Ashton Notes May 2014

Ashton students have been busy on many fronts over the last month, both academically, artistically in relation to the Transition Year musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Examination students have completed their oral examinations, and their project-work for practical subjects like Art, Geography and History,Home Economics, Material Technology (wood), Engineering and many more.  All the marks count when it comes to the final tally!.   We wish them luck as they continue to finish coursework, and make final preparations for examinations in June.

Leaving Certificate students co-ordinated by Mrs. Murphy, and Transition Year students co-ordinated by Ms. Ryan, had the privilege of attending a talk on Testicular Cancer by James Nagle from the Mercy Hospital Foundation, who outlined the facts and the preventative measures male students can take to reduce the risk of its occurrence, given that Cork has a 27% higher rate than the national average.   Emmet Kennedy and Ellen Coughlan from 96Fm also supported the talk, as they are co-sponsors of a 3 day Fundraising Event from May 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th taking place across the city.

‘Beat the Blues’ was the theme of another talk students attended in relation to positive mental health, by Noel Brosnan,  Aware Foundation.  The speaker highlighted indicators, signs and symptoms of pending stress for students and encouraged them to speak with parents, teachers or other reliable adults.   Each student got a well-produced booklet with excellent ideas on how to achieve ‘personal wellness’.   An outstanding resource for each student.

First year students, Zach Lumley and Bridget Kelly won first prize in the ‘Living in Life Science’ category for their project on Social Media, at the Annual Scifest competition in CIT recently. Twelve students from First and Second year participated overall, co-ordinated byMs.Hehir.  Hearty congratulations.

Spanish students have been busy uploading videos of themselves speaking Spanish onto the Post Primary languages initiative facebook page, with prizes of all expenses paid trips to Salamanca to study Spanish.  Having come first in the country last year, they are hoping for similar success this year, co-ordinated by Mr.Geaney.  Muy Buena Suerte!!

Transition Year students put on a resounding and uplifting presentation of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with sold-out houses each night.  The ‘ industry’ and skills-building which results from this show each year, is amazing.  Students acquire skills in sewing, make-up, carpentry, creativity and artistic endeavour, team-building, and much more.  Students personalities positively ‘shine’ during these performances.   The work put in by the students,  Mr.Ruttle, Mr. Maurice O’Brien, and Mr. Uwe Schiller certainly confirms the benefits of the dedication and diligence of this committed bunch of perfectionists.

Senior A girls competed well in the Senior A Plate final against Clonakilty in Ashton recently.   2^nd year girls lost in the semi-final of the 2^nd year Munster Cup to Ursulines, Thurles.  1^st year girls were runners up in the First year League and lost to the Crescent in the semi-final of the 1st year A Cup in Limerick. They will keep working towards finals.

The Ashton Minor Boys beat Midleton College 3-1 in the Minor Cup Final.  They go to the John Waring Cup as Munster’s number one seed, under the captaincy of Mark Gallagher.  The Senior ‘B’ Team beat Midleton 3-0 in their Cup final, captained by Thomas O’Sullivan.  The Junior’s were beaten by a stronger Bandon side in the Junior Cup Final.  Well done to all involved.