Trash by Andy Mulligan- read our 'blurbs'
Trash is a story that turns misfortunate trash boys living on a mountain of 'stupp' and rubbish to an exciting adventure story about three, sharp, sly boys that could give any well educated person a run for their money.
These 'trash' kids are sharply and quietly codding Behala's blunt corrupt policemen.

• Using their big eyes and poor appearance to get pesos and taxi rides
• Scavenging money
• Surviving harsh scrutinising interviews

These kids with their own personalities and sly quick instincts make a brilliant story. After reading about the bad conditions it will make you put your extra change into the Trocaire Box. These young boys would run circles around us the younger generation. Two words to describe this book. 'READ IT'
                                                                                                                              By Abbie R6

Trash is a wonderful book filled with excitement, adventure, mysteries and friendship. A brilliant book with great understanding of poverty, corruption and friendship. Set in the Philippines. It's a great story with a twist in it. It makes you think a little more about corruption and the story that lies ahead.
Trash is about three boys growing up in the most awful and filthiest place you could imagine. They spend their lives rummaging through trash looking for things to sell. When one day they find a bag full of very interesting things. This one bag and three boys get caught up in a mystery that the police can't even solve. I strongly recommend this book.                                                                                                             By Olivia R6

Trash is one exciting book. It shows us just how bad dumping is in the Philippines and it shows us you can find anything if you look hard enough. Trash tells you a bit about poverty. It is a very adventurous book when it gets going. These trash boys  look stupid but think smart and that's why they are always ahead of the trash police.
Trash tells you just how bad corruption is.
All in all Trash is a brilliant book.                                                            By Ian Rang 5


Trash is a fascinating and exhilarating book. With its enjoyable storyline you never want the book to end. I will read it time after time. Trash has a very unique storyline to it. I have never read a book like it. It is an inspiration to all of us to go and help the poor families picking up trash day after day.
Trash is definitely my favourite book of all time. It's an all rounder. This is a very humourous book. With all the action in it you don't want to stop reading. When I do stop reading I have the urge to read more.                                             by Lauren C. R5

An amazing book. This book shows children that if you persevere you can achieve great things. The book is about three 'trash' boys that stumbled across an amazing item on one of Behala's biggest trash heaps.
They encounter good times, bad times and a few close calls. Just as you get time to catch your breath this book has you on the edge of your seat again.
I recommend this book to younger people as there is a lesson  imprinted in the story of this book.
- Can the boys dash for the cash down the road to greatness?
-read the book to find out what happens.                                                 By Wayne R6

I liked the book Trash because you would never know what's going to happen next. Andy Mulligan, the author wrote it brilliantly. He wrote about three boys who never thought they had a chance in getting anywhere in life because they lived in Behala's Dumpsite
You really get to know the characters and it is so well described it is brilliant and outstanding. It is one of the best books I've ever read and I would give it five out of five.
                                                                                                                    By Conor R6

Trash is a great book, you feel like you are part of what is happening. You can't help yourself to read on and on. There are a lot of twists and excitement in this book like chases running for your life etc.
It can teach you alot about conditions for trash people who have to live in dumps.
How people suffer and the way rich people don't treat trash people as well as they should.
If you were with the three boys, Raphael, Gardo and Rat they would run circles around you.
They may not live in good conditions but they are very clever and smart. Once you pick up this book you will not be able to put it down. It's a wonderful and exciting book. Andy Mulligan has written a book that is quite humorous and very, very good.
I recommend this book hugely.                                                                   by Louise R5

Trash is a great book to read. It is like an adventure book. The three boys go to loads of adventures looking for ...........? I give it ***** out of *****. The three boys are like brothers, they get along all the time. They struggle most of the time but they get out of trouble.
Best book ever.
I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out in the cinema.                  By Shane R5

Once after reading this spectacular book you will be thinking about it forever and it'll be a definite favourite amongst your bookshelves.
Who knew of the atrocities and the corruption that lie in some countries? Does this book make you aware of that and the terrible conditions some people are forced to work in every day? Yes! The author (Andy Mulligan) writes with such integrity, it is remarkable. Almost with a Louis Sachar touch of mystery, it graces the pages of literature like such books as Warhorse and Holes. Certainly the best book I've read this year, it is just simply amazing.
I'd recommend it, just brilliant! In fact it's  not just a book it's a masterpiece.
                                                                                                                       by Ellen R6

Let me start by saying Trash is a fantastic book, I would recommedn this book for people aged 11 and up. If you read the first couple of pages you will think how will three boys in a dumpsite picking trash would keep you interested for 200 pages. Well it does; as you go on  the tension rises. So there is my verdict. Would you buy it?                                   by Eric R5


After reading this book Trash, I think, it is a wonderful adventure story.It is a well written story that involves three boys and a letter..... There are many twists and turns along the way and you never know what might happen. I found that I was unable to put this book down no matter how much I tried.
It was a very exciting story.So exciting I was very upset when it ended. Trash is written so well it is very hard to believe it is only a book.
This book also shows us the poor and corrupt conditions of some unfortunate people.
The plot is just marvellous. This book can put a smile on anyone's face
Andy Mulligan you are a genius! I think Trash is a great book for people of all ages especially the younger ones. Not only will it get their minds working but it will help them realise how terrible the lives of others may be.
I recommend this book to all those who love a good adventurous story and you just might have to put the pieces together yourself.                                         By Niamh R6

Trash is one of the best, fantastic, sad, funniest books around. Three boys get up to a lot of mischief. This book is really good and I recommend it to be one of the best books in the world.People love to read this book. I thought it was so good I didn't want to stop reading it.
Trash helps us to remember all the poor families in the world that have spent their lives picking around in the trash.
In Trash when you read it you want to just go and help the poor families around the world.
                                                                                                                    By Kerri- Anne R5

Trash is one of the best books you will read.It lets you inside of it. It is just brilliant and it is mixed with ugliness, fun and kindness. It shows what the dump Behala is like.
Trash shows when the boys only had a little they would share it.The book shows how they live their lives. Trash is not a book you would pick out of all the books on in the library.
But if you pick it up, get it.
If you have not read it, read it.                                                                    By David R5 

This book is exquisite! I felt as though I was with the characters the whole time.Once I put it down, I couldn't wait until I could pick it up again. Words cannot commend the author well enough, His wording is so unique and beautiful.
You learn about corruption and everyday strife in an adrenelin pumping way. You come away from this book saying "ah, now I get it"  so many times.
It's a mystery with clues disguised as words, it's just simply  a masterpiece.
 I know I want to read it again, and I don't usually read books twice. When my heart stops racing and I finally slow down, I realise  what just happened., my jaw plummets to the floor!!
When you read it, you can see the poverty, corruption, friendship and raw emotion that's in the story and its characters.                                                            By Megan R6

Trash is a fantastic book. Anytime they would smell something you felt you could smell it too. When you were reading it as they went to different places  you could imagine what it looked like.
It makes you feel you should do something about the poor living in shacks.
This is truely an amazing book. And I think I'm going to read it again you should read it too.                                                                                                                   By Anna R5


Trash is a great book about three boys and a thirst for adventure. On their journey they meet lots of interesting people. They start at Behala and end in Behala.
There's bags of excitement. You would need to read the book before the movie because it will never be as good as the book. I would give it four and a half stars.       By Gavin R6


Trash is a well made book with lots of information on poor people, slums and homeless people. In the book Raphael, Rat and Gardo are very smart and well prepared.
There are many scenes where the police try to catch the three boys. They confidently escape. I loved reading this book but at the end is the bit that I do not like. What would you do with six million dollars?                                                                       By Aidan R6

Trash is a wonderful novel and I recommend it to all. Once you start to read it you won't be able to put it down. Such a great book.
Although these boys did not go to school they are very smart.
You can never tell what will happen next. From 'Trashboys' to millionaires they're all in this book. You will learn true friendship never dies out.
Trash is one of a kind and you will never read a book like it.
A great gift to all. "Dreams can come true"                                           By Alisha R6

This is a very well written novel, it is exciting, joyful and above all brilliant. You will turn the page like lightening because you are so eager to find out what happens next. A brilliant book, one of the best books that I have ever read and hope it is one of the best books you will ever read.
Exciting, joyful, brilliant. This book is full of twists and turns. It will never leave you bored when reading it.                                                                                          By Shane R6


Trash is the most mysterious book you could ever read. The three boys, Rat, Gardo and Raphael who are in the book are on their way to a whole lot of adventure. The minute you read the book you won't be able to stop. This book is a friendship book and you know the  boys might act cute but they're really smart. They know what they're  doing.
I would recommend this to 10 years and up.
My rating 5 out of 5.                                                                                 by Aoibheann R6


Trash is a mind-blowing book.There are a lot of turns and adventures. You will not be able to put it down the minute you pick it up. I have read this book once. I would recommend it to 10 years and up.
If you were with these three boys, Rat, Gardo and Raphael- they would run rings around you. This book reminds me of Slumdog Millionaire.They might live in a dumpsite but they are very clever boys. At the start you might think they haven't a clue but they have.
This book has a lot of feelings.
You also really get to know the boys as you go on.
Please read this book.                                                                                   By Eve R6


Trash is a heatwarming story, it has its ups and downs. At times it can be really funny or sometimes it can be sad.
Trash is a book that will take you out of this world.
I rate this book 5*****
You may think that 3 characters in this book are innocent but they're not.
It is a good read and I recommend it.                                                           By Lauren R R5


I love this book it is just amazing and fantastic. Andy Mulligan is a creative genius. The characters have such depth they seem real. The plot twists and cliffhangers are great.
This book will show you what corruption, poverty and injustice of which many of the people of poor Behala experience .
You'll laugh, you'll cry, it's a powerful book. Once you read it, you want to finish it. It is unputdownable. The three characters could survive for themselves, they are sneaky, quick and clever.
I think they should change the title because it is really not 'trash' If you were alone you would look for help, these boys would help.
Five *****
From Jack. Reader Weekly                                                                             by Jack R6

World Day of Prayer
On Thursday 1st March we went to St Saviour's Church Rathdrum to join with the children from Our Lady's School, St Saviour's and The Boys' School Rathdrum for the Children's Prayer Service as part of World Day of Prayer.
 This was the first time for all schools to do this.



Four Schools gathered for World Day of Prayer in Rathdrum

The church was almost full with 5th and 6th Class children coming together for the service prepared by the Christian women of Malaysia.

Each school shared the readings and prayers and sang the hymns.

Thanks to St Savious for the treats at the end.

Listen to our Collection of Sounds...

The barking of the dog when the cat runs by,
The scuttle of Aaron.s feet on the floor,
The cracking of the fire as it lights,
The knocking on the door.
By: Louise Conway Rang: 5

The barking of my dogs when they hear people,
The laughter of my brother when he is happy,
The scraping of the chalk against the chalkboard,
The crying of the baby when she pooed in her nappy.
By: Kerri-Anne Murphy   Rang: 5

The tapping of a pen on my table,
The slamming of the door from the wind,
The creeking of the fridge when I close it shut,
The blowing of the popper when it's popped.
By: Lauren Carter   Rang:5

I woke up this morning,
By the ringing alarm clock,
But I cheered up very quickly,
When I heard the toaster pop.
By:Lauren Roche   Rang: 5


The ringing of the telephone
The crackling of the fire
And when I plug it into the wall,
A buzz comes from my hairdryer
By: Leeanne Birro  Rang: 6 

The stomping of my wellies on the deck,
The patter of my dogs paws as she follows me,
The bouncing of the basketball,
The shouting of my mother as she calls me in for tea.
By Megan Foster, Rang 6

The buzzing of the laptop
The ticking of the clock
The ringing of the phone
The swishing of ships at the dock
by Wayne Kinlan,Rang 6

The purring of a ginger cat
The falling of the lovely winter snow
The shrieking of the witch alone
The silence of the amazing fantastic show
by Jack Farrell Rang 6

The last minute gasp for the homework
The groan when woken too late
The slurping of the soup in the evening
The crying when he doesn't want to go to school now he's in a state
by Conor Kearney Rang 6


The clicking of the light switch when it's flicked on ,
The huffing and puffing of my dad when he's went for a run,
The slamming of the door when my brothers in a huff,
The beep of the microwave when its done.
By Abbie White 6th class


The howling of the wind through the keyhole,
The rumbling of the thunder in the grey sky,
The ticking of the clock in the dark of night,
The roar of the motor bike as it speeds by.
By Niamh Lynham Rang 6

The engine of the tractor when it pulls out of the shed                                                                                  
The barking of the dog
The rustling of the grass on a frosty morning
The roar of the chainsaw cutting up logs
by Shane Mc Weeney Rang 6

The barking of the dog
The breaking of the bread

The running of the water
The ringing in my head
By Kelvin Byrne Rang 6


The crackling of the fire as it lights.
The big slam of the front door.
The bubbling of the running bath.
The ear aching creak of the floor.
By Eve Hamilton Rang 6.

The clicking of the light switch.
The brushing of feet along the floor.
The chirping of the birds outside.
The creaking of the shed door.
By Olivia Ward Rang 6


The scraping of cutlery on the plates.
The quiet tick-tock of the clock,
The bubbling of the water in the stove.
The jangling of my mother's keys in the lock.
By Ellen O'Neill Rang

Rugby

6th Class - Early Goodbye!

Here are a few pictures from the last day of rugby coaching on Friday 24th February.

Thanks so much Jason.

All Smiles

What a good idea!!

Cheering for Munster....oops Leinster

Gathering the cones

St Kevin's Way - Pilgrim Walk
 





Two for the road and stick!



On 15th February, as part of our Confirmation preparation we(31 of us- 23 children and the 8 adults) walked about 11km of St Kevin's Way which is an ancient pilgrim route leading to Glendalough.

Fr Kevin was our leader. It was great having him back from Dublin to be with us.

For over 1,000 years people have walked this route.



5 Amigos



We learned that the tradition of walking a pilgrim route often resembles the path of life... up hill can be difficult but with the help of friends we made it to the top.

Life is full of ups and downs.

We chatted and laughed along the way.



Listening at St Kevin's Pool



We stopped by St Kevin's Pool and remembered our baptism as well as the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan.



Lunch Break



When we were climbing up towards the Wicklow Gap, Yvonne read the Sermon on the Mount. We definitely were on the side of a mountain there.

Over the top and lunch break. At this time we needed a break

Lunch Break



Soup, glorious soup!





We had plenty of food and shared it with each other. Fr Kevin told us about the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.

Many of us slipped in the boggy bits as we trudged along through the old mines and into the Glendasan Valley.


Tastes Good



We passed by where Gavin's Dad and Shane's Dad once lived when they were young boys. Nobody lives in that part now.



Sermon on the Mount



Louise waved to her Mum in her house as we walked towards our destination- Glendalough.

We will remember that great walk for a long time and it was great doing it with our class mates.



Listening Well



Thanks to Fr Kevin and all the adults who came with us.



Extra Climb



Lunch and Smiles



Glendasan- nearly there





Listening well



Watch out - It's above you



R+R





Pilgrims at the Archway to the Monastic City- where thousands have gone before



Book Characters

Look what we got up to during book week.

We dressed up as book characters.

Now we do think some of the boys were pushing it - The Farmers Journal is a book?

 

  

It was a laugh.

BFG, Cinderella, Twilight, Grease,

Football League,

St Trinians and more.

Football Blitz

It was a case of 'win, lose and draw' when we played in a blitz in Ashford on Thursday 9th February. We played 3 games against Gaelscoil Cill Mhantáin, Ashford and Moneystown.

Thanks to Leyton Glynn who organised the blitz and to Michael Healy our coach.

Here are a few pictures from the day.