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Third and Fourth Class had an extra tour laid on for them this year: a visit to Dublin on Thursday 26 May.  They set off on the bus from Wellington Road at the unearthly hour of 7.15am, but the early start was well worth the trouble.  They packed three great experiences into their day in Dublin.  First of all, they went to the Tutankhamun exhibition which they found very interesting.  This was followed by a trip to the Natural History Museum, also known as the ‘dead zoo’, as the exhibits consist of stuffed animals and skeletal remains of animals. They found this experience highly enjoyable as well. Their final stop was Dáil Éireann.  They spent some time in the visitors’ gallery where they saw both Gerry Adams and ‘Ming’ Flanagan performing. Prep School past pupil Mr Dara Murphy TD met the boys and took them on a tour of Leinster House and presented each of the boys with a special lapel badge featuring the Cork coat of arms as a souvenir of their visit.  Many thanks to Dara for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet the boys and their teachers.

Third Class boys at the Tutankhamun Exhibition

The boys take an interest in a mummy at the Tutankhamun exhibition

Mr Dara Murphy TD outside Dáil Éireann with Third and Fourth Class

This year’s  school tour was on Tuesday 24 May. Junior Infants to Second Class went to the Glen Recreation Centre where they had a very enjoyable day of activities, including wall climbing.

The boys of Third to Sixth Class went to the Oysterhaven aquatic centre where more adventurous activities were on offer, including canoeing, boating, rope bridge crossing and other pursuits that involved getting wet and muddy.

Third Class out on the water in Oysterhaven

Crossing over

CBC Prep School boys in Oysterhaven

Trying to get to the other side while staying dry

First Holy Communion Day for this year’s Second Class was on Saturday 21 May.  After Mass, the boys and their families returned to the Preparatory School for a little reception organised by the teachers and the Parents Council.  Special thanks to the mothers (and fathers?) of First Class who supplied the cakes for the occasion.

The boys of Second Class who made their First Holy Communion

CBC was among a number of Cork schools invited to send a contingent of pupils to the city centre to view the royal visit this afternoon.  Nine boys from the Prep School accompanied by about 100 secondary school boys and five teachers walked to the assembly point, Christ Church on the South Main Street, around midday.  They were treated to sandwiches, fruit and bottled water before being led to a viewing point at the corner of the Grand Parade and the South Mall.  A little later, they were moved to a better vantage point directly opposite the gate of the English Market.  From there they had a great view of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they entered the Market.  After leaving the Market, the royal couple crossed the road and spoke to some of the onlookers.  The Prep School boys were delighted that the Queen and the Duke exchanged a few words with them.

Before departing for town

CBC pupils entering Christ Church for a security check and refreshments

The view from the corner of the Grand Parade and South Mall

CBC at a prime viewing spot opposite the Market Gate

The Queen passes by, pausing briefly to talk to Prep School boys

The Duke of Edinburgh asks 'Did you get a half day from school?'

The Prep School boys wait for barriers to be lifted after the royal visit

The annual Sports Day was held at CIT Sports Grounds this year as the Mardyke was not available.  A great day was had by all.  Sprints, three-legged, egg & spoon and novelty races were run off  for all classes from 3rd to 6th. Meanwhile, back at the school, the younger boys had their Sports Day on the Astroturf.

Concentration before the start of the egg and spoon race.

Sack race contestants near the finishing line.

Sixth Class boys pictured immediately after the novelty race.

Tommy Hyde of Sixth Class is a talented boxer. He brought some of his trophies to school this week, much to the delight of the Junior Infants Class.

Junior Infants boys hold up some of Tommy's boxing trophies.

Many of the boys who will start Junior Infants Class next August came along to CBC this morning to spend a couple of hours with Mrs Lowry.  Their parents stayed in the classroom until the boys settled down, which did not take very long.  Then there was a morning of fun with stories, games and a spell in the playground.  They are all looking forward to coming back after the summer.

Mrs Lowry settles down the boys while parents look on.

Mrs Lowry engages the boys in a story

The boys are fascinated with Mrs Lowry's little helper

Running and jumping in the playground

Lining up in the playground to go back to class

The Fifth and Sixth Class chess team took part in a chess competition in Togher last Friday.

The Easter Rugby Camp was a very enjoyable three day event for the boys of the Preparatory School and some of their friends from other schools who came along to join in the fun.

Rachel Sarah Murphy, who plays Jo Fahey in the RTE soap Fair City, visited CBC today.  Her company, the Irish Film Academy, recently sponsored the touring jersey which the Sixth Class boys wore on their tour to Bath.  Rachel Sarah called in on the Sixth Class boys as she was told that they had a particular interest in drama.  She spent an hour in the Library with them, explaining various acting techniques and getting the boys involved in acting out short scenes.  She took a break to pick out the winning ticket for the Easter Egg draw.  The Preparatory School are very grateful to Rachel Sarah for calling in and also for her sponsorship of the Bath Tour.

Rachel Sarah Murphy in the Library with Sixth Class

The pupils wait anxiously for Rachel Sarah to pick the winning ticket in the Easter Egg draw

Rachel Sarah presents the Easter Egg to the lucky winner