TY NEWSLETTER. TY Camping Trip On Wednesday September 14th the whole of Transition Year received their Junior Certificate results. As everyone dropped their bags on the grass at the back gate of the school the nerves really began to kick in. As the results were handed out students smiled, laughed and cheered with joy. Within minutes all the bags were safely on the buses along with eighty eight very relieved students. The rest of the long drive to Lough Dan was spent singing amongst one another. When we arrived on scene at Lough Dan and all the bags had been thrown off the bus, everyone gathered round as the rules of the campsite were explained. Then came the tough part, the tent set up.
Assembling the tents was a particularly challenging team building task. Tents were everywhere, all of which were of different shape size and colour. Once all bags were unpacked and stored safely, the majority of the morning was spent setting up camp and chilling out. Music played and friends sang along together as the glistening sun scorched the surface and everyone who had summer clothes wore them except for those unfortunate ones who packed only for rain. A six kilometre walk was in place for later on in the day and this walk led us to a stream where half the year got in the freezing water still in clothes! It was great fun but the downside to this was virtually no one brought a towel. As we returned ‘home’ from the walk everyone headed for the showers and the soothing smell of food cooking soared through the air.
No two tents cooked the same meal and all the teachers were very impressed with how capable all the students were at cooking. That night everyone gathered around the warm fire roasting marshmallows and passionately singing songs while lying beside each other. It had been a very long day and it was safe to say that everyone would be asleep within minutes, boy was everyone wrong.
The next morning, the day of the 22km walk was upon us and everyone began packing for the walk nice and early. Yet again a wonderful smell this time of breakfast spread out through the campsite. Some time later when everyone was packed up and ready to go we all departed and the majority of people were wrecked going up the first hill, not to mention it was 25 degrees. The scenes from the walk were spectacular, we saw deer and after endless walking and numerous breaks, we finally arrived at the destination where we could have our picnic. Finally, the walk was over and because it was so hot we got the opportunity to swim in the lake. It was absolutely freezing but refreshing at the same time! After that another hot shower was necessary! The next morning we packed up and left Lough Dan. It is safe to say everyone was delighted to be heading back to their home comforts.
Eagles Flight Workshop 2016 On the 22nd and 23rd of September, Transition year students participated in the Eagle's Flight Workshop. Run by “Develop Me Ltd.”, this was a team-building exercise designed to change our approach to doing project based work and cooperating with others. Taking place in the Halla Nua over the course three separate sessions, randomly assigned groups attempted to conquer the game put before them, designed to test both their strategic minds and their approach to teamwork. This game was called “The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine”. The objective of this game was to use strategy and tactics to travel to the mine, collect as much gold as possible and return home to Apache junction in time, all using only the limited resources available to each team. In our groups of five or six people, we had just five minutes to investigate the resources we already had and subsequently come up with a game plan. The value of food, supplies, tents and information all had to be weighed up before we all took the plunge into the unknown. As this action packed game unfolded, tensions ran high among students as they desperately attempted to barter and trade fuel cards and supplies, as many including I myself realised that on their current provisions they would not make it home. There were many heartbreaking moments when the emergency beacon had to be used, sacrificing half of a team’s gold earned. In the end, students would all agree that it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
After the game itself, we went through a step by step guide of the perfect play, and learned that collaboration often yields better results than competitiveness! Everybody filled out an evaluation form of the day's proceedings, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The Eagles Flight Workshop was a successful and fun approach to learning these essential life skills, as opposed to a lecture. This workshop was truly a highlight in the emerging Transition Year calendar.
Hospice Coffee Morning On Thursday morning, the 22nd of September the entire school worked together to raise money for the Blackrock Hospice. Everyone baked cakes that looked truly amazing! All the delicious treats were devoured and all for a good cause. These delightful baked creations greatly enhanced the range of items for sale. Every student had to pay €5 for two cakes and a drink. It was a super morning and there was a great happy atmosphere around the school. Everyone’s generosity is very much appreciated and has resulted in the significant donation of over €2,000. These funds will be donated to patient care at the Blackrock Hospice and to the building fund for the new Wicklow Hospice, which will commence in early 2017 and is scheduled to open before the end of 2018.