Graduation Night

Thursday 24th was an emotional and significant date in the lives of the sixth year students as they celebrated their graduation with an ecumenical prayer service in the school. Fr Joe McDonald and Rev Cliff Jeffers were the celebrants with a host of Leaving Certificate students who made the night meaningful with readings, song and significant words. Annually this night attracts a capacity attendance as students, teachers and parents celebrate a last get together before the serious work of examinations begins.

Wider Options Art Exhibition

The annual Wider Options Art Exhibition attracted a capacity crowd on Friday 18th with, if possible, and even more talented display of paintings than previous. The exhibition was formally opened by Bríd Brophy, newly elected Chairperson of th Athy Arts Sub- Committee and she is no stranger to the event.
A most enjoyable night to share conversation and hospitality. Annually this exhibition is notable on the social calendar and goes from strength to strength.

Science Inspection

Department of Education Report published on the recent inspection of Biology in the school paints an excellent picture of the quality of teaching being carried out in the Science area. The report not only compliments the work in the classroom but further states thet there is excellent involvement in initiatives designed to promote the uptake of science subjects and encourage students to continue their studies at third level.
Our Students, teachers and parents are very aware of the good work being done in the classroom and it is encouraging to see the Department of Ecucation and Science recognising this.

Assessment Test 08

Pen and paper at the ready as the new incoming students sit their assessment test. Coming from primary schools all over the locality this years intake spent Saturday 5th showing their skill in the classroom in the morning and in the afternoon it was off to bowling as the team building exercise for next September took place.
With increasing numbers of applicants this year a waiting list has been in operation since February. The first round of successful applicants were delighted with their day and the chance to meet new students from other schools

National Spring Clean begins at Athy Community College

Athy Community College kicked off the National Spring Clean campaign with over fifty students taking to the banks of the river to collect any litter which was there. Students broke into groups and collected bottles, cans and general litter which had accumulated there in recent weeks.

For safety students wore protective gloves and were supervised by a number of staff members as bag after bag was filled. This was a real practical civics lesson where participation in the campaign brought the message of litter home. Many of the students expressed surprise at the number of cans which have found their way to the riverbank with many still floating at the edge of the water.

“The lesson of the day was pride in ones home town and preparing our river for visitors. Athy is blessed with a wonderful amenity and it is in all of our interests to make sure that our riverbanks are attractive to the ever increasing number of visitors who make their way to this town afloat.” Said a spokesperson for the group

Mr Ger Kelly, Chairperson of Athy Tidy Towns Committee visited the students during their work and praised them for their effort.
The National Spring Clean campaign focuses on the month of April as the time to start the work and with the help of Athy Community College a great beginning has been made.

Mooney Goes Wild in Athy

ACADEMIC AWARDS 2008

Athy Community College’s Annual Academic Awards generated particular excitement this year. The college hall was full to capacity – and then some - as students and their guests eagerly awaited the arrival of this year’s host – RTE’s Derek Mooney. Principal, Richard Daly, welcomed Derek, the students, their families and the teaching staff. He praised the students and staff for their work towards academic excellence, referring to the school’s outstanding performance in the third level college entry league tables, recently published by “The Irish Times”.

Applause resounded as RTE’s Derek Mooney offered works of genuine encouragement to the students. He urged the students to set their own goals, to work hard to achieve them and to be tuned into and accept any help available to get them where they want to go. Derek urged students to be individuals. An exceptional communicator, Derek took time for words of congratulation and a photo opportunity with each student. In his address to the audience Derek deplored the fact that in this day and age students and teachers should have to work in inadequate facilities and was visibly shocked that the building of the new College has not commenced yet.

Before concluding, Principal, Richard Daly thanked Derek for his support for his interest in the school and also thanked Shirley Doyle who organises the Annual Academic Awards.

Chairperson of the Board of Management, Cllr. Mark Dalton closed the formal proceedings. He lavished hearty praise on the award recipients before addressing the issue of the College’s new premises. Cllr. Dalton said that all the indications are that building will commence imminently. This news was met with hearty applause, particularly from parents, students and staff whose desire is to continue to excel academically in facilities worthy of the students.

Driving Ambition

Congratulations to past pupil Jennifer Ryan who was last week selected as Kildare Sportsperson of the Year. Jenny has had a most successful and prominent career on the motor circuit