24th September 2013 deChardin 1st edition.

Crescent Express

Crescent welcomes

new school captains

Crescent welcomes their new school captains:

Tim Moloney and Áine Leahy along with their vice

captains Jack Hogan and Sarah Woods. We hope

they will have a good year and we know they will

serve us well.

School Mass A t 11:00am on Tuesday 24th the whole school gathered in the central area to officially

open the academic year with a mass. The mass was opened by the two school captains giving speeches welcoming everyone

to the school. The prefects council also lead us in pray-

ers. Fr. Jim Maher S.J performed the mass, which had

the theme of journey. He gave a lovely homily, using the analogy of heavy backpacks for carrying around a lot of

worries that you don't need to, “God wants us to recog-

nize early in the school year if there is anything weigh-

ing us down so that we can take steps to deal with what

troubles us.” The choir and orchestra sang and played

“Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” which is becoming quite pop-ular in the school. I think everyone would like to thank all

the teachers and staff for such an energetic start to the

school year, “There may be some situations we cannot

change but we can change the way we see them and in

that way lighten the load.”

By Kate McManus

24th September 2013 deChardin 1st edition.

30th of August last, one of the world’s most famous poets passed away, Seamus

Justin Heaney. Heaney was an Irish poet, playwright, translator and lecturer and

the recipient of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature. Heaney lived in Sandymount,

Dublin from 1972 until his death.

Heaney inspired many people throughout his time and he wrote many top class

poems which were very successful. Heaney’s style of poetry was events which

occurred throughout his life. One of his most famous poems ‘’Mid Term-Break’’

is an example; he wrote a poem about his younger brother’s death. This poem

touched many people in different ways and was very emotional Heaney empha-

sised the sadness of his brother’s death by saying

‘’a four foot box, a foot for every year’’

Heaney studied at the St. Columba’s College Catholic boarding school Derry. He

later studied at Queens University Belfast, before making his home in Dublin.

Many of us have read poems written by Seamus Heaney either when we were in

primary school or as we studied for our Junior Cert and Leaving Cert.

Seamus Heaney—RIP

PPS Golf

On Friday Sept 13th, 66 past pupils and staff of Crescent took part in the

annual past pupils golf competition at Adare Golf Club. The event was organ-

ised by John Hurley, Brian Morris and president Don Reddan. The weather

was fabulous and the course was as usual in great condition for the event.

Liam O Connell S.J. and former headmaster of Crescent College came from

Dublin to support this event. Former European Young Scientist Donald

McDonnell travelled all the way from the USA to take part in the event. The

winner on the day was Richard Leonard who was presented with the Ignation

Cup, other winners on the day included Brian Murphy and Fiona O Boyle who

came 6th overall out of the field of 66 players. Congratulations to all the

winners and especially to all those who took part in and supported this

annual event. As can be seen from the pictures a great day was had by all.

Page 3 Crescent Express

My Junior Cert

I did my Junior Certificate last year in June 2013. I found it to be a very val-

uable experience.

I found that in third year that I got a lot more homework and study than

usual. This could take up to 3 hours to complete. Receiving homework in nearly

every subject, I found it easiest to do my homework straight away when I got

home. I took a break every half an hour and got a glass of water or had a

small snack. By doing this I could keep my concentration for longer.

I also received a lot of study to do. My advice when trying to study is to

frequently take breaks of five minutes in length. Every half an hour to forty

five minutes is best. When studying you should make sure that you have a qui-

et space where you can maintain concentration. Near exam time ensure you

are prepared for every subject and most importantly do not stress because

that will stop you from achieving your best. Keep calm and do your best was

the best advice I got.

Last week on the 19th and 20th of September the

third year classes had their retreats in the school

library. The theme of the retreat was Journey.

The retreat was facilitated Gerry Keegan, who spoke

to the year about his life’s journey, and all the good

and bad times he went through that have impacted

his faith today.

Gerry has been giving retreats in the school for

over 20 years, and many of the older students will

remember him, and their own 3rd year retreats. If

last week’s retreats were anything like ours, then

the 3rd years had a fantastic day.

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Changing the way "compers" communicate. Orfhlaith Cowhey The way we as a school community communicate keeps changing. In previous years we

kept up to date with school matters with school reports and news letters, now a days

parents can go online and find out all school matters via E-portal. So what has caused this

change? "The Internet" . Development of new technology (web 2.0) have allowed the crea-

tion of online communication devices like the schools E-portal. Today we live in a smart

age most people are familiar with the development of technology and are able to use it

effectively. This can be clearly seen in our social life sites such as Facebook have changed

the way we talk to one another and "socialize". Technology is constantly changing, new

ways to communicate are being developed everyday so who knows maybe our parents

might be able to monitor our progress through a notification on their watch next!!

HIGHER OPTIONS CONFERENCE—INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE TODAY

Dr Donoghue said the interest and preparedness shown by Leaving Certificate hopefuls was encouraging. "There were more

than 500 at my main lecture,” she said. “Their questions are certainly detailed. These students are already career-focused.

They are already matching career options with subjects and that’s very heartening.”

Last Wednesday the18th of September many of our 6th year students headed up to the RDS in Dublin to attend the Higher Options con-

ference. For those who aren’t familiar with this event, the Higher Options gives 6th year students the chance to look into courses they

might like to study after the Leaving Certificate. The whole event is based around giving students the chance to ask questions and ex-

plore careers in a more in depth way. Students found it as a great opportunity “It was well worth my time” said Kate Stapleton. For

students who knew what courses to do but weren’t sure about what to put down on their CAO they found it easy to compare and narrow

down courses on the spot and talk to course directors and lecturers.

“I think that i'ts a very useful day if you have any idea of the area you want to study in “said

another 6th year, “I would recommend future sixth years to go, but to make sure they have a rough idea of what they want to do be-

forehand. Otherwise, you could get overwhelmed by the amount of universities, colleges and courses on offer” said Fiachra Ryan. Any-

one alloying to the UK system, UCAS, got the chance to talk to the college they were applying to, and they hold UCAS application talks on

the day too.

Overall the conference made a good impression on our avid sixth years, however, the fact that if a talk was full you could not attend

disappointed the unlucky few . Due to the large amounts of Sixth years attending talks filled up really fast, one disappointed sixth year

said “My friends and I missed the CAO talk, and there was only one on for the day.”

Despite this small flaw overall the Higher options conference, organized by The Irish Times and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors,

gave great insight from University personnel into the courses open to them, the application process and student life that any sixth year

could appreciate.

Page 5 Crescent Express

During the week Anthony, Cormac and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with

first year Jack Dowling about his recent trip to Petersburg.

Jack recalls leaving for Petersburg at 9:30 on a cold morning for a long trip to Co. Gal-

way with his class. On the way they made a much-needed stop at Supermacs where

Jack and his friends enjoyed some delicious burgers before departing on the second

leg of their journey.

Upon arriving Jack and friends got comfortable in their new rooms. Jack remembers

the delicious food that was served to them every night in the dining room; he tells us

that he got seconds every night.

Jack had a lot of fun doing different activities in Petersburg like ab sailing, kayaking,

orienteering and an obstacle course. Jack had a great time participating in these activ-

ities and made lots of new friends. Jack also had the opportunity to turn over Fiona

O’Boyle’s kayak and dunk her under the water .

On the way back the bus stopped at Supermacs once again where Jack won a bear

with the help of Leanne. Overall Jack had an amazing time in Petersburg and made a

lot of new friends. He would recommend the trip to all first years and would love to do

it again.

Jack wasn’t the only one who enjoyed who enjoyed the trip ,Dan Lang and Daniel Lar-

kin were some of the other first years we asked about the trip and they both said the

enjoyed it a lot and would go again without any hesitation.

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Page 7 Crescent Express

5th Year Ecology Trip

Last week 5th year biology classes went to Killarney National Park to study a habitat for their leav-

ing cert exam. The groups set off at 9 o clock and arrived at the park at about 10, after getting

their equipment and meeting their guide they set off into the woodland, learning about trees

and their surroundings. Then we took part in some activities to examine the area such as meas-

uring the soil depth, measuring sunlight and examining the ground for leaves. After lunch we got

to see some live mice which had been caught in traps left out overnight. We headed home at

about 2 o clock, it was really enjoyable trip.

5th Year Biology Trip

Last week between the 16th and 19th of September, the 5th Years went on an ecology trip in Kilarney. They were split

into two groups and each group explored the woodlands. There were great conditions for exploring and they had

many activities to do. They caught insects using various instruments such as a pooter and a sweep net. They also

had to find out the pH and temperature of the soil. They also caught a ‘Wood Bramble’ mouse which had two male

babies and they named one Séan. The instructors were very kind and helpful and taught them how to distinguish

between the different mice. They were also told about the competition between animals in the Kilarney woodland,

such as deer. They also examined different plants and trees like, oak, fern, moss and ivy. The students then had a

well earned lunch by the lake.

With thanks to Grace Barret, Laoise Mangan, Fionn White and Dylan Sheehan.

By Michael Mullins, Ernan Hession and Glen Coady.

Page 8 Crescent Express

After speaking with two transition year students we would like to thank Aisling Horan and Sarah

Carew for informing us about their very enjoyable retreat. The retreat took place on the 23rd Sep-

tember in Mallow, Cork.

The girls informed us on how it really helped to develop their bonding skills with their class. It

made the class much closer. It also helped the class to connect more. They also thought that it

made everyone feel good and confident about themselves and it allowed them to realise they

were all unique.

One exercise which they carried out was ‘Who am I?’ this was where each student wrote down

positive thoughts about each other. This exercise increased the confidence level of each student.

The class also had an experience to meditate and they realised that everyone is different in their

own way. It was very deep and emotional. It succeeded in allowing the students to be themselves

and not to be the person they think they have to be.

On behalf of Ogilvie we would like to thank Przemek Wysoglad for giving up his day to take them

on their retreat also, Declan and Anne-Marie who did the retreat. Declan had a degree in theolo-

gy and sports psychology he shared many personal and emotional stories.

Last week, on the 19th and 20th of September, the 6th year retreats took place. All 6th Years were given a place

on one of 6 retreats which took place in different locations throughout the country.

The retreats included:

A Day Retreat to La Salle Pastoral Centre, Portlaoise.

An overnight retreat in Esker retreat house, Athenry, Galway.

An overnight retreat in the Burren yoga and Meditation Centre.

An overnight retreat in St. Patrick’s College, Thurles.

An overnight retreat in Emmaus Retreat Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin.

A Pilgrimage retreat through the Glen of Aherlow to Mount Melleray in Waterford.

The retreats gave students time out to reflect, and to develop, and were formally ended with a mass, which

they attended with their parents in the central area.

Ogilvie Retreat

Page 9 Crescent Express

HMV has reopened in the Crescent Shopping Centre, which is great news for music lovers and the local economy. Many

people in the area were waiting for this for the past 9 months, since HMV closed. The sudden closure of HMV in January

was a shock to customers, especially when it was learned that gift cards would not be refunded. It was declared bank-

rupt, with huge losses. Management firm Hilco took over, and have reopened 4 Irish stores. Many students have been

looking forward to this day for a while now, and the official launch was greatly received. It seems that it is in a much

more stable position financially than it was, with only the previously profitable stores being opened again. This, unfortu-

nately, means that the HMV on Cruises Street has been sold. In other good news for HMV patrons, the gift cards which

were not refunded after the closure are being accepted now.

Many suggestions have been put forward about how HMV should be run this time around. The fact that it became more

DVD and designer headphones orientated was something that angered music purists. HMV's response to this criticism

has been that, with the onslaught of illegal downloading, the iTunes store and the recession has forced adaptation from

all businesses.

Another thing that worried HMV patrons in the run up to its opening was, since it would need to be profitable quickly, if

the prices would rise. It was a relief to customers to discover that CD's were on sale for as little as 4.99£. The only shock

was the prices of t-shirts, which were close to 20£ a pop. Customers were very happy overall, with many expressing their

delight at being able to buy CD's again.

Overall, the reception to HMV coming back was overwhelmingly positive. It was a refreshing sight to see a shop opening

rather than closing in the current economic climate, and even more so when it is a CD shop, which is a rare sight nowa-

days. It is hoped by all involved that the reopening of HMV is successful and that it remains a fixture for years to come.

Huzzah!

Page 10 Crescent Express

(by Sophia Mertens)

ENGLISH:

Hi I am Sophia Charlotte Mertens and I am an exchange student

from Germany. I will stay in Ireland for two-three months. I was

born in Bremen but my family and I moved to Oldenburg when I

was two years old. Oldenburg is bigger than Limerick. Oldenburg

has a population of ~158.000 and compared to Limerick which

has a population of ~90.000. My school called Liebfrauenschule

is a Gymnasium and I am in the 10th grade. In two years I will sit

my leaving cert exam, or Abitur as it's called in Germany. All

classes have the same subjects until the 11th grade and then we

choose our favourites ones. The school day ends of different

times everyday. We don't wear a school uniform but we wear our

own clothes. Thus everybody looks different. I cycle 4 km to

school and 4 km back home everyday. All the time we go by bike

or bus. Nevertheless I love Ireland. It is a beautiful country and

the people are nice. My host-family and the students are very

kind to me, too.

DEUTSCH:

Moin, ich bin Sophia Charlotte Mertens und ich bin die Aus-

tauschschülerin von Deutschland. Ich bin für zwei bis drei

Monate in Irland. Mein Geburtsort ist Bremen, aber meine Familie

und ich sind nach Oldenburg gezogen,als ich zwei Jahre alt war.

Oldenburg ist eine größere Stadt als Limerick. So leben in Olden-

burg ca. 160.000 Menschen und in Limerick nur ca. 90.000. Ich

gehe auf die Liebfrauenschule und besuche die 10. Klasse. In zwei

Jahren mache ich meinen Abschluss, den nennen wir Abitur oder

auch einfach Abi. Bis in die 11. Klasse haben alle Klassen die

gleichen Fächer. Erst in der 11. kann man sich die Fächer für das

Abitur aussuchen. Der Schultag endet an unterschiedlichen Zeit-

en. Wir tragen keine Schuluniform in Deutschland, sondern un-

sere eigene Kleidung. Es sieht also jeder anders aus. Jeden Tag

fahre ich mit den Fahrrad 4 km zur Schule und 4 km zurück nach

Hause, auch wenn es regnet oder schneit. Das ist in Deutschland

aber ganz normal. Trotzdem liebe ich Irland. Es ist ein

wunderschönes Land mit netten Menschen. Auch meine Familie

hier und die Schüler haben mich mit offenen Armen empfangen

und ich habe sie schon sehr ins Herz geschlossen.

Exchange student compares schools

Page 11 Crescent Express

Crescent College's Book of the Month

September's book of the month is "City of Bones", by Casandra Clare.

Last month the much anticipated movie "The Mortal Instrument", Staring Lily Collin's as Clarissa Fray, was released into

cinemas. The movie is based on the hit novel, "City of Bones", by Cassandra Clare. This is the first book in the world re-

nowned Mortal Instruments Series, which is praised by famous authors from all around the world.

The "City of Bones" novel follows the story of Clarissa Fray, who is a normal teenaged girl from Brooklyn, New York. Or so

she thinks. All her life she has been led to believe that she is an ordinary human girl, destined to live an average life in an

average apartment in New York City. But this is not the case. Clary is a member of a superhuman race, a race which she

never even knew existed. A race charged with protecting humans from "downworlders", such as vampires and werewolves.

A race of shadowhunters. When Clary's Mother disappears from their apartment one evening, Clary is thrust into a world of

her worst nightmares. She is not alone, however. She quickly discovers a group of shadowhunters based in New York. They

join in her quest to find her mother, and they set forth on a trail of adventures, which lead her to believe that she is more

like them than she ever could have imagined.

This is a fantastically written book, full of action and suspense. I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to both girls and

boys of 14 to 18 years. Books in this series include: City of Bones, City of ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angles, and City

of Lost Souls.

By Ellen O’Hora

Our return to school or work and the sudden drop in temperature

seem to be the only two elements making the fact summer has

ended believable. However, summer doesn’t just say goodbye with

a gust of wind. Nor does it say it with the flicker of sunlight that

shines in our windows as we busily work away. Summer bids us

goodbye with a cheeky wink and a smile that says, “You’re in for a

treat”. This ‘treat’ I speak of is not the promise of icy mornings

and shorter days; this is the promise of a fresh batch of autumn/winter trends. Whilst we were happily enjoying the bak-

ing hot sunlight, designers from all over the globe were busy putting the finishing touches to their A/W ’13 collections. I

can now, without a single doubt, say that their hard work has paid off. So whether it’s new ideas that followed on from

previous seasons collections that just screamed grunge, or dusty pastels to make the transition from summer to autumn

that little bit easier; it’s all a much needed breath of fresh air and is worthy of great praise.

By Pippa McDonogh

Page 12 Crescent Express

De Chardin Class TY

Glenn Coady

David Condon

Orfhlaith Cowhey

Evelyn Curtin

Neil Daly

Heather Fitzgerald

Thomas Fraser

Anthony Geoghegan

Ernan Hession

Calvin Hickey

Eva Khalife

Dylan McCoy

Ross Mc Crann

Pippa Mc Donogh

Kate Mc Manus

Evan Mc Namara

Mike Mullins

Cormac O Byrne

Ellen O Hora

Cian O Sullivan

Aisling Roche

Anthony Shaw

Dayna Slattery

If you have an article you would like featured in Crescent Ex-

press, please email it to crescenttynewspaper@gmail.com

Crescent Equestrian Club

If you have an interest in joining our club and for information on upcoming events contact Kayleigh Barry.