Ashton Notes – December 2018

Christmas Concert
The Christmas Concert took place on 6th December in the General Purpose Area. It is co-ordinated by Ms Mary O’Brien and supported by Mr Stobart from St Finbarr’s Cathedral. Members of staff joined the choir on this occasion. The programme consisted of Advent and Christmas carols and fostered a wonderful festive atmosphere.

Poetry Aloud
Rebecca Ryan, a 1st year student, won her way to the National Semi-finals in this poetry reciting competition. These took place in The National Library of Ireland in Dublin. She spoke two poems, Ghost Estate by William Wall and The Planter’s Daughter by Austen Clark. Although she narrowly missed out on a place in the finals the judges commended her highly on her performance which was supported by her English teacher, Kelleyanne Ryan.

Science Week
This happened during the week beginning 11th November when a range of different activities took place. These included a 5th Year table quiz; a senior science quiz for 6th Years at U.C.C. and a poster competition for all Junior Cycle pupils. Additionally, two competitions were run for the whole school: ‘What’s Under the Microscope?’ and ‘Guess the Elemental Word.’ The week more than delivered on the aims of the Science Department by raising interest and enthusiasm for science.

Theatre Visit
6th Year students enjoyed a performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth presented by The Gaiety School of Acting. The play is prescribed text for the Leaving Certificate. The English Department encourages this in the belief that a live performance assists revision and offers valuable new insights into the text itself.

Drive for Life Programme
This is a regular fixture in the TY calendar which seeks to increase safety for all road users and especially for these drivers of the future. The programme uses simulation driving tests, film, statistics and Q & A sessions to get the safety message across.

Concern 24 Hour Fast
This is another regular feature in the TY year. Co-ordinated by Mr Scanllan and supported by volunteer staff, students fast to raise funds for the work of Concern in Mayanmar and Bangladesh. It involves an overnight stay in school but the music and games enjoyed by all effectively banishes any notions anyone has of sleep!

French Exchange
Plans are underway for the forthcoming trip in the New Year to Pontivvy via Paris for Transition Year students.

Hockey
1st Year boys and girls took part in friendly hockey blitzes this month; the boys in Waterford against Newtown, Bandon and Midleton; and the girls in Harlequins in Cork organized by St. Angelas School.
The Senior Boys played Kilkenny College on 5th December. It finished up 5-2. The Juniors were unlucky to finish 2-1 on the same day. Both the Minor and Junior Boys travelled to Ard Scoil Ris Limerick at the end of November. Both teams were successful on the day. The Senior A Girls were unlucky to finish 1-0 to UCT in awful conditions during the orange weather warnings.

The staff and pupils at Ashton wish everyone the compliments of the Holy Season