In December they organised a very successful variety concert under the guidance of Mr. O Reilly. Both nights saw record crowds attend, the argument still continues as to who stole the show whether it was the Celtic Tenors or the TY Santas?
During December and January our students exercised their minds and bodies while taking part in yoga and badminton.
Ms. O Malley organised a fun Irish drama workshop in which our students developed their oral Irish and acting skills.
After Christmas a First Aid course was held for two days. Thanks to Joe and Betsy for their continued support to the school.
Three of our students represented the school in the Young Scientist competition, Daniel Gallagher, Joe Wilson and Josh Gilheany did us proud with their interesting and well presented projects.
Well done to Joe who came third in his category. All of the Transition Year Students travelled to Dublin for the competition. Thanks to Mr. Geoghegan for
his time and energy spent preparing the students and looking after them for four
days in Dublin.
Ms. Cooney organised a trip to the Food Hub in Drumshanbo on the 16th of January during which the students sampled the delights of the food hub, visited the Surf Seeds enterprise and the Sign Warehouse.
The youth office from the diocese delivered a presentation on The Papal Awards which is very similar to The Gaisce wards with more focus on Church involvement.
Mr. Geoghegan entered our students into the “One Good Idea” competition in which some of our students participating in the final in Dublin on the 3rd of May.
On the 21st and 28th of February the Transition Year Students assisted in organising the Leitrim National Schools Sports Competition in the sports complex in Ballinamore.
During February Mr. Paddy McDermott returned to help guide the transition year students into becoming skilled whist players.
Throughout the year Sharon Tuhoy from the St. Vincent De Paul continued to visit the school helping the students in their social justice projects.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions delivered an informative, practical and educational workshop on the world of work.
The 12th of February brought Ian McKeever to the school to motivate our students which resulted in Siobhan McTague and Meabh Gleeson planning on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa during December 2012.
The beginning of March saw our students assist in a survey organised by Leitrim VEC in relation to youth services in Co. Leitrim
Success was achieved in Carrick on Shannon when Arlene Conway and Aife McHugh won an award for their mini business idea.
Thanks to Ms Coyle for her time in helping our business students realise their
enterprise ideas.
Transition Year Students continue to help keep the organic garden with Ms. Colum. A bounty harvest of daffodils was collected this year in time for Daffodil Day. Now we look forward to the organic vegetables.
The 27th of February introduced our French Culture Week under the leadership of Ms. Earley. Throughout the school an emphasis was placed on cross curricular activities focusing on French culture, cuisine, history, language etc. Ms. Earley along with the transition year students organised interesting and varied activities which included a French meal prepared by the transition year students for a select guest list.
Following French week we had had healthy living week organised by Ms. Cooney. During this week our Transition Year Students played a vital role in organising and promoting the various activities that took place. Some activities were the teacher/student match, volleyball, educational talks and workshops to name a few. During healthy living week the transition year students visited a fair trade seminar in Carrick on Shannon and sampled some of the delights in the farmers marked afterwards. Finishing off this week was a presentation form on Bord Bia and the beginning of the Trocaire collection in which the students were involved in fundraising for the people of Uganda.
The 12th of March was work experience week which saw our students take up positions in Brown Thomas, the local National Schools, in a physiotherapist clinic, Smith’s Monuments, a design company in Dublin, St. Vincent’s Hospital just to name a few.
Mr. Mullin has travelled to Omagh to the Folk Park with our Transition Year students. By all accounts an interesting and educational day was had by all.
A two day intensive training course took place on the 28th and 29th of March. “Peer 4 Peer education” up-skills students with knowledge and teaching skills in the area of alcohol and substance abuse and in other areas of concern for teenagers with the aims of the becoming mentors for younger students.
After the Easter holidays Ms. Clarke brought our students to Arigina Mines in which they retraced the steps of miners and experienced the harsh conditions of the coal mines
April saw the beginning of our fitness programme led by a past pupil Michelle Fanning.
Paired Reading is now taking place in conjunction with the boy’s national school. Each Friday four transition year students will help younger students improve their Irish reading. Thanks to Mr. Noel McKeon for all his help.
The 23rd of April sees the beginning of social awareness week led by Mr. Andrew Kavanagh. Our students will put into practice their “peer 4 peer” skills. They will visit the Rehab Centre to work alongside the service users. An awareness of physical, mental disabilities and substance abuse will take place throughout the school.
The Transition Year students will sit their end of year interviews on the 30th April. The focus of these interviews will be on their own personal experience, their portfolio of work and their weekly diary. Good luck to everyone.
