Author: Marie Kenny

Equestrian Team Abigail O’Neill, Emma O’Neill & Aoife Gorman.

Schools Regatta took place on the 23^rd of April. There was a record entry of over 77 schools competing from all around the country. We arrived early that morning. The water looked like glass and we were all excited for the day ahead.

There was over 15 crews, both from Laurel Hill and Laurel Hill Coláiste racing together. Each of our clubs (St. Michael’s, Shannon and Castleconnell) were very hands on in organising all our crews. Throughout the day there was a continuous flow of rowers competing for our school.

Each race we competed in earned us points for our school, depending on our positions. In the middle of the day, we all realised we were currently sitting in third place. This inspired us all to race harder as the prospect of winning was now within reach.

Our battle for first continued to the very last race, achieving first place tied with St. Coleman’s of Fermoy due to crews placing extremely well in the last few races, not to mention the ones throughout the day.

Through our hard work and determination, Laurel Hill won the hearts of the crowd. The screams were deafening for every Laurel Hill crew as they glided past the finish line. Even more so when they announced us as joint winners over the speakers. We all jumped for joy, hugging each other. This was the first time in history a Limerick school had won the annual Schools Regatta. As an all-girls school this was a great achievement and really united all the rowers within the school regardless of their club.

We would like to thank Mr. Cregan and Ms. Lenihan for coming out to support us and giving us the opportunity to race for our school. We took home the Victor Ludlum Trophy which is now displayed proudly in our school. Next year we hope to be the only name inscribed on the trophy!

 

 

Gala Fashion Show.

Our Annual Fashion Show is taking place March 2nd in the Limerick Strand Hotel.  Tickets are €15 and are available from School Reception .

 

 

 

LAUREL HILL MUSICAL 2016

5th Year Agricultural Science Class Trip to Hannon’s Farm.

The HOPE foundation was founded by Maureen Forrest. HOPE has set up and built several schools, cafes and learning centres where they have helped people to become educated and employed. To date, HOPE has helped 2.3 million slum kids and their families. Everyone who works for HOPE are volunteers and do not get paid for their work. It is a registered charity, working with street and slum children.

In fourth year a HOPE Foundation representative, Charlotte, came into the school to tell us about the HOPE Immersion programme to Kolkata, India. To gain a place on the immersion programme we had to write an essay outlining why we wanted to go and our ideas for fundraising. The next step was an interview. Charlotte chose us five Fifth Years and we got to work straight away. We are very grateful to get the opportunity to travel to Kolkata, India and we realise that this is not a holiday, but an experience of a lifetime and we are aware that it will be a huge culture shock.

Between the five of us we must raise €15,000. Over the next few weeks, we will be organising fundraisers within the school including a bake sale, a raffle, a colours day and more.

By: Hazal Kangal, Emer Kennedy, Niamh Quilty, Rachel Murphy, Meabh Sheedy

 

Build A Bank is an opportunity for six TY students to take part in a programme run through AIB to get pupils to open a bank account. About fifteen people were interviewed for this programme by Dean and Maeve from the bank. They then narrowed it down to six people, giving each person a role in the bank. The team was made up of: Niamh Hickey (Bank Manager), Alannah Browne (Assistant Manager), Lydia Ryan (Marketing Manager), Sneha Banerjee (Customer Service Manager), Sinead Ryan (Financial Controller), Sara O’Donnell (Innovator). During our first meeting we had to decide what charity we would like to raise money for during our year of Build A Bank, we picked the Jack and Jill Foundation as it provides nursing care and support for children with severe neurological development issues, as well as offering some respite to their parents and families. Our aim is to have as many students as possible to open bank accounts and to host fundraising events also for our chosen charity.  We opened our bank on the 24th November and it will remain open every Thursday throughout the year in the library from 12:30-1:15. Please join.