Notes from the Chaplain
The school chapel recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. It was originally Dedicated to the Glory of God on St. Andrew’s Day,1988 by the Bishop R. Warke when Mr. J.V.P. Bond was Principal and the Reverend J.E. Fenning the chaplain. As part of the recent restoration of Ashton House, the chapel was refurbished. New altar furniture was bought with the aid of the Church of Ireland Priorities’ Fund. A new piano, new glassware and linens were purchased. A cross and plaque mount was made from the wood taken from the old Communion table. Wall hangings were designed and made by students. The chapel was rededicated in April 2016 by Bishop Colton. A service was held on St. Andrew’s Day to give thanks for our chapel. Students, members of staff and local clergy joined together to sing, pray and give thanks. Reverend Hazel Minion, herself a former chaplain to the school, celebrated Holy Communion with those present. During the service hundreds of students’ personal messages and prayers were placed on the Remembrance Tree which was then blessed.

With Ms. Hewison’s guidance a committee of Sixth Year students organised a Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Focus Ireland. On the day, many staff also joined in the fun.

Choral and Music Notes
On Thursday 13th December, members of the Ashton School Choir and first year music took part in the SMA Christmas Concert on the Blackrock Road as part of the local community celebrations. Second Year students formed a choir to sing carols in Mahon Point Shopping Centre in aid of Christian Aid. They later in nearby St. Luke’s Home they entertained the residents with upbeat festive music and song. On Friday 14th December, as part of the UCC FUAIM Lunchtime Concert Series, first and fifth year music classes performing at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. The fifth years composed and premiered a new piece entitled ‘Christmas Cheer’. The combined choir also sang Star of Wonder by Linda Buckley, Christmas Day by Elaine Agnew, and All On A Silent Night by Mary Lynn Lightfoot which featured first year soloists, Dara Keane (Boy Soprano) and Harry Neal (Cello).

Ashton School Adult Education
Ashton School Adult Education classes are now enrolling for the 2019 Spring Term. There are over 75 separate courses on offer such as Chinese Cookery, Painting, Archaeology, Singing for enjoyment, Ukulele, Golf, Tennis, Horse-riding, Fitsteps. Something for everyone! Our brochure with all details is available on the school website www.ashton.ie/adult-education or from the Adult Education Office on 021 4322382. Enrolment is available online, through the office or by post. Classes start during the week of Monday January 28th.

German Exchange
On 5th November and accompanied by Ms. Power and Ms. Kingston, twenty-one second year German students participated in a ten-day exchange with Lessing Gymnasium, Cologne. Staying with a host family, students went to school, observed lessons in all subjects. Additionally, there were visits to the Chocolate Museum, a Perfume Factory, the History Museum and the Haribo Shop in Bonn. WDR TV Studio and the National Socialism Documentation Centre. There was time, too, to take in the view from the top of Cologne Cathedral, some Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) and for shopping! The German students had previously visited Ashton from 3rd October -12th October. They visited the Titanic Experience in Cobh, Charlesfort in Kinsale, Garrettstown Beach, Cork City Gaol and UCC. They also tried their hand at hockey and Céili dancing! All participating students were invited to visit the Lord Mayor’s Office on Friday 5th October to celebrate the twinning of Cork and Cologne. This is in its 19th year of the exchange. It consistently proves to be very rewarding trip both culturally and linguistically.

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