Student Council

The Student Council have been very busy since September. There are eight members from fifth year and eight from sixth year. The shop is up and running and efforts are now underway to plant some trees on our school grounds in memory of deceased staff and past pupils.

Over the next couple of weeks, members will introduce themselves to the different classes. We hope that this will build stronger links with the whole student body.

Lofti Dridi

Back Row (L to R): Paul Campbell, John Davis, Lofti Dridr, David Scott, Stephen Blaney, Colm McNally, Simon Byrne.
Front Row: Raymond Ward, Breiffini Fitzgerald, Graeme Buter, Daniel Egan, Noel Rock, Luke Olwill, Eoin Brady

Library News

Our library has been granted additional opening hours this year, so that more clsases can visit and we are now open reading/studying four lunchtimes per week.

New first years have become enthusiastically involved in out library readings along with the seasoned second years, a few learned third years and even the odd (or not so odd) Transition Year of Fifth Year student. The Halloween Reading was packed to the brim with readers and listener, all contributing enourmously by their presence. Drama and fancy dress upped the ante. Mr. Keane captured the atmosphere brilliantly with his camera. All will keenly anticipate the Christmas readings.

Past pupil Gerard O'Flaherty inaugerated our first 'Soap Box' or 'Speakers Corner' recently. He entertained the audience with his thoughts on 'Travel boradening the mind'. Cian Ormond then waxed eloquent on his passion for Karate. Watch out for the next opportunity to speak about what angers or impassions you!

Ms. O'Driscoll.

Many Thanks

A new Board of Management has been elected for our school, so it is an appropriate time to thank outgoing Board members who have given tremendous service. We thank Mr. Tom Ward, Mrs. Mary McDonald, Mr. Michael Dundon, Br. Tom Connolly and Fr. Fitzpatrick.
Every good wish to our new board.

Doctor...Doctor

Past pupil, Dr. Mark Glynn, of the Irish Pharmaceutical and Chemical Manufacturing Federation was one of the speakers at our recent careers and science seminar for all Leaving Cert. pupils. There were also speakers on careers in business and opportunities in the further education sector (Post Leaving Certificate Courses). Mark is currently promoting science on a nation wide basis. While in the school he also spoke to the fifth year and TYP students on the value of studying the subject and outlined career options in this sector.

Lecturing Lofti

Chairman of the Student's Council, Lofti Dridi recently addressed a group of Norwegian visitors to Dublin. He was assisting the guidance counsellor, Richard Keane, make a presentation on the quality of our educational system and in particular on the St. Aidan's model of excellence. This is not the first time Lofti has been in such exalted company. Last year he addressed a group of German visitors. They belong to a long line of visitors, including Tony Blair, from practically every country in Europe - our reputation is Eurowide!

St. Aidan's Literary and Debating Society

The first rounds of the E.S.B. Leinster Schools debating competition took place over the last few weeks. Three newcomers represented St. Aidans this year, Robert Chapman, Liam Flaherty and Ross Daly. Unfortunately none of the speakers advanced to the second stage of the competition. However, this is a debating team still very much in its infancy as all speakers are eligible for the competition for another two years. We hope to run in-house debates for first, second and third years after Christmas in the library at lunchtimes. This will be a great opportunity to get students involved in public speaking so that they can enter various school competitions down the road. If you are interested in this avtivity, please give your name to Mr. Mallon (room 6).