Regina Mundi College Cork

LEAVING CERT GRADUATION
Congratulations to our Leaving Certificate students who graduated last Thursday from Regina Mundi College. The afternoon began with the celebration of mass by Fr Pat O' Mahony. The girls together with Mr. Farrell chose the theme and the readings for the celebration. The celebration was enhanced by the beautiful singing and music from the 6th year music students. Ms Lucey addressed the gathering after mass, and this was followed by Ciara Bracken who delivered her Head Girl's address and Arianne Mallari, who recited a poem she penned herself entitled "Ella and Me" to remember and include Ella Dalton on the day. All students received a certificate of graduation and a token of remembrance from the school. The joyful celebration was attended by parents and family members and the staff of Regina Mundi College. Sincere thanks to the Parents Council for serving refreshments after the ceremony. We wish the girls all the best in their future endeavours. The future certainly looks very bright for our leaving cert class of 2024.

Mr. Maxwell our Deputy Principal will retire at the end of this academic year after 43 years in teaching. To acknowledge this, the school community came together for a special assembly last week to both congratulate and thank him for all of his support and kindness over the years. Mr. Maxwell was presented with a "This is your life" red book. Staff and students were given a snapshot through memories of both his life in teaching and his life at home. It was a wonderful, light-hearted occasion to mark a very significant day, bringing to a close a lifetime of teaching. We wish Mr. Maxwell all the very best in his next adventures. We will miss him dearly.

Sketch of the Year 2024
Congratulations to Abby O’Mahony, Isabel O& #39;Brien, Eimear O’Flaherty, Eve Mullins and Danielle O’Shea who won the School of Improv Sketch of the Year 2024. School of Improv run the Sketch to Film workshop in schools across Ireland. Students learn to write, produce, film and edit comedy sketches. The competition was open to all of the 2700 students who participated in the workshop in the past academic year.

On Thursday 16th May we held our annual sports day in Nemo Rangers.
There was a great atmosphere from the onset and all students were full of enthusiasm for all events. All students warmed up with their class groups on the pitch and the 6th years provided some great music and came dressed for the occasion in various shades of purple.
There was something for everyone on the day, with a variety of events organized for all students. We had our novelty events such as the egg & spoon race, sack race and 3-legged race and then our athletics events included the 100m sprint, and the high jump. This year due to the change of venue the long jump couldn’t be completed but was replaced with the welly throw which quickly became one of the highlights of the day.
There was great talent on display throughout the day with medals being awarded for each event. After lunch the students and teachers competed in the inter year 4x100 relay. There was great excitement surrounding this event with the teachers finishing first, followed very closely by the sixth years in second and fifth years in third position.
We finished the day with a very entertaining and extremely competitive teachers vs 6th years soccer and football match.
A fantastic day was had by all. Thank you to all teachers for their help and support on the day and to all students for their cooperation and full participation.

The second phase of the French exchange took place from 15th – 22nd May, with our students hosting the girls they stayed with last year in France. They enjoyed a fabulous week, immersing the visitors in the Irish culture and including them in our school community. Activities included an Irish dancing and music demonstration, sports day, and visits to UCC, Cobh, Rosscarberry and Cork City. Merci à tous!

Congratulations to Clodagh Henry, Slaney O'Brien and Molly O'Sullivan who won the judges prize in the Transition Year to 6th Year Category of the ICS Scratch Coding Competion. The girls travelled to the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick to showcase their work and compete against other finalists from all over Ireland. Well done girls!

FIRST YEAR SEWING PROJECTS
Our first year Home Economics girls are very proud of the embroidered covers they made for their wriggle devices!

Ice Cream Day for 6th Years
Our 6th year students enjoyed ice cream cones at morning break to mark the end of their 6 years at Regina Mundi College. The car park was a hub of activity as the girls eagerly awaited their ice cream. It was a much welcomed break for the girls in advance of their Leaving Certificate in June. We wish them all the very best in their upcoming exams and in the next chapter of their lives. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leo.

WATER FLAG!
Congratulations to our Green Schools team who were awarded with the Green Schools Water flag on Wednesday at a ceremony in Little Island. The girls have worked very hard to achieve this, and we are very proud of them. Thank you to Rosie Morley, Ava Murphy, Anastasia and Natalie Prybytko for all of the effort they have put in over the past 2 years.

GREAT REGINA MUNDI BAKE-OFF ROUND TWO
Round 2 of the Great Regina Mundi Bake-off took place yesterday, and once again the entrants displayed an extremely high level of skill and creativity. We had 10 entrants, all from 4th, 5th and 6th classes at the local primary schools. The brief required them to bake and decorate a celebration cake with the theme "candlyand", and so there was plenty of colour and sugar in the kitchen! The winner of this round was Sophie McGarry from Scoil Bhríde Eglantine. The overal winner, (based on the performances across the two weeks), was a dual-entry - Jenny Davis and Eve Jones both from Gaelscoil na Duglaise. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and thanks to: https://www.facebook.com/personaliseme.ie/ for the beautiful aprons, https://www.facebook.com/gingerbreadhousecork for donating a prize, the TY Home Economics students for all of their hard work, and to the judges - Ms Sandra Lane and Ms Melissa Murphy.

FRENCH EXCHANGE CONTINUES
Yesterday our French visitors joined in with the Regina Mundi Sports day and participated enthusiastically in all events. Well done girls!

WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS FROM FRANCE!
The TY girls involved in the French exchange gave their French partners and their teachers a warm Irish welcome today. The day started with a greeting from Ms Lucey, followed by an Irish breakfast. The Gaelic football and Camogie demonstrations followed, which the French students picked up quickly. They were then treated to a wonderful selection of Irish song, music and dance, finishing with a very well danced Siege of Ennis by the Irish and French. All credit to our enthusiastic, generous and capable Transition Year students who put on a wonderful extravaganza for our guests.

TY SCIFEST COMPETITION
On Monday the TY’s took part in a Scifest Science competition where they displayed the projects they have worked so hard on over the last couple of months. The day started at first class when all TY’s pulled together to make the room look like a mini BT Young Scientist exhibition. All groups had their own posters to present along with PowerPoints and well organised presentations. For the first 3 classes they were judged by 3 volunteers, including Eimear Lehane (Johnson and Johnson), Roisin Ormond (MTU) and Sean Foley (Scifest representative). The girls were commended on their ability to share and present material relating to their project so confidently.
1st years also Visited the exhibition where they did their own mini judgment on who they thought had the best overall project.
In the end, after what they said was a very hard judgment process, they finally decided on their winners. Mr. Maxwell kindly presented the prizes.
1st
Lucy O’ Mahony and Emma Glennon
Project: Brutal Batteries

2nd
*Katie Toomey and Grace Thomson
Project: Group conformity, are you a sheep!
*Eve Mullins and Molly O’ Sullivan
Project: A statistical investigation I how positive, negative and neutral verbal reinforcement impacts teenage girls performance in physical activity

3rd (Energy Award)
Anastasia Prybytao
Project: The Power of Solar Panels

GREEN SCHOOLS VIDEO SUCCESS
Congratulations to Rachel McGee (3T), Rhian Lloyd-Evans (3Z) and Rebecca Allen (3T) who earned second place in the Green Schools video competition for secondary schools across Ireland. The girls produced an excellent video on the theme "WATER FOR PEACE", and travelled to Dublin today for the prestgious awards ceremony. Well done girls, we are proud of you!

Congratulations to our Minor Soccer Team who were victorious in the Cork Cup Final against St. Mary’s High School Midleton on Monday 13 May. The final result was 2-0 to RMC with Fiona O’ Connell scoring both goals.
It was an extremely intense game and St. Mary’s proved why they won this competition last year - they were extremely tough, talented competitors. However, our team were clearly the dominant side and the modest score line doesn’t truly reflect the quantity and quality of chances our team had throughout the game.
Shortly before half time, some excellent pressing by Faye Hanratty led to a shot on goal which was saved, only to be turned in by Fiona O’ Connell. With five minutes remaining in the game, Alex Carroll made a burst through the defence which opened up an opportunity for Fiona O’ Connell to secure her brace.
From back to front, the girls put in outstanding individual performances. The distance covered by the team was highly impressive and each individual showed their determination and bravery in every tackle. The defensive display was immense and this gave the opposition few opportunities to change the score line. Their work ethic and skill throughout the game was highly commended and admired by all those in attendance.
The team also had the ferocious support of all of the 1st and 2nd years cheering them on brilliantly. This gave the team the extra energy to keep running until the last whistle.
Thank you to all of the supporters, teachers, parents and students, that made the effort to see the team in action, and to Mr O'Flynn for his expert guidance throughout the season.

Cuairt ó Ógie Ó Céilleachair
Bhí aoi-chainteoir ag lucht na tríú bliana inné. Bhuail Ógie Ó Céilleachair isteach leo chun labhairt leo faoina shaothair Cúpla, An Cluiche Mór agus Katfish. Tá na saothair seo ar an gcúrsa litríochta don Sraith Shóisearach faoi láthair. Is mór an onóir dos na daltaí bualadh leis an údar cáiliúil seo agus a smaointe, a thuairimí agus a léargas a roinnt leo maidir leis na téacsanna a scríobh sé agus eolas faoin scrúdú litríochta a nochtadh dóibh ag an bpointe tábhachtach seo roimh na scrúduithe i mí an Mheithimh.

Paris Tour
This morning we headed into Paris where the girls enjoyed an informative guided tour taking in many famous and historical landmarks of the city including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musee D’Orsay and the Grand and Petit Palais. Paris is in the final stages of preparation for the 2024 Olympics. The work being done was explained to us, we were told how the landmarks would be incorporated into the games and what events were taking place in the various venues. We then headed to Val d’Europe for lunch and some retail therapy. Upon arrival in the hotel the group headed for the swimming pool and spent an hour on the slides and flumes. Dinner will be served shortly and then it’s heads down as we depart very early tomorrow morning for the return flight to Cork. A great trip has been had by all with wonderful magical memories made and beautiful friendships forged. Thanks to the staff who made this trip possible for the girls.

Yesterday, some of the TY Home Economics students hosted the first round of the Great Regina Mundi Bakeoff competition for students from 4th, 5th and 6th class in local primary schools. The bakers were asked to prepare and decorate 12 cupcakes that expressed the theme "summer". The standard of work was exceptional, and the judges were very impressed. The star baker from this round was Muirean Palmer from Gaelscoil na Duglaise. The overall winner will be announced after the second round taking place next week. Congratulations and thank you to all of the girls who helped make this event such a success!

FAI Schools Munster "Best of luck to the Minor Soccer Team in the Cork Cup Final on Monday the 13th of May. The team are preparing to play against a strong team from St. Mary's High School in Midleton. The girls will play on the new astroturf pitch in St. Colman's Park in Cobh. This is an exceptionally exciting opportunity for the team to bring some silverware back to the school.
Throughout the tournament, the team have achieved performance levels that has earned their right to play in the final. This band of players are talented, determined and ferocious competitors and we know that they will try to embody our motto "Each for all and all for each".
Please review the match programme for the final to hear more about our path to the final and our opponents!"

Paris Tour
We had a fantastic time yesterday in Disneyland Paris. The excitement was building as the girls approached the entrance to the park. They navigated their way through the different lands and revelled in the thrills of the rollercoasters including Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and Indiana Jones. The group were enthralled by the wonder of the light and fire show at the end of the evening.

Cork Camogie
Congratulations to Sophie Gunn 2 Theta who was selected for the U15 Cork camogie team. Cork beat Tipperary in their opening match last Saturday. Well done Sophie on a great achievement. Wishing Sophie and the U15 Cork team all the best!

Paris Tour
The First Year students arrived in Paris yesterday afternoon. Their tour began with a beautiful boat trip on the River Seine, passing all the iconic tourist attractions of Paris. A lovely dinner was had at Tuileries restaurant before we embarked on the journey to Explorers Hotel, Disneyland. A much needed sleep was had by all. The group are looking forward to spending the day in Disneyland.

HEAD COACH & HOCKEY COACHES FOR UPCOMING SEASON 2024!
We are hiring a Head Coach and Hockey coaches for the upcoming season - starting September 2024. Please see the attached advertisement.
If interested, please email Meabhdh Sexton at [email protected]

CHORAL FESTIVAL WINNERS!
The overall results of the various sections in the Choral Festival were released in the Irish Examiner today. Congratulations to Ms O'Neill and the Regina Mundi Chamber Choir for achieving first place and the John Cunningham trophy in the National Competition for Post Primary Schools. This is a fantastic achievement, reflecting the quality of the choir and the tremendous amount of work they have put in this year. Well done!

CHORAL FESTIVAL WINNERS!
The overall results of the various sections in the Choral Festival were released in the Irish Examiner today. Congratulations to Ms O'Neill and the Regina Mundi Chamber Choir for achieving first place and the John Cunningham trophy in the National Competition for Post Primary Schools. This is a fantastic achievement, reflecting the quality of the choir and the tremendous amount of work they have put in this year. Well done!

Second year trip to Ballyhass Coachford
Second year students enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities at Ballyhass Adventure Centre last Friday. Highlights included archery, high nets and the aqua park. Well done to everyone for taking part with such energy and enthusiasm!

TY GRADUATION 2024
The Transition Year Graduation was held on Wednesday afternoon. It began with a fantastic display of work completed by the students in their various subjects / modules throughout the year. From Coding to Chinese and from Polish to Psychology, parents got a flavour of the curricular experiences from TY. Photos from trips to Ballyhass, BT Young Scientist and Barcelona were updated on the TY noticeboard. At the Graduation ceremony some students spoke about their personal highlights of the year, such as the German Exchange, Work Experience and the HOPE Trip to India and the TY musical. The event culminated with the awarding of the certificates to the students for activities throughout the year. The afternoon captured the incredible spirit among this year's group, and was a wonderful reflection of their very busy year. We wish the girls well as they continue their jorney into 5th year.

CONVERSATIONS IN CREATIVITY
Regina Mundi College is proud to announce the opening of our small exhibition Conversations in Creativity at St. Peter’s, North Main Street, from the 8th - 11th of May. The show is a glimpse into the captivating array of artworks made from first to sixth year across various media including painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and more. By combining refined artefacts with experimental development work, this show aims to capture the process of creating and the potential of experiential learning in the classroom.
The opening reception will take place from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday with musical performances by Faye Dunwell and Heidi Rose Kelly starting at approximately 7 pm. All are welcome!
We are also proud to announce that Arissa Mallari, Arden Mallari, Sally Whyte, and Ciara Bracken will speak to Mairead Twohig at Cork's 96FM about the event. The recording will air on Sunday from 8-10 am so please tune it to that!

Choral Festival Success!
We are so proud of all 26 students in our Chamber Choir who came first place yesterday in the category of equal voice post primary. They sang 'Irish Blessing' by Philip Stopford and were accompanied by Jimmy Brockie on piano. Their 2nd piece was 'Si do mhaimeoi' by Michael Mc Glynn, accompanied by Ray Carroll on bodhran. The girls gave an exceptional performance to which they were awarded 93.25%. This is a testament to all the hard work they have put in throughout the year. Huge well done girls and to Ms O'Neill!