We will advise in due course when a new date can be agreed upon.

It has been quite a start to the school year at Mount Temple. From welcoming our First Years to welcoming back four rather familiar past pupils, we have packed a lot into these opening weeks. Midterm gives us a chance to catch our breath and look back on a term that has already given us plenty to remember.

Our First Years have taken a lot in their stride since August. The camps helped them get to know one another, and it has been great to see them settling in and finding their feet. At the other end of the school, well done to our Sixth Years on completing their recent exams. I hope they make time for a proper rest this week.

We were delighted to celebrate our students’ Junior Cycle results this term, recognising the work they had put in over the previous three years. Our LCA coffee morning was another lovely occasion. It was great to welcome parents into the school, and the students did themselves proud in hosting and looking after everyone so well.

Then, of course, there was U2. Even now, it is hard to believe that Bono, The Edge, Adam and Larry spent their anniversary week with us before playing for staff and students on the same stage where they had performed 50 years earlier. Four schoolmates who went on to achieve so much together came back to give us an experience we will never forget. Our students were a credit to the school, and the band clearly enjoyed it too. I imagine quite a few students were the envy of their parents that afternoon!

It was great to hear how much Mount Temple still means to them. Bono spoke about the sense that “maybe all we needed was around us”, in their schoolmates and community, and about the many teachers who had shaped their lives. We are very proud of them, and honoured and grateful that they chose to share this occasion with us.

Their visit was also a reminder of something we value at Mount Temple: giving students room to further develop friendships, discover their passions, interests and talents beyond their academic subjects. Activities across the arts and sport are now well underway, offering opportunities to try something new, build friendships and find something they love. Both the Sports Council and Arts Council have recently asked for voluntary contributions to support this work. These activities simply could not happen without the support of parents and guardians. Thank you to those who have contributed, and please support these appeals if you are in a position to do so.

We are looking forward to having the Gym Hall back in use following the electrical and heating upgrades. It will be particularly welcome as we head into winter. The wider rebuild is progressing too, with April 2027 remaining the current target for completion of Phase 1. We know the works bring disruption, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the new facilities take shape.

As we finish for the break, I want to thank all our staff for their work and care throughout these weeks. Thank you also to parents and guardians for your continued support, particularly your understanding during the current industrial action. We recognise the difficulties that changes to arrangements and communication can cause for families, and we greatly appreciate your patience and flexibility.

I hope you and your families enjoy the break, get some time to relax together and have a happy and safe Halloween. We look forward to seeing everyone back after midterm.

David Bane

Join Maynooth University’s Admissions & Student Recruitment Team for an informative online webinar designed to help parents and guardians better understand the CAO process and feel confident supporting their child as they make decisions about their future.

The session will be presented by Sheila Purcell, Undergraduate Admissions Officer, along with members of the Student Recruitment team. Our aim is to answer your questions and provide practical guidance. 

Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Time: 7.00pm
Format: Online webinar

Whether you are looking for clarity on the CAO process or simply want to know how best to support your child, this session will provide helpful information, guidance and an opportunity to ask questions.
We look forward to welcoming you online! 

Sign up here Webinar: CAO Guidance Event for Parent/Guardians | Maynooth University

Remember this is a fundraiser so we are suggesting a minimum donation of €2 but larger donations are obviously welcome

Our goal is to have a fantastic day celebrating our school spirit while supporting a truly wonderful cause.

Link to donate. 

Link with total online donations:

https://childrenshealth.enthuse.com/pf/mount-temple-comprehesive-school-7a4c0

Examinations for 6th years and TY workshops are taking place as per their respective schedules.

Students will need to bring a pair of headphones with a jack lead (the type you can plug in) on both days. 

If any student is absent we will run a mop up session after midterm. 

1D – Mon Period 1 and Tues Period 3

1U – Mon Period 2 and Thurs Period 5

1B – Tues Period 2 and Thurs Period 1

1L – Wed Period 3 and Thurs Period 5

1I – Mon Period 6 and Tues Period 2

1N – Mon Period 2 and Thurs Period 4 

Below is some parental information on both tests

NGRT parents guide https://support.gl-education.com/knowledge-base/assessments/ngrt-support/general-information/information-for-parents

NGST  – Adaptive testing with NGST

NGST is fully adaptive, which allows students to be tested according to their performance as they are taking the test rather than by age or year group. Each student’s performance is assessed as they complete the test and the questions are adapted to be in line with the ability they demonstrate. This is a benefit, particularly to students with a low spelling attainment as they can be tested with words at a lower level than that determined by age, and for students with high spelling attainment as they can be tested with words that better reflect their skills.

NGST comprises two sections: Single Word and Spelling in Context, which is made up of sentence completion items. All students will start with the Single Word section. If a student achieves a very low score in the Single Word section then they will not be taken to the Spelling in Context section and the test will finish early.

Testing time will be approximately 20–25 minutes. However, please note that as NGST is adaptive the time taken to test each student will vary, so some will finish before others.

So:

• All students will start the test with the Single Word section

• The programme will determine the first question based on date of birth and each student will progress through the test according to performance

• Students with very low scores will only see the Single Word section

SEC guidelines 

The following conditions apply to applications for a review of Junior Cycle results (appeals):

(i) Applications will be accepted only from the School Authority.

(ii) The SEC does not accept appeal applications or appeal fees directly from candidates, parents or individual teachers.

(iii) With the reintroduction of appeal fees, each appeal review carries a fee of €32 per subject. 

(Details of the payment of the fees are below). 

(iv) To raise an appeal, the Principal (or authorised representative), must attest that the 

examination result attained by the candidate is significantly at variance with the school’s 

considered judgement of the performance of the candidate concerned at the examination 

in question.

(v) For the reason set out in (iv), the SEC will not accept School or Class based appeal applications.

(vi) A valid appeal consists of both the online appeal application, made by 

the Principal via the schools portal at https://schools.examinations.ie/, and the payment 

from the school. School authorities should complete the procedures in both A 

and B below. Applications received where payment has been made by the 

candidate/parent will not be accepted.

(vii) It is the schools responsibility to ensure that the appeal fee is collected from the individual 

Candidates.

If a candidate wishes to appeal a result or results. The candidate’s parent/guardian must email office@mounttemple.ie by 10am on Tuesday the 13th of October, stating the students names, examination number, subject they wish to appeal and subject teacher in the Junior Cycle.

Following this application the school will issue a payment request, via the school app for the appeal fee. In order for the appeal to be processed the payment must be received by the school no later than Tuesday the 13th of October at 5 pm.

Please contact the school office if further details are required.