The boys in Mount Sion Primary are talented in many ways. The Student Council organised ‘The Voice of Mount Sion’ event again this year. Well done to all of the participants from round 1 to the final. We are so impressed with the ability and confidence of all entrants. Here is a short video of the 8 finalists. We would like to thank the Student Council for a successful and well organised event. Everybody involved deserves a big ‘Bualadh bos’!

Today was a fantastic day for our senior classes. Not only did our sixth class have a history walk, both 6th and 5th classes had the most interesting learning experience in the beautiful surrounds of the Ship Room of the Monastery! 
Both classes have been studying the life of an inspirational young Pakistani girl named Malala Yousafzai, a young girl shot by the Taliban for championing the right to equality and education for all. 
In conjunction with this learning, Ms McGailey arranged for both classes to get a lecture from Pakistani native, our own Brother Kevin from the Edmund Rice Centre. He delivered a most interesting presentation on his homeland which had the boys engrossed.
He then introduced us to two modern day heroes from Afghanistan, Homayoon and Quadratullah. These two men are former workers with our own NGO, Concern and they spent much time trying to bring education to the children of their homeland, sometimes in the face of the most extraordinary dangers. They lost many colleagues and friends and their work and heroism really struck a chord with the boys.
Thank you to Brother Kevin and his colleagues for a most enriching learning experience! It is something that I am sure will have had a most positive impact on the boys.
He then introduced us to two modern day heroes from Afghanistan, Homayoon and Quadratullah. These two men are former workers with our own NGO, Concern and they spent much time trying to bring education to the children of their homeland, sometimes in the face of the most extraordinary dangers. They lost many colleagues and friends and their work and heroism really struck a chord with the boys.
Thank you to Brother Kevin and his colleagues for a most enriching learning experience! It is something that I am sure will have had a most positive impact on the boys.

Our school was highly honoured today when the President of the GAA visited our school! Aogán Ó Fearghaíl was in Waterford as part of the launching of the Féile na nGael annual under 14 festival of hurling which is due to take place in the coming weeks. He was accompanied by the county board chairman, Paddy Joe Ryan and Bord na nÓg chairman Billy Devine! It was a wonderful occasion for all in our school and it was special to see the Uachtarán take such an interest in the birthplace of the Christian Brothers and the alma mater of his predecessor Pádraig Ó Fainín!

The rapport the President had with the boys was extraordinary and his humility and interest in each boy and staff member was admirable! In his address he thanked all present and made special mention of the contribution of the Christian Brothers to the Association. Thanks must go to all the boys, the staff and club officers who attended to make this a special day in our school. Special thanks also to Brother Phil Ryan and Brother Peadar Gleeson, John Quinn, Games Development Officer and Owen Savage of the County Board along with county hurlers Ian O’Regan, Austin Gleeson and staff member Shane O Sullivan, all who made this day very memorable for the boys! Cnoc Sion Abú!

Kali Sikaran is a martial art which belongs to a family of martial arts from the Philippine Islands. It involves the use of 2 to 3 ft sticks which can be used singularly or as a pair.

When using the sticks in a pair, we explore simple drills called ‘Cap Cas’. These involve holding a stick in each hand and tapping the sticks against those of your partner in a predetermined pattern.

It looks very easy but it takes a lot of hand eye coordination. As coordination improves so does the difficulty of the Cap Ca, ensuring the student will always feel challenged.

The name Cap Ca comes from the sound the sticks make when they hit each other. The person gets enjoyment from the physical banging of the sticks and developing a rhythm from the sticks.There are many benefits from practising Cap Cas.
- It is a physical form of exercise, as the movement of the sticks involves a lot of upper body movement.
- It is a great way to practice and improve hand eye coordination.
- It is also a great way to develop patience and determination as it can take a lot of patience to learn each Cap Ca.
- Working together while learning the drills is an invaluable exercise in team work.
- Learning a form of self-defence. The faster the hand moves the sticks the faster the hand can move, deflecting an attack without hurting or harming anyone.
- Also remaining calm and relaxed in the learning of the Cap Cas is important for developing patience and motivation.