Ashton Notes February 2014

With March comes the prospect of longer, warmer days, a greater sense of optimism in humanity, and the guarantee that God in Nature is abundantly generous in producing heart-warming, cheery daffodils as a portent of what is to come !

We wish all students now preparing for oral examinations, completing practicals and much more, thebest of luck.

The German Exchange was a resounding success with Ashton Students from Second Year and Transition Year travelling to Cologne as part of the School Exchange Programme.  While there, students visited Cologne Cathedral, the Chocolate Museum, the House of History, the radio station WDR, and many other significant educational attractions.  Students stayed in their exchange partner’s homes, optimising the opportunity for enhancing the language learning, along with attending full classes in Lessing Gynasium, co-ordinated by Ms. Becker.

Chelsea Hassel, a third year student at Ashton, has recently completed a Scuba diving course under the auspices of the international organisation PADI.  Much of her time is spent practicing difficult dives and procedures in deep waters.  She hopes to pursue her interest in marine biology in the future.

Ms.McKeown’s CSPE class recently travelled to Fota Wildlife Park, as part of the completion of their Third year CSPE project worth 60%.  Students enjoyed learning about ecology, animal behaviour and conservation.  The introductory lecture provided students with much information which was further enhanced as they took notes on the guided tour of the wildlife park. A busy and interesting day.

The French Exchange took place in February, when students travelled to Pontivvyin Brittany, and stayed with host families, following the visit of the French school to Ashton earlier in the year.  Language classes were attended daily, and trips to educational sites included, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Vannes.  Ashton students are now looking forward to the return visit of their French partners from March 18^th to 25^th.  What exciting times to be a student!

Hockey:  The Minor Hockey Girl’s team are in the Semi-finals of the Cup against Mount Mercy, and eagerly anticipating an exciting game.   The Boy’s Minor Hockey team played the Semi-final of the Cup against Newtown School from Waterford in Garryduff, emerging with a resounding win. The Boys Junior and Senior B teams won their way into the Munster Cup Final, to be played later in the year.

The Boy’s Badminton team played a tournament in Rochestown College, playing siuccessfully against Blarney and Rochestown.  The Girl’s Badminton team also played a tournament and were equally successful, playing the matches at Ashton school.    Training continues each Wednesday from 1.30 – 2.30 with Ms. Power and Ms. Hehir.