Presentation Castleisland hosted its end of year celebration and awards night virtually as the school term edges closer to the summer holiday period.
This year was marked by an important occasion of celebration and acknowledgement of the achievements and successes of students throughout the school year.
Principal, Katherina Broderick opened the night with a reminder of the vision of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation sisters, and her faith and belief in education.
Many Success Stories
Ms. Broderick spoke of the importance of nurturing the emotional and spiritual development of students, as well as developing their academic achievements.
This year brought many success stories for Presentation Castleisland, including a Late Late Show appearance for a student in Business Enterprise, national appearances for students in a Media Literacy forum, the rollout of Computer Science as a new Leaving Certificate subject as well as an exceptionally positive report from the Department of Education and Skills on the school’s provision of remote teaching and learning.
Student Achievement Recognition
Student achievement was recognised through a host of awards.
In memory of the late Seamus Falvey, School Principal from 2000 to 2012, the Seamus Falvey Award was presented to Lauren Butler for her commitment to school life and the unwavering positivity she brings to the classroom.
The Sister Clement Award is presented each year to the student who works consistently and diligently in her studies, and this year, it was awarded to Cerys Ryder.
Respect and Inclusivity
The CEIST Award was presented to Aoife Fleming, a student who models the school’s ethos every day and who actively promotes the school’s core values of respect and inclusivity.
The Sister Rita Art Award is presented to a senior cycle student who consistently proves themselves in Art and this year’s winner was Ciara Sheehan.
Awards were also presented to students in the areas of sport, music, business enterprise and science.
Students of the Year Awards
Winners of the Student of the Year were also announced: Áine Walsh, first year; Aoife Roche, second year; Sarah Glennon Barreto, third year; Hanna Herlihy, fourth year; Laura Walsh, fifth year and Grace Daly, sixth year.
Fiona Brosnan, Laura Walsh and Cara Fleming were presented with silver medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their junior certificate, while a Gold Medal was presented to Eibhlís Brosnan, who scored maximum points in her Leaving Certificate in 2020.
One Step Beyond for Nano Nagle
As part of the award ceremony, the school choir sang a heart-warming rendition of One Step Beyond, a song in the memory of Nano Nagle.
Kate O’Keeffe and Lisa Flynn spoke on behalf of the student council. They acknowledged the important role played by the council this year in expressing the student voice and ensuring students contributed to the major decisions made in the school.
Ms. Broderick’s Tribute
Reflecting on the successful year, Ms. Broderick paid tribute to the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the whole staff team in the school, the dedication of the board of management, the support of parents and guardians throughout the year and the positivity and creativity displayed by students.
The school looks forward to celebrating the awards night together with everyone in the school in 2022.
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