Transition Year Camping Trip - 13/09/17 > 15/09/17
After receiving our Junior Cert results, 4th year students boarded the buses and made the journey to Lough Dan, Co.Wicklow. I had never been camping before so I was immediately skeptical of what was ahead. Arriving at the field was a definite learning curve in terms of the level of organisation the group needed in order to pitch the tents and gather all the bags into your located area. In my tent, myself and Claire took the role of transporting all of our bags from the bus to our area while the other members of our tent began to assemble the shelter. Communication was key here as it was important to get the right bag and overall was a really valuable skill for this trip.
I learnt on this trip that it is so important to be kind, respectful and considerate of everybody else. The reason being is that we did not all have the same experience and that needs to be noted. Whether it was getting pains in one's muscles on the 22km walk or it was the shivers going up ones spine during the damp cold nights, there was a moment in everyone's experience that was not so joyful and the best way to deal with that was to be sympathetic. I felt as though this quality in me began to grow throughout my experience at Lough Dan. If I were to rewind the journey and do it all again, I would bring another spare set of clothes. Not for the reason that it was cold but more for the fact that everything was getting dirty or wet so quickly that I began borrowing clothes from my peers. I would absolutely go camping again if I was given the opportunity. I really enjoyed the overall adventure and I really appreciate the time and effort the teachers put in to make our time so memorable. |
TY Touch Rugby - 25/09/17
The Transition Year students have been introduced to a new touch rugby module during the PE class on a Monday. We began our first lesson on the 25th of September. Boys and girls were separated and introduced to the sport by the two coaches. We, the girls, were split into two teams, bibs and non-bibs. Each team made two horizontal lines that faced each other. The lines on the left side would run towards the line facing them and practiced passing the ball backwards. Once they reached the players in front, the ball was passed to the girl at the end of the line and the drill rotated. Our coach decided that we were ready for a training match. I was captain of the bib team. We spread ourselves across the pitch and were ready for battle. Unfortunately, the other team were apparently more ready than we were and absolutely demolished us with the quantity of their tries high above the quantity of ours. With the scale of the points being so broad, we moved to a different game that Ms. Murray called 'Ball Tag'. Two people were on and one person had the ball. That person was not allowed to move but must try and touch someone else with the ball. In order for them to be able to tag another person in the ring, they must pass the ball to the other person that was on as they were able to move, but once the ball was in their hands they must be frozen t the spot they were in. At the end when the boys and girls were grouped back together, a prize was given to the boy and girl that stood out the most. John Fogarty and Abbie McCarthy won a water bottle each and everyone was really jealous because they were really fancy looking bottles. I really enjoyed that class overall and am ready to start again next week!
Kairos Communication Centre - 13/10/17
On Friday the 13th of October my class form D got the wonderful opportunity to attend Kairos.
Kairos is a communications course for students to go spend the day learning how to make any type of TV show. The day was really active and there was a lot of work to be done before we produced the show.
Upon arrival we were given a full tour of the studio, sound room and green room .When we gathered in the green room we were split up into roles . My role for the day was director along with Ryan Turner as Graphic Mixer, Dan Redmond as Graphic Designer and Hugo Vicente as Sound Manager we created our class show, ''News with 4D'' and "The Jeremy Kyle Show" from behind the scenes. Everyone had a different part to play which made our show very funny we spent the day creating, rehearsing and filming it . The day was really worthwhile with a lot of laughs throughout. I really enjoyed it and have definitely benefited from what I learnt from being a director. You have to work under pressure while still gaining respect from your cast and crew so as cooperation is maintained throughout. I think our show turned out very well and am proud to share it with others.
Kairos is a communications course for students to go spend the day learning how to make any type of TV show. The day was really active and there was a lot of work to be done before we produced the show.
Upon arrival we were given a full tour of the studio, sound room and green room .When we gathered in the green room we were split up into roles . My role for the day was director along with Ryan Turner as Graphic Mixer, Dan Redmond as Graphic Designer and Hugo Vicente as Sound Manager we created our class show, ''News with 4D'' and "The Jeremy Kyle Show" from behind the scenes. Everyone had a different part to play which made our show very funny we spent the day creating, rehearsing and filming it . The day was really worthwhile with a lot of laughs throughout. I really enjoyed it and have definitely benefited from what I learnt from being a director. You have to work under pressure while still gaining respect from your cast and crew so as cooperation is maintained throughout. I think our show turned out very well and am proud to share it with others.
Martial Arts ~ 23/10/17 - 24/10/17
Martial Arts was a two day self defense training course hosted by a man named Daragh. We spent the beginning of our Monday morning in the Halla Nua where we were given a presentation on attacks and what the up coming course consisted of. Once we had had our break we made our way to the sports hall where it began to get physical! The group was split into 10 lines with roughly 8 people in each. The person at the top of the line was given a padded circle with straps on the back of it. The rest of the people in the line would approach the pad held by the first member and proceed to do the given exercise on it. It started with palm hits, then elbow and hammer strikes, then came the knee strikes and by the end of the first day, we could successfully put someone on the floor and block a Haymaker punch. The final aspect of the day was wrestling matches which I did not participate in as I was already quite tired from the previous task. I really enjoyed the first day. Day two began and ended in the Sports Hall. We started with a recap of everything we had done the day before and soon we paired up to learn how to correctly punch and kick. All was well and good until we found out about the assessment. This was one of the toughest things I will encounter in TY. Each person had to do a series of tasks that were written on the board with speed, power and stamina.
Here is the list of the tasks completed by Fourth Year students at the assessment:
Palm Hits x50
Sprints up and down x2
Elbows x50
Push ups x20
Hammer strikes x50
Sprint up and down x2
Knee stikes x50
Squats x20
Groin Kicks x50
Sprints up and down x2
Combo of moves x10
Burpees x10
Take downs x5
The injurence level was so high by the year group which I was thoroughly impressed by and I think Daragh and some of the teachers were too. I really gained a lot of knowledge and physical strength from the two days and I would definitely do it again.
Here is the list of the tasks completed by Fourth Year students at the assessment:
Palm Hits x50
Sprints up and down x2
Elbows x50
Push ups x20
Hammer strikes x50
Sprint up and down x2
Knee stikes x50
Squats x20
Groin Kicks x50
Sprints up and down x2
Combo of moves x10
Burpees x10
Take downs x5
The injurence level was so high by the year group which I was thoroughly impressed by and I think Daragh and some of the teachers were too. I really gained a lot of knowledge and physical strength from the two days and I would definitely do it again.
Careers Evening - 16/11/17
Fourth, fifth and sixth year students we given the opportunity to attend Careers Evening on Thursday 16th of November. The night consisted of four 10 minute sessions of conversation between a student and a person within a profession of their choice. The students encountered many different varieties of occupations from an event manager to a marine archaeologist! It lasted from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and some students felt as though there was not enough time for them to really explore all the speakers on offer. What the students found most beneficial was the fact that both past pupils and parents were there to talk about their job or the course they are taking in college. This way, the children were more comfortable to approach a desk and to ask questions to receive an in- depth description of the trade.
We thank Ms. Magurie for organising the event.
We thank Ms. Magurie for organising the event.
DCU Open Day - 17/11/17
On Friday the 17th of November all transition year students went to DCU open day. We got the opportunity to go to a variety talks about different courses they have to offer in DCU. I went to four talks, Psychology, Nursing, International Business Studies and Health and Society.
It was really interesting to hear what these courses entailed and it was a real eye opener to how many courses DCU alone have to offer.
My favourite talk from the open day was the International Business Studies course as I have a real interest in both languages and business studies and would love to pursue them as a career in the future.
It was really interesting to hear what these courses entailed and it was a real eye opener to how many courses DCU alone have to offer.
My favourite talk from the open day was the International Business Studies course as I have a real interest in both languages and business studies and would love to pursue them as a career in the future.
Carol Singing St.Stephens Green- 21/12/17
Just after the TY year group packed the Dignity Bags, the YSI 'Christmas Cheer Squad', as I like to call them, had their first carol practice. We might not have been very good at singing but we had spirit and that's what made us amazing. The following day we got on a bus and made our way to Stephens Green Shopping Centre which was our stage to broadcast our angelic voices to county Dublin. We sang for two hours in aid of the Peter McVerry trust and we raised a considerable sum for the quality of singing we produced. The money collectors were from the trust itself and they also pointed out the fact that it was our passion that raised so much money because as a year group we really do care about charity and we like to get involved in things like this. Helping people is one of our strengths and I'm glad that this year it can be celebrated.
Barista Course !!
Ms.Aylmer was kind enough in providing a very good price for a group of TY students to do a barista course for 10 weeks and so I decided to take this opportunity and apply for a place. The course was to commence in the 9th Degree Cafe on Westmorland Street in the City Centre. We would do one hour of barista work each week. All the girls in my form decided to participate and so it was a great bonding experience in that sense. We learnt the names of each of the parts of the machine and how to make an espresso shot along with how to froth milk. We would perfect these skills each week and attempted latte art at the end of most sessions. Luca, Lena and James were kind enough to take time out of their weekend to come and teach us how to make the perfect coffee and for that we thank them.
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St.Vincent de Paul Hamper Packing
It is an annual event when the fifth years and TY students join together to pack hampers for St.Vincent de Paul. Myself and a few other YSI students were asked to go down to the sports hall prior to the other students arrival so as we could see first hand how the event is run so that we can be ready to lead a group next year. We helped the fifth years unpack some of the items while we were there and once the rest of our own year came down, it was time to really get to work. We were split into teams around the hall. Alongside us was our team leader who would send us to go get a certain amount of a particular item. Once the items was retrieved it had to be put into the box a specific way so as the boxes could fold over properly. Jessica McHenry was our team leader and she was so lovely. The team packed 280 hampers which were then piled into cars for the fifth year students to deliver. The night before, myself, Claire Fisher and Adele O'Reilly, went to the junior school after hours and helped Stephanie organise the toys for the families who had children. There were kids of all ages within these families and it felt good to give a bit more help towards the cause. The bond between the SVP community and StGerards School will surely stay strong and it's only a matter of time until I will be delivering the hampers myself.
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TY Musical of Legally Blonde- 06/02/18 > 08/02/18
The Transition Year musical was an experience I will never forget. I learnt so much about myself and my peers. I got closer with people I didn't realise I had so much in common with, I was able to continue my love for the theatre and have fun with my friends each and every day. Aisling, our musical coordinator, made each dance exciting, full of energy and enthusiasm which made every minute more enjoyable. I played the part of Enid Hoopes. Enid was a feminist who loved to help charities and could also be called a 'tree-hugger'. Taking on Enid's persona taught me profoundly. She wasn't afraid to be herself and she also stood up for what she believed in. Through Enid, I can take her beliefs and use them throughout my own life.
When the dress rehearsals for the school and the night performances started to commence we had to bring in very dark makeup for the the stage and we applied it to ourselves and the girls then applied the boys makeup no matter how uncomfortable they felt. The final show dates were from Tuesday 6th till Thursday 8th of February. All the performances went really well, we had a full house every night and everyone was raving about how exceptional it was. No one was nervous and everyone remembered their steps and lines. When the show finished we got a standing ovation from the audience which we were all very happy with. Everyone really enjoyed doing it, I think it brought our year together as a group and that made us very enthusiastic about it. It was an experience that will never be forgotten.
When the dress rehearsals for the school and the night performances started to commence we had to bring in very dark makeup for the the stage and we applied it to ourselves and the girls then applied the boys makeup no matter how uncomfortable they felt. The final show dates were from Tuesday 6th till Thursday 8th of February. All the performances went really well, we had a full house every night and everyone was raving about how exceptional it was. No one was nervous and everyone remembered their steps and lines. When the show finished we got a standing ovation from the audience which we were all very happy with. Everyone really enjoyed doing it, I think it brought our year together as a group and that made us very enthusiastic about it. It was an experience that will never be forgotten.
Carlingford Adventure Centre - 19/02/18 > 22/02/18
On 19th to the 22nd of February, the entire TY year went on a fun trip to an adventure centre in Carlingford. We were told that this trip was supposed to be one of the best of the year, which it was! We arrived at the school on Monday morning on the 19th, we couldn't be too loud as the the 3rd and 6th years still had a week of mocks to do. We all piled into the canteen with all of our bags and the teachers got us ready to go. It took about an hour and a half to get down to Carlingford, so, the journey wasn't too long at all. We quickly got all of our bags out of the buses and walked to the adventure centre. When we arrived we were met by around three of the staff there who spoke to us about our week, the activities, the rules, the rooms and everything else we needed to know. We quickly got our rooms and put all of our bags into them so we could get to our first activity after lunch. I was staying in quite a big room with eight other people but we all got on really well and it was a lot of fun!!
Carlingford had everything to offer. My best activity had to be Sky Park. I seemed to be able to zoom through the course without a bother. It really suited me and my ability. Ziptopia was very similar to this but the only difference was the quantity of zip lines at Ziptopia. Although these were the best activities, my favourite had to be High Ropes. The adrenaline rush that you receive from standing on a tiny square platform with 2 other people 10 metres above the ground is exhilarating. The thrill of it was incredible, so incredible that I did it twice! There was also a second feature to high ropes that involved walking up long beams that got higher up the further you walked. I really like heights if you can't tell !! My least favourite activity was the canoeing because in the drop in temperature when we went out. It was freezing cold and the icy sea is not an idyllic place to be when you're shivering. The instructor however did applaud our efforts for powering through the weather conditions which was really rewarding to hear.
The Carlingford Trip helped me to reconnect with friends I hadn't talked to as much throughout this busy year and I laughed through the entire experience. The future 4th year students are very lucky to experience this trip because I wish I could do it again!
Carlingford had everything to offer. My best activity had to be Sky Park. I seemed to be able to zoom through the course without a bother. It really suited me and my ability. Ziptopia was very similar to this but the only difference was the quantity of zip lines at Ziptopia. Although these were the best activities, my favourite had to be High Ropes. The adrenaline rush that you receive from standing on a tiny square platform with 2 other people 10 metres above the ground is exhilarating. The thrill of it was incredible, so incredible that I did it twice! There was also a second feature to high ropes that involved walking up long beams that got higher up the further you walked. I really like heights if you can't tell !! My least favourite activity was the canoeing because in the drop in temperature when we went out. It was freezing cold and the icy sea is not an idyllic place to be when you're shivering. The instructor however did applaud our efforts for powering through the weather conditions which was really rewarding to hear.
The Carlingford Trip helped me to reconnect with friends I hadn't talked to as much throughout this busy year and I laughed through the entire experience. The future 4th year students are very lucky to experience this trip because I wish I could do it again!
Scuba Diving - 22/11/17 > 27/11/17
On the 22nd of November 2017, the students in 4th year that signed up to take part in the Scuba Diving course got a talk from a man called William. He spoke to us for an hour about the rules and what you have to do when your under the water. He also warned us of the dangers that could arise if we didn't do as we were told. On the 27th of November 2017, the same students travelled down to the National Aquatic Centre in North Dublin where we were met by William (the man who had spoken to us previously). We were then told of the times we were scuba diving and we were also split into two different groups. I was in the first group which was due to go swimming at 12:30 and we would be in the pool for an hour. The pool was going to be 2.4 metres deep. We were all quite nervous but the excitement over ruled that completely!
We were then divided into even smaller groups of around 6 or 7 people. When we put on the scuba gear we inflated our bouncy aid and got into the water. We put the mouth piece in so we could breathe and our goggles on and deflated our bouncy aid so we could slowly go under the water.We were doing different tricks under the water and swimming around the pool. It was a lot of fun as everyone who went will probably say. I got great feedback from my friends in my group and in the second group that went. I would definitely recommend doing this course!!
We were then divided into even smaller groups of around 6 or 7 people. When we put on the scuba gear we inflated our bouncy aid and got into the water. We put the mouth piece in so we could breathe and our goggles on and deflated our bouncy aid so we could slowly go under the water.We were doing different tricks under the water and swimming around the pool. It was a lot of fun as everyone who went will probably say. I got great feedback from my friends in my group and in the second group that went. I would definitely recommend doing this course!!
Cara / Faith Friends
Towards the start of the year, the fourth year students were told we would be involved in the Cara System. This was a system where you get paired up with one or two of the first years and you became someone they could go to to talk to if they ever needed it or if they didn't know where to go you would help them. Boys were paired with boys and girls were paired with girls.
There are a few dates where we all get together with our caras and talk to them about how they are doing and if they need any help with something. I’m very happy I got involved with the Cara System as I enjoy it very much!
There are a few dates where we all get together with our caras and talk to them about how they are doing and if they need any help with something. I’m very happy I got involved with the Cara System as I enjoy it very much!
Newsletter
This year , I am a member of the IT and newsletter committee. Every month the newsletter publishes a document containing pictures and descriptions of the fun and exciting activities in Ty of that month. Every two weeks , the committee meets and decides who will take on what role and which activity whom should write about. I love English and being a part of the newsletter committee gives me a chance to practice my English
Habitat for Humanity- Easter Youth Build Romania
Trying to put my time with Habitat for Humanity into words has proven to be extremely difficult, because how do you describe a feeling? How can one put the emotions of love, dignity, integrity, tenacity, equality, fraternity and pure joy into just one word, because all of these emotions could be felt within the atmosphere on this trip.
It has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go abroad to help people in the wider world. Being in St. Gerards for so long, I had always known about the Sixth Year Zambia trip and longed for the day that I could attend. My Montessori teacher, Louise, who also works in the Junior School would too go overseas to Moldova to help in any way she could. This furthermore gave me anoth er reason to complain to my poor mother as to “why I couldn’t help the people in the other countries?”.
When Transition Year came around I knew it was the right time to act. Through mountains of research, I came across Habitat for Humanity. A worldwide organisation that provided homes for less fortunate communities and strived to attain their motto by building ‘strength, stability and self- reliance through shelter’.
I was put in touch with Clare Cullen, who would soon be my team leader. Clare brought me through the application and the interview process step by step and on the 22nd of January 2018 I was accepted to the Easter Youth Build Programme.
The following months consisted of team meetings and a great deal of fundraising. Corporate letters were sent, buckets of coins were shaken up and down Grafton street and coffee was poured to the charitable parents of 6th class, 2nd Year, 4th Year and anyone who was up for a slice of cake and a chat. Together, we raised a total of E2148 for the people of Comanesti, Romania.
The group of 11 volunteers, aged 16 and 17, and 4 team leaders flew to Bucharest airport on Saturday 31st of March. From there we commenced our 5 hour bus ride to Comanesti. You can only imagine the excitement in the air at this time! We were put into our rooms and the following morning we commenced our team bonding day where we visited an underground Saltmine that the locals used as a playground with go carts, ping pong, swings, etc.
The rest of the week was hard work. Being 16 years old, under Romanian legislation I could only do 4 tasks: Bending re-bar, tying re-bar, carrying bricks and making cement. This was all that I needed to have one of the best weeks of my life.
Re-bar is an iron pole roughly 3 meters long. The metal bar was cut into small pieces and could then be bent with a home-made wrench into a square of 20cm by 20cm. These iron squares were then placed onto the 3m long rebar and tied with wire on each corner. Bricks needed to be carried by wheelbarrow up to the platform so that the older members of the team could begin to build the walls. Cement was made in the bucket load using a large basin and a hand held mixer. Jobs were rotated throughout the day so as everyone got a taste of all there was to offer. The team were onsite from 8:45 until 4pm with frequent breaks and lunch in between.
The group of Romanian builders were lovely. Although not many knew much English, their presence was so inviting and
welcoming. Everyone was comfortable to ask questions, whether it was through awkward hand gestures and graceless actions or by using Victor, our translator and volunteer coordinator. We were surprised with evening activities such as meeting a Habitat for Humanity Family and visiting their house that was built by a previous team and a traditional Romanian night where we could try the cultural food eaten at Easter time and join in with a group of Hora dancers, Hora being the traditional Romanian folk dance.
From this trip I made friends for life whom I still talk to frequently from schools such as Kilkenny College, Our Ladies Terenure, Gonzaga, High School, Scoil Mhuire Meath and St Marys Secondary school Mallow, Cork. Clare, Martha, Emily and Mary, my team leaders were so helpful and caring in every way imaginable as was Victor our Romanian Coordinator. Vassille, the Worksite Manager and his team deserve the world for all they do. My fellow TY peers are so amazing for the love and support they gave me before, during and after this experience, as is Ms.Ni Mhairtin who truly made me believe in myself for doing this, was genuinely interested in everything I was about to undertake and was proud to see me go. My Mum and Dad who helped me in any way they could, gave me the courage and independence to go alone, taught me from a young age that it is kind to be kind and love me unconditionally, you are absolutely incredible and I thank you for everything. And finally, to you, the parents of Transition Year, I thank you all who supported my coffee morning and helped me to raise awareness of this great cause.
My time with Habitat for Humanity was an experience I will never forget and is filled with memories that I will cherish forever. Thank You.
First Aid- 16/04/18 > 18/04/18
First aid ran from 16th April-18 April 2018. The first two days were for learning the theory and doing the practical work. Wednesday was for completing the PHECC exam and practical. The practical exam involved demonstrating two types of slings, the recovery position and CPR, it was necessary to know how to use de defib too. On Monday, we learnt how to do a perfect CPR and how to identify when someone is having a heart-attack. On Tuesday, we learnt how to do slings and how to put someone into recovery position . On Wednesday, after, we completed the written exam, this included 22 questions and we had to get 10 correct to pass. I really enjoyed this course and felt it was very beneficial and interesting, i would definitely recommend this to the younger years as it’s a very useful skill that can save people’s lives.
ECDL
This year, I took part in the ECDL course to enhance my skills in computer knowledge. Our school allowed the TY class of 2018 to do the course for free which gave every student the opportunity to participate. My Skill Score was 580. We did a test at the beginning of the year which determined what our skill score would be. It proved to be difficult to beat the skill score as each module got harder and harder. I think that I increased my knowledge of IT and hopefully I can put this course on my CV in the future.
Salamanca - 22/04/18 > 05/05/18
Going to Salamanca in Spain was one of the best decisions I have made in TY. I went for two weeks with SallyAnn Noonan and we were crying to have to come home. Everyday we went to an intensive Spanish course called, 'Colegio Delibes'. Here we were in level A2.1 which ended up being very difficult. We were in a class with loads of different nationalities including; Australian, Chinese, Dutch and Irish. The classes consisted of Grammar and then Communication. I preferred communication because it gave us free reign to chat about whatever topic was at hand that day. Our teachers names were Elena and Marina. Elena was pregnant at the time we were there and on our last day she found out she would be having a baby girl and it felt special to be able to share that moment with her. The classes were intense with an oral and written exam in our final week. This showed us the level of Spanish we currently have and our capability of learning new material in a foreign language. We made friends for life with 4 girls from Salthill, Galway and a girl from Holy Child, Killiney. I will be forever grateful for their kindness and friendship. If I could stay an extra year, I would have, let alone an extra week. But, however, all good things must come to an end. I will be returning next year!
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Steer Clear
‘Steer Clear’ is an extracurricular activity that is only available for TY students. It gives the students the opportunity to get a head start at learning the material that is on the driving theory test. Each Tuesday and Thursday, a group 15 students go to the class and learn a new module each week. At the end of each module the students must complete a quiz to determine the knowledge they obtained from the lesson. Mr. Ian Fleming is the Steer Clear instructor for our TY students. He is forever patient and lovely to work with. The students have a great appreciation for him and all he teaches. This activity is highly recommended by the students.
Boxing
On November 20th I started the boxing course. It is a six week long program run by Neil Bowman from blackrock boxing club. Throughout the course we learned all the different types of punches that are thrown in boxing. We learned about all the different combo punches as well. We did all of this while working on our fitness levels with a mixture of runs, sprints, and abb workouts. This was a great experience that definitely helped my fitness levels.
JumpZone
As part of a way to improve the girls bonding in TY, the teachers very kindly took us to jump zone. We arrived in jump zone and bounced on the trampolines for hours on end. To warm up we did a huge race where Maisie back flipped to injury, luckily she was ok. We then went to the basketball and foam pit fighting game. The foam pit fighting was two people on a narrow rod trying to hit people off with large foam polls. After this we played dodgeball which got very intense..... We then did jumping into foam pits. To end the fantastic day we stopped in Mac Donalds on the way back. This day really helped bringing all the girl together.