Ashton School.

Wishing all examination students well in the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations, along with their parents and teachers.

Fifth Year Geography students attended the Geography Field trip to Killarney National Park recently, part of their Leaving Certificate curricular work. Organised by Ms. Murphy, Mr. O’Sullivan and Mr. Hobbs.

Transition Year students attended a Cybersecurity interactive Workshop done by Cyber Skills – MTU. Using the language of ‘keys, passwords, tasks, secure boxes’ emphasised the importance of Cybersecurity in our everyday lives.

History students visited Northern Ireland as part of their curriculur study, co-ordinated by Ms. Savage, visited Belfast City Hall, Crumlin road Gaol, and participated in a ‘Black Taxi Tour’.

Transition Year students completed their annual Cycle Trip on the Waterford Greenway to raise money for Focus Ireland, raising in excess of 2.500 euros.  Co-ordinated by Ms. Stoutt, Ms. Dennehy, Ms. Power and Mr. Carey.

Leaving Cert. and 5th year Art students visited the National Gallery and the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, co-ordinated by Ms. O’Shea, accompanied by Ms. Kingston. Uplifting and inspiring.

T.Y. Home Economics class visited the Black Pudding factory in Clonakilty as part of their Food Safety and Hygiene Module. They got a tour of the factory, and attended a talk given by the Food Safety/Hygiene Manager, co ordinated by Ms. O’Meara.

The Transition Year Ball was an innovative approach to Mini-Company projects, co ordinated by Ms. Manning. And it paid off!!  A great night of delicious food, music, ball gowns, formal attire with bow ties, was held in the GPA.  It could have been a scene from the Great Gatsby!

Congrats. to 5th Year students Erin Shoenmakers and Olunor Dede Ubogu, who recently won the 5th Year Spanish language competition organised by Post-Primary Languages Ireland in conjunction with the Spanish Embassy, Regional Council of Castilla y Leon and the Spanish Tourist Office in Dublin. Entrants had to produce a 2 minute video in Spanish set in a medieval castle in Castilla y Leon and were rewarded for creativity and cultural knowledge, as well as language competence.  Being 1st Prize Winners, Erin and Olunor will have the cost of accommodation, flights and a one-week language course in Salamanca paid for, during the summer of 2024, along with their Spanish teacher, Mr. Olan Geaney.  iFelicidades chicas!

Active School Week created a great buzz around Ashton with Teachers Teams vying for the Step Challenge, students playing Frisbee, badminton, tennis, soccer and more. Co-ordinated by Ms. Dennehy and Mr. Brendan J. O’Sullivan.

The Sponsored Walk was a resounding success held over a new course venue, co ordinated by Mr. Kirwan and P.E. Dept. All funds raised go to nominated charities. Well done for the generosity of spirit towards others in need.

Hockey news:  First Year Girls won their Munster hockey blitz in Limerick recently, topping their group 5 points clear, defeated Crescent 4-1 in the semi final, and Laurel Hill 4-0 in the final.  Two first year teams played in the Munster Blitz  in Bandon and acquitted themselves well.

The Boys U19 soccer team participated in the Semi final of the Cork Cup, which is the first time ever the school has made it this far.  Well done to them and their coaches.

Minor  Boys Hockey team travelled to Belfast  and participated in  the John Waring Cup, giving a magnificent display  of hockey skill and determination.

Girls U15 Soccer team qualified for the Cork Trophy Semi-final against Boherbue.   Badminton tournaments are ongoing at present, co ordinated by Ms. Stoutt, and Ms. Desmond, and Mr. Kelly. Tennis matches are also organised for end of year.