South Africa Trip Report

Form V pupil Safia Walker reports on the recent school trip to South Africa.

During the February half-term, fifteen of us embarked on a long but highly anticipated journey to South Africa, where we had the incredible opportunity to stay in Tiger Kloof School. Tiger Kloof is a historic boarding and day school located in Vryburg, in the Northwest province of South Africa. The school holds deep historical significance, having endured the effects of the Apartheid, making it a powerful place for learning and reflection.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the students and staff and we  enjoyed a wonderful dinner together, setting the tone for the week ahead. From the very start, we felt a strong sense of community and were eager to immerse ourselves in the cultural and social experiences that awaited us. Throughout our stay, we had many memorable interactions with the students, who were eager to share their culture and traditions with us. One of the most memorable moments was learning and performing traditional South African gumboot dancing and marimba playing. Though our dancing skills were far from refined and our marimba playing was slightly offbeat, the experience was filled with laughter and joy. The sound of our enthusiastic yet imperfect performance echoed through the stunning church, creating an unforgettable moment of cultural exchange.

In addition to participating in cultural activities, we attended classes with the students, which provided us with valuable insight into their education system. While we noticed many similarities in subjects and teaching methods, there were also stark differences in student life and daily routines. This experience allowed us to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities faced by students at Tiger Kloof, deepening our understanding of life in South Africa.

We didn’t just interact with the students. In the nearby township we visited a centre for disabled individuals. We read books, danced and also did some colouring with them. Afterwards we headed to the soup kitchen which was set up by the Warden and where the Tiger Kloof students volunteer twice a week.  While we were there we aided in cooking food, we cried a lot while cutting onions and we played football with the local children.  This was a very moving and rewarding experience to help those who are not as fortunate as us yet still were full of joy.

As our week was coming to an end, we drove to Pilanesberg National Park to do a safari tour. We were lucky enough to see rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes and lions, as well as countless butterflies.  Looking back, our time in South Africa was an extraordinary journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and meaningful connections. We left with a newfound appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of the people we met, as well as unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.

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Double Disappointment for the Senior Girls Hockey Squad.

Our Senior Girls’ hockey team played their second final in a week today. The Trophy Final match was again in the Three Rock Rovers hockey club and against the same opposition, Newpark Comprehensive School.

Last Monday’s encounter was a closely fought game that ended in a disappointing loss in the one-on-one eliminators. Our team knew they had let the previous week’s game slip away from them and were determined to reverse the result.

From the start it was clear that Newpark had decided to pack their midfield to deny us the space needed to implement our passing game, as well as forcing us left to minimise us using the right hand side as an attacking avenue. This all meant that there were far fewer scoring chances created.

Newpark’s first short corner yielded their first and the decisive goal. It was to be their only direct shot on target in the match. With five minutes to go the St.Columba’s coaching staff took off our goalkeeper AJ Ediale to try and force the desperately needed equaliser with an extra outfield player. The brave but risky tactic did yield some circle entries and half chances but  some last ditch effective Newpark defending meant the final whistle blew and Newpark had won an elusive double League and Trophy title.

In spite of our double disappointment our entire squad and coaching team deserve enormous credit for an excellent season.

(N.Bradley-Brady, O.Cowan, AJ.Ediale, A.Genetzke, T.Larke, F.Lodewijk, M.Mann, A.McCoole, C.Mellenthin, H.Murray (Capt), C.Penwill, R.Pollock, S.Pollock, P.Pringle, S.Walker, P.Wiesner, )

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Senior Girls Hockey League Final Report

The Senior Girls’ Hockey Team reached their League and Trophy finals this season; an achievement that last happened in 2016.

The League final was played on Monday, 3rd of March in the Three Rock Rovers hockey club. The team was buoyed by defeating their opponents, Newpark Comprehensive School, 4-0 in a previous league encounter.  The coaching staff made it clear that there should be no complacency as finals have a knack of upturning form.

The warm, clear, sunny day combined with two supportive and positive sets of supporters set the scene.

From the start, the St. Columba’s side strung flurries of coordinated passing movements together but could not make the circle entries and score the goal their possession warranted. In saying that, Newpark defended their circle tenaciously and a couple of speedy forwards posed a constant counterattacking threat.

This pattern continued throughout the second half when short-range opportunities on the left-hand post were not seized. In the final minute, Newpark won a corner, which our goalkeeper AJ Ediale calmly dealt with.

The 0-0 draw took the game into five one-on-one shootouts. AJ Ediale saved Newpark’s first three attempts, closing down their attackers quickly and agilely, staying on her feet. St.Columba’s first attempt was efficiently scored by Polly Pringle, but that encouraging start faltered. We did not score another, while Newpark scored their final two, meaning they took the league title.

The final result was disappointing as we knew we had let the game get away from us. However, the match was played in an excellent spirit and both team Captains congratulated each other’s sides for that in their acceptance speeches. We can be sure that Holly Murray and her team will do their utmost to reverse this result in next Monday’s Trophy final; it may well be against the same opposition. (Playing their semi-final tomorrow).

(N.Bradley-Brady, O.Cowan, AJ.Ediale, A.Genetzke, T.Larke, F.Lodewijk, M.Mann, A.McCoole, C.Mellenthin, H.Murray (Capt), C.Penwill, R.Pollock, S.Pollock, P.Pringle, S.Walker, P.Wiesner, )

Senior Girls Hockey Final, March 3rd 2025
Senior Girls Hockey Final, March 3rd 2025
87 photos
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Success for Maths Team

The St Columba’s College maths team, comprising Allegra Caccia, Herbert Feng, Gu Zihan and Grace Koch, won the Regional Round of the IMTA Team Maths competition held at Alexandra College earlier today, defeating 30 other teams from schools in Dublin. They answered 16 correct answers out of 20, 2 ahead of nearest challengers, a team from Belvedere College.
It is all the more impressive as our team was made up entirely of Form V pupils, while the competition is open to Leaving Certificate pupils in both Forms V & VI. They will go on now to the National Finals held later in the Spring.
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Bullying Awareness Month Poster Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Bullying Awareness Month Poster Competition. Thank you to all who participated and helped promote this important message.

Junior Category

1st Place – Suvi Cully & Dolly Rogers (main photo above)

2nd Place – Marianna O’Shaughnessy

3rd Place – Alex O’Herlihy

Senior Category

1st Place – Keelin Bradley Brady

2nd Place – Kae Ren Ng Loh

3rd Place – Tony Hopkins

 

Congratulations to all who took part in the competition and in particular to the winners above.

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Junior Art Prizes 2025 – ‘Roots’

‘Roots’ was the theme of the Junior Art Prizes 2025. Pupils’ interpretations varied from roots which nourish plantlife and the human body to the roots of our heritage. From Form I- III there was a wide variety of media used among the entries. 

Marianna O’Shaughnessy’s delicate use of water colour and excellent illustrative skills (main image above) awarded her the Junior Art Prize. Rachel (Yuqiao) Jiang and Doreen Rogers followed closely with each being awarded commendations for their entries in watercolour painting and drawing. 

The Junior Craft Prize was won by Ciara Roets for a giraffe sculpted from wire and beads, an artform familiar to her through her South African roots. Georgia Dobbs received a commendation for her skillfully cut and printed linocut.

Merida Zhang won the Junior Photography Prize for her beautifully composed images highlighting texture, shape and pattern. 

Distinctions were awarded to Faye Hodgson, Alex O’ Herlihy and Zora O’Rourke for Art, Rachel (Yuqiao) Jiang,  Poppy Wilkinson for Craft and Jenny Fan for Photography.

Art Prizes 2025
Art Prizes 2025
10 photos

 

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Digital Art Display

After the Carol Service, the following digital display of artwork from the Junior Cycle & Leaving Certificate art pupils (2024) was presented. Many thanks to Ms Cullen and Ms Murphy for collated the pupils’ work.

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College Musical 2024 – Beauty & the Beast

This year’s College Musical is Beauty & the Beast and it will be performed on Friday November 15th and Saturday November 16th in the BSR. All are welcome. Alice McCarthy and Jack Francis McKeon play the title characters but they are supported by a large enthusiastic and talented cast. The musical is directed by Ms Caroline Duggan and Mr Ronan Swift and is sure to be a spectacle. All are welcome to attend.

An arrogant young prince and his castle’s servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. The spirited, headstrong village girl Belle enters the Beast’s castle after he imprisons her father Maurice. With the help of his enchanted servants, including the matronly Mrs. Potts, Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation.

CAST

 

Lexi Hunter:   Narrator

Sarah Bruder: Lumiere

Bibi Oke-Osanyintolu : Babette

Philomena Schneider: Mrs Potts

Dairbhre Murray : Enchantress

Alice McCarthy:Belle

Rebecca Flanagan: Cogsworth

Tony Hopkins: Maurice

Jack-Francis McKeon: Beast

Ferdia Murray: Gaston

Daniel O’Dwyer: Monsieur D’Arque

Matilde Matera: Wardrobe

Jason Otolorin: Le Fou

Max Heidenfeld: Chip

Rachel Jiang: Talking Piano

Divyaansh Bhardwaj: Baker/ Villager

Daniel Brady: Librarian/Villager

Grace Koch : Silly Girl

Delia Brady: Silly Girl

Nia Jessup: Silly Girl

Daniella Casasus Benitez: Silly Girl

 

Villagers

Hannah Fitzgerald

Kayra Mbanefo

Vega Aznar Puertas

Sidonie Wied

Giuila Soddu

Rut Leonora Reygadas Lopez

Constanze Spiering

Isobel McKinley

Violeta Mykhalova

Ludovica Bacchetta

Zlata Lazarieva

Maureen Deng

Maria Mut Gonzalez-Arnao

Charlie Dijkstra

Juno Pelly

Honor Bills-Everett

Johann Diemert

Felix Ballestrem

Eric Wang

Kae Ren Ng Loh

 

The Band:

Drums:                                 David Hardy

Bass:                                      Neville Lloyd

Keyboard 1:                        Audrey Myatt

Keyboard 2:                        David O Connor

Technical:

Sound:                                  Keith Starrs

Projections Operation:              Martin Branagan

Lighting:                             Julian Girdham

Stage Assistant:                          Claire Higgins

Backstage Manager:                  Eloise Drouillard

Choreography Assistant:         Lilei Spies v Bullesheim

Hair and Makeup:                         Alannah Starbuck, Melisa Friesenbrudere, Laragh Cunningham Ash, Carolyn Curry

Hair and Makeup Consultant:         Liberty Jacquier-Kende

Costumes Tzar:                          Karen Hennessey

Costume Alterations and Stage Dressing: Elaine Healy

Props Manufacture:                       Emma Patterson, Finn Woolsey, Cerys Mordaunt, Constance Chambré

Rehearsals Assistants:               Megan Carey, Cormac Brady, Julie Robinson

Musical Director:              Caroline Duggan

Director:                              Ronan Swift

Produced by:                      Caroline Duggan and Ronan Swift

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Biography of William Butterfield

A couple of weeks ago there was the publication of the first-ever biography of the architect of our Chapel, William Butterfield (1814-1900), and has just been published in a splendid production by Lund Humphries of London. Its author, Dr Nicholas Olsberg, visited the Chapel some years ago, and writes in the book that it is

marvellously sited in a manner as firmly evocative of a new sobriety of ornament and warming space: ancient and modern, structure within and structure without.

The book’s photographer, James Morris, also came to the College in 2019. The featured photograph is looking East; all the furniture currently in the chancel was removed for this to get as close as possible to the look in 1880. See more here; several feature in the book, and read a review here.

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Transition Year Update

In a typically busy first half term, our Transition Year pupils have quickly adapted to the demands of the year. While busy in their classes, there have been lots of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom including this week, where all pupils have participated in structured work experience.

There has been art trips, cookery classes, pizza nights, driver theory lessons, e-scooter classes, House Speeches (congratulations to the winner, Violeta Mykhalova), theatre trips, visiting speaker, charity fundraising and outdoor adventures in Causey Farm.

Over 50 of our TY pupils have signed up to participate in the Gaisce programme and others are hoping to participate in the Hope Foundations Kolkata immersion trip. Several pupils are taking ‘Early University Entrance’ courses at DCU on a range of topics including biology, physics, psychology, engineering and law. Others are participating in the DLR STEM course in Dun Laoghaire.

Transition Year 2024-2025
Transition Year 2024-2025
53 photos
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Form I and II Plays 2024

Last weekend, the first drama productions of the year took place. Form I were the first to thread the boards, with their production of Karleen Hayden’s The True Tale of the Big Bad Wolf , a quirky retelling of the famous tale of the three little pigs. The seventeen strong ensemble cast brought energy and enthusiasm to the stage, bring the play’s witty script to life. For many, but not all, this was the first time to perform in SCC, with former Whitechurch NS pupils Daniel Brady,  Jamie Crombie, Ella Girdham, Alex O’Herlihy and Archie Moffett having acted here during their Primary School Pantomime. Stellar performances were delivered by all the pupils but especially from Big Brad himself, played by Harry Dunleavy, who gave an excellent portrayal of a misunderstood lupine hero. The talent shown by all the players bodes well for the future of theatre here in the College. Many thanks to Mr T Clarke for his direction.

Form II gave engaging performance of Sorry, Wrong Number by Lucille Fletcher. The 1943 noir murder-mystery was originally a radio play, requiring the young actors to bring plenty of character to the stage to carry it off – which they accomplished commendably on the night. Georgia Dobb’s apathetic phone operator, Charlie Dunleavy’s lugubrious and donut-enthused police sergeant and Zora O’Rourke’s menacing hitman all drew in the audience’s attention, among many others. At the heart of the performance was the unwitting victim: the “entitled” Mrs. Stevenson, played to excellent effect by Marianna O’Shaughnessy. She capably delivered the lion’s share of the play’s dialogue while imbuing it with entertaining snobbery and rising hysteria. It was a technical endeavour in terms of timing and delivery and all the cast impressed on the night, as well as Xin (Emily) Su who managed the sound effects – no small part for a play that was originally written for radio. Many thanks to directors Mr Stewart and Mr O’Shaughnessy.

Form I & II Plays
Form I & II Plays
36 photos
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Form VI Art Trip

Constance Chambré and Jasper Wilkinson report on the recent Form VI Art trip to Newgrange.

After leaving the College at 8:30am and driving for just over an hour we arrived at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre in Co. Meath. The centre focused on creating a sense of what it was like to live during the Neolithic Period. It was an immersive experience in which beautiful light was reflected on the floor representing the flowing water of the River Boyne; forests were projected on the walls as well as videos playing re-creations of Neolithic people gathering food or cooking.

After leaving the Visitor Centre, we got a shuttle bus up to Knowth, the biggest of all the passage tombs in Ireland. When we arrived we were greeted by the friendliest of staff who gave us a tour and explained the meaning and significance of the tomb. After the tour we explored the site where there an additional 17 smaller satellite tombs. Despite the wind, we were able to stand on the top of the tomb and look down on the hills of Meath and across to Newgrange and Dowth.

Next, we took the shuttle bus to Newgrange where we were divided into two groups. Whilst the first group went inside the tomb, our group got to admire the sheer craftsmanship that went into constructing Newgrange from the outside. As well as the incredible entrance stone that stands at the front of the passage into the tomb, we were also able to view kerbstone 52 which is covered in beautiful linear Neolithic art which is at the rear of the tomb. Once it was our turn to go into the tomb, I was surprised by the sheer size of the entrance passage and the megaliths that had to be transported a huge distance from the Wicklow mountains.

Inside the tomb, the guide demonstrated what it would be like to be in there during the Winter Solstice, when natural sunlight travels deep inside the chamber. One of my favourite parts of my visit to Newgrange was reading the graffiti that people had carved into the walls centuries ago. I think the earliest one I spotted was 1822!!!

After our enlightening visit to the pre-Christian sites, Newgrange and Knowth, we took the bus to the National Museum Dublin. The museum was full of fascinating artefacts ranging over thousands of years. Our focus was of course on the tools and artwork dating to the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. My favourite object was the three-headed Corleck from the Iron Age, dating to around the 1st or 2nd century AD. There were also a number of ‘bog bodies’ which are the remains of people who were killed as part of a sacrificial ritual during the Iron Age. We also managed to have a quick look at The Miosach, a book shrine which has very close associations with our College. After a good hour in the museum we went back to the bus and returned to the College. It was a very enjoyable tour and it was great to see first hand all of the artefacts we have been studying as part of our Visual Studies course.

Form VI Art Trip
Form VI Art Trip
22 photos
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Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2024

It’s that time of the year again – the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal aims to collect and deliver wrapped and packed shoeboxes, full of toys and essentials, for some of the poorest children in the world. To date, over 2 million such boxes have been handed directly to children all around the world and the College are delighted to have a long-standing relationship with this wonderful charity.

Last year, our Transition Year pupils (ably assisted by Mr Paul Cron) filled over 200 boxes while also volunteering at the Team Hope warehouse, packing additional boxes and loading lorries destined for Eastern Europe and beyond. We hope to top that figure this year but need your help.

Over the half term, we would greatly appreciate if you could make up a box/boxes or collect some fillers for the boxes or even empty shoeboxes and bring them back to school after the break. All completed boxes or fillers can be brought to the collection point in Gwynn or left in the staff common room.

Alternatively, you can build you can donate online (€25) and Team Hope will build a shoebox for you, full of essential school supplies, toys, clothes and hygiene products. 

Five simple steps to follow:

Get a shoebox, wrap the box and lid separately with Christmas paper (we have already wrapped 150 boxes, so if if this is too much hassle fill one of our boxes)

Decide to whom you want to give your gift (boy or girl) and what age: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Fill the box = use our 4 W’s as a guide (Wash, Write, Wear, Wow – more details below)

Close the box with an elastic band – please don’t seal with tape as the contents of each box have to be checked to comply with regulations.

Please include the €5 for transport in your leaflet envelope either on top of the gifts or taped to the inside of the lid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1wsi3Pjc-w
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Pupils’ Council 2024-2025

Congratulations to the following pupils who were elected to the Pupils’ Council for this academic year.

Form I – Benji Browne, Fiona Zhong
Form II – Herbert Durdin Robertson, Willow Cunningham-Ash
Form III – Carolyn Curry, Jason Otolorin
Form IV – Lewis Curtin, Rebecca Flanagan
Form V – Finn Woolsey, Cerys Mordaunt
Form VI – Euan Flanagan, Melina Paulsen

Mr Stewart has taken over from Mr Jones as the staff liaison.

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Annual Admissions Notice for 2025 / 2026 Entry

Notice concerning the admission process to St. Columba’s College, for entry in 2025. Please be advised that, according to the admissions policy of the College, drawn up according to Department of  Education guidelines, the timeline is as follows:

  • The school will accept applications for day places on October 1st 2024.
  • The school will allow three weeks for applications to be received, the last date being October 22th 2024 .
  • Parents will be notified of the result of their application, in writing, by November 8th 2024.
  • Parents of children who have received offers will have three weeks to accept the place. Full details on the admissions process & current admission status can be found here. Please find the College’s Admissions Policy here.

Admissions Notice: Please find the application form here:

Download Application Form

Annual Admissions Statement 2025

Annual Admissions Notice 2025Download
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Open Day 2024 – Saturday September 28th

Prospective pupils and their parents are warmly invited to attend our Open Morning on Saturday, September 28th 2024 with an opportunity to explore the College’s wonderful campus and facilities. Visitors will receive a pupil-led tour through the College and will have the opportunity to speak with teaching staff along the way. The tours will visit the Chapel, the College Library and Science Block, and see activities taking place like choir practice, House speech practice, artwork, science experiments and sports sessions.

The Open Morning begins at 10.00am and ends at 1.00pm, and visitors are welcome at any time, though we advise not arriving after 12pm, since there is not then enough time for a tour.

Just drive into the school, and you will be met at the car parks by Transition Year pupils, who will greet you and then guide you to the reception point, Whispering House.

No booking is required, but any advance queries about admissions to the College should go to our Admissions Officer, Mrs Amanda Morris.

Please note: If you can’t make this event, a second open event – our Open Evening – takes place in May so look out for details of this event on our website and social media accounts.

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Culture Night, Friday 20th September 2024

This year the College is again taking part in national Culture Night, enabling visitors to the campus to learn about the history of the school, as well as its architectural heritage. Come and visit us on Friday 20th September (from 6.3opm – pupils will guide you from the car parks, and the talk starts in Chapel at 7.00pm, followed by a walk-around).

St Columba’s College has been on its current site since 1849. This tour offers a rare opportunity to see the campus and visit significant buildings. These include the 1880 Chapel (the only building in the Republic of Ireland designed by the great church architect William Butterfield), the 1971 modernist Science Block (architect: Robin Walker of Scott Tallon Walker), the Georgian Hollypark House, and Whispering House (2019), as well as lovely gardens.

The tour starts in the Chapel at 7.00pm, and will be led by the Sub-Warden of the College, Julian Girdham, who will give an overview of the school’s history. Since the boarding school will be in operation during the tour, the event will end by 8.30pm.

No booking is necessary. Please note that the terrain is challenging in terms of accessibility, due to the different levels and steps around the campus.

 

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St. Columba’s Foundation London Event

An unforgettable May evening in London was hosted by the College Foundation, and brought together Old Columbans and our wider community. With the generous hospitality of Old Columban Martin Priestly at the Athenaeum Club, the event saw alumni from 1958 to 2023 sharing stories and reconnecting. The night was filled with nostalgia and camaraderie. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended—we eagerly anticipate doing it again next year!

You can see an album from the London event below:

London Event for Old Columbans, May 2024
London Event for Old Columbans, May 2024
15 photos

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