AlexPress April 2025
Principal's Update
“And after all the weather was ideal. They could not have had a more perfect day for a garden-party if they had ordered it.”
- Katherine Mansfield: The Garden Party
We are thrilled to announce that again this year, the ACA Garden Party and the opening of the Hermione Art Exhibition will coincide on Friday, 9 May. Both events begin at 6 pm, and we warmly invite those attending the Garden Party with a passion for art to visit the exhibition before returning to the evening’s festivities.
We are especially honoured to welcome Dr. Abigail O’Brien PRHA, President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, who will open the Hermione Exhibition at 6 pm. The annual lecture, delivered by Dr O'Brien, will follow at 7:30 pm in the Concourse. With so much on offer here at Alexandra College, you are truly spoiled for choice!
If you are unable to join us on 9 May, the Hermione Exhibition is available to view will remain open to the public from Saturday 10 May to Sunday 18 May, daily from 10 am to 4 pm. All art works will be available to view online in advance of the Exhibition.
We really do hope you can come on May 9.
Return of Yondr Pouches
All Yondr pouches must be returned to the school office before the end of the year. Please be aware that if you do not return your Yondr pouch, your school account will be charged €25.
Pouches should be returned according to the following timescale:
- 6th Years: During last class, prior to the last bell (3:48 pm) on Wednesday 14 May
- 5th Years: Following their last exam during the final week of term (week commencing Monday 26 May)
- Transition Years: Upon their return to school from Glendalough on Friday 23 May
- 3rd Years: Following their last class of the year during the final week of term
- 2nd Years: Following their last exam during the final week of term
- 1st Years: Following their English or Art exam on Friday 30 May
Period Products, Period Poverty, and Activism - Thrive Podcast
In this episode, we’re diving into the realities of menstruation—with practical advice, empowering stories, and important insights on how to make your period journey easier and more confident. Plus, we’re highlighting the powerful work of Amika George, a key activist in the fight against period poverty, and her ongoing efforts to ensure period equity for all students.
In This Episode, You’ll Find:
- Real stories from older students about their first experiences with period products
- Practical tips on choosing and using period products with confidence
- The luxury tax on period products and its impact
- An important discussion on period poverty—and how Amika George is leading the charge to tackle it
- Simple ways schools and communities can better support menstrual health
Menstruation is a normal part of life, but the challenges of accessibility and affordability shouldn’t hold anyone back. This episode brings you the facts, experiences, and activism you need to not only navigate your period but also understand how to advocate for period equity in your own community.
Oliver! Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the winners and thank you to our Sponsors:
Box of Lindt Chocolates – Aisling C (1B), Teddy M, and Rosie (J6W)
Jewellery from NJO Designs – Margot M (4R), Caroline Coleman, and Louis
Bottle of Brandy – Liam Halpin
K Club Vouchers worth €350 – Gladys Ruddock and Mary Earlie
Hermione Exhibition and Lecture
ACA Summer Garden Party
Community News
Junior School News
This month's Junior School News features the JS Hockey League Final, the Easter cake sale and competition, and more!
Oliver! TY Musical
Well done to the cast and crew of Oliver! for three incredible performances earlier this month! Our community came together, united through drama and music, to put on the TY musical Oliver. We are so proud of all your hard work - many thanks to all those involved.
5th Year Careers Evening with Alex Alumnae
We would like to say a huge thank you to the 11 alumnae who volunteered to come in and talk to 5th Years about their journeys through university and beyond. It was a very informative, interesting and enjoyable evening!
Hermione Headlines
This month's edition of the Hermione Headlines features a trip to Airfield Estate and more!
Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards
Congratulations to our TY Filmmaking students Bianca Balthazar, Niamh Carty, Emily Wrixon and Charli Gorman whose short film disconnected won the Best School award at Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year 2025! The event took place on Thursday 10th April in the Omniplex cinema, Rathmines.
disconnected will be screened at The Alex Film Festival, which will take place on the 12th and 13th May.
Team Maths Final
On Saturday March 29th, our finalist team for the Team Maths competition headed down to Portlaoise for the national final of the Leaving Cert maths problem-solving competition, accompanied by Ms. Benson. 40 of the top scoring regional winning teams competed against each other in a tough competition of a very high standard. Alex came joint 7th in the end and were 1 of only 4 all-girls teams present. These girls were Lauren Kinsella, Orla McDermott, Yvonne Fu and Rachel O’Connor. Well done to the girls and we wish them the best of luck as they continue preparing for their exams in June.
April Sports Update
GAA
Scoop Cup 2025
Well done to our GAA teams for a stellar performance in this week's Scoop Cup! 1st Years won their cup by 7, 2nd Years lost in the final by 1, 3rd Years lost final in extra time, and 4th Years won the shield by 6.
A special thank you to Freya F (1R) and Ava L (1H), who played up with our TY and 5th Years!
GAA Blitz
Well done to our 2nd and 3rd Year GAA teams, who both reached their respective cup finals earlier this month! This is a fantastic achievement, especially as it’s the first time we’ve ever reached that stage.
The 2nd Year team put in a brilliant performance and were unlucky to lose by just two points in their final. The 3rd Year team drew their match and were narrowly beaten in extra time.
Equestrian Update
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Hazel W (3B) and Josephine N (3R) in recent equestrian events. Hazel proudly represented Alex in the final of the Tri Equestrian Interschools Ireland Competition, securing 5th place in the individual 1.10 metre class. Meanwhile, Josephine competed internationally in Belgium, earning multiple placings across her events and finishing an impressive second and third in her final competition. Congratulations to both girls — we are incredibly proud of their success.
Soccer, Cricket, and more!
Soccer
Seniors v Cabinteely CS, won 4-1
1st Years v St. Kilian's, lost 3-1
International match v King's Hospital, lost 1-0
6th Years v Our Lady's Grove, won 5-3
1st Year League Regional Final v James Street CBS, won 8-1
Juniors League Regional Final v Luttrellstown CC, won 4-1
Athletics
East Leinster Schools Athletics
2nd in Minor Javelin - Rebecca H (1H)
2nd in Junior High Jump - Natasha N (2R)
1st in U16 200m - Emily S (3S)
2nd in Senior Javelin - Charlotte Stegh (5L)
Junior B 4x100m won - Iseult M (2R), Lucy D (2H), Lily B (2H) and Meabh O'K (2S)
Tennis
It has been a hectic month of Tennis. We have entered 12 teams across three age groups ( Minor, Junior and Senior ). Our Junior 1s progressed to the Quarter finals, bowing out to Holy Child in a tight contest. Both Senior 1 groups lost out at the Quarter Final stage. Both our Senior 2 teams have progressed to the Quarter Final stage with their games due next week. At Minor level, we still have a Minor 1 and Minor 2 team involved at the quarter final stage, with games coming up against Holy Faith Clontarf next week.
Cricket
We only had one fixture prior to the Easter break as our Junior team lost out narrowly to High School by 6 wickets.
Hockey
Our Senior Team participated in an Indoor invitational tournament this week. The Tournament was played out in Gormanston Indoor facility. It consisted of 20 teams. Our girls finished a credible 5th, winning 3 of their 5 games on the day.
