L.C.V.P.

The L.C.V.P. was introduced for the first time in September '03. Fifteen students initially opted to take part. During the last three months, three further students have realised the advantages of the programme and have opted to take part. Initial numbers for the 04-05 year suggest roughly thirty-five. This will probably be reduced when the timetable is finalised. The L.C.V.P. team look forward to working with a larger group of students for the 04-05 school year.

A New Book

Today we have become used to seeing news reporters speaking directly to us on TV from war zones - Orla Guerin, Kate Aidie and John Simpson for example. The first began one hundred years ago, when, on 14/15 March 1904, Lionel James, the senior war correspondent of the Times, used wireless to report news from the Russo-Japanese War. Surprisingly, the wireless sets had been brought from the Martello tower in Howth and from Holyhead, to the Yellow Sea.

Dr. Peter Slattery, a member of staff at St. Aidan's, has researched this story of courage, ingenuity, danger and tenacity and his book will be published on April 15^th by Global Oriental, Folkstone, Kent. The research involved using archival material from London, New York and Australia. When, in late 1903, the American wireless sets had been shown to be capable of sending messages across the Irish Sea at more than twice the speed as that of Marconi equipment, Lionel James arranged for them to be sent to the Yellow Sea where he could use them to get news to his paper.

The wireless sets were sent 12,000 miles from Liverpool to Shanghai, via New York and Vancouver, a ship was chartered for almost one million pounds in today's money, and a 180 foot wireless mast was raised on mainland China. James was requires to carry a Japanese agent on board. His ship was fired on by the Russians

An excerpt from Dr. Slattery's book, Reporting the Russo-Japanese War - Lionel James's First Wireless Transmissions to The Times (ISBN 1-901903-57-5) - was published recently in The Times. The hardback volume, illustrated with maps and photographs, is offered now at a special pre-publication price of €30, until May. It is available from all good bookshops and The Open Book, Sutton Cross, Sutton 13, phone 8324931, fax 8322048, E-mail bookshop@openbook.ie

Awards Night

The St. Aidan's Awards Night will take place on Thursday, May 30^th at 7.30p.m. Nominations are now being proposed and shortlists will be drawn up. We look forward to another fantastic evening and good luck to all our nominees.

Computers for Schools

The Tesco "Computers for Schools" promotion is once again in full swing. Our target this year is 50,000 tokens which will enable the school to get computer software and educational materials for the school. Students who receive tokens should bring them in to Mr. Corbett so they can be entered on the leader boards which are updated every Monday in the G.P.A. Prizes will be awarded to the student and to the class who collect the highest number of tokens - so get collecting.

South African Street Kids

Our efforts to raise money for the South African street kids are greatly appreciated. Frank Welsh has just returned from a visit to the Kimberley Projects that we help fundraise for and brings back with him the heartfelt thanks of all the people who are helped by our efforts.

Green Flag

St. Aidan's is going GREEN! Mr. Corbett and Ms. Hartnett are finalising a 'Green-schools' Committee to steer the school towards achieving a Green Flag. Over the next few weeks, students will be encouraged to get involved in various environmental projects designed to help reduce litter and waste. Working and studying in a cleaner school environment will benefit us all. Regular updates on the campaign will be given.