As we begin 2025, we would like to wish all readers a very Happy New Year.

Science Week took place in Ashton towards the end of last term. Organised by the Science Department, our students took part in a range of events including Science quizzes, a DNA code breaker challenge, famous scientist poster competition, a Science in Focus photography competition and a guess the word Element game.

As part of Science week, two teams of Ashton students took part in the regional round of the Irish Science Teachers Association Quiz in UCC. One team consisted of Jack O’Sullivan, Chloe Nolan and Stefany Ibebugwu while the other was made up of Zoe Fahy, David Hrihorov and Sophie Ruddock. Both teams performed very well on the night with Jack, Chloe and Stefany placing joint second. They are now moving on to the national final of the competition which will be held in TCD. Well Done to all the students involved and to their teachers Mr. Kelly and Ms. Cole.

Second Year Home Economics students took part in a felting workshop run by Paulina Katan from Woolly Crafts. The students thoroughly enjoyed their day with some superb pieces being created. Thanks to Ms. O’Meara for arranging the workshop. Staying on the arts and crafts theme, a new Knitting and Crochet group has been established in Ashton by Ms. Farrell, Ms. Curtin and Ms. Quinn. The group meets weekly and members are currently involved in making squares for Blankets of Hope which will be presented to the Cork Cancer Care Centre.

In sport, William Fitzpatrick (TY) took part in the JDC World Cup of Darts which was held in Gibraltar before Christmas. William was part of the Irish team that made it into the last 16, only to be knocked out in a close match by Mongolia. Well Done on this outstanding achievement William! Congratulations too to Srijan Kaushik (First Year) who won two gold, three silver and a bronze medal at the National Gymnastics Competition held in the National Indoor Arena in Dublin recently. Srijan also came First Overall in the Level 4 (Under 12) National Competition. He has also been selected for the Irish National Development Squad for Gymnastics. Well Done Srijan!

Transition Year students have been busy in recent weeks as they participated in a two-week work experience programme. Other highlights of the TY programme included a comedy workshop with Bernard Casey, an MMA injury prevention and treatment workshop, a cricket workshop and poetry sessions. TY students also took part in the annual 24-hour fast and sleepover in Ashton. The students raised over €2000 for the charity Concern. Thank you to Ms. Dennehy, Ms. Manning, Ms. Savage and Mr. Casey for staying overnight with the students. In the weeks before Christmas, our TY students were also busy fundraising for the Simon Community through their participation in the annual Flag Day collections in the city. Great work all round in supporting these worthy causes!

Congratulations to Akeela Itty (TY) and Oisín McAuliffe (Fifth Year) who produced dessert-themed artworks that are now displayed in Ashton House. The bright colours and attention to detail make these pieces stand out and the school is delighted to showcase the talent of both artists. Congratulations too to Patrick McCarthy (Second Year) whose artwork featured on the cover of the December edition of the CCR Diocesan Magazine. The composition and design of the work perfectly encapsulated the Christmas theme. Well done to all the Second Year Art class for participating in this project and making such a great effort.

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