Ashton Notes March 2011

The winds of March  bring the news of dates of orals and  practicals to schools.  We wish all  students well in their preparations and plans. Transition year students have been very busy with a full  schedule of challenging events and engaging activities.           Mr. Pat Meely, of Drive for Life presented three one-day  workshops on the consequences of irresponsible driving.

Annual 24-Hour Fast

Students departed Ireland for Pontivy in France on Feb. 9th,  and enjoyed the welcome of their Exchange partners. At the end of February  the Annual Concern 24 hour Fast was  held, with a total of 1,200 Euros raised for Concern.  Students are currently working hard at  rehearsals for the musical ‘Into the  Woods’, written by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Mr. Ruttle.  This show will be staged at the Cork Arts  Theatre from March 29th to April 2nd, 2011.  Tickets may be purchased at the school  office, students/OAP’s Euros 10.00, adults Euros 12.00.  Don’t miss out on a great show !

AWARE is an organisation which counsels people who might feel depressed for  any reason, something becoming all too prevalent in society at large.   Mrs. Kerins (Guidance and Counselling) recently  organised students in Transition Year, Fifth and Sixth Year would attend a  2-hour workshop facilitated by AWARE Staff.   This was extremely well received, and timely, as students prepare for  State examinations in Junior and Leaving Cert.   AWARE may be contacted on 1890 303302.

Congratulations to Mr. Eddie Kirwan, P.E../ English  Teacher, and  Manager of Nemo Rangers Senior  Team, having successfully managed the Senior Nemo Team who beat Crokes (Co.  Kerry), and go on to compete in the next rounds of the Championship.  We wish them luck as they train and plan  strategy.

The Senior Girls Hockey Team beat Bandon  Grammar School in the First Round of the Senior Girls Cup to a scoreline of 3-2  to Ashton.         Ashton Junior Girls Hockey team won  7-0 against Ballincollig   Community School  recently, and are continuing their blaze of success as they practice and  prepare for their next matches, coached by Ms. Harty and Mr. Brendan O’Grady  Woods.Cross-Country Events took place recently in C.I.T.  and the First Years were very  successful in coming first overall in their  age category. Well done to you all. Harry Whitaker, First Year has had great success in the world of sailing, with three other sporting  enthusiasts, sailing an ‘Optimist’. While we all ‘tucked up’ over the bitter  cold Christmas weather, Harry ‘took to the waves’, first in La Rochelle competing in team and fleet  racing events.  Then, Palma, to raise funds for I.O.D.A.I., having  braved the snow drifts and the ice along the way!   His most recent event was at the end of  January in Monaco  where he achieved 3rd place, and received a Bronze medal, having put  in an amazing performance.  He and his  team have done themselves and their parents proud.