Ashton School.

The academic year progresses at a frenetic pace once the mock-examinations take place.  Junior and Leaving Certificate students are studiously preparing for oral examinations, and also for practical examinations in many subjects across the curriculum.   We wish them, their teachers and their parents every good wish in all they are doing.

Seachtain na Gaeilge was a resounding success, so much activity and fun for students and staff, all in the promotion of the ‘cupla focail’ as part of our heritage and culture, and a significant part of our identity.

The week was started with the Irish Department co-ordinating a 6^th Year Irish Afternoon Workshop for all students studying Irish with a group called ‘Caith amach e’.    This was about generating a fun approach with comedy and entertainment forming part of the approach, as students prepare for upcoming Leaving Cert. orals.  Students thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward with confidence as they take the next steps on their academic trajectory.  This was co-ordinated by Ms. Desmond, Ms. Creedon, Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Ni Thuama and Mr. Geaney.

A whole-school Irish quiz ‘Trath na gCeist’ was held with all questions answered by Teams from each year group.  This generated great fun and excitement for all the students, simultaneously testing our knowledge!

A ‘Poster competition’ for Junior Cycle students generated a riotous  display of colour in the GPA , artistic skills were honed to best effect and certainly enthused everyone such was the creativity and colour displayed.

Assembly continued the ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ theme with singing, Ceili, a rap, a whole-school rendition of the popular ‘Viva  la Vida’  energetic song, as Gaeilge! And many more excellent musical renditions using various instruments.  What talent was on display.   Great fun all round, and a resounding ‘Go hiontach’ to the Irish Department.

Students of French and German languages are also busily preparing for their oral examinations and we wish them well with those.  2^nd Year German and French students have completed the research and presentation elements as part of the CBA for Junior Certificate Examinations.

The Ashton Music Department, co-ordinated by Dr. O’Brien.  In January the Ashton School Choir members privileged to take part in a workshop with the Conductor of the Irish Youth Training Choir, sponsored by Sing Ireland.    This was followed in March by their visit to Cork City Hall for the Cork Pops Orchestra, one of their annual visits to the City Hall.   Fifth Year student Harry Neal was very involved with all the concerts as he plays the Cello  with the Cork Pops Orchestra, and created great excitement for Ashton students.

Ashton School will host a Friendship Concert as part of the Cork International Choral Festival on Weds 26^th April at 12.00 noon.  Featuring Cantabile (Ashton Adult Ed. ). RTAI (Retired Teachers Association) Ashton School Choir, St. Luke’s National School Choir.  Conductor Dr. Mary O’ Brien and Ms. Elaine Guinane.  Accompanist Antoinette Baker.  Venue St. Luke’s Church Douglas, Cork.  Free seating.  Door open at 11.45am. All welcome to attend.

Soccer News:  Boys U16 soccer team played Chriost Ri in Mayfield and were unfortunate on the day, in not achieving a result. Coached by Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Walsh. The team showed great cohesion, a strong team spirit, and an amazing camaraderie between the players, which was abundantly evident throughout the game.  A team of diligent players, who always support one another.  It was a game to be remembered for ‘spectacular’ soccer skills displayed by 3^rd Year student Jaden Umeh, who showed his outstanding skill as a soccer player when he scored a ‘bicycle-kick’ score!  Well done Jaden!

Hockey:  The 2^nd Year  Girls Minor C Hockey team won the Quarter Final against Bandon Grammar School, which they were thrilled with, having trained diligently on cold dark days through Winter.

The Minor B Girls Team are in the Semi-Final of the Cup which is highly anticipated.  Good luck to all teams, their coaches and mentors with all the training and planning involved.

Senior Boys and Girls teams are currently diligent in their training commitments for various matches in the future.

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