Picture a Hazelwood College 1A class with their Year Head, Ms Betty Cotter (far left), their class teacher Mr Tom Halpin (third from left standing) and Mr Brendan Burke, Principal (far right) in their first week at Hazelwood College.
Picture b Hazelwood College 1B class with their Year Head, Ms Betty Cotter (far left), their class teacher Mr Matt Finn (second from right) and Mr Brendan Burke, Principal, taking in the sun shine during their first days at Hazelwood College.
Picture c Hazelwood College 1C class with their Class Teacher, Ms Noreen Daly (far left), their Year Head, Ms Betty Cotter (second from left) and their Principal Mr Brendan Burke (far right)
Picture d Hazelwood College 1D class with their Year Head, Ms Betty Cotter (far left), with their class teacher Ms Sinead Walsh (second from right) and Mr Brendan Burke, Principal of Hazelwood College, (far right).
Author: Hazelwood College
100MB Broadband Launched
100MB Broadband Launched
Over the past four weeks the infrastructure was put in place by the Department of Education’s contractors to supply Hazelwood College with 100MB Broadband Access. This project is the result of cooperation between the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority, HEAnet and the Professional Development Services for Teachers
Hazelwood College has now switched over to a new superfast uncontended connection. This completed what has been a considerable technical challenge due to our rural location involving co-ordination between Viatel, Agile Networks, RTE, the University of Limerick and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
To supply Hazelwood College with this level of broadband has involved utilising the RTE Mast on Knockfierna to make a direct connection to the University of Limerick where we join the National HEAnet Fibre Network.
This upgrade lays the foundations for the challenges of 21st century teaching and learning. With upgrading to 100MB broadband and by having over 150 computers in the college supported by a state-of-the-art fibre based network and WiFi system, teachers and students will be in a position to utilize this technological infrastructure to implement our eLearning, cloud computing and ICT programmes to their maximum potential.
Over the past number of years local provider BBnet Broadband had been supplying us with broadband services which were considerably better than those previously available to us through the older Schools Broadband Network, Hazelwood College would like to thank them for all their help and support over the years.
Past Student Releases Album
Past Student Darren Roche who is a member of the Trad/Folk group Moxie this week release their first album. The album was launched at the Fleadh in Sligo where three of the fix piece hail from. Currently the band is touring America before returning to some Irish dates in October.
Darren recently spoke to Tradconnect.com about the new album:
Moxie have arrived. Their debut album called Planted has will be released on 25th August. To accompany the release they have today posted an official video of the opening track, also called Planted. As an official music video it sets new standards, especially within traditional music. We spoke to Darren Roche earlier in the week about the pressure that must have existed in delivering this much anticipated album. “Before we even got to the studio we were under a lot of pressure” he said. “We were focusing on getting all of our material completed for the recording! It was hectic!”
“We were excited to get recording but also wondering what the album would sound like. We didn’t really know what we were in for. Thankfully we had our heads screwed on and the recording went pretty well. When we had some time free in the studio, we also composed some additional material, and added it to the tracks with some of the music evolving in that way. We only had 5 days to record and we thankfully got it all done!”
There has been a lot of hype around Moxie and whether they can live up to it will be determined by the reaction to the album. While it has a “traditional backbone” as they describe it, it is also infused with elements of jazz, rock and many other world music elements. New compositions dominate with tracks evolving from the many influences that the band members have been exposed to down through the years.
“Well we just go for whatever we feel will work” Darren says. “We all listen to the same sort of music but we also have different influences at the same time. Some days we create from scratch and other days we work on a composition that one of the band may have written. It could be a real old traditional Irish tune or a French tune – anything in fact was open to consideration!”
Describing their music for them is a challenge. “Fresh and connected to nature and emotions? Not really sure” he says. “We’ll just have to wait and see what people think of it.”
On its evolution both within the studio and outside Darren says that “we spent 5 months straight together! We spent almost everyday with at least one member of the group so we always had some sort of music coming out of our heads! It depends who is on what instrument? Who is accompanying or who is playing melody? We would attempt to come up with a structure. Then, we would separate. Some would go upstairs working on the melodies and others would stay downstairs working on bass lines/rhythms. We felt that was the best way to work. It also helped to speed up the process. Different parts of sets were composed in different areas too, be it at Darren’s house down in west Limerick, in Sligo and even in Cillian’s house upstairs from the Temple Bar Pub in Dublin – that was where we would practice most days!”
The album will be launched at the Sligo Fleadh this week and then the band are touring America for a month. More album launches will follow in Ireland in September/October. The band are also signed to LYTE records and hope to spread their appeal to a wider audience.
More information about the group can be found on their website MoxieMuso.com
Physical CD copies of the album can be purchased through the bands online shop here
The album can also be downloaded through iTunes and Google Play Store
Maybe we should acknowledge the hardwork of the backroom team too:
CALENDAR 2014 – 2015
CALENDAR 2014 – 2015
August
Tuesday 26th August 1st years start (9am – 1pm)
Wednesday 27th August 3rd yr, 6th and LCA 2 Return
Thursday 28th August All students return except LCA 1
Friday 29th August LCA 1 Return
Friday 29th August Viewing of Leaving Certificate Scripts
September
Monday 8th September Staff meeting (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Wednesday 10th September Junior Certificate Results
Thursday 18th September HSE Vaccination for all first years
October
Wednesday 15th October Staff Meeting (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Wednesday 22nd October Parent / Teacher meeting 6th years & LCA 2 (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Friday 24th October Midterm break at 3:40
November
Monday 3rd November School reopens
Thursday 6th November Parent / Teacher meeting 5th years and LCA 1 (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Tuesday 18th November Parent / Teacher meeting for 3rd years (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
December
Tuesday 2rd December Parent / Teacher meeting 2nd years (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Friday 5th December DATS tests for 3rd years
Tuesday 16th December Start of Christmas house examinations
Friday 19th December Christmas holidays at 3:40
January
Monday 5th January School reopens
Wednesday 14th January Parent / Teacher meeting for 1st years & TY(No Homework Club or Evening Study)
February
Tuesday 3rdFebrurary Start of Pre-Examinations for Leaving Certifcate
Monday 9th February Start of Pre-Examinations for LCA 2
Friday 13th February Midterm break at 3:40
Monday 23rd February Return after midterm
Wednesday 25th February Staff meeting (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
March
Tuesday 17th March Bank Holiday
Thursday 19th March Parent / Teacher meeting for 6th years and LCA 2 (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Friday 27th March Easter Holidays at 3:40
April
Monday 13th April Return after Easter
Tuesday 21th April Staff Meeting (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
May
Monday 4th May Bank Holiday
Wednesday 13th May Meeting of parents of incoming 1st years
Monday 25th May Subject Planning (No Homework Club or Evening Study)
Tuesday 26th May Start of summer house exams
Friday 29th May Summer Holidays at 3:40
June
Monday 1st June Bank Holiday
Wednesday 3rd June Start of State Examinations
The management reserve the right to alter the calendar at any time. Please check this website for updates to the calendar.
Black Valley Adventure’s
Black Valley Adventure’s
As reward for all their hard work over the year and to help some students attain their Gaisce Award, Transition Years recently went on a two day hike to and from the Black Valley in Co. Kerry.
We set out from Muckross House in Killarney in some glorious sunshine in the direction of Ladies View. A tough climb up the side of Torc Waterfall took us to the old Kenmare Road between Torc and Mangerton Mountains which we followed to Ladies View where we stopped for ice-cream after our picnic in the mountains.
Once fed we dropped down to valley floor to hike into the Black Valley.
Despite some valiant efforts to stay dry crossing some bogs all was lost when the some brave souls had to go test the tempatures in the local river.
That evening in the hostel students cooked Spaghetti Bolognese for 24 under the watchful eyes of Ms Sugrue and Mr Fealy.
Next morning after a feed of more bolognese (long story) we headed for the Gap of Dunloe unfortunately in the rain and to the finishing line of Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
All in all over the two days we walked over 30kms taking in all the sights along the map board fitted to Pat Falvey the famous mountaineer’s shop at our finishing point.
Camino Walk
Picture a: A group of Hazelwood College staff and students recently travelled to Spain and completed a section of the world famous Camino Walk, following in the footsteps of pilgrims throughout the centuries in an event which succeeds in testing and reinforcing the spiritual and physical of those who participate. Pictured are back row (left to right) Ms Mary O’Doherty, Laoise Bennis, Ms Mary Hickey, Megan Roberts, Ellie Stone, Sean Brosnan, Ryan O’Gorman, Owen Cunningham, Lea Docktor, Albert Fenton, Matthew Daly, Ms Catherine McCall, and Mr Denis McCarthy. Front Row (left to right) Ms Marie O’Connor, Maria Cremin, Claire Sweeney, Tara Fitzgibbon, Kevin Stokes, Megan Fitzgibbon, Sarah Shanahan, Paul McMahon, Ali Purcell, Simon Donegan and Liam O’Connor.
Picture b: Pictured outside one of their hostels are the Hazelwood College students who participated on the Camino walk, with staff, recently. Pictured are front row (left to right) Maria Cremin, Ellie Stone, Laoise Bennis, Ryan O’Gorman, Claire Sweeney and Albert Fenton. Second Row (left to right) Megan Roberts, Ellen Condon, Ali Purcell and Lea Docktor. Third Row (left to right) Tara Fitzgibbon, Kevin Stokes, Simon Donegan and Liam O’Connor. Back Row (left to right) Sean Brosnan, Sarah Shanahan, Paul McMahon, Megan Fitzgibbon and Matthew Daly.
Hazelwood Edge it in a Magnificent Final in Monagea
Hazelwood Edge it in a Magnificent Final in Monagea
Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher 3-11
Colaiste Íde & Iosaef, Abbeyfeale 4-6
Played in very good conditions recently on the beautiful surface of Monagea GAA field, Hazelwood College, having beaten Laurel Hill in the semi-final, came up against hot favourites – Abbeyfeale in this year’s County Limerick Post Primary Schools Senior Girls’ Football Final. Abbeyfeale started well and had a goal and a point on the scoreboard before Hazelwood had time to settle. Ten minutes into the game, Marie Danaher had the ball in the Abbeyfeale net and followed up with a great point from 30 metres out. Abbeyfeale then put on the pressure, missing out on a few vital scores, but still managed to double their advantage 20 minutes into the half.
They then scored 3 points from ‘frees’ but Hazelwood fought back bravely and a goal from Donna Mulcahy and a point from Sarah Shanahan left the score 2-2 to 2-5 at half-time.
In the second half, the Hazelwood girls, who are now marking tightly, started to get the upper-hand on their opponents. Hazelwood put up a score of 1-3 in the space of 10 minutes spree to leave the match on a tight edge! Abbeyfeale replied with another goal and a point but Donna Mulcahy pointed to leave the sides level with 7 minutes remaining. Hazelwood responded with two further points, one from Donna Mulcahy and the other from Marie Danaher but Abbeyfeale kept putting the pressure on the Hazelwood goal and were awarded a penalty which was duly slotted into the net – leaving the game on a knife edge. Abbeyfeale popped over another point to leave the sides level with 2 minutes to go. Hazelwood relentlessly piled on the pressure when two late points from Marie Danaher and captain Aisling McCarthy sealed the victory for the Dromcollogher Girls.
This was the best display from Hazelwood College all year and all the girls played their part in this fantastic success. It was a great occasion for the ‘Three McCarthy Sisters’ and our mascot ‘Murish’ little brother of the three sisters.
The final score Hazelwood College 3-11 Abbeyfeale 4-6.
The Hazelwood team was:
M McCarthy, S Boyce, C McCarthy, C O’Brien, N O’Sullivan, R Lane, M Fitzgibbon, D Mulcahy, S Shanahan, A Cunningham, T Fitzgibbon, A McCarthy (Captain), S Kirwan, M Danaher, E R Mulcahy. Subs: L Dokter (a visiting student from Germany), R Cunningham, C Sweeney, E O’Sullivan, C O’Callaghan.
Limerick VEC Colleges U16 1/2 – County final
Limerick VEC Colleges U16 1/2 – County final
The Hazelwood boys travelled the distance to Claughán to face the awaiting Newport team in the Limerick VEC Colleges U161/2 County final, on Friday the 9th of May last.
As the match began it was clear both teams had similar intensions and it was going to be a tough battle. With Newport scoring the opening point Hazelwood knew they would have to fight right to the bitter end.
The wind blew in Newport’s favour during the first 30 minutes, and the Hazelwood side had to keep up a strong defence to ensure they stayed in the game, Jack O’ Sullivan putting over Hazelwood’s first point from a free which was followed by another point from Padraig Ahern due to a tremendous effort and strong performances from Hazelwood’s Cian Manger Flynn and Dean Collins who supplied ball continuously in around the square. Newport fought back however, and matched every score with one of their own, keeping a slight lead on the scoreboard ending the half Hazelwood 0-6, to Newport 1-8.
The second half of the game got off to a flying start, Hazelwood’s captain Seamus Flanagan firing balls down the length of the field, setting-up and scoring numerous points from the half way line. This display of courage and determination continued from the whole team throughout the game making Newport’s attempts to stay on top impossible. Although they never gave up and made sure Hazelwood had to fight to win position for every ball. Conditions on the day were not ideal with a strong wind blowing across the field making simple play difficult, this did not affect either of the two teams who performed with an outstanding show of sportsmanship, style and teamwork. As the referee Paddy Carroll blew the final whistle, an ecstatic Hazelwood let out a sigh of relief. The final score: Hazelwood 1-21, Newport 1-14.
This victory was well deserved and could not have been achieved if not for the Hazelwood trainers Mr Ronan Farrell and Mr Matt Finn who have worked tirelessly over the past year to mould the team into the best they could be. This win was a fantastic achievement to finish of the year and the team have brought tremendous pride to the trainers, parents, themselves and the school. We would like to congratulate all involved and wish them luck in future games.
Pictured are Back Row Left to Right: Mr Ronan Farrell, Stephen Coughlan, Nigel O’ Callaghan, Edward Hourigan, Anthony Barrett, Colin O’ Brien, Gearoid Matthews, Jack Sheahan, Shane Butler, Cathal Finn, William Enright, Alex Culhane, Brian Buckley, Luke Ryan, Dean Collins, Damien Burke, Glen McNamara, Keith Shine, Donal Molyneaux, Mr Matt Finn. Front Row Left to Right: Brian Murphy, James McDermott, Tim Larkin, Dan Noonan, Denis Donegan, Padraig Ahern, Seamus Flanagan(Captain), Cian Manger Flynn, Ryan O Gorman, Jack O’ Sullivan, Dylan Hayes Daly, Morris Fitzgibbon, Sean Shine.
Transition Year Graduation Night
Transition Year Graduation Night
Picture 1: Hazelwood College Transition Year students who were recipients of Awards on the Hazelwood College Transition Year Graduation Night. Pictured are back row, left to right, Ms Cliodhna Ryan, Transition Year Co-ordinator, Ellen Condon (Budding Biologist), Simon Donegan (Transition Year Ethos Award), Ellie Stone (Leadership Award), Lea Doktor (Contribution to Transition Year Award) and Mr Brendan Burke, Hazelwood College Principal. Pictured Front Row, left to right, are Maria Cremin (Transition Year Ethos Award), Sarah Tachoua (Transition Year Student of the Year) and Laoise Bennis (Transition Year Work Ethic Award).
Picture 2: Hazelwood College Principal, Mr Brendan Burke presents Laoise Bennis with her Transition Year Work Ethic Award at Hazelwood College’s recent Transition Year Graduation Night.
Picture 3: Ellie Stone, Hazelwood College Transition Year student, receives her Leadership Award from Principal Brendan Burke at her recent graduation.
Picture 4: Hazelwood College student Simon Donegan receives his Transition Year Ethos Award from Principal Brendan Burke at the recent Transition Year Graduation Night.
Picture 5: Maria Cremin, Transition Year student at Hazelwood College receives her Transition Year Ethos Award from Principal Brendan Burke in the course of the recent Transition Year Graduation Night.
Picture 6: Hazelwood College Transition Year Student of the Year Sarah Tachoua (centre) is congratulated by Principal Brendan Burke (left) and her mother Mary (right).
Picture 7: Ellen Condon receives her Transition Year Award from her Biology teacher, Ms Kay Treacy, during the recent Hazelwood College Transition Year Graduation Night. Ellen’s award was in recognition of her success in a national competition run by University College Cork; Ellen’s project came first and secured her a week long study programme in the Biosciences in University College Cork.
Internet Security – Live
Have a look at this map developed by a Security company called Norse (http://norse-corp.com/about.html). They created this live map showing less than 1% of the attacks on their systems at anytime. Anyone whose been in my classes now how I feel about viruses etc. This shows just how much they are out there. Rememeber this is less than 1% of one company
Click the blue box headers to make them smaller and see the map, or click on the black/map area to get taken to the original site and see it properly.
Enjoy the summer, and update your antivirus :)