See pictures, videos and find your times in the run here_

The  transition  from  primary  to  secondary  school  can  be  a  challenging  time  for  many  students.  Moving  from  the  security  of  Primary  school  to  a  new  environment,  new  building  and  a  new  group  of  people  can  prove  to  be  intimidating  for  some.  To  address  these  concerns  and  to  offer  reassurance  to  our  first  years  of  2015 / 16  the  Colaiste  introduced  a  new  mentor  programme. This is a pro-active approach that aims to reassure new students.  
This  group  was  led  by  Mr  Paul  Ryan  and  Ms  Aoife  Morrissey.  The  aim  of  the  mentor  programme  is  to  address  anticipated  concerns  of  students  and  their  parents  and  offer  reassurance  at  the  beginning  of  and  throughout  the  school  year.  A  suitable  mentor  programme  was  devised  and  introduced  last  September.  This  allowed  daily  contact  time  for  first  year  students  with  one  of  their  peers  in  senior  cycle.  Thirteen  5th  year  students  who  had  proven  themselves  to  be  reliable  and  suitable  for  this  team  were  recruited  and  trained  in  leadership  skills  appropriate  to  the  role  of  mentor,  skills  they  will  use  and  develop  through  their  own  lives.  It  was  clear  from  the  beginning  that  they  were  very  committed  to  the  role.  Having  experienced  life  in  the  Colaiste  they  had  the  upper  hand  to  devise  activities  required  to  smooth  the  transition  and  give  guidance  throughout  the  year.  All  first  years  were  teamed  up  with  a  mentor  to  be  their  guide.  Parents  and  students  were  asked  to  share  with  us  their  concerns  and  this  information  gave  us  a  vision  of  there  the  focus  of  the  year  would  be.
            The  presence  of  the  mentor  group  created  an  extra  welcoming  environment  for  our  new  students  at  such  a  critical  time.  Key  issues  addressed  during  the  year  included  friendship  building,  organisational  and  study  skills.  This  alongside  fun  activities  such  as  movie  days,  secret  Santa  and  an  Easter  egg  hunt  allowed  for  a  feeling  of  care  and  built  the  confidence  of  our  newest  college  members.
            The  mentors  have  taken  a  central  role  in  the  life  of  the  Colaiste.  Their  work  and  input  throughout  the  year  has  been  invaluable.  Work  has  already  to  identify  and  recruit  mentors  for  next  year  and  we  are  all  very  much  looking  forward  to  meeting  and  working  with  the  new  class  of  2016 / 17.

On the 22nd of May, the Coláiste Dún Iascaigh students' council are hosting a fun run and walk for the Children's Arthritis charity ICAN. The event will begin at the Coláiste at 10am and entrants can walk or run a distance of their choosing. 
The aim is to both fundraise and more importantly raise awareness of the life-changing work that this wonderful charity does. 
In the charity's mission statement it tells us that: 'The object of ICAN is to provide a national support network for children with arthritis and their families through the provision of factual, practical and emotional support. It aims to pull together the wider community of affected children in Ireland as well as raise public awareness of childhood arthritis. It endeavours to ensure that all Irish children receive the minimum standard of medical care recommended for children with juvenile arthritis as set out by the World Health Organisation.'
Students in the Coláiste have already been training to set a good strong pace for the event and challenges have been laid down by members of staff who plan to keep bragging rights in the staffroom. 
The event will be started by Irish and Munster player, Tommy O'Donnell. Tommy is a past pupil of the Coláiste and a patron of ICAN.
The Coláiste welcomes support from all running and other sporting groups, primary schools and individuals in the surrounding communities who wish to take part. If you would like further information, you can contact the Coláiste at 052-7442828. 

This year why not share the joy of Christmas with a needy African or Eastern European child ?Your shoebox gift will have an impact far greater than you can imagine - as well as all the great gifts, you will bring smiles, laughter and hope to children who think the world has forgotten them.
It all starts with people just like you !Since we started, over three million children in twenty four countries have received a shoebox gift, filled with love and hope - made by people just like you. From schools, business, churches, youth organisations, seniors groups and families - all ages right across Ireland (and overseas too !).
Does it really make a difference ?Yes ! Just look at the video on this page and see for yourself. These children are the victims of war, disease or poverty. Living on the fringes of society, in some of the poorest countries in the world. For families living on less than €1 a day, Christmas is just another ordinary day - nothing special, no Christmas tree, no presents.
And then your box arrives ! Bringing hope in a seemingly hopeless situation, 'Someone from another country knows about me'. Lots of laughter and smiles, and a practical expression of God's love at Christmas time. It makes a huge difference !