An Orange Weather Warning for Rain hung over Ashton School from January 14^th to 16^th as the annual Transition Year Musical was staged. This year’s musical, Singin’ in The Rain, enthralled audiences in the packed Sports Hall over three nights. A further day-time performance was also put on for invited primary school students. Months of hard work and commitment from the cast and crew paid off as the show entertained and enchanted audiences. Congratulations to all the TY students involved and to the show director Mr. Ruttle on this magnificent production.

We would like to give special mention this month to Ashton’s Glanville Art competition winners. This competition takes place annually and is open to students from six Church of Ireland Post-Primary schools. The competition is run in memory of Jane Glanville who was a great supporter of the schools. When she sadly passed away in 2014 it was decided that the art prize, a very impressive specially designed trophy, would be awarded in her honour. This year Transition Year and Fifth Year Art students created a variety of art works based on the theme of ‘The Natural World’. Well Done to First prize winner Oisín McAuliffe, Second prize winner Clara Sirmans and to Tara Cronin who received Third prize. Congratulations also to Gemma Grimley, Emma Healy and Matilda Castle -Metlitski whose paintings were Highly Recommended. Well Done indeed to all who participated in this competition and to their Art teachers Ms. O’Shea and Mr. Ewart who co-ordinate and promote the competition in Ashton.

The Christian Union group continues to grow in popularity in Ashton. Co-ordinated by our School Chaplain, Mr. Ruttle, our Christian Union members meet weekly in Ashton House. One of the most popular events in the CU calendar is the Curry Night which was recently held in school. Over fifty Ashton students enjoyed an evening of fellowship together while cooking and enjoying a curry feast followed by desserts of ice cream and brownies. Fun, games, laughter and music then followed in the GPA. The focus later moved to the School Chapel where the CU band played and students listened to an inspirational talk from their guest speaker Bryce Carlaw. All staff and students present can attest to a truly special and memorable evening together.

Lastly, we would like to wish our Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students well as they complete their Pre-Examinations this month on the lead up to the State Examinations in June. Their focus will soon shift to completing projects and practical work as well as taking the Leaving Certificate oral examinations. No doubt this is a busy time of year for all involved. We wish our students every success with their studies. Thank you to their parents and teachers who continuously support our students in their learning.

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