Easter 2017

The College Press

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—————Friday, 7th April 2017 Issue 4 Volume 12—————

Va ri Sh ety ow

Sports news and much more!

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College Press Editorial Team Editors:

Deryn Mooney Eve Murphy

Student Contributors:

Caroline Kane Urara Kodama Olivia Daly

Special Thanks To: Mr. Doyle Mr. Brew

Like to have your say??? Want to discuss all areas of College life? Type in the web link below and take part in our quick survey on surveymonkey. We will post the results in the next issue of the College Press. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GZVQXJK 2

Editorial Ahhh, Easter… the time of year that all logic is forgotten as rabbits run around hiding eggs for children. What better way to treat yourself after giving up sweets for 40 days, than to eat more chocolate eggs than you can count?

This edition is full of articles, from the celebration of music night to everything Easter and many more. Not to mention huge congratulations to the hockey and rugby teams on their achievements.

We hope you enjoy this eggcelent edition. And if you feel like giving up on you lent just think, if you’ve gotten this far, you’ve lasted longer than most of the Game of Thrones characters.

Enjoy!!!

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Sports On behalf of Newbridge College we would like to say a massive well done to both our Junior Rugby Team and Our Senior Hockey Team!

Our Junior Team led by Captain John Shannahan were unfortunately beaten by St. Michaels School during the semi- final of the Junior Cup. The team played extremely well and did not let the school down. The score was 17-10 to Michaels with 9 minutes to go before Michaels won with a score of 38-10. Despite being beaten our players stayed determined until the last second and really reflected the school in a positive light.

Our Senior Hockey girls carried the school to victory during the Senior Cup Final. The girls fought very hard to win the title and have done our school proud! Winning by 3-1 against rivals Loretto Dalkey the team was led by Captain Sarah Jennings with goals scored from Jenny Kelly (5th), Aoife Fitzgerald (Ty) and Kate Grant (Ty).

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Celebration of Music Night On Thursday the 9th of March, Newbridge College held its annual Celebration of Music Night in the school’s theatre.

This night showcases an array of talent from many students ranging from 1st to 6th year, and makes sure to include everyone who has any sort of musical bone in their body. It’s one of my personal favourite nights of the year as it’s so relaxed and really is enjoyed by everyone who attends. In my opinion. the students really outdid themselves this year as the talent presented was immense, from prodigy pianists and violinists, superb sopranos, a number of original pieces to guitar solos, a Queen and Coldplay tribute from the choir and of course some traditional Irish music. It truly was a night to remember.

I’d like to thank Ms. O’Brien on behalf of all those involved for all the trouble she goes to, to seek out students in between class times to ask them to perform and to organise the entire night, though we may not always show it, all the performers are very grateful for the experience and the fun that goes with the night. I for one, cannot wait to see all the students perform again next year.

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Date night Are you in love? Do you have a crush? Ready to make the first move? It’s time to step up and ask that special person on a date.

Yes it may seem terrifying but were here to make it easier for you.

It can be hard enough to build up the courage to ask your crush on a date but the hardest part is deciding where to go!

We all know the usual first date scenarios, a trip to the cinema, eating out, or even a cheerful game of bowling! There all enjoyable and fun options, but if you really want to impress that girl/boy there’s only one place to be seen.

Many a pair has been spotted in this particular spot. Sources say “it’s more romantic than Paris”. There’s only one place like it. Yes I am talking about

Insomnia Newbridge.

This cosy little hotspot for love is great for getting to know someone. Conversation never stops as you sip away on your steamy drinks. Previous visitors recommend drinks such as mochas and hot chocolates. Make sure not to choke on the marshmallows though!

An anonymous source revealed “I feel in love with a girl in that very place, she looked so beautiful under the fluorescent glow of the ceiling lights, when I’m with her I feel like I can fly, like peter pan!”

So there you have it folks, now you know. There’s only one place to grace your date with your presence and that’s insomnia!

By Wendy

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Sensitive Sally Dear Sensitive Sally, I’ve been having a hard time getting along with one of my teachers and I’m not sure how to handle it. A lot of the time I feel like they’re picking on me and not reacting to what other students might be doing too. I usually have my homework in everyday and I try my best in the class tests. I’m getting worried about it because it’s a subject I struggle with but I’m getting nervous now going to the class. I normally stay quiet but then I get in trouble for not contributing. What should I do?

Hello sweetie, I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with this teacher but I’m happy you came to me for advice. I know it can be scary to try and stand up to a teacher but if it’s done the right way, then things become a lot easier. The first thing I think you should do is ask your teacher could you speak to him/her for a few minutes after class. If they say no then ask could it be done tomorrow. If you’re feeling worried about speaking to them on your own then have a friend stay with you. As well as this let a parent know that you’re going to be speaking to your teacher about it. Now when you’re speaking to your teacher try not to be accusing them of anything, just say that, Sir/Ms., I feel like we haven’t been getting along and I wanted to see how you felt about the situation? Because I don’t want things to continue this way.’ Most teachers will listen to this and try their best to fix the problem. Try to understand they might not have noticed they were singling you out, they might even be going through a difficult time at home so it is important you try to empathise. If this doesn’t work and the problem persists you should speak with your years Dean. They are there to support and help you through things like this.

I hope this has helped you my dear, Sincerely, Sensitive Sally 7

My European Parliament Experience

By Olivia Daly

Through the Rotary Youth Leadership Competition I felt honoured and very lucky to travel to Strasbourg in February 2017 to represent Newbridge College, Rotary and the Republic of Ireland at a Euroscola event in the European Parliament. Our group consisted of 24 young people from all over our island, 12 from the Republic and 12 from Northern Ireland. The first half of our week-long experience involved trips to Stormont and the European Commission Offices in Belfast and in Dublin, where we had the privilege of meeting Commissioner Margarethe Vestager who is dealing with the Apple tax case. We also received a tour of Trinity College and a conference and tour with the deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Rebecca Moynihan, in the Mansion House.

In the evenings we engaged in open debate and preparation for the Euroscola event in the European Parliament in Strasbourg which took place on Thursday. We flew to Frankfurt on Tuesday evening and travelled to Strasbourg from there.

I have never felt more nervous or excited in my life than when we arrived at the EP building on Thursday morning. We had the opportunity to mix with the other people our age from across the EU and it was really cool to see how much we had in common even though we all came from extremely different backgrounds. Over 500 students from all 28 member states were present, including students from the soon to be exiting UK which proved to be very interesting. In the morning session of the debates we took part in a video conference with French 8

MEP Edouard Martin in Brussels. Then a representative of each group gave a one minute introductory speech. During lunch we all got to know each other by filling out the Eurogame quiz on teams of four with members of the other groups. In the afternoon we split up into 6 discussion groups to answer topical questions and agree on motions to present to the plenary chamber later on. I was part of the development aid discussion group and we tackled questions such as to what extent is the EU responsible for the development of non-EU countries and what aid can it provide? Amazingly when it came to the time to present in the plenary chamber all 6 presenters on the stand were Irish, a source of great pride for our group. We then proceeded to debate the motions put forward and vote on them. The official languages to be used in the plenary chamber are French, German, English, Spanish and Italian. I chose to take part in the debates through German. We were delighted that all 6 of the motions put forward by the Irish delegates were passed thanks to a great team effort in all the group in the debates.

The highlights of the trip for me were the new friends that I made and the lovely people I met from all over Europe. As well as learning loads about politics, the EU and international relations I also discovered what being Irish means to me. Diversity, acceptance, respect and empowerment are the values that our new generation of Irish people are promoting on the world stage and that I am proud to represent as a modern Irish person.

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EQUESTRIAN Congratulations to the Newbridge College Equestrian Club today for the brilliant results at the All Ireland Interschools Hunter Trials Championships held on Saturday 25th March.

The very fast team of Amy Carroll, Emily O'Brien and Sophie Carroll have now taken the title of All Ireland Hunter Trials Champions representing Newbridge College. It is 4 years since we took this title and with over 40 teams represented this is a fantastic result. The team of Rachel Ross, Conor Cassidy and Charlie O'Dwyer took 2nd place with a clear round coming in second after our winning team.

Emily O Brien then went on to take the Individual Senior Title, with Amy Carroll coming 7th.

In the Junior competition we were again represented well with Niamh Flinter taking 2nd in a super fast round with Sophie Carroll only one second behind taking 3rd and Leah Ross taking 7th place.

We also had Alanna Kelly, and Niamh Behan competing in the junior catagory and they both had brilliant rounds. This is a great achievement for the club and a super reward for all the hard work the riders and their parents put in every week. Lots more silverware for the school trophy cabinets.

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This year’s Variety Show took place last Friday and as the school’s most anticipated night of the year, it did not fail to entertain and shock us all! The musicians of the school filled the theatre with beautiful melodies while the singers left us hanging onto each note in silence! There were a few technical difficulties but that didn’t hold anyone back as the audience of students cheered and joined in singing, carrying the song louder than any mic possibly could! Thanks to the beautifully painted silouhette of a city for the backdrop by the TYs, the dancers moved elegantly across the stage with their shadows right behind them! We even got to experience a real life “Chicken Roll” spit take by non other than Rachel Thornton and who knew that the two words “NO HAM” could make students keel over with laughter despite the fact that most had no clue as to why they found it so funny! However there was one act which I’m sure we can all agree was the most memorable. Mr Falvey with his cowboy hat, blew us all away with his fantastic singing, dance 11

moves and energy. Overall, I think we can all agree that this year’s variety show was another major success! Newbridge College has got A LOT of talent! A big thank you to Mr Mullaney and Ms Courtney for organising such a wonderful night for us all!

By Urara Kodama

Easter Pun Page

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