Graduation Night

Excitement was tangible in the Clanard Court Hotel on Thur night as graduands for the FETAC awards were presented with their certificates. Over 112 certificates were presented to students who had completed FETAC courses in French, Computers, Art, Computerised accounts, Communications, and many more. Among the guests and presenters were Cllr Senan Griffin, Mayor of Kildare, Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council, Minister Sean Power, Noel Dalton, Education Officer of Kildare VEC, Cllr Mark Dalton, chairperson of the Board of Management, Martin Quilty, FETAC, Paul Cunningham, President Athy chamber of Commerce.

Athy Community College is the main provider in the county of HSE/SkillVEC training to health Board employees and many administrative staff of St Vincent’s Hospital were among the well wishers to the host of recipients of their awards.

A posthumous award was presented by Cllr Mark Dalton to Joan Hartnett Howe and was accepted by her daughter Sinead. Dr Sunderland, Deputy Principal, spoke of how Joan’s work and her life had been so full of exuberance and joy.

Excitement was heightened when, in his address Principal Richard Daly announced that a letter of intention had been received by Kildare VEC for the construction of the new college. Construction of the college is expected to commence in two to three weeks and the 25 acre campus will offer so many possibilities in primary, secondary and further education.

Cllr Lawler spoke of how a small school established in the late 30’s was now at the cutting edge of education provision within the town and offered the full support of the Town Council in expedition the project

Drive For Life

The Drive for Life course delivered to fifth year students at the college proved to be a great success. With dramatic footage of the real dangers on our roads and a very useful course of driving information the students found the course of very real benefit. Preparation for the written section of the driving test was included in the session.

Oireachtas Live

Athy Community College hosted an Oireachtas Information Session on Fri 16th. The Education officer from the Cean Comhairle’s office took a group of over forty of the college’s students through a question and answer session, inviting them to explore the relevance of politics and how it should respond to young people.

Students were joined in the later session by le local deputies : Min Seán Power, Dep Jack Wall and Dep Seán Ó Fearghail who also answered questions from the students.

Athy College is Great Sport

The annual Sports Day concentrates on getting everybody involved with the widest possible range of activities. The emphasis is on fun and when the sun shines the fun is even greater. From meggars to volleyball to soccer to egg and spoon the students of Athy College showed how to combine fun and exercise . This is the last chance for some time out before end of term and state exams and congratulations to all who participated and to the teachers who organised it.

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.