the CUS Parents Association?

All parents/guardians of students in the school are members of the Parents Association. Your ideas and views are always needed to help arrange events/speakers and make a positive contribution to the school spirit. A committee is elected at the Parents Association AGM to work on your behalf. The AGM typically takes place in October, The members of the committee are as follows and the committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month during term: Deborah Maguire -1st Year Mary McGuigan -1st Year Eibhear O hAnluain -1st Year Colm Redmond -2nd Year Kimberly McNamara -2nd Year Nevan Redmond -2nd Year Bridgette Keane -3rd year Simon Thompson -3rd Year Mairead Walsh -Transition Year Rachel McGaughey -Transition Year Joanne Scully -Transition Year Derek Kirby -5th Year - Chairperson Liz Tierney -6th Year Deirdre Breheny -6th Year Mary Hendron -6th Year If you wish to contact CUSPA, please send an email to the School office ( office@cus.ie ) and mention CUSPA in the subject line of your email.

5th Year Ski Trip

A great week of skiing had by all on the slopes of Jay Peak Vermont. Just a few photos from the week

TY Social Outreach Week

Well done to our TYs who spent the week volunteering in charity shops and cleaning up beaches and community gardens as part of their Social Outreach Week

Catholic Schools Week- Thought Of The Day & Prayer Of The Week- Friday 28th January

As we come to the end of Catholic Schools week, we reflect on the fantastic week we have had. ‘Catholic education is inspired by the Gospel and as such, respects the freedom and dignity of every human being.’ (Vision 08: A Vision of Catholic Education in Ireland) Scripture: ‘I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10) Reflection: Sometimes there can seem to a contradiction between living a full life in the present and turning our minds to the future. But it doesn’t have to be ‘either/or’. We can do both. In fact, living fully in the present can create the firm foundation of a positive future. As we turn our minds and hearts towards others and towards God, we can create a satisfying and worthwhile present while building a future that can be life-enhancing. Our Catholic schools support us in this endeavour. This week is Catholic Schools Week, the theme for this year is ‘Living life to the full’. There has been a lot to celebrate and reflect on in the past week. The relaxing of restrictions meant that the end is in sight and there is light at the end of a very dark period in history. Today we celebrate living life and celebrating together. What did you miss out on during the pandemic? Is there a way that you can make up for it now? This year there was a special emphasis on grandparents, if you are lucky enough to have your grandparents still will you how will you celebrate them? Today is a day to look forward to a brighter future, we also remember all those who have lost their lives during the course of the pandemic. Loving God, As we gather today we thank you for your presence with us. Help our school community to enable each person to live life to the full, and see themselves and others as made for loving and kind relationships with God, each other and the world around us. May we become more and more like your son Jesus who, by his life and ministry, showed us how to treat one another, especially the poor. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we journey together in faith, hope and love. Hail, Mary, full of grace,the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Grandparents Day- Catholic Schools Week 2022

This week in CUS we are celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The theme of today is ‘Celebrating Being Together Again, Grandparents Day’. Today we give thanks for the grandparents who are with us and remember those who have passed away. During the day students are been given the opportunity to place a ribbon on the ‘Tree of Remembrance’ for grandparents who are not longer with us. Students also completed a Microsoft form in their class head this morning, in which they reflected on how much they appreciate their grandparents love and guidance. Prayer for Grandparents… God of love, We thank you for our wonderful grandparents. They bring such joy and happiness into our lives. Thank you for all the special times that we have with them. Please watch over them, protect them and care for them now. May they know your goodness and love always. Amen

Hamper Fund 2021

With the last of the vouchers and hampers going out today, we have finally finished the 50th Year of the Hamperfund in CUS. In the past week, we have sent out over 220 hampers, €7500 in food vouchers and funds to much needed charities across Dublin. Thank you to all the TYs for their hard work making and delivering hampers, making phone calls and organising food vouchers. We'd also like to thank the parents of CUS and the Past Pupils Union for all their help.

Eoin Morgan

Yesterday we were delighted to welcome back Cricket World Cup winning captain and past pupil Eoin Morgan to CUS. The first years students interviewed him for their newsletter, he spoke to the students that play cricket and met some TY students making hampers for the hamperfund.

SVP Hamper Fund 2021

We got a delivery of food today for the Hamper Fund appeal and the TYs started making hampers. Over the next week, they will make over 200 hampers which will go out across Dublin to charities and families in need along with over €7,500 in food vouchers. Please donate whatever you can at https://cus.ie/epayments/donations/cus-st-vincent-de-paul/

Erwin Guan

Congratulations to Erwin Guan in 6th Year who represented Ireland in badminton at the XIII Portuguese Junior International this weekend

TY Barista Course

Some of our TY students have completed their barista training at Dublin Barista School this week. If your son hasn't signed up and is interested in doing the course, please contact Mr Daly

Prayer Of The Week from The Ember Team

As we come to the end of our Month of Remembrance, we as the CUS community, pray for our brothers and sisters who have died. We remember especially those who died during the past eight months, from Covid-19 and from other causes. We pray that they have passed from death to life in the company of the Lord Jesus, who died and rose to new life. Today, across the country, we dedicate this month of November to their memory and commend them to the love and mercy of God the Father. We also pray for those who mourn the death of a loved one and whose grieving has been more difficult on account of restrictions. We pray for our healthcare workers and all those who work in essential services especially those who have died as a result of their selfless service during the pandemic. The Ember team have placed candles around our tree of remembrance this morning, which reminds us that in our grief, and in our darkest moments, the risen Christ is among us to bring us light and hope. Amen

Chess

Well done to our Junior Chess team who played St Benildus College in a chess match today

Wednesday Sport Update

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), Further to yesterday's notification, all planned sporting activities will go ahead as planned today. After further consultation with the bus company, they are confident that there will be no issues with transport to and from the various venues. Apologies for the delay in this communication, but we were waiting to see how the situation developed this morning.

3rd Year Trip to GPO Museum

On Thursday, the students from 3rd Year attended the GPO Museum. The museum brought to life events from Irish History that the students have studied this year.

5th Year Jumpzone

Our 5th year students had an enjoyable afternoon in Jumpzone Sandyford today.

Comórtas Díospóireachta an Phiarsaigh

Go n-éirí lenár bhfoirne díospóireachta ag Comórtas Díospóireachta an Phiarsaigh anocht in Áras Chrónáin Sa phictiúr tá Odhran McGuckin, Christian Mesolella agus Gareth Moynihan Best of luck to our debating teams at Comórtas Díospóireachta an Phiarsaigh (Pearse debating competition) tonight In the picture we have our junior team, Odhran McGuckin, Christian Mesolella and Gareth Moynihan

Maths Week 2021

This week CUS participated in the world’s biggest Maths festival “Maths Week”. Our Transition Year students organised activities for our Junior Cycle students with a special emphasis on our First Years boys who all received their ‘Maths Activity Packs’. Talks and presentations with other schools and universities also form a big part of this fantastic week. A big ‘Thank You’ to all involved!

Maths Week 2021

This week CUS participated in the world’s biggest Maths festival “Maths Week”. Our Transition Year students organised activities for our Junior Cycle students with a special emphasis on our First Years boys who all received their ‘Maths Activity Packs’. Talks and presentations with other schools and universities also form a big part of this fantastic week. A big ‘Thank You’ to all involved!

First Year English

Ms. Rowland’s First Year English class took a trip to the Iveagh Gardens this afternoon to hone their descriptive writing skills.

TY Castlecomer Discovery Park Trip

The TYs went to Castlecomer Discovery Park today where they took part in the Octagon challenge, Ireland's longest zipline, the catapult challenge and archery.

Ember Team trip to Kippure Estate

On Monday 20th of September the Ember team travelled to Kippure Estate in County Wicklow. During this trip the Ember team participated in a range of team building activities. Here is an account of the day, by Ember team member Lucas Maguire. In the early hours of Monday morning, all of the members of the Ember team gathered in the school Oratory, ready for our team-building excursion to Wicklow. There was a quick roll-call and then we all filed onto our bus for Kippure. After an hour-long bus trip, we arrived at the adventure center. We were met by our leaders for the day who brought us down to the main building. Here, to our delight, we were served a substantial buffet of food, complete with donuts, pastries and sausage rolls. Once we had finished eating, we were split into six groups and led into the forest to begin our teambuilding tasks. The staff informed us that over the next few hours we would be building shelters, making fires and cooking meals on the fire. We all set about building our shelters. We gathered materials such as moss, logs and stones to make the structures. A few members from each group were called down to learn how to make fire using flint and steel. Another small group were sent off on a scavenger hunt to find food that had been hidden in the forest. After about two hours, most of the shelters were complete and each team was beginning to cook their meal. My group had decided to cook breakfast burritos, packed full of sausages and rashers, along with a beef stew. The Kippure staff came around to inspect each of our shelters and taste the food that we had cooked. After the judging was complete, we returned to the main building for lunch. A mouthwatering platter had been prepared for us; there were burgers, chicken, sausages and loads of tasty salads. We were all very hungry following our eventful day and we tucked into the food. The winners were announced and awarded with a box of Celebrations. Overall, I really enjoyed this teambuilding trip, it was very enjoyable and showed our abilities to work together as a team.

1st Year Clay Portraits

LC Art 2021

1st Year Art 2021

Artwork from the 1st years last year

Students in Profile - David Muldowney - Reupload

This week's student in profile is David Muldowney in 6th Year. David received the Ronnie Delany Scholarship with Nathan Maguire in 2020. I have been a member of Carton House Golf Club since the age of 9 and for 2020 I was the Junior Captain of the club. I starting playing at the age of 6 at a local pitch and putt club in Naas. I have been part many Junior and Men’s teams in the Golf club and this year I captained the Fred Daly U18 team. I have been a member of the Golfing Union of Ireland’s High Performance Programme and coaching panels since the age of 11. I have had exposure to great coaches and very high quality players which really helped my golf. 2020 was my final year as a Junior and I was selected to play for Leinster U18’s. Every year, I play in the major Junior golf events and this year I placed well in all of them including finishing in the top 20 at the Irish Boys Open. Other highlights this year was sharing in the Ronnie Delany Scholarship with Nathan Maguire. My plan this year is to take part in all the major senior Amateur championships in Ireland as well as some in Europe. I also plan to travel to the US and try and qualify for the US Junior Amateur open – this was something I had planned for 2020 but it was cancelled due to Covid.

Paidir na Seachtaine- Prayer Of The Week

Prayer to end a school year. God of wisdom, We thank you for all the gifts you have given us throughout this school year. We praise you for giving us life, for saving us in Christ, and for choosing us to be your people. As we come to the end of this school year, we voice our gratitude for the good things you have done in us, and we praise you for all who have shared in the work of this school. We ask you to bless them in your love and give them refreshment and peace. We praise you, God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen

TY Retreat

Yesterday, the Transition Year students went on a hike to Ticknock with Fr O'Gara. They used this time to reflect on their Transition Year journey and offered their prayers and reflections at the summit.

6th Year Music Practicals

This morning the 6th Year Music students practiced for their upcoming Leaving Cert Music Practical. https://youtu.be/YGOpRmbbtUM

Students in Profile - Peter Falvey

This week's Student in Profile is Peter Falvey in TY. Peter has had great success in athletics having won multiple All-Irelands for his local club and has represented CUS in athletics, most notably winning the Leinster Title 1,100 m in First Year. Apparently ever since I could walk, I was running. I joined my local athletics club when I was in 2nd class of primary school. Many of my classmates were with me and we always had races around the yard at breaktimes. I owe a lot to my primary school, St Brigid’s Foxrock when It comes to my various exploits in athletics. The culture in that school for athletics and sport has stuck with me to this day and it was all kindled by one man. The late and great Jerry Kiernan taught in St Brigid's for north of 40 years and his philosophy of sport shaped the way us as students trained and competed. Jerry Kiernan represented Ireland in the marathon event at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He was also a sub-4 miler and retired from teaching when I was in 3rd class. Inspired by him and my coaches, my teammates and I were often able bring home team golds in the Dublin Cross Country championships, year in year out. Under age, we managed to secure the Team win at U10, U12 and U13 and bronze at U15 and as the team aged we slowly lost numbers to put forward a strong club team. We had no such issues in the school cross country scene however. St Brigid's often fielded more than 40 athletes in the Leinster Schools cross country championship. It was the most competitive race of the year as it contained 400+ athletes from 5th and 6th class from all over Leinster. I qualified for our school team while I was only in 4th class. Two years later I finished 2nd out of ~450 runners and helped my school bring home our 11th straight team win in 11 years. I won my first All-Ireland Championship with my club in 6th class. We won the 4x100m relay final by a country mile, breaking the National record for the age group by a second. Since then we have two National 4x200m relay indoor championships in 2018 and 2019 and won bronze in the outdoor 4x100m relay in 2019. Generally as an athlete, I make my bread and butter in track and field rather than cross country. I have done it all. I have competed in high jump, long jump and triple jump. I have competed in the shot put, discus and javelin. I do sprinting, middle distance and long distance running. Anything from jumping to throwing to running and I have experience with it. In 2018 I finished runner up in the Dublin Juvenile Track and field league by 1 point. This is an all-round competition of all the events I have mentioned, where you score points based on your performances, rather like a decathlon. It is held of 4 weeks of competition and it favours competitors with a broader athletic ability in order to win. You must be a good jumper, runner and thrower to score maximum points and the following year 2019 at U16 I placed first by over 30 points to second place. This victory was so special for me because I had been competing in this league for 6 years and often missed out on the top spot by small margins. But what is even more significant was that this was my last chance to win this title as after U16 there is no track and field league, only the championships. My most recent competition before covid was over a year ago now in February 2020. It was the Dublin indoor championships where I managed to win 3 events from the 4 that I competed in, and defend my high jump title from the year before. At this competition our relay team won our 3rd Dublin Championship 4x200m on the bounce but unfortunately, we were unable to convert it into our 3rd All Ireland win due to Covid-19 and the cancellation of the competition. At secondary school level I won on my debut for CUS, winning the Leinster Title in 1100m event at Santry in first year after qualifying through the east Leinster competition. In both 1st and 2nd year we were unlucky for a medal or two in the 4x100m relays just falling short and in third year I was unable to compete in the Track and Field season due to its cancellation. My latest event where I represented the school was in cross country last January. I stepped up to join the senior team despite only being in 3rd year at the time. I always like to punch above my weight as I did in primary school when I ran two years above my age. We fell short of our ambition of a team medal, but I gained priceless experience as I hope to be competing in that very same race in 2022 and 2023. Running has become habitual to me. If you have made it this far into this profile, then I urge you to take up running if you don’t already. You will live longer; you will be happier and healthier. And at the very least you will have something to brag to your colleagues about. Since lockdown began last March, I started to stray away from sprinting and Track and Field, and instead focused on going for longer runs. They cleared my head and gave me something to focus my attention in the wake of the cancellation of the Junior cert. These efforts brought me to running my first half marathon “21.1km” in late September. At the age of 15 I finished in 1 hour 32 minutes and 19 seconds. This year in 2021 I have clear goals in my mind. Seeing as I have no competitions in the foreseeable future, they are all focused on personal improvement and building on the progress I made last year. For example, I would like to test myself over the one-mile distance. Being a firm believer in the metric system I never really bother with distance, maybe I will surprise myself. But for me, the big-ticket event this year will be the Dublin city marathon. Said to be held virtually this year, I look forward to lapping my local park over 20 times. I will be 17 years of age by then and hope I can deliver on my debut over the 42.1 kilometre distance.

TY Weekly Challenges

As part of their TY Weekly Challenges, students took part in a photo competition with the theme of Spring.

Students in Profile - Aitzol King

This week's Student in Profile is Aitzol King. Aitzol, and his two brothers, Keelan and Iker, joined CUS when they were in 5th Year. Aitzol and Keelan have both represented CUS in Senior Level rugby with Aitzol being joint Vice-Captain of the SCT 2020/21. Aitzol has been involved in the Leinster Rugby Development programme and has represented Meath at Minor Level in Gaelic Football. My first involvement in sport was when I was 4, my dad brought me and my triplet brothers down to Boyne RFC but being so young we just messed around and didn’t stick at it for long. It wasn’t until the age of 9 that we began playing at Balbriggan RFC. Our team was always a tightly-knit group with many different cultures and nationalities. In our first final we were runners up,however, went on to win a few trophies throughout the years beating Athy at the U14 final, Barnhall at the U15 final, the div 1 league at U16 and finally the John Ward Cup at u17. It meant a lot to the lads as we were always underdogs and so close. It was also great to have my dad as the coach for us through the years. I was delighted to be picked for the North-East Leinster regional squad at u16 with a good friend of mine from Balbriggan RFC. From there we managed to progress through the pathway to the U18s Leinster Clubs Squad. That year, 2019, we won the interprovincials in Limerick. I was fortunate enough to be picked for the Ireland u18 Clubs & Schools after that. We were lucky enough to be selected for the Leinster U19s in the summer just gone and this year aiming to make the U20 squad. I also played GAA and football for the local teams from the age of 6 along with athletics for Star of the Sea. I packed in the football when I was 15 as I didn’t have the time for all 3 sports. It wasn’t until 2019 that I dropped GAA after a spell with the Meath Minors. Aitzol King Sixth Year

World Book Day 2021

World Book Day, which takes place on Thursday March 4th, celebrates the joy and value of books and the art of reading. Worldwide, schools and organisations are showing their appreciation and love of literature. Reading offers us a vehicle to store and share essential knowledge about the world around us, and beyond. It profoundly affects our lives, and there are inextricable links between reading, literacy and health, wealth and well-being. It is important now more than ever to appreciate that reading gives us a place to go, when we have to stay where we are. Th English Department have compiled a list of 'Recommended Reads' for both Junior and Senior Cycle students. These are books that we feel will challenge students, but that they will also enjoy reading for pleasure. We look forward to celebrating this day with you. Best wishes, CUS English Department

Students in Profile - David Muldowney

This week's student in profile is David Muldowney in 6th Year. David received the Ronnie Delany Scholarship with Nathan Maguire in 2020. I have been a member of Carton House Golf Club since the age of 9 and for 2020 I was the Junior Captain of the club. I starting playing at the age of 6 at a local pitch and putt club in Naas. I have been part many Junior and Men’s teams in the Golf club and this year I captained the Fred Daly U18 team. I have been a member of the Golfing Union of Ireland’s High Performance Programme and coaching panels since the age of 11. I have had exposure to great coaches and very high quality players which really helped my golf. 2020 was my final year as a Junior and I was selected to play for Leinster U18’s. Every year, I play in the major Junior golf events and this year I placed well in all of them including finishing in the top 20 at the Irish Boys Open. Other highlights this year was sharing in the Ronnie Delany Scholarship with Nathan Maguire. My plan this year is to take part in all the major senior Amateur championships in Ireland as well as some in Europe. I also plan to travel to the US and try and qualify for the US Junior Amateur open – this was something I had planned for 2020 but it was cancelled due to Covid.

Online Cooking Course Starting 2nd March - Repost

Cooking Class Online are running a cooking course for Transition Year students. starting Tuesday 2nd March The Essential Cooking Course runs for 6 weeks and costs €99. The course includes 20 Online Recipes - with step by step video tutorials. Bonus 2 live recipes per week - delivered over six 90-120 minute virtual Cook Along modules - hosted live by Vanessa Greenwood (Founder Cooks Academy Cookery School) This online cookery course is designed for those with a basic level of cooking. Even those with no knowledge at all will be happily surprised at how easy the instructions are, and will also be able to complete the course. This course is being supported by 6 Weeks of live Virtual Cook Along sessions, every Tuesday. More information can be found at https://www.cookingclassonline.com/Transition_Year_Cooking_Course If your son is interested, please complete the booking process using the link above and then complete this form so we know your son will be attending. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nxkqQZmUo0KzVUUU-0cM8tUMMJ-TOsZNjg6eukmyQcFUNUpBNzdKOEY2SUo0SjBHVjgyR0JZME5KVC4u

TY Cooking Course

This week the TY students made a prawn stir-fry and a sticky toffee pudding in their virtual Essential Cooking Course

Students in Profile - William Hackett

This week's Student in Profile is William Hackett in Transition Year. William is a chess player who is ranked 7th in Ireland at U17s and has represented Ireland in international tournaments. He was called up to the Ireland U16s Chess Team to compete at ChessMates in Murmansk last March but unfortunately Covid prevented that from happening. William is a very active member of the CUS Chess Club and organises weekly online chess tournaments for CUS students during the current lockdown. I'm a member of my local chess club, Malahide. When I was 6 years old my dad taught me how to play chess and I have enjoyed it ever since. Throughout my early career I played for my club in the community games U16 chess team competition and was lucky enough to pick up 4 gold all Ireland medals. I’m also grateful to have captained a great group of players on two of these occasions. I started playing ranked individual chess tournaments when I was 12 years old and have never looked back. With various successes and knock backs, my biggest achievement so far was my winning of the U16 Leinster title which I won last year. My high quality performances for my age earned me a spot on the Irish youth training panel which led to my first Irish international game vs England in 2017. This was followed by many other appearances for Ireland, my most notable being in the U16 European championships. One reason why I love playing chess so much is the chance to travel to such unusual places in the world and also making lifelong friends along the way. I’m in debt to all of my hard working coaches throughout the years who have given me their precious time and have taught me invaluable lessons. I hope to do them proud in the future. One day I aspire to improve my skills enough to win the Irish championship. William Hackett Fourth year

Mini Company Poster Design

As part of their Mini Company class, students have been learning about information design. This week they were tasked with creating a poster to promote a business, raise COVID-19 awareness or to promote a charitable organisation.

Players in Profile - Tom Brennan

The first in a series of Players in Profile, Tom Brennan gives us an insight into pathway to captaining the Dublin football minor team and being the only dual player in Dublin, playing both football and hurling at minor level. Tom has also proudly represented the school in rugby, playing for the Junior and Senior Cup Teams and was part of the Leinster Rugby Schools Programme, and athletics competing in the 100m and 200m sprints. I am a member of my local GAA club, Na Fianna, based in Glasnevin. Since the age of four I have been playing both hurling and Gaelic football. I am lucky to be part of a committed group of players at my age group. We also have had lots of brilliant coaches. This culminated with an historic victory in the Dublin Féile na nGael (U14) hurling final, the first ever won by my club. We also reached the final in Football. The following year we retained the Championship crown in hurling at U15 level. I have been a member of the Dublin Development Squads in both hurling and football since under 13 age group. These trials and training sessions have given me invaluable experience. I was fortunate enough to be selected on both the hurling and football County Minor teams for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, making my debut in football with a championship win over Meath in Parnell Park, and my debut in hurling versus Kilkenny in Nolan Park. In 2020, I had the privilege to captain the Dublin football minor team. My Grandfather represented Dublin at senior level and has an All-Ireland medal from 1958. I hope that one day I can be part of a Dublin team doing similarly. Tom Brennan Sixth Year

TY Cooking Course

Some of the TY students were making carrot soup and brownies with cookingclassonline.com earlier this week as part of their 6 week Essential Cooking Course

Hamper Fund 2020

Today the Transition Year students delivered 84 hampers to two primary school. So far, 177 hampers have gone out across Dublin from CUS and there are still more to go. Well done and thank you to everyone in Transition Year, their hard work over the past 3 weeks has made a difference to so many this Christmas.

TY Chinese Presentation

The TY Chinese class presented their project to the rest of the class

6th Year Sponsored Walk - 9th Dec

Well done and thank you to the 6th years who organised and took part in an accumulative 1000km sponsored walk around St Stephen's Green to raise money for the SVP Hamper Fund Appeal. Sponsorship can be made using the following link https://cus.ie/epayments/donations/6th-year-sponsored-walk-in-aid-of-the-hamper-fund-2020/

TY Hike to the HellFire Cub

The TY students hiked up to the Hellfire Club in the Dublin Mountains today

1st Year Technology

The First Year Technology class went to St Stephen's Green this morning to investigate the biodiversity around us. They will be designing bird boxes and bee hotels over the coming weeks

2nd Year F1 racing

The 2nd year Technology students designed, built and raced their fan powered cars this week.

TY Activity - The Wall Climbing Gym 26th Nov

Another group of Transition Years went to the Wall Climbing Gym today

3rd Year Concert

On Friday morning, third-year piano players performed a concert for our first-year students in the school oratory. The diverse programme included music by Chopin, Debussy, Dussek, Norton, Grieg and Cornick. Many thanks to Ms. O'Sullivan, the performers and assistants Sam Oragano, Sean Gaughan, Cormac Ryan, Alex Mulgrew, Conor Cullen and Aidan Walsh for their fabulous work. This concert is the first in a series that will showcase the many talents of our musicians in CUS.

TY Activity - The Wall Climbing Gym

Some of the Transition Years went to the Wall Climbing Gym in Sandyford today

2nd Years in the Iveagh Gardens

Another group of 2nd Years went to the Iveagh Gardens yesterday to take pictures for the ISTA biodiversity photography competition

2nd Years in the Iveagh Gardens

Some of the 2nd year students went to the Iveagh Gardens to take pictures for the ISTA photography competition. The theme is biodiversity

Ember Team

Today the ember team met with the first year classes. The ember team will be acting as mentors for the first years. They will help them with homework, study, sport and any challenges that they may be facing.

TY Outdoor Pursuits 5th Nov

Some pictures of our TYs in the Pheonix Park this afternoon

Environmental Studies - Clean Up

Some of the TY students helped clean up the Grand Canal as part of their Environmental Studies module on Tuesday

Barista Course

Some of our TY's completed the Barista Course yesterday. in the Irish Barista Academy. There are still places available, contact Mr Daly if your son is interested. Conor Fitzpatrick gave his account of the day: We made way to the Capel Buildings, Mary’s Abbey, to participate in a barista training course. Under the control of superviser and teacher for the day, Emer, we learned many things, from safety hazards and rules, all the way up to making different kinds of coffee and how to clean up properly. During the break, we went up to McDonalds to treat our selves, and made our way back to the meeting room. In the afternoon we put our skills to practice and made a variety of cofeees. At the end of the day we received our certificates in HACCP and certificate of completion. Many thanks to Excel Recruitment for having us at their venue, a great day was had by all!

Mr Byrne's Retirement

The staff and students said goodbye to Mr Byrne today ahead of his retirement. Thank you to Mr Byrne for everything he has done for the school over the past 3 years and we wish him a long and happy retirement.

2nd Year Technical Graphics

The 2nd years applied the geometric principles of Conic sections to create some everyday objects.

Ember Team Training

On Monday 12th of October, fourteen fifth year students did a full day ember training course. Students worked on their communication, listening and leadership skills during this course. The ember team will be working on different projects throughout the year that will benefit students, staff and parents. Well done to all of the boys who volunteered for this years Ember team.

Teaching in the Iveagh Gardens

Here is the 5th year Exam Religion class learning about Plato and his Theory of Ideas in the Iveagh Gardens. Students gained a completely different experience with his philosophies and ideas.

TY Outreach

As part of World Mental Health Day 2020 (Saturday 10th Oct) some of the TY students made cards for people who may be experiencing loneliness due to the pandemic. The cards will be sent to Alone and Pieta House who will distribute them next week. Find out more about WMHD at https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/your-mental-health/world-mental-health-day-2020/

8th Oct

The TY students had great fun in Bird Ave taking part in problem soliving activities with TeamWorks and in the Phoenix Park today.

TY Hike to Howth Head

Some picture from the TY hike to the summit of Howth Head on the 17th Sept and Oct 1st

Some photos from the TY trip to Glendalough

TY Hike to Glendalough

Last Thursday, we got our first taste of our Transition Year Outdoor Pursuits Programme in our trip to Glendalough. After our first class, we set out from CUS to Glendalough in high spirits. Instead of our usual two buses, we had to take four to accommodate social distancing. It was a strange experience having to sit apart from each other on the bus, let alone wearing masks, but the journey was still enjoyable regardless. The conversation still flowed; who was going to be put in who’s fantasy team, what the homework was the night before, the usual stuff. When we arrived at Glendalough, we were put into four different groups, before being led off by Mr. Israel on the 5k hike around the upper lakes. The scenery was breathtaking. Personally, whenever I take a walk, I never really take much notice of the environment around me. However, a few minutes into the hike, I was taken aback by just how beautiful the scenery was. The lake was so calm and clear, and the trees and sky shone in its reflection. After hiking around the upper lake, we took a break for lunch. Again, it was strange to have a socially distanced lunch, but enjoyable nonetheless. After finishing off our food we made our way back to the buses, and drove back to Dublin. Overall, it was a very enjoyable trip. It was great to be away with the lads again, even with the Covid guidelines. A big thanks to all the staff for facilitating the trip and making it happen in the first place. We’re all eagerly looking forward to the next one. Billy Dunne TY

CUS premises