Ashton School.

May brings its own beauty, embodied in the emerging buds on trees and shrubs. We feel the excitement of good weather and the eternal optimism of what good summer weather might bring.

A recent assembly was held to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge, co-ordinated by the Irish Department. Polished performances done with panache from Ashton students, kept the audience captivated. Maria Scanlon danced an Irish reel, clad in a traditional dancing dress, beautifully embroidered in gold and green, symbolic of the St. Patrick’s Day. Jim White did a ‘rap’, accompanied by music from his ‘blue tooth’ speaker. ‘Mise Eire’, a beautifully haunting song, was sung, unaccompanied by Alicia Olaniran. It is a song that never fails to bring the ‘goosebumps’ out, as Alicia did on this occasion too. Comhghairdeas libh go léir. Go hiontach ar fad!.

Transition Year students participated in a most interesting and innovative Martial Arts workshop, where students practiced how to control the strength of your body against an opponent, when trying to protect yourself. The graceful stances done with poise and great effort, added elegance to what is a most useful life-skill.

A Drama workshop presented by Graffitti Theatre Group to all TY students, which was ‘great’ according to some participants! Students compiled a piece of drama/a play, then acted out the varying roles. Actors in role learn how to respond quickly to cues and prompts, to improvise as they needed, and completed the workshop, feeling they were ready for the Opera House!

Mr. Ruttle has commenced the rehearsals for ‘Matilda’ with all the ensuing excitement of roles, titles, creation of props, learning of lines, forgetting of lines and much more, before they tread the boards in early May. Students were never as excited!!

The Ashton Green Group recently participated a webinar on Fast Fashion, by Circular Fashion Ireland. Focused on the environmental impact and human cost of fashion. The Ashton Parent’s Association have organised a ‘Uniform Swop’ to enable families/students donate and take items of school uniform. A brilliant idea!.

CPR Training was held recently for Transition Year students, where students learned how to resuscitate a person who had experienced a cardiac arrest . CPR Training teaches you the features of cardiac arrest, and how to use pressure correctly on a patient’s chest. We applaud all involved in this training.

Ultimate Frisbee team members from UCC taught Transition Year students how to play ‘Ultimate Frisbee’, which generated lots of interaction, and good fun on the hockey Astro-turf. A great opportunity to increase bonds of friendship for all young people.

Hockey news: Boy’s hockey training continues as normal for all age cohorts, as they prepare for upcoming matches before the end of term. Girl’s hockey teams are back in training as they prepare for the upcoming Semi-Final of the Minor Girls in Limerick.

Soccer news: The U17 Boys Soccer team are busy as they train for their participation in the Cup Final to be played later in the term. All other age groups are busy training for upcoming games.

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