Link to the survey for Junior Certificate students on subject choices for Fifth Year. This is only for such students and will be removed after short period of time.

http://goo.gl/2RU77

Congratulations to Keith Hanley, the newly crowned "Voice of Ireland" 2013. The local singer visited the school in the lead up the national final. Staff and students were treated to a series of songs by Keith, in addition to some performances from the school's own talented vocalists Erin O'Carroll and Cathal Finucane.

All our best wishes to Keith in his future career.

Students from John the Baptist Community School delved into the world of theatre in the run up to Easter this year, as part of their study for the Comparative section of the Leaving Certificate English exam.

A Fifth Year group attended “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen, presented by the College Players Theatre Company in the Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick, on the 14^th of March. Students and staff were treated to an excellent, innovative production (under the direction of Chiarda Tobin and Marie Boylan), that provoked much thought and discussion. “A Doll’s House” follows the tale of Nora Helmer and her struggle for freedom, independence and understanding in society and in her marriage to Torvald, her husband. Set in late nineteenth century Norway, it lost none of the power and shock value it would have garnered at the time.  In addition, the class was delighted to have been addressed after the play by the lighting director of the production, Dr. Michael Finneran, of Mary Immaculate College, as to importance of the play and some of the production decisions taken.

Some 6^th Years also got the opportunity to taste the atmosphere of real theatre, as they attended “Translations” by Brian Friel, presented by Forum Productions and directed by Adrian Dunbar in the Cork Opera House on Thursday, 21^st March. Like their Fifth Year counterparts, students were intrigued and entertained by the lively telling of the story of Ballybeg, its inhabitants and the conflicts that arose from the British Army’s survey and translation of Irish place names into English. "Translations" was first performed at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1980. It was the first production by the Field Day Theatre Company founded by Tony Award Winner Friel and Stephen Rea.Starring well known names from Irish television and stage, the performance was of a very high standard, and hugely beneficial for students for revision purposes.

On the 1st of March, Colm Cooper came to John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, Co. Limerick, to promote the AIB “Build a Bank” Challenge. He arrived at 10 o’ clock to great excitement among the students and staff. The U16 ½ boys and the Senior girls had a inspirational training session with him, and tried to pick up tips from this Gaelic Football great. The students thoroughly enjoyed the training session and learned new things and got useful advice from the Kerry man.

The school bank opened at 10.50am and regular customers came to lodge money and get their picture taken with the star and received an autograph. Colm Cooper was also joined by Limerick Senior footballer Pa Ranahan, who also imparted great advice and recommendations.  Many thanks to Louse Ryan, AIB School Bank liaison officer, who facilitated the visit of “The Gouch”.

Preparations are well underway for this year's Transition Year musical "Poptastic!" at John the Baptist C.S. The school is thrilled to be staging the premiere performance of the show in Ireland, as it has never been staged by any group in the country before this. The show follows Charlie Fosdyke, a young girl who dreams of making it as a big popstar. However, when she misses out on performing for the BBC talent show "Starmaker", she thinks her one chance of fame and fortune are lost forever. Yet, what she doesn't know is that help is around the corner, from the most unlikely of sources…

The production is certain to be an energetic, fun-filled affair, running in the school on the 22nd and 23rd of February. Tickets available from the school. 

Some of the cast of "Poptastic!"