Transition Year Update
With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in December, Transition Years had a day trip into Waterford City, where they took part in escape rooms at The Great Escape and did the Nutcracker Trail around Winterval.
They also tried their hands at some driving and got involved in changing tires and saw the effects of alcohol while driving. In addition to the practical side, they looked at completing their theory test and buying a car.
There were also talks from Juliette O’Connell who came to inform the girls about Breast Cancer. Tony O’Reilly also shared his experience with gambling with Transition Years.
Our community got behind the Waterford GAA team for the All-Ireland final and had a ‘Blue and White Day’ to show our support, the school was kindly decorated by both students and staff and even though we were disappointed with the result, it was a great way to bring the school together.
The Foyer has been home to some music during break times as well to lighten the mood during these uncertain times.
There has also been a ‘Pink Day’ in support of Breast Cancer Ireland, and the school took part in the ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’.
Students also helped the local community by planting bulbs with Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan, and within our school, Mr.Kirwan and Ms.Robinson have set up the Sustainability Committee to help our school become more environmentally friendly.
The school got into the festive spirit before the Christmas Break and the school was decorated with ‘santa-tiser’ posters and Christmas Trees. There was also a competition held for the best decorated classroom in aid of Pieta House, which was loved by everyone in school.
Since the reopening of schools, albeit online, Transition Years at Ardscoil na Mara have been kept busy with multiple workshops including Poetry with Stephen Murray and Film Making Workshop with John Kennedy, as well as attending the Virtual HealthFest. They have also been busy taking part in the Virtual Camino Walk for Focus Ireland which aims to help funds to keep their vital service going. The students are also getting involved with ‘Random Acts’ each day and the classes compete each week to see who can do best. The ‘F1 in Schools’ teams have been busy developing their cars and getting sponsorships, they are working towards the National Final in April. Students have also been completing their PE Xpo projects as well. Mr.Cunningham and the team of Freya Bolster, Amy Hayden, Roisin Ni Chadla, Jules Casey, Louise Walsh and Aisling Milner are competing in the ‘A Home For Everyone’ Competition run by the CIF for which they must design a house, they are working towards their deadline in March. As well as this, students are taking part in online courses and getting involved with the schools Biodiversity Challenge, run by the Sustainability Committee.
We look forward to getting back to school when it is safe to do so and getting back to all our activities.
Filip Stosic
Transition Year Student