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Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 1Féach leathanach 3 Féach leathanach 4/5 Féach leathanach 10 Féach leathanach 13NUACHTLITIR CHOLÁISTE FEIRSTESan eagrán seo… In this issue....FÓMHAR 2023
2 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteYOUNG PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE Is mian linn i gcónaí deiseanna a chruthú le go n-éistfear le guthanna ár ndaoine óga agus le cur lena gcuid muinín, dea-labharthacht agus dearcthaí saoil. A leithéid de lá a bhí ag staraithe Bhliain 11 agus 12 ag an Young Peoples’ Conference in Iarsmalann Náisiúnta na hÉireann roimh an Cháisc.Bhí deis ag na daltaí óráidí a scríobh agus a thabhairt faoi thodhchaí na hÉireann. Labhair siad ar na topaicí seo a leanas: Éire Aontaithe, Ceist na dTeifeach, Bochtanas, Oidhreacht na dTrioblóidí, Cearta na mBan, Meabhairshláinte, Aois Vótála agus An Ghaelscolaíocht.Beidh an tionscadal seo mar chuid de chartlann bhuan na hiarsmalainne. Níor roghnaíodh ach cúigscoil in Éirinn chun páirt a ghlacadh ann agus b’ionadaithe muid ar son na nGaelscoileanna mar an t-aon ghaelscoil páirteach sa scéim. We believe in creating opportunities for our young people to have their voices heard, to develop their confidence, articulateness and own worldview. Coláiste Feirste’s Years 11 and 12 historians had a great day at the Young Peoples' Conference inthe National Museum of Ireland before Easter. The students wrote and deliveredspeeches on the future of Ireland. They talked about topics such as: aUnited Ireland, the Refugee Issue, Poverty, The Legacy of the Troubles, Women's Rights, Mental Health, Voting Age, and Irish-medium Education. This project will be a permanent fixture of the museum archive. Only fiveschools in Ireland were selected to take part, and Coláiste Feirste represented Irish Medium Education on the day, as the only IME school to take part in the scheme.
Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 3I mbliana, chuaigh mé ar thuras sciála bliantúil Choláiste Feirste. Caithfidh mé a rá go raibh sé ar cheann de na laethanta saoire ab fhearr a bhí agam ariamh. Chaith muid seachtain in Andóra i mbun eachtraíochta. Chaith muid gach lá ar na fánaí ag dul i dtaithí ar an trealamh sciála. Is doiligh cur síos ar na radharcanna áille in Andóra, go háirithe ag barr na sléibhte. Deis iontach a bhí ann chun scil nua a fhoghlaim. Cúig lá a chaith muid ann, agus níl léamh ná scríobh ar an eachtraíocht, craic agus cairdeas a bhí againn ann. I was one of the fortunate students that attended Coláiste Feirste’s annual ski trip this year. I have to say, it was one of the best holidays I've ever had! We spent a week full of adventure in Andorra. We spent each day on the slopes adjusting to the ski equipment.Thebeautiful views in Andorra are beyond compare, especially at the very top of the mountains. It was a great opportunity to learn a new skill. We had five days of adventure, craic and friendship.Bhí scaie ón Roinn Tíreolaíochta (Bliain 10) ag obair i gcomhpháirtíocht le Belfast Hills Partnership le linn mhí an Mheithimh. Thug siad orthu Cnoic Bhéal Feirste, Beann Mhadagáin, Carn Monaidh agus an Sliabh Dubh ina measc. D’fhoghlaim siad faoi stair agus faoi gheolaíocht na gcnoc agus mhéadaigh a dtuiscint ar á gceantar féin. Bhí siad ag forbairt scileanna léarscáile, comhoibriú agus fadhbréiteach tríd thóraíocht taisce le húsáid Córas Faisnéis Geografaí (GIS) agus úsáid cód Morse chun leideanna a bhriseadh. Chleacht siad scileanna teacht slán agus iad ag tógáil tinte agus ag cócaireacht agus bhí siad in ann treoracha a leanstan. Bhain na daltaí sult agus tairbhe as an éispéireas seo agus gabhann muid buíochas le Belfast Hills as seo a éascú. TheGeography Department worked in partnership with Belfast Hills Partnership in June of this year. Year 10 visited the Belfast Hills, including Cavehill, Carnmoney and the Black Mountain. They learned about the history and geology of the hills, and they increased their understanding of their local area. They were developing map skills, collaboration and problem solving through a treasure hunt using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and using Morse code to solve clues. They practiced survival skills, building fires and cooking and following all instructions. The students enjoyed and benefitted from this experience, and we thank Belfast Hills for facilitating this.STAIR AGUS GEOLAÍOCHT HISTORY AND GEOLOGY TURAS SCIÁLA BLIANTÚIL CHOLÁISTE FEIRSTE Le/By Dáirine Nic Philib
4 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteGrádanna/Grades CúrsaOllscoile/University Course Aoibheann Ní Chatháin: A*, AA, A Mata/Mathematics, QUBClodagh Nic Eachaidh: A, AA Ortoptaic/Orthoptics, University of Liverpool Dean Ó Gréacháin: A, A, A Cuntasóireacht/Accounting, QUBDubhaltach Mac Crabhagáin: A*, A, B Cuntasóireacht/Accounting, QUB Máire Ní Fhiaich: A*, A, B Síceolaíocht/Psychology, QUBAoife Camplisson: A*, B, B Tíreolaíocht le Síceolaíocht/Geography with Psychology, UU Támuidagdúilgomórleisanscoilbhliainatáromhainnagusguíonnmuidgachrathardhaltaí Choláiste Feirste sna scrúduithe i mbliana.Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile!GCSEAGUSALEIBHÉAL| GCSE AND A LEVELDáirine Nic Philib A*, AA, A, A, A, B, B Uanán Ó Mealláin A*, A*, A*, A, A, A, B, B Hannah Nic Brádaigh A*, AA, A, A, B, B, C* Fiona Nic Cathmhaoil A*, A, A, A, B, C*, C LucyMay Nic Roibín A*, A, A, A, B, B, B Patrick De Brún A*, A*, AA, B, C*, C*Imeascnandaltaíaréirighgo gealleosnahArdleibhéili mbliana bhí:Le chéile mar chohórt, rinne ranganna 2022/23 dul chun cinn iontach i rith na mblianta dúshlánacha Iar-Covid. Léirigh siad díograis agus athléimneacht roimh agus i rith na gcuid scrúduithe. D'éirigh lena n-iarracht agus lena meon dearfach mar a léiríodh i dtorthaí scrúdaithe gach dalta, agus i dtorthaí Choláiste Feirste san iomlán. Oibríonn foireann an choláiste le díograis agus le dúthracht lena chinntiú go mbaineann ár ndaltaí a gcuid spriocanna amach. Cuireadh tacaíocht chuimsitheach ar fáil sa tseomra ranga le tacú leis na daltaí a ngráid a bhaint amach, ach ar a bharr sin bhí an iliomad seisiúin tacaíochta ar fáil i ndiaidh am scoile, an Satharn san áireamh! Tá muid bródúil as an leibhéal gnóthachtála ag gach leibhéal, lena n-áirítear ár ndaltaí i mBliain 9 a fuair gráid Irish GCSE den scoth agus cuid dár ndaltaí i mBliain 10 a d'oibrigh go dícheallach agus a fuair na gráid is airde ina modúil matamaitice GCSE. I measc na ndaltaí ar éirigh go geal leo sna GCSEanna i mbliana bhí: TGM/GCSE
RANG 2023Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 5The 2022-23 classes made great strides during these challenging post-Covid years. The students demonstrated resilience and a great work ethicbefore and during their examinations. Their eort and positive attitude were the key to their success,as demonstrated by the individual examination results of the students and the overall results this year. Teachers and teaching assistants work tirelessly to ensure that each student meets their targets. We are very proud and grateful to our dedicated and enthusiasticteam. Not only did they provide support and guidance in the classroom, but they also provided many additional support sessions aer school hours, including many Saturdays! We are proud of the level of achievement at all levels, including our Year 9 students who received excellent Irish GCSE grades and some of our Year 10 students who worked tirelessly and received the highest grades in their GCSE maths modules. We look forward to the coming school year and wish the students of Coláiste Feirste every success in their examinations this year. There is no strength without unity!
6 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteCUMANN TEIM CHOLÁISTE FEIRSTE A leithéid de bhliain ag Cumann TEIM Choláiste Feirste. Chuir daltaí ón Chumann TEIM tús leis an scoilbhliain le léargas 6 seachtaine ar eolaíocht fhóiréinseach. D’fhoghlaim siad faoi theicnící éagsúla a úsáideann eolaithe fóiréinseacha chun coireanna a réiteach, mar shampla, crómatagrafaíocht, anailís ar sprais fola, dustáil le haghaidh méarloirg agus ag amharc ar snáithíní leis an mhicreascóp solais. D'oibrigh muid le Roinn na Teicneolaíochta in Belfast Met agus ghlac na daltaí páirt i dtionscadal. Rinne siad seisiúin tobsmaointeoireachta, dhear siad táirgí nua, agus bhí deis acu na printéirí 3-T a úsáid chun a gcuid táirgí a chruthú. Sa dara téarma, lean an Cumann TEIM ar aghaidh sa Roinn Teicneolaíochta sa scoil. Rinne na daltaí bosca seodra déanta as na crua-adhmaid amhail Feá, Mahagaine agus Beith. D’fhorbair siad a lán scileanna praiticiúla agus d’úsáid siad innealra leis na hailt a ghearradh amach agus an t-adhmad a ghlanadh. Is léir go bhfuil eolaithe, innealtóirí agus dearthóirí iontacha anseo ar Choláiste Feirste. Bíonn fáilte roimh dhaltaí nua i gcónaí!What a successful year for STEM at Coláiste Feirste! STEM club students started the schoolyear with a 6-week insight into forensic science, where they learned about dierent techniques used by forensic scientists to solve crimes such as chromatography, blood-splatter analysis, dusting for fingerprints and inspecting fibres with the light microscope. We also worked in collaboration with the technology department at Belfast Met and students took part in project-based learning. They brainstormed ideas, designed innovative new products and had the chance to use the 3-D printers to bring their ideas to life. In the second term, STEM club continued in the technology department where students designed and made a jewellery box from hard woods such as Beech, Mahogany and Birch. The developed many practical skills and learned how to use machinery safely. We clearly have some future scientists, engineers and designers here at Coláiste Feirste and new students are always welcome to join! Ba mhian le Coláiste Feirste ár mbuíochas a ghabháil le Siuán Ní Mhaonaigh agus Antain Mac Lochlainn ó Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, a chuir foireann an Choláiste faoi scrúdú i mbliana don cháilíocht Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge. Chuaigh cúigear déag ón fhoireann faoi scrúdú i mí an Mheithimh, i ndiaidh freastal ar ranganna Gaeilge i rith na bliana. Déanann foireann Choláiste Feirste gach iarracht an múnla teanga is fearr a chur ar fáil dár ndaltaí agus déantar seo trí fhorbairt ghairmiúil leanúnach. Comhghairdeas leis na múinteoirí agus na cúntóirí díograiseacha a bhain an cháilíocht TEG amach. Coláiste Feirste would like to thank Siuán Ní Mhaonaigh and Antain Mac Lochlainn from Maynooth University who examined teachers and classroom assistants in June,for the European Certificate in Irish qualification. Fieen members of sta underwent the examination, having attended Irish language classes during the year. Our sta make every eort to provide the very best Irish language model for our students, and this is achieved through continuous professional development. Congratulations to the dedicated teachers and assistants who achieved the TEG qualification this year. CÁILÍOCHT TEASTAS EORPACH NA GAEILGE
Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 7 SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE Rinneadh ceiliúradh mór eile ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge anseo i gColáiste Feirste i mí an Mhárta 2023. Is cinnte go raibh atmaisféar breá Gaelach ar fud na scoile agus go leor, leor imeachtaí ag titim amach in achan bhliainghrúpa idir Barr an Ranga, Laoch Litrithe, Tráth na gCeisteanna agus Céilí Mór. D’fhreagair na daltaí ceisteanna ar réimse topaicí sa chomórtas ‘Barr an Ranga’. Litrigh na laochra litrithe focail amhail meitéareolaíocht, grianghrafadóireacht agus bithgheolaíocht don chéad duais - £30! Is fíor go raibh spórt agus spraoi ag Bl8 ag an chéilí mhór agus iad ag gabháil do Bhallaí Luimnigh, Baint an Fhéir agus, ar ndóighe, Tonnaí Thoraí! Gabhaimid buíochas mór lenár Sinsearaigh a thug cuidiú nach beag i rith na seachtaine. Nach uasal iad!Seachtain na Gaeilge was another big celebration here in Coláiste Feirste in March 2023. There was certainly a greatatmosphere throughout the school. A range of events were held to celebrate this week such as;Mastermind, a spelling bee, quizzesand a Céilí Mór. Students answered questions on a range of topics in the 'Mastermind' competition. The spelling heroes spelled challenging words for the first prize - £30! Year Eight had great fun at the céilí as they engaged in traditional céilí dancing. A big thank you to our excellent senior pupilswho gave considerable help during the week.Bhí muid bródúil as na Gaelcheannairí i mbliana agus iad chomh freagrach sin i ról ceannaireachta s’acu. Mar shampla, chuir siadfearadhnafáilteroimh chuairteoirí i gcónaí. Bhain na Gaelcheannairí an-sult agus tairbhe as a bheith ag déanamh comparáide idir na cosúlachtaí agus na héagsúlachtaí scoile agus canúna le daltaí ó Ghaelcholáiste Chill Dara! Bhí an scaie buíoch as an chamchuairt agus as an bhricfeasta a shocraigh ár nGaelcheannairí dóibh. Ba dheis iontach é le haithne a chur ar Ghaeil Óga eile. Léirigh naGaelcheannairía scileanna ceannaireachta arís roimh an Nollaig. D’eagraigh siadLá na nGeansaithe Nollagagus bhailigh siad airgead ar son bhainc biaan cheantair.Maith sibh, a chairde!NAGAELCHEANNAIRÍOurGaelcheannairímade us proud this year when fulfilling responsibilities involved in their leadershiprole. For example, they werecourteous and extremely well-mannered when welcoming visitors to the school. TheGaelcheannairíparticularly enjoyed comparingsimilarities and dierences inschool life along withdieringIrish languagedialects whena group of students visited us from Kildare!The group were so grateful that theGaelcheannairítook the time to organise a school tour and breakfast forthem. It was a fantastic opportunity to bond withthe GaeilÓga!Gaelcheannairíalsodemonstratedtheir leadership skillsatChristmastimewhen they organised the Christmas Jumper Day, using money raised to donate to local food banks.Maithsibh, achairde!
8 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteBLIAIN IONTACH DO CHÚRSAÍ SPÓIRT Níl aon dabht ann gur bliain iontach a bhí ann do chúrsaí spóirt sa scoil, agus iad san iomaíocht i gcúig spórt éagsúla. Ina measc tá Peil Ghaelach, Iománaíocht, Peil na mBan, Camógaíocht agus Sacar le foirne ag gach aoisghrúpa sa scoil. Mar thoradh ar an iarracht agus ar an obair chrua a rinne na daltaí agus na múinteoirí, bhí bliain fhíor-rathúil againn, lán le cuimhneacháin shuntasacha agus éachtaí den scoth. Léirigh na buachaillí agus na cailíní scil, díograis agus obair foirne den scoth i rith na bliana. Bhí a dtiomantas don traenáil i ndiaidh am scoile agus an paisean a bhí acu don spórt le feiceáil i ngach cluiche a d'imir siad. Bhain ár bhfoirne Peile agus Iomána i mBliain 8 an cluiche leathcheannais agus an cluiche ceannais de Chorn Scoileanna Aontroma amach, agus le déanaí, bhuaigh siad sciath Aidan Walsh sa Pheil Ghaelach. Ar a bharr sin, bhain iománaithe Bhliain 8 Corn Éamonn Uí Fhaogáin. Ar an drochuair, chaill buachaillí Bhliain 10 Craobh Uladh in am breise don dara bliain as a chéile, ach seasfaidh sin leo agus níl aon amhras ann go mbeidh siad ar ais arís mar gheall ar an fhoghlaim agus an teacht aniar atá acu anois. Bhí an scoil iontach bródúil as na foirne i bPeil na mBan agus sa Chamógaíochta i mbliana mar gheall ar an taispeántas den scoth de scil agus de chroí, agus iad ag feabhsú gach seachtain ag traenáil lena gcóitseálaithe i ndiaidh am scoile. Ba í an bhliain seo an chéad uair i stair na scoile a bhí foireann sacair na gcailíní sa tsraith agus bhí na cailíní ar fheabhas. Bhí fás suntasach i spórt na gcailíni i gColáiste Feirste agus is léir go bhfuil feabhas ag teacht air gach bliain. Bhí bliain iontach ag na hiománaithe. Bhain Bliain 8 Sciath Uladh amach! Tá muid iontach bródúil as na himreoirí ar bronnadh Sárimreoirí Scoileanna Aontroma orthu. I mbliain 8 bhí Ethan Ó Fearáil, Seán Ó Riain agus Seán Ó Cuinneagáin againn. Bronnadh Sárimreoirí eile ar imreoirí Bhliain 10 - Ruairí Ó Scolláin, Nathan Mac Cionaith agus Christopher Mac Roibeaird. Bhain Seán Ó Cuinneagáin agus Seán Ó Riain ó Bhliain 8 gradam sárimreoir amach. Ar a bharr sin, bronnadh Sárimreoir Uladh ar Blaithín Nic Caithil, don dara huair! Léiríonn na gradaim seo an obair chrua a chuir na daltaí isteach, chomh maith leis an scil atá acu. Taobh amuigh de na gradaim agus na buanna, síneann tionchar an spóirt ar na lúthchleasaithe óga seo i bhfad níos faide ná an pháirc imeartha. Trí pháirt a ghlacadh i spórt scoile, tá scileanna luachmhara saoil mar obair foirne, ceannaireacht agus teacht aniar iontu. D'fhoghlaim siad an dóigh le bheith ag obair le chéile, tacaíocht a thabhairt dá chéile, agus constaicí a shárú le chéile. Mar gheall ar an spórt, is daoine níos fearr iad. Cothaíodh a gcarachtar agus cuidíodh leo a bheith ina gceannairí óga.Gach uair a chuaigh ár bhfoirne scoile chun páirce, rinne siad amhlaidh le bród ollmhór, ag labhairt i nGaeilge an t-am ar fad.
Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 9There is no doubt that it has been a great year for sport in the school, competing in five dierent sports. These include Gaelic Football, Hurling, Ladies Gaelic Football, Camogie and Soccer with teams of all ages in the school. The hard work and eort of the students and teachers has resulted in a very successful year, filled with remarkable moments and outstanding achievements. The boys and girls showed excellent skill, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the year. Their commitment to aer-school training and their passion for sport were evident in every game they played. Our Football and Hurling teams in year 8 reached the semi-final and the Antrim Schools Cup final, and more recently, they won the Aidan Walsh Shield in Gaelic Football. On top of that, year 8 hurlers won the Éamonn Ó Faogáin Cup. Unfortunately, the Year 10 boys lost the Ulster Championship in extra time for the second year in a row, but that will stand by them as there is no doubt they will be back again because of their learning and resilience. The school was very proud of the Ladies Gaelic Football and Camogie teams this year because of the excellent display of skill and heart, improving each week at training with their coaches aer school hours. This year was the first time in school history that the girls’ soccer team was in a league and the girls were excellent. There has been significant growth in girls’ sport in Coláiste Feirste and it is improving every year. While we are competing in team sports, we are very proud of the players who have won the Antrim Schools All Stars. In year 8 we had Ethan Ó Fearail, Seán Ó Riain and Seán Ó Cuinneagáin. Other All-Star awards were awarded to our year 10 players Ruairí Ó Scolláin, Nathan Mac Cionaith and Christopher Mac Roibeaird. Furthermore, Blaithín Nic Cathail was awarded an Ulster Colleges allstar award for the second time! These awards reflect the hard work the pupils put in, as well as their level of skill. Beyond the awards and talents, the impact of sport on these young athletes extends well beyond the playing field. By participating in school sports, they have learned valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. They learned how to work together, support each other, and overcome obstacles together. Sport transformed them into better individuals, nurturing their characters and helping them become young leaders. Every time our school teams took the field, they did so with immense pride, speaking in Irish the whole time.
10 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteÓ bhí mé i mo pháiste óg, b’aisling de mo chuid í taisteal chun an Antartaigh. Is doiligh a chreidbheáil go raibh mé in ann sin a dhéanamh i mbliana. Thaistil muid trí lá agus oíche leis an Antartach a bhaint amach. Bhí mé scriosta ach ní raibh muid ag ceann scríbe go fóill! Chuaigh muid ar bord eitleán eile go dtí Ushuaia, baile beag san Airgintín, a dtugtar “Deireadh an Domhain” air mar leasainm. Ansin, ar aghaidh linn ar bord loinge go dtí An tAntartach. I rith an turais, bhí neart ceachtanna againn le saineolaithe difriúla, amhail tíreolaithe, caomhnóirí, eolaithe agus staraithe. Tá suim mhór agam san eolaíocht agus bhí seans agam tabhairt faoi thurgnaimh, mar shampla ghlac muid samplaí d’uisce agus d’amharc muid tríd mhicreascóp ar phlanctón ó ainmhithe. Thaitin an champáil liom thar aon rud eile. Champáil muid in áit darbh ainm Port Lockroy. Bhí muid in ann na piongain a chluinstin ónár bpubaill san oíche. Dhreap muid na sléibhte thart ar Brown Station agus Deception Island, agus caithfidh mé a rá nach bhfuil a shárú ar na radharcanna áille sa cheantar sin. Ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad ar an turas sin go deo na ndeor. Más mian leat dul ar turas cosúil leis seo, coinnigh súil ar www.teamwetwo.com. Tá siad i mbun earcaíochta don chéad turas eile!MO THURAS GO DTÍ AN TANTARTACH Le Aoibh Ní BhrolcháinSince I was a small child, it has always been a dream of mine to travel to Antarctica. It is hard to believe that I was able to do this this year. We travelled three days and nights to reach Antarctica. I wasexhausted but we were not finished yet, we boarded yet another plane to Ushuaia, a small town in Argentina, which is aptly nicknamed the "End of the World." We then proceeded aboard a ship to Antarctica. During the trip we had plenty of lessons with dierent experts, such as geographers, conservationists, scientists, and historians. I am extremely interested in science and was excited that I had the chance to undertake experiments, for example we took samples of water and looked through a microscope at plankton from animals. The best part of the experience was the camping, we camped in a place called Port Lockroy. We were able to hear the penguins from our tents at night. We climbed the mountains around Brown Station and Deception Island, the beautiful views in this area are breath-taking. I will never forget this journey. If you are interested in a trip such as mine, keep an eye on the website www.teamwetwo.com. They are recruiting for the next trip! SÁR-EALAÍONTÓIR CHOLÁISTE FEIRSTE Bhronn CCEA aitheantas ar shár-ealaíontóir Choláiste Feirste ag an ócáid iomráiteach True Colours i bhFeabhra 2023. Roghnaíodh obair Neamh Ní Scolláin, iardhalta Ard Leibhéal ealaíne atá anois ag tabhairt faoi chéim teicstíle i gColáiste Ealaíne Bhéal Feirste, le cur ar taispeáint in Iarsmalann Uladh mar chuid den cheiliúradh. Mo cheol thú, a Neamh! CCEA recognised one of Coláiste Feirste’s outstanding artists at the prestigious True Colours event in February 2023. The work of Neamh Ní Scollain, a former A Level art student who is now undertaking a textile degree in Belfast College of Art, was chosen to be exhibited in the Ulster Museum as part of the celebrations. Mo cheol thú, a Neamh! My trip to Antarctica with Aoibh Ní Bhrolcháin
Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 11SCRÍBHNEOIRÍ CHOLÁISTE FEIRSTE Is iomaí gradam a bronnadh ar scríbhneoirí Choláiste Feirste i mbliana. Is carthanas don scríbhneoireacht chruthaitheach é Fighting Words. I mbliana roghnaigh agus d’fhoilsigh Fighting Words saothair le scríbhneoirí iontacha ar Choláiste Feirste san iris ’Zine’. Mar shampla, d’fhoilsigh siad an píosa “Coláiste Feirste”, cuimhne cinn a scríobh dalta óg i mBliain 8, Méabha Ní Chianáin, fá dtaobh di féin ag fás aníos mar Ghaeilgeoir óg. D’úsáid Méabha amlíne chartlainne le giota taighde a dhéanamh dá scéal. Foilsíodh an scéal “From Unicorn To Human” fosta, scéal thar a bheith greannmhar a scríobh rang 9A i gcomhar a chéile. Tá ‘Young Belfast Girl’ i mbun filíochta sa scoil le blianta anuas. Is ainm cleite é seo a thugann an dalta an-chruthaitheach seo i mBliain 13 uirthi féin. Foilsíodh an dán “Over 300,000 Residents”. Léiríonn sé a cuid liriciúlachta agus a cuid scileanna teicniúla. Seo thíos sliocht as:-2023 has been a fantastic year for Coláiste Feirste’s young writers! Fighting Words is a creative writing charity. They selected and published work by some of the school’s best writers, including a poem, a memoir, and a short story in the magazine 'Zine'. For example, Year 8 pupil Méabha Ní Chianáin wrote "Coláiste Feirste", a memoir about herself growing up as a young Irish speaker. She used an archival timeline to research her story. Another story published was "From Unicorn To Human", a fantastically funny story written collaboratively by the class of 9A. Over the years 'Young Belfast Girl' has written many poems. This is the pen-name of one of our Year 13 pupils. Her poem “Over 300,000 Residents" showcases both her lyricism and her technical ability. BÍONN FÁILTE I GCÓNAÍ ROIMH BHAILL NUABhí bliain rathúil de sheisiúin cheoil agus d'imeachtaí ag an Chumann Ceoil. Bhailigh an grúpa le chéile gach tráthnóna Dé Luain agus tá dulchun cinn mór déanta ag na daltaí ar fad, go háirithe iad siúd nach raibh aon taithí acu ar cheol grúpa roimhe seo. I mí na Samhna thosaigh muid a ullmhú agus a chleachtadh do Chomórtas Scoil Cheoil Ghleann Ghormlaithe, Béal Feirste. Ghlac muid páirt freisin i roinnt imeachtaí iontacha i rith na bliana i Raidió Fáilte, Ionad Uibh Eachach agus Féile an Earraigh. Bíonn fáilte i gcónaí roimh bhaill nua chuig an Chumann Ceoil. Cumann ceoil had a successful year of music sessions and events. The group gathered together on Monday aernoons, all students have made great progress especially those who had no previous group musical experiences. In November we started preparing and practicing for the Glengormley school of Music Belfast schools Competition. We also took part in some brilliant events throughout the year in Raidió Fáilte, Ionad Uibh Eachach and Féile an Earraigh. New members are always welcome to the Cumainn Ceoil.Here’s an extract: You remind me that when I find a rock I shall not toss it away, for there could be beautiful crystals on the inside. Belfast is my rock that I break apart. You’re the inner beauty, of this city that holds my heart.
12 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste Spreagann muid ár ndaltaí le spraoi a bhaint as an teanga. Eagraíodh neart comórtais Ghaelachai rith na bliana bunaithe ar fhilíocht, litriú, ghramadach agus chúrsaí teanga. Bhí tóraíocht taisce na gramadaí againn agus bhí ar na daltaí cóid QR a aimsiú timpeall na scoile chun teacht ar an chéad cheist eile! Chomh maith le dúshláin maidine agus comórtais ar nós FOCLACH (WORDLE as Gaeilge), bhí rabhlóga agus filíocht le cur de ghlanmheabhair mar dhúshláin sna ranganna foirme.Is Gaelscoil muid agus leanfaidh muid orainn inár n-iarrachtaí chun an Ghaeilge a neartú agus a cheiliúradh ar leibhéal uile-scoile. Seo roinnt do na buaiteoirí imbliana. Is Gaeil Sinne! BEATHA TEANGA Í A LABHAIRT! The life of a language is in its speaking. We find ways of letting our pupils play with the language. Many Irish language competitions were organised during the year based on poetry, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. We had a grammar treasure hunt, where the students had to hunt forQR codes around the school to find the next question! As well as morning challenges such as, FOCLACH (WORDLE as Gaeilge). Students were also challenged to memorize rhymes and pieces of poetry in their form classes. As a Gaelscoil we always stive to strengthen and celebrate the Irish language at a whole-school level. Here are some ofthis year's winners. Is Gaeil Sinne! Agus is iomaí cúis mholta agus cheiliúrtha atá againn! Bronnadh réimse duaiseanna ar árndaltaí i Mí an Mheithimh ag Bronnadh na nDuaiseanna. BronnadhDíograiseoir na Bliana, an Duais Tinrimh agus na gradaim is airde “Is Gael Mé” agus Duais an Phríomhoide ar na daltaí iontacha. Bronnadh duaiseanna ábhair ar na daltaí is díograisí sna hábhair scoile. Comhghairdeas leis na daltaí iontacha ar fad a bhain duais i mbliana. Is aitheantas é na gradaim seoar éacht den scoth agus is cinnte gur fiú ceiliúradh a dhéanamh air. Sin ráite, tá muid thar a bheith bródúil as iarrachtaí ár ndaltaí go léir i mbliana. Praise the youth and they will flourish, it is said. And we have plenty of reasons to praise and celebrate our young Gaels. A range of prizes were awarded to our students in June, at our Junior Prizegiving Ceremony, including Enthusiast of the Year, the Attendance Award and the most coveted"Is Gael Mé" and the Principal's Award. Outstanding students who were the top achieving in a particularsubject area were awarded subject awards. Winning awards is a recognition of outstanding achievement and certainly worthy of celebration. However, awards, certificates and accolades do not define any individual. We are incredibly proud of all our students’ eorts this year. MOL AN ÓIGE AGUS TIOCFAIDH SÍ
Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 13SLÓITE NA NGAELTá Coláiste Feirste, agus an Ghaelscolaíocht i gcoitinne, ag fás go tapa le blianta beaga anuas mar go bhfeiceann tuismitheoirí na torthaí iontacha a tháirgeann sé do dhaoine óga, ní hamháin ó thaobh gráid scrúdaithe de ach ó thaobh daoine óga muiníneacha agus deaslabhartha a fhorbairt atá ullmhaithe go maith le bheith rathúil sa tsaol mhór chasta. Bhí lúcháir orainn fáilte mhór a chur roimh shlua Gael óg eile ar Choláiste Feirste i mbliana – 186 acu a thosaigh linn i mBliain 8. Beidh siad lonnaithe i soláthar nua de 8 mbothán nua-aimseartha scoite ón phríomhscoil, i dtimpeallacht shéimh shuaimhneach ar féidir leo fás agus foghlaim ar a luas féin agus tús rathúil a chur lena n-oideachas iarbhunscolaíochta. Is cur chuige nuálach é seo – céim eile i bhforbairt Choláiste Feirste agus an Gaeloideachas i mBéal Feirste. Coláiste Feirste, and Irish-medium education in general, has been growing rapidly in recent years as parents see the wonderful results it produces for our young people, not only in terms of exam grades but also in terms of developing confident and articulate young people who are well prepared to thrive in the complex world. We were delighted to welcome another huge group of young Gaels to Coláiste Feirste this year – 186 of whom joined us in Year 8. They will be based in a new provision of 8 modern mobile classrooms away from the main school, oering a gentler environment where they can grow and learn at their own pace and make a successful start to their post-primary education. This is an innovative approach – another important step in the development of Coláiste Feirste and Gaeloideachas in Belfast.
14 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteSTARAITHE CHOLÁISTE FEIRSTE GO BEIRLÍNChuaigh staraithe Choláiste Feirste go Beirlín i mí Feabhra na bliana seo agus bhí éispéireas oideachasúil iontach acu. Thug siad cuairt ar shuíomhanna tábhachtacha stairiúla sa chathair, mar shampla Balla Bheirlín, Seicphointe Charlie, an Reichstag, an Staid Oilimpeach agus Príosún Stasi. Bhí am den scoth ag na daltaíar an turas agus d'fhoghlaim siad cuid mhór eolaisfaoin Dara Cogadh Domhanda agus faoin Cogadh Fuar.
Nuachtlitir Choláiste Feirste | 15Teach Ard na bhFeá, 7 Páirc Radharc na bhFeá An Cheathrú Ghaeltachta, Béal Feirste, BT12 7PY Fón Phone: 028 9032 0707Suíomh gréasáin / Website: www.colaistefeirste.org www.facebook.com/colaiste.feirste @cfeirsteColáiste Feirste’s historians travelled to Berlin in February this year for an amazing educational experience. They visited important historical sites in the city, such as the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, the Olympic Stadium and Stasi Prison. The students had an excellent time during the trip and learned a plethora of information along the way about the Second World War and the Cold War. De réir mar a fhásann Coláiste Feirste, is amhlaidh a fhásann na deiseanna fostaíochta agus forbartha gairme in earnáil chorraitheach bhríomhar. Is minic a thagann réimse folúntas aníos, mar shampla, múinteoirí agus cúntóirí, teicneoirí, riarthóirí agus foireann chúnta. Tá fáilte romhat suim a léiriú in eolas faoi na folúntais ach CV a chur chuig info@colaistefeirste.belfast.sch.uk. Ba chóir fosta súil a choinneáil ar shuíomh idirlín agus meáin shóisialta na scoile. As Coláiste Feirste continues to expand, so too do the opportunities for employment and career development in a vibrant and exciting sector. A range of vacancies oen occur, from teachers and classroom assistants to technicians, administrators and ancillary sta. You are welcome to express an interest in being kept informed of vacancies by sending a CV to: info@colaistefeirste.belfast.sch.uk. You should also keep an eye on the school’s website and social media platforms.Deiseanna fostaíochta
16 | Nuachtlitir Choláiste FeirsteIs í Spórtlann na hÉireann an t-aon ionad spóirt Gaeilge sa chathair agus tá sí suite san áit a raibh Sólann Ard na bhFeá. Tá a lán eagraíochtaí spóirt agus pobail lonnaithe ansin; CLG Laochra Loch Lao san áireamh. Tá an borradh ar an oideachas, ar an gheilleagar, ar an timpeallacht agus na tionchair shóisialta ag tabhairt fuinneamh agus féiniúlacht úr don chathair. Tá bród as cuimse ar Choláiste Feirste as an fhorbairt atá tagtha ar Spórtlann na hÉireann le bliain anuas. Cuireann muid fáilte roimh na mílte cuairteoirí gach mí agus roimh réimse leathan d’úsáideoirí trasphobail. Spórtlann is the only Irish language sports centre in the city and is situated on the old Beechmount Leisure centre site. It is home to a range of sporting and community organisations including Irish language GAA club Laochra Loch Lao. The surge in education, economic, environmental and social impacts emerging is giving the City an expanded identity and new energy. Coláiste Feirste is immensely proud of the growth of Spórtlann over the past year. We welcome thousands of visitors to our site every month, and a diverse, cross-community range of users. Is ionad spóirt úrscothach í Spórtlann na hÉireann atá lonnaithe i gColáiste Feirste. Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais agus áirithintí, seol ríomhphost chuig sportlann1@gmail.com Spórtlann na hÉireann is a state of the art Sports Complex based at Coláiste Feirste. For enquires and facility bookings e-mail sportlann1@gmail.com An t-aon ionad spóirt Gaeilge sa chathair