DIGITAL NEWSLETTER
Celebratingstudents’learningandachievement withtheschoolcommunity
● Art Pg 4
● Business Pg 5
● Coding Pg 6
● Computer Science Pg 7
● CSPE Pg 8
● Economics Pg 9
● Engineering Pg 10
● English Pg 11
● Gaeilge Pg 12
● History Pg 13
● Horticulture Pg 14
● Home Economics Pg 15
● Hub Pg 16
● Maths Pg 18
● Modern Foreign Languages Pg 19
● Music Pg 20
● Science Pg 24
● T4 Pg 25
● SEN Pg 26
● Wellbeing Pg 28
● Charity Work Pg 29
● Extra Curricular Pg 31
● LETSS Radio Station Pg 35
● Active Schools Week Pg 36
● Careers Day Pg 37
● Sports Day Pg 38
● LETSS Awards Ceremony Pg 42
● TY Graduation Pg 43
● 6th Year Graduation Pg 44
Looking back…
As the 2024/25 school year draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to wish all our students, staff, parents and the school community a safe and enjoyable summer and to thank you for your all your hard work and commitment to the school throughout the year.
It has been a landmark year for our school with so many highlights to reflect on. Sports continues to grow and develop in our school. Our students have represented the school with pride be it in soccer, rugby, gaelic football, basketball, tennis, golf, athletics, ultimate frisbee, hockey and badminton. A special mention to our 1st year girls soccer team who were crowned Munster Champions.
Beyond the sporting field, we have achieved so much as a school. Well done and congratulations to our debating team who were crowned All-Ireland Champions this year. Other standout moments include our Proud Together Committee who have worked tirelessly this year in promoting wellbeing and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students and staff in our school. Their work was recognised by BelongTo at a special awards ceremony earlier this year where the school was awarded the Gold Standard LGBTQ+ Quality Mark.
The creative arts has continued to wow us this year, namely the production of a Winter’s Tale last December and who will every forget this year’s whole school musical Aladdin. Furthermore, our students have had opportunities to travel further afield including our 2nd year MFL trip to Paris, the Senior Ski tip to Axamer in Austria and Junior Ski trip to the Dolomite region in Italy. Our Erasmus+ programme has really gained traction this year where students have visited schools in Bordeaux France and Valencia in Spain. We were also delighted to host students and staff from other schools as part of the Erasmus+ programme which also included students from La Rèunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Students wrapped up a busy year of travels when they took to the Camino in Spain.
The coordination of break time and lunchtime clubs this year has once again been brought to new levels with clubs offering something for everyone. The list is long and includes multicultural club, darts club, Gaelbrathach, choir, art club, girls rugby, EPA club, songwriting club, student radio club, special olympics, video game club, girls and boys gaelic football, frisbie, fitness classes, hurling, orchestra, golf, badminton, dungeons and dragons, girls and boys soccer, debating, Proud Together, library club, hockey, tennis, athletics, board games, maths club and girls and boys basketball. Its an extensive list and is something we should be very proud of in our school.
Whole school initiatives and awareness campaigns, of which there are many, have provided students with opportunities to lead in lots of different ways in our school this year. We are proud of this work. This year alone, we have fundraised well over €7000 for charities like the Irish Cancer Society, Adapt Services Limerick, Vision Ireland, Focus Ireland to name but a few.
In terms of whole school initiatives, once again the list is long but stand out programmes include our Green Schools, One Good School, the Amber Flag, Apple Distinguished School, Gaelbhratach, BelongTo, Active Schools, the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme, Erasmus+ and Check and Connect.
2025/26 presents a new chapter in the story of LETSS thus far. We will enter of 8th year and we look forward to welcoming 160 incoming first year students to our school. Their addition will bring our total enrolment to 800+ students. Exciting times for sure! Next week our third and sixth year students will take to the exam hall for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations. We wish them all the best and no doubt all their hard work will pay off. To the Class of 2025, congratulations and best of luck in the years ahead, regardless of what path you choose.
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IN THIS ISSUE: Art
Our lucky first and fifth year students engaged in a fantastic ceramics workshop with the famous Limerick-based ceramicist Claire Butler to create some marvellous pieces!
Business
2ndYear Business Studies students engaged in a financial literacy programme with ‘JuniorAchievement Ireland’.The programme was delivered by two volunteers from NorthernTrust. The programme helps students build a foundation for making intelligent, lifelong personal financial decisions, including issues related to income, spending and saving.The programme culminates in an interactive online simulation where students are assigned a persona which they have to budget for, helping students put their knowledge to the test.
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Coding
Bebras National Final Adventure!
In April 11 students travelled to a sundrenched Maynooth University for the finals of the Bebras Challenge. Over 12,000 students took part in schools this year and the 600 top students were invited to the national finals.
The competition took place in the biggest computer lab we have ever seen, spit across primary, junior secondary and senior secondary categories.
Well done to Anthony, Nathan, Daniel, Caleb, Charlie, Maja, Jakub, Kingsley, Reuben, Jamie and Oliver who represented the school with pride.
What is Bebras? It’s a fun challenge that tests your computational thinking—breaking problems into steps, spotting patterns, and finding solutions. These skills are key to coding and computer science. Try the challenges below! Answers in the next issue!
Computer Science
Vex Robotics
Congratulations to CS students Seán and Carrick, who received the Robotics Club Members of the Year award! The pair represented LETSS at the VEX Regional Finals held at Dell in Raheen earlier this year. They teamed up with Mungret College for the finals and thoroughly enjoyed the school's first foray into competitive robotics. The students designed, built, and programmed a robot to take on a series of challenges. Thanks to Dell Ireland who sponsored our kits!
Computer Science Leaving Cert Exam
Did you know? - our Leaving Cert Computer Science students sit their exam in May. The exam features a programming session where the students complete a series of tasks in a language called Python over the course of an hour.
The theory paper covers computing topics from AI to how computers work.
The students have already completed a project in March that accounts for one third of their grade.
CSPE
For their Junior Cycle CBAs this term, 2nd year CSPE students decided to make recyclable toys for kids to use. BTW to CBAwas on sustainability.And another student organised for an art competition to take place in school for students to design toys and learn how to up cycle materials. Well done to all!
Other students, for their CBA collected shoes for the ‘ Our Shoes’campaign and donated them to children in Africa.They made a poster and collected the shoes in school.
Economics
Transition Year Economics students created a Dragon’s Den style pitch in an aim to get investment from the Dragons (their fellow classmates). Student’s showed strong skills of innovation and entrepreneurship with ideas ranging from all natural hair bleach to improved versions of wireless headphones.
Engineering
1stYear Engineering – Bright Ideas and Big Achievements
Our 1stYear Engineering students have had an exciting and rewarding year, diving into the world of design, tools, and technology. From their first lessons to their final projects, they’ve shown great enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn new skills.
Astandout achievement this year was the night light project, where students combined their creativity with practical engineering knowledge.This task introduced them to basic electronics, including wiring circuits and working with LEDs and switches—giving them a solid foundation in electrical principles.
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Throughout the year, students also learned how to safely and effectively use a range of tools and equipment, including the lathe.This helped them understand shaping techniques and precision work, key skills in the world of engineering.
English
Just before the Easter holidays, our 2nd year English students got to attend the ‘English Short Film Oscar Awards’ ceremony.Aftercompletingourstudiedfilm ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople, students were tasked with a PBL project to produce and editashortfilmoftheirown.Theceremony saw each group‘s films being aired and trophies/ Easter eggs for the winners of eachcategory.Welldoneeveryone!
Gaeilge
Seachtain Na GaeilgeComórtas na bPostaér
History
InTYhistory this term, students studied some of the most notorious tyrants in history. Each student made a scrapbook profiling these infamous leaders, and detailed some of their most notorious acts. Below are some examples of student work highlighting their creativity and putting these scrapbooks together!
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Horticulture
Our LCA horticulture classes greenhouses are in full swing housing potatoes, carrots, strawberries, onions, mint, and cauliflower. We also invested in a wormery to show how food waste can be broken down and converted into fertiliser for use on fields etc. We look forward to enjoying the fresh produce!
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Home Economics
2ndYear CBAs
2nd year Home Ec students were upcycling textiles from home.They got creative by showing their embroidery and sewing skills.
Hub
We hosted our second Hub Blitz on Friday. Scoil Pól Kilfonanne and Mungret Community College attended the blitz. Students engaged in activities such as basketball, soccer, skipping, hockey and dancing.Thanks to Maria N for organising it!
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Hub
The Hub End of theYear Trip
The Hub students finished the year with a river cruise and meal at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe.
The funds for this trip were raised during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, organised by Jen, many of our staff and students. Thank you to Amanda for organising the trip!
MFL
Second year French students were treated to a petit déjeuner français in early May, where they tasted some typical French patisseries - pain au chocolat, les croissants, along with some traditional French cheeses and ham. Claire, our French language assistant, was kind enough to bring some macarons back from France after the Easter holidays. La nourriture française donne l’eau à la bouche!
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Music
Our annual school musical,Aladdin, was a huge success this year, with students from 1st to 5th year taking to the stage in the LimeTreeTheatre.
Music
It was a busy end of year for the Music department, with student performances at theAwards ceremony, as well as theTYand 6th year graduations.
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Music
30 of our music students participate in string lessons in conjunction with the Irish Chamber Orchestra each week. 5 of these students are lucky enough to be travelling to Vienna this July with the ICOYouth Orchestra. Here, they will play in the WorldYouth Orchestra Festival, attend numerous workshops, and even perform in the infamous Golden Hall. We are so proud and wish them the best of luck!
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Science
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Third-year students recently conducted an ecology study in a nearby grassland area, using quadrats to measure plant distribution and pooters to safely collect small insects for observation.These hands-on activities are important as they help students understand ecosystems, biodiversity, and scientific sampling methods. By working outdoors, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, deepening their understanding of ecological principles and the importance of environmental conservation.
Our wonderful LCAstudents were busy at work this term on their project -To create children’s toys.The results speak for themselves, well done guys!
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
SEN
Many events happened throughout the Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that recognises the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Each day of the week was dedicatedtoneurodivergence.
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On Monday, we celebrated ADHD. During wellbeing classes, students participated in lessons informing students about ADHD. We also started the week with a 1st year walk organised and stewarded by Alfie, Nathan DarraghandDonald.
On Tuesday, we celebrated Autism Featuring AsIAm CEO Adam Harris and Michael Barrett from Microsoft Dream Space, this live interactive streaming event, which is designed for secondary students will challenge misconceptions, explore real-world solutions, and highlight how we can make schools more inclusive for all.
The school celebrated Dyslexia and Dyscalculia on Wednesday. Wellbeing classes continued to inform students about Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Students also worked hard on continuing posters.
SEN
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On Thursday, we celebrated Dyspraxia. The bake sale was also held in the Plaza. The bake sale raised €401.50!! These funds were used for a day out for the Hub students.
Wellbeing
Alzheimer’s Tea Day was a great success with vital funds raised for a great cause. Well done to Taylor McNally for bringing this wonderful cause to the
Charity Work
Animal Welfare Sanctuary
Darkness Into Light - Splash for Cash
AnAmazing idea to raise funds for Pieta House was a Splash for CashStudents paid to throw water balloons at their favourite staff members, a lovely afternoon had by all.Thanks for donating!
Charity Work
WelldonetoourTYstudentstogetherwithLynda,Eimearand EdelwhocompletedtheDarknessintoLightWalk2025.
Extra-Curricular
Junior Cup Winners
Amassive congratulations to our junior girls soccer team who have just won the Limerick Junior Cup after defeating John the Baptist Community School.
Ahuge congratulations to all involved in the team and a massive thank you to their teachers Misha Noonan andAisling O’Rahilly for coaching the girls throughout the year.
Team: Klara O’Brien,Alexie Rooney, Mya Moloney - CAPTAIN, Kayla Downes Lynch, Ruby Linnane,Ava Carey, Makayla Fitzgerald, Caoimhe O’Dwyer, Ruby Ahern, Grace Geary, Pippa O’Donoghue, Paige Morgan, Phoebe Spicer Fitzgerald, Sophie Benson Hannon, Ella McNamara, Crea Croke, Soniya Vijardan, Lucy O’Dwyer and Ellie Ryan.
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Extra-Curricular
Girls Gaelic Football
Massive congratulations to our 1st year Girls GaelicTeam who came out as winners of the 1stYear Blitz hosted by Castletroy College.The girls managed a very impressive 3 wins from 3 at the group stageof the competition which saw them top their group, defeatingArdscoil Mhuire, Crescent Comp and Castletroy B along the way.This saw the girls head into the final against the other group toppersSalesian’s Pallaskenry.The girls were immense from start to finish scoring an impressive 14-6 in the final!
Team: Phoebe Spicer Fitzgerald (Captain), Ella McNamara, Niamh Maher, Paige Morgan, Grace Geary, Libby Kelleher, Crea Croke, Soniya Vejandran, Pippa O’Donoghue, Kate Nemes,Alycia Fan, Sophie Benson Hannon and RubyAhern.
Final Scorers: Grace Geary (6-3) Paige Morgan (5-2), Sophie Benson Hannon (2-0), RubyAhern (1-0) and Niamh Maher (0-1).
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Junior Girls 4-0 Win
Extra-Curricular
Junior Girls Soccer
Our junior girls soccer team played a great game against Crescent College Comprehensive in the league..The girls worked really hard from the beginning and took the lead with an early own goal from a corner. It didn’t take long for Paige Morgan to double our lead with a great shot from a tight angle. In the second half, the girls started strong again and a goal from RubyAhern put us 3-0. Shortly after Grace Geary put a great ball into the box which was nearly finished by Klara O’Brien.The final score was 4-0. Well done to all the girls, especially Ruby Linnane who pulled off some great saves in the second half to keep a clean sheet!
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Extra-Curricular
Multicultural Club
We are proud to announce that LETSS has been awarded the LGBTQ+Quality Mark (Gold Standard) by BelongTo.
This very prestigious accreditation is the culmination of a 18 months journey in which the ProudTogether SupportTeam, school leaders, staff and students have worked together and tirelessly to make our school a place where all LGBTQI+ students, staff and parents/carers are welcomed, celebrated and actively supported.
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The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark provides a comprehensive approach to developing an LGBTQ+ safe and supportive school that includes:
Ensuring that staff are equipped to support LGBTQ+ students.
Creating a supportive, LGBTQ+ inclusive school culture and environment.
LETSS RADIO STATION
EPISODE 1
EPISODE 2
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This year saw the brand new LETSS Student Radio set up in the school! Jazmyn and Dave have been busy mentoring students on creating, recording and editing their own radio shows, with amazing results! Snippets from both shows created this terms are available to listen to in this issue. Next will hopefully see regular contributions to the radio from the students here at LETSS, so stay tuned!
Active Schools Week
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Active Schools Week was a success again this year with a multitude of fun activities which everybody enjoyed!
Careers Day
Sports Day
An intense game of UNO took place in the hub…
And competitive piggy-back races took over the pitch!
Sports Day
Sports Day
Well done to all who participated in a fun-filled, sunshine assisted day!Also, congratulations to the green team on being the overall winners… two years in a row.This was not at all a fix…
LETSS Awards Ceremony
TY Graduation
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Ahuge congratulations to ourTYgraduates! We are so proud of how well you represented yourself at last night’s celebration.You have been a pleasure to work with this year and we are so proud of how you have grown and matured. Over the summer holidays, be good to yourself, your friends and family, make use what you have learned this year to make good decisions. See you in August, 5th years!
Amassive thank you to all parents/ carers and staff of LETSS who supported theTYprogramme this year. It was thanks to you, theTYs were able to experience so much!
6th Year Graduation
Gaelbhratach
2nd Gaelbhratach Flag
Comhghairdeas leis an gCoiste Gaelbhratach a fuair an dara brat don scoil inniu ag Coláiste Mhuire Gan Smál. (Congratulations to the Gaelbhratach committee who were presented with the second Gaelbhratach flag for the school). Well done toTYstudents; Willow Byrne, Conor Costello,Arlen Nehrig-Casey andAlejandra Shinners Puente along with Deirdre and Evette who got presented with the flag today.
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Camino de Santiago
Los peregrinos han llegado a Santiago de Compostela!
We are so proud of our TY and 5th year students who completed their journey to Santiago de Compostela. A peninsular power cut couldn’t stop them on their quest! Congrats to all and thank you to their group leaders Fiona, Eoghan and Brian!
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Spanish Exchange
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Our 5th year students visited IES Francesco Ribalta School.They enjoyed a workshop on European Identity, following by a visit to the Town Hall where they got to meet the Mayor of Castellón.They also travelled to Valencia, where they were given a guided tour to learn about the history of the city.They enjoyed some local treats such as Churros and Horchata.The day finished up with a visit to the Oceanogràfic where they could explore theAquarium where they learnt about sea life conservation and sustainable practices.
Aladdin
Erasmus+ La Reunion
Erasmus+
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Limerick EducateTogether Secondary School is delighted to announce that we have been awarded Erasmus+ funding for the 2025/2026 academic year.This funding, provided by the European Commission through Léargas, will support our students in undertaking the project titled ‘Same Roots, Different Fruits: Valuing Our Past for a Sustainably Diverse Future.’As part of this initiative, students will have the opportunity to travel to La Réunion Island during the school year where they will learn, study and compare ancestral sustainable practices in Ireland and La Reunion Island; they will engage in intergenerational dialogues with locals and will learn about and appreciate the impact of folkloric traditions and history in order to build a sustainable future. This marks the third consecutive year that Limerick ETSS has received Erasmus+ funding, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fostering global citizenship, sustainability, and intercultural understanding within our school community. We are immensely proud and grateful for this continued support, which enables our students to engage in transformative educational experiences.
Wheelchair Awareness Week
We welcomed Ian Costello, Interim coach of Munster Rugby to LETSS this term to launch our Wheelchair Awareness Week 2025. Thanks to Tadhg and Ciara for coordinating and well done to all students and staff who participated.
Try my seat for a week!
Staff Vs Students
OurAnnualTYStudents Vs Staff Basketball Match took place on the afternoon of Sports Day. Many braveTYs took on the mammoth challenge to try and break the Staff winning streak, but they came up just short in the end. Darragh Kennedy Schmid wonThe Most Valuable Player ofThe Game award though many were in contention for it. Staff won on a scoreline of 36 to 18.
The 6thYear students were confident that their soccer skills would be leaps and bounds ahead of the staff for the Staff Vs SixthYears game the following week. 6th Year students designed their shirts for the occasion, but their artistry on the field was not as good as they were no match for the staff. Final Score 5-2 to the staff.
TY CPR Course
OurTYstudentswerebusythistermlearning how to practice safe CPR with Tadhg. They won the CPR 4 SchoolsAward for their hard work in learning and promoting CPR in school and amongst their peers. Well. Done toeveryoneinvolved!
