Sept 2010

Personal Development Workshops : As part of our ‘Transition Year Induction Programme’, on Monday, September 13th, our Transition Year Students will participate in a series of Personal Development workshops.  The workshops will focus on helping the students decide upon personal goals, which they would like to accomplish during their participation in the Transition Year Programme.  The workshops will be conducted on a class-by-class basis.  The workshop for Rang Monnet will take place from 9am – 10.30a.m.  Rang Hillery’s workshop will take place from 10.30am – 12.15pm and Rang De hIde will have their workshop from 1.15pm – 3pm.  The workshops will take place in Room 49.
Transition Year Induction Programme: On Thursday of this week, our Transition Year students will participate in an induction workshop.  The students will focus upon setting personal targets for the year.  The aims and structure of the TY Programme as well as the role of homework and the forms of assessment within the Transition Year Programme will be outlined. 
No Name Club Talk: This Tuesday, September 14th, Ms Catherine Smith will visit the Transition Years and give a brief talk to our TY students on the work that the Dublin 15 No Name Club does.  Students will be invited to join the club which can be used as part of their community involvement for the Gaisce award.
Talk on the Gaisce Award Programme: This Thursday, September 16th, our Transition Year students will join together for a talk on the Gaisce Award Programme.  The talk will take place from 11.40-12.15pm.  There are four different challenge areas in the Award programme.  The four challenge areas are those of (1) community involvement (2) the development of a personal skill (3) involvement in physical recreation and (4) the completion of an adventure journey.  The structure of our college’s Transition Year Programme is structured to accommodate each of the four challenge areas.  All of our current TY students will be invited to sign up for the challenge areas.
TY Trip To The Carlingford  Adventure Centre: Each year, we organise a bonding session for our Transition Year students.  This year, the session will be held at the Carlingford Adventure Centre.  The aim of the programme is to enhance the students’ confidence and to build a strong bond amongst the students, through experiencing group activities in a challenging environment.  All Transition Year Students are travelling to the adventure centre on Thursday, September 23rd and will have an over night stay.  They will return on Friday evening, September 24th.

Information Evening for Parents of our Current TY Students
This Monday, October 4th, we will be hosting an information evening for the parents and guardians of our Transition Year students.  The meeting will take place in the canteen and will begin at 7.45pm.

The Gaisce Programme: We are delighted that 43 of our current Transition Year students have signed up to participate in the Gaisce Programme and to achieve their Bronze medal.  There are four different challenge areas in the Award programme.  The four challenge areas are those of (1) community involvement (2) the development of a personal skill (3) involvement in physical recreation and (4) the completion of an adventure journey.  The structure of our college’s Transition Year Programme is structured to accommodate each of the four challenge areas. 

Fundraising for Temple Street Children’s Hospital
On Monday, October 11th of this week, all of our Transition Year students will be involved in fundraising for the Temple Street Children’s Hospital’s ‘Trick or Treat Campaign’ in the city centre.  We wish our students well as they embark on fundraising for this worthy cause.

Speaker from Down Syndrome Ireland
This Thursday our Transition Year students will have a presentation made to them by Mr. Padraic Delaney from Down Syndrome Ireland.  The presentation will have an emphasis on creating an inclusive school.  We are delighted that two past TY students, John Feighery and Jack Conneely, now in LC2, will also address our TY students.  In addition, we are very proud that 33 of our TY students have agreed to help in fundraising for this organisation during their mid-term break.  The students will be involved in bag packing in Dunnes Stores in Ongar and The Blanchardstown Centre on Saturday, October 30th next.

TY Art Module Trip. On Thursday of this week, Ms Brady’s class, Rang De hIde, will travel to the Draioch to view an Art exhibition.  Students will leave at 9.40 and return at lunchtime.

TY Students’ Views on Diversity and Inclusion. Over the course of last weekend, a number of our Transition Year students participated in a workshop entitled ‘Meeting Mary’.  In essence our students had an opportunity to share their views on diversity and inclusion in Ireland and will at a later date be involved in producing a DVD media format that reflects their views.  The President, Mary McAleese will speak at a national conference on November 3rd whereupon the DVD will be presented.  The workshops are hosted by the Immigrant Council of Ireland.  The students involved are: Roxanne Frim, Ciara Gorman, Sinead O’Gorman, Aodhan Peelo, Daire Boyle, David Bennett and Colm O’Riada.

NOV 2010

Work Experience : Our Transition Year students are beginning their first session of work experience this week (Monday November 1st - Friday, November 5th).  Our students will be evaluated on their performance with employers filling out an individualised work experience evaluation form for each student.  Students will receive this feedback in a structured way that will focus on personal strengths and areas that can be improved upon during each student’s second module of work experience.  Next week, all TY students will participate in a debriefing workshop.

Work Experience De-briefing Workshop. On Friday of this week, our Transition Year students will participate in a debriefing workshop based on their experiences from their work placements.  The workshops will take place at 2pm in the Canteen.

T.Y. European Studies Module: Last week, we received the wonderful news that Roxane Frim (Rang De hIde) has won a three day trip to Strasbourg as part of the European Studies module which is taught by Ms Boggs. Roxan will be joined by fellow students from all over Europe to take part in the European Youth Parliament.

Transition Year Higher Careers’ Event: On Tuesday of this week, November 9th, a number of our TY students will be travelling to the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown.  The N.U.I. Universities will be in attendance as will the Institutes of Technology and the Colleges that run Post Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs).  Students will have an opportunity to meet some of the lecturing staff and to ask questions about courses of interest to them.  Students will be absent from morning classes but will be present for all afternoon classes. 

TY Science Week. On Tuesday of this week, as part of ‘Science Week’ Rang De hIde will travel to Teagasc, the Food and Research Centre in Ashtown.  Students will leave at 9.40 am and will return at 12noon. 

Transition Year Retreats.  Ranganna Hillery and Monnet will be on retreat this Monday, November 15th while Rang De hIde will be on retreat tomorrow, Tuesday, November 16th.  The retreats will take place in the Emmaus Retreat Centre, in Swords.  The retreat will form a part of the students’ log of learning within the Transition Year Programme and the students will be required to write up a report which will form part of the assessment of their individual portfolios in May 2011.
Road-Safe Road Show. Ranganna Hillery and Monnet will be attending The Helix this Tuesday, November 16th, for a road-safe road show, which is being facilitated by Fingal County Council.  The theme of the road show is to encourage young drivers and those about to commence their driving career to adopt a more responsible attitude towards safe driving behaviour.  Students will leave at 9.30am and will return at 12.15pm.
Youth Speaks Poetry Workshops. On Thursday of this week, our TY students will be participating in a poetry workshop.  Rang Hillery will have their workshop from 9-10.30am while Rang Monnet’s will be from 10.45-12.15pm.   Rang De hIde will be involved in the workshop from 1.15-2.45pm. 
Centsense – Making Sense of Money. This Friday, our Transition Year students will be involved in a workshop which will coach our TY students about issues relating to money, debt, credit, preparing for the years ahead and important tips about how to save.  The workshops will be interactive and will be facilitated by Sinead Ryan and Frank Conway, both of whom are regular contributors to national media.  The workshops will be on a class-by-class basis.  De hIde will participate in the workshop from 9-10.05am, Hillery from 10.15-11.10pm and Rang Monnet from 11.10-12.15pm. .

Changeover of Transition Year Modules. Next week, our Transition Year students will sit their November Examinations.  They will begin their second block of modules next Wednesday, December 1st, which will last until Tuesday, March 1st, 2011. 

DEC 2010

FETAC Level 4 Course in Community Radio: On Wednesday of this week, fifteen of our Transition Year students shall begin studying for a FETAC Level 4 Certificate in Community Radio.  This course is offered by CRAOL - the Community Radio Forum of Ireland under the auspices of Phoenix FM Community Radio.  CRAOL is a quality assured training provider registered with FETAC.  The course is assessed by two assignments each worth 25% of the total marks and one project worth 50% of the total marks. Our Transition Year students must conduct a studio interview with a community group, conduct an interview on location with a community group and as a team research, plan and record a radio programme.

 Fundraising for Temple Street Children’s Hospital: On November the 11th and 12th, a number of our Transition Year students were involved in fundraising for the Central Remedial Clinic in the city centre.  We are delighted to announce that the students raised €1,397.42 for this worthy cause.  Each TY student shall receive a Certificate commending their efforts at their TY Graduation.

Bag Pacing for the Dublin 15 Hospice: On Wednesday of this week, a number of students will be bag packing for the Dublin 15 Hospice.  The students will be in Dunnes Stores in the Blanchardstown Town Centre. 

JAN 2011

Last Wednesday, fifteen students from Transition Year began studying for a FETAC Level 4 Certificate in Community Radio, offered by CRAOL- the Community Radio Forum of Ireland under the auspices of Phoenix FM Community Radio. The course runs for 8 weeks each Wednesday from 1.50 to 4.50pm.

Interviews for Transition Year Programme 2011 / 2012- During the course of the next two weeks, a number of our Third Year students who have applied for a place in next year’s Transition Year Programme will be interviewed.  Students are asked to attend for their interviews at least five minutes prior to their allocated time.  Each student will be informed that they must show a letter to their class teacher before leaving. 

TY Cross-Curricular Themed Week -This week marks our second Transition Yea Cross-Curricular Themed Week.In keeping with our College’s aim of developing self – reflective learning within the TY Programme, all our Transition Year students were surveyed as to what they would like the week’s theme to be.  The majority of our year group decided that the theme of the week will be that of ‘Cultural Diversity’.  Students will be expected to reflect on the subject matter of this week and it will form part of their Portfolio Assessment in May.

FEB 2011

Primary Schools' Girls’ Gaelic League: A number of our female Transition Year students have been invited to help organise the running of the Primary Schools' Girls’ Gaelic League.  This will involve the students refereeing and umpiring the matches and working in consultation with the coaches.  The league begins this Thursday, February 10th.  The girls will be assisted by a number of the Transition Year male students who participated in the boys’ Gaelic League, in terms of setting up the pitches. It will run from 3-4pm in Tir na nÓg.

Changeover of Transition Year Modules-The second block of Transition Year modules will officially end Friday, February 26th.  However, this week will be the final week that the students will be involved in their current block of TY Modules as the students will be on work experience the week following the mid-term break.  Our students will begin their third and final block of modules on Monday, March 7th.

UCD Transition Year Archaeology Programme-We are delighted that David Bennett (Rang De hIde) was successful in his application for a place in the UCD Transition Year Archaeology Programme.  The programme will provide one week of practical archaeological experience and directed research from 21–25 March 2011. 

Presentation on the Cessation of Smoking-On Tuesday of this week, all Transition Year students in Rang De hIde will take part in a presentation on the cessation of smoking.  This presentation will be made by Jessie Boyle a past pupil who is studying to become a dental hygienist.  The presentation will take place from 1.55-2.30pm in Room 54.

Election Debate-This Friday, our Transition Year students will be involved in a question and answer workshop with a number of the local candidates who are hoping to win a seat in the upcoming election.

March 2011

Work Experience- Our Transition Year students are beginning their second session of work experience this week (Monday, February 28th - Friday, March 4th).  Our students will be evaluated on their performance with employers filling out an individualised work experience evaluation form for each student. 

NON UNIFORM DAY-On Wednesday of this week, March 16th, we will be having a non-uniform day in aid of Pieta House and The No Name Club.  The Transition Year students will visit tutorials and the LC2 assembly in order to collect €2 from students.

Primary Schools' Girls’ Gaelic League-The final of the Primary Schools' Girls’ Gaelic League will take place this Tuesday afternoon in Tir na nÓg. 

Youth Speaks 2011 Poetry Slam Final- Following on from a very successful poetry workshop that our current TY students were involved in, we are delighted to announce that Saibh Healy (Rang Hillery), David Bennett and Colm O’Riada (Ranganna De hIde) have been successful in reaching the finals of the 2011 All-Ireland Schools’ Poetry Slam Final, which takes place in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, on Wednesday April 13th.  As with previous years, the event is part of the prestigious Cúirt International Festival of Literature.  Each student will have to perform her / his poem in front of a live audience. Saibh, David and Colm will compete against 22 other students.We wish them well.

Short Story Writing Workshops: On Thursday of this week, our TY students will be participating in a short story writing workshop.  Rang Monnet will have their workshop from 9-10.30am while Rang Hillery’s will be from 10.45-12.15pm.   Rang De hIde will be involved in the workshop from 1.15-2.45pm. 

April 2011

GAA Foundation Level Coaching Course: During the past three weeks, 19 of our current Transtion Year students have been involved in training for a coaching certificate which is facilitated by Mr Paul O’Brien who works for the GAA.  Starting this week, the TY students will be assessed for their successful completion of the course by visiting a number of the local primary schools and coaching the primary school children. 

STRIKE: On Friday, April 8th, Transition Year students will be involved in a series of workshops that will focus upon the power of protest using non-confrontational means. Students will be involved in a drama workshop and will role play scenes from a play called ‘Strike’. 

SED Training: On Monday, April 11th  all Transition Year students will be involved in ‘Schools Embracing Diversity’ training which will focus upon the TY students becoming equality advocates. 

An Oige: On Tuesday of this week, Ms Breda O’Keefe will visit Ranganna Hillery and Monnet to make  a presentation to them about the work of An Oige.  

 ‘Dance4life’ Transition Year Relationships and Sexuality Programme-On Tuesday of this week, April 12th, all of our Transition Year students will be involved in a workshop focusing on sexual reproductive health, rights issues and basic life skills.  ‘Dance4life’ is an AIDS awareness sex education programme and uses music and dance to reach young people in a meaningful way.  

Youth Speaks 2011 Poetry Slam Final-Saibh Healy (Rang Hillery), David Bennett and Colm O’Riada (Ranganna De hIde) will represent our College in the finals of the 2011 All-Ireland Schools’ Poetry Slam Final, which takes place in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway this Wednesday, April 13th.  As with previous years, the event is part of the prestigious Cúirt International Festival of Literature.  Each student will have to perform her / his poem in front of a live audience.  Saibh, David and Colm will compete against 22 other students.  We wish them well.

St Patricks’ National School Sports Day- Following on from a very successful event last year, on Wednesday, April 13th, eight students in Rang Monnet will be involved in helping to organise the annual sports day in St Patrick’s National School.  The students are: Michelle Carroll, Jasmin Stanbridge, Christina Gibney, Hadia Wassiee, Conor Byrne, Barry Linnane, Michael McDonnell and Paul Winters. We wish our students the very best as they represent our College. 

May 2011

Colour Image Workshop: This Friday, May 6th, all of the female students in Transition Year will participate in a ‘Colour Image’ workshop.  This will look at hair and make-up tips, posture, and clothes to suits one’s shape, etc.  The workshop will be from 9am until 3.10pm.

Food Safety Certificates: Following a workshop on food safety, Mr Ray Warrick will visit our College and present a number of our Transition Year students with certificates in food safety on Tuesday, May 3rd at 10.20am.

Fundraising for St. Vincent de Paul: On Friday, May 13th of this week, a number of our Transition Year students will be involved in fundraising for St. Vincent de Paul.  Our students will be bag packing in Dunnes Stores in the Blanchardstown Town Centre

TY Portfolio Interviews -The portfolio interviews for our Transition Year students take place this Thursday and Friday.  All students will present for an individual interview with their portfolio and are each afforded the same amount of time to describe, analyse, reflect, discuss and evaluate their work/portfolio including their own progress during the year. 

‘Skills4life’ Transition Year Relationships and Sexuality Programme -On Monday of this week, our Transition Year students will be involved in the second module focusing on sexual reproductive health, rights issues and basic life skills.

Colour Me Beautiful - The second part of the TY ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ Workshop will take place this Tuesday, May 17th from 9am until 12.15pm in the Careers’ Library.  All the TY girls will be involved.

History Trip - As part of their History Module (Sheila Cotter) Rang Monnet will be travelling to GAA Museum this Friday.  Students will leave at 9.40am and return for their class at 2.30pm in the afternoon.

TY Fencing Competition - Katie Byrne, Joy Clifford and Michaela Power Mulhern will be in a fencing competition this Monday, May 16th.  The students will fence against Loreto College, Foxrock.  We wish them well.