Green Schools Campaign

The work continues with this hugely worthwhile campaign. A web page and a power point presentation are currently being prepared to help raise awareness. The extra bins around the school have led to a noticeable reduction in litter so we ask that you please continue to improve our school environment by using these bins.

Tsunami Fundraiser

A 12 hour fast took place in St. Aidan's C. B. S. on 14 January in aid of the Tsunami disaster in Asia. Over 6,600 euro was collected by students from 1st year to 6th. To acknowledge the success of the fast and to hear how the money would be used all of the people who took part in the fast gathered in the general purpose area of the school to be awarded with certificates and listen to guest speakers from Concern and the Sri-Lankan Trust to whom the money would be given.

This ceremony was opened with a speech from the school's principal Mr. James Reynolds who notified students that this year's fast was the best fundraising event in the school in recent years. He then gave the spotlight to the representative from Concern who explained how the money would be spent. She explained that the money would be given to all countries affected by the disaster, especially Indonesia, where there will be long-term plans to repair and re-open primary schools. A cheque was then handed to her amounting to 3,300 euro. Then the visitor from the Sri-Lankan Trust told those present that they would use the money to build a fishing boat to help the people of Sri- Lanka get back to work. She explained to students that already they had built 500 boats and they had 1m. euro at the moment to build more boats.

After she was handed a cheque of 3,300 euro, certificates were handed out to the pupils who had taken part in the fast. Finally the ceremony ended with a large round of applause from all those present. The whole school should be proud of this achievement as it shows great character and good organisation. Special thanks should be given to Ms. Doherty for organising the whole event at such short notice, without her none of this would have been possible. Also, thanks to 2nd year student Karl Elliot, who took a lot of time out of his schoolwork to organise and count the money.

Don't Tell Me - Show Me

Several of the current Leaving Certificate students have already been accepted into prestigious courses on the basis of their portfolios and interviews.

One student has been offered a place in the National College for Art & Design. This is most unusual for a student who hasn't already completed an art portfolio course at PLC level. Much of the credit is due to the student himself. However, Ms. McQuaid, the art teacher has been instrumental in helping a range of students with portfolio work. Much of this preparation is done in her free time, during lunch hours ......thanks Miss!

Two students have been accepted into the Coláiste Dhulaigh's communications course. This followed a media portfolio preparation course in St. Aidan's, part of which was led by a past pupil, who is a practitioner in this field. Two other past pupils who graduated from the Coláiste Dhulaigh course, are making a name for themselves. One is the Producer /Director of the new comedy show, Naked Camera every Monday night on RTE. The other eventually did a Masters in Film Studies at Bristol University. He is currently working on the BBCs Casualty.

Credit Union

St. Aidan's School Credit Union is launching an initiative in conjunction with Larkhill District Credit Union.

Any sixth year who has registered in the credit union by April 31st could win the chance to have almost €3000 paid towards your university or any college course you are doing. (€1300 over 3 years)!

This is a great opportunity for anyone in sixth year who is applying to university or college this year. All the students who would like to apply for this opportunity have to produce in writing the reason they deserve the grant. You don't have to be very good at sports or academics to be eligible for this grant. If you have any further questions about the grant talk to a member of the credit union committee on Tuesdays or Fridays between 12:45 and 1:50.

1 South History Project

I South recently completed a History Project competition. The students were asked to choose a topic from a list of eleven topics. They then had to complete their project in their own time at home.

The standard of work was excellent. Mr. Bermingham and Ms. Brennan were extremely proud of the class and their wonderful efforts. It was left to Mr. Connolly to choose the winners and he awarded the following:

1st Place-
Peter MacReamoinn and Shane Kelly (Medieval Stone Castle)

2nd Place-
Paul McGrath and Liam Hanlon

3rd Place -
Aaron Conlon and David O'Beirne

Special commendation: Kevin Fowler and Brian Maguire.