All About Cork: ‘Happy, vibrant atmosphere’ at Coláiste Éamann Rís

THE principal of a local secondary school has expressed his pride and delight after a Department of Education inspection highlighted the school’s qualities.

A recent Department of Education inspection at Coláiste Éamann Rís reported a high standard of teaching, a safe environment for students and a highly effective team of staff.

The department’s report also outlined a “happy and vibrant atmosphere” in the corridors and in classrooms, and found that lessons flowed smoothly with very good behaviour throughout.

It also noted a very good standard of support for students’ wellbeing, and an exceptional culture of extra-curricular and after-school activities.

Speaking to The Echo after the publication of the report, Coláiste Éamann Rís principal Aaron Wolfe praised the team of staff at the school, and declared his delight at the report’s findings.

“We are thrilled with the findings of the Department of Education’s inspectorate,” said Mr Wolfe.

“The inspectors visited countless classes during their week-long stay with us, as well as meetings with students, parents, teachers, middle leaders, senior management and the board of management.

“We especially welcome the acknowledgement of our school’s excellent atmosphere.

“We believe it is very important that students feel safe and happy in their school; if students are happy in school they’ll learn and participate in lessons more easily.”

Mr Wolfe said the school is delighted that this atmosphere was a striking aspect of the school community.

“Huge credit must be paid to the teaching staff of the school, who, every day, go above and beyond for their students, not just in planning and delivering lessons, but also through the countless hours of extracurricular activities that they do voluntarily,” he added.

“We are delighted that the inspectorate acknowledged the exceptional culture of extracurricular activities offered in the school.

“It’s important to remember that teachers partake in extracurricular activities without getting paid. Afterschool clubs and sports teams are so important.”

Dogs for Disabled fundraising

Some €500 was raised for a local charity at last week’s Togher market.

The chosen charity on this occasion was Dogs for the Disabled, which is raising funds to build its new national training centre and headquarters in Cork city. The charity has organised a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds.

Work has begun to turn a derelict property in Togher into the charity’s new HQ, but €500,000 will be required.

Dogs for the Disabled is a non-profit organisation with no government funding, dedicated to training and providing assistance dogs, free of charge, to children and adults with physical disabilities. The charity said its new home will allow it to breed, train, and gift more of its life-changing assistance dogs to those who need them.

“Together, we can change lives, one dog at a time,” it said. “Help us reach our goal of €500,000 and make a profound difference for individuals with disabilities.”

To donate, search ‘Help Dogs for Disabled’s Operation Restoration’ on GoFundMe.

Ballyphehane festive fair

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns has asked members of the community to save the date ahead of their highly anticipated annual Christmas fair.

This year, the fair will take place in Pearse Square on Saturday, December 7, from 12pm to 3pm.

In a statement, Ballyphehane Tidy Towns said the much-loved, free, family event has something for everyone.

The fair will feature Santa’s grotto, giving youngsters the opportunity to meet the man himself. It will also feature stalls full of unique gifts for those still doing their Christmas shopping, and the annual Christmas raffle with amazing prices to be won.

“Come along and kick off the festive season with some community cheer,” Ballyphehane Tidy Towns said.

“We can’t wait to see you there.”

Women in Sport Award for camogie star Aoife

A camogie star has been named the October winner of The Echo’s Women in Sport Award.

St Finbarr’s Aoife O’Neill was picked by the judges for helping her club to secure a first county title in 18 years.

It had been a long time, 2006, since the Barrs won the senior county camogie title.

That was until this year when they beat defending champions Sarsfields in the final, and afterwards Aoife was named Player of the Game.

New community centre doors

Ballyphehane Community Centre has unveiled new doors, ensuring that those attending the centre remain warm.

Sharing photos of the new doors on social media, management of Ballyphehane Community Centre said: “It might be freezing outside but the community centre is feeling toasty.

“We’ve installed brand new front and back doors to keep the heat in during cold snaps like this. It’s just another step in making our centre warm and welcoming.”

Management encouraged people to call in for a cup of tea or to take part in the regular bingo nights, and to “enjoy the upgrades that you all helped fundraise for”.

Footpath maintenance calls

Social Democrats councillor Pádraig Rice has called for better maintenance and repair of footpaths in Ballyphehane and the Lough.

“Many of the footpaths around Ballyphehane and the Lough are in urgent need of upgrade,” said Mr Rice.

“At the moment, the council isn’t allocating enough money for the work to be done. In fact, twice as much is being spent on compensation for falls on broken footpaths than on footpath renewal. This makes no sense to me.

“At the moment, there are footpaths on Connolly Rd and around Ballyphehane that are covered in leaves. These should be cleaned up by the council more regularly. I’ve met older people who aren’t leaving their houses at the moment for fear of falling on badly maintained footpaths. This isn’t good enough.”

Mr Rice said that footpaths need to be repaired and swept regularly, particularly at this time of year with the bad weather and wet leaves.

“I also want to see the footpaths around the Lough upgraded and maintained to a higher standard. Too many have fallen and hurt themselves.

School’s Christmas market

Coláiste Éamann Rís is gearing up to host a Christmas market in the coming weeks.

The secondary school has asked members of the community to mark their calendars for Reindeerpark.

The Christmas market will take place on Thursday, December 12, from 6pm, and will feature a visit from the big man himself, at 6.30pm. Entry to the market is free.

Stalls are still available. To book a stall at a cost of €25, email fundraising@cercork.ie.

Have Ballyphehane news to share? Contact darraghberminghamecho@gmail.com.