On November 24^th and 25^th 16 students from Colaiste Lorcain took part in an exchange with Ashfield School for Girls in Belfast. This exchange was organized by Cooperation Ireland as part of their Civiclink programme. This programme was started to foster positive links between schools, north and south of the border, as part of the ongoing Peace Process.

The sixteen students from Transition Year, travelled up early on the Thursday morning accompanied by Mr. Cawley and Miss McFarland. They met their counterparts in Belfast and had a tour of the school before a series of workshops and activities. Over the course of the two days of the exchange, students from both schools did a number of activities together, including a bus trip around Belfast and a trip to the Peace Wall.

The students from Colaiste Lorcain were splendid ambassadors for the school, and they contributed positively to a very worthwhile programme. Thank you to all concerned, especially Miss McFarland for organizing the trip. There will be a return visit from Ashfield School in the New Year.

6^th Year Debs Ball:  The staff of Coláiste Lorcáin wish to congratulate our outgoing 6^th year students on their great success in the Leaving Certificate Exams and wish them the very best of luck in their chosen study / career.   On Wednesday 31^st August, they got together to celebrate their Debs. There was a tea and coffee reception, organised by the Parents’ Council, at the school before they travelled to The Red Cow Inn Hotel, Dublin for a celebratory meal.   

School Musical:    Due to unforeseen circumstances the school has had to cancel the production of OKLAHOMA due to take place during mid-term.    This unfortunate decision was not taken lightly but the school had little choice.    It is hoped that we will stage a musical during the next year. 

Spanish visitors:  Coláiste Lorcáin extended a warm welcome to our Spanish students and teachers who visited recently.    Colaiste Lorcáin extiende una cálida bienvenida a nuestros estudiantes de español y profesores que están de visita para el próximo par de semanas.   On the 20th of September a group of 25 Spanish students, plus two leaders, arrived in Castledermot in order to be part of a three-week High School integration programme.   The initiative was started some years ago by the Department of Education of Vigo's City Council -Vigo being the hometown of all the students in the programme. The aim is to make the most of English Language learning as well as getting involved in everyday Irish school life and Irish culture. All the students have been carefully selected taking into account their level of English but also their overall marks. The group in Castledermot comes from two different high schools in Vigo: Colegio María Inmaculada and Colegio Apóstol Santiago. The outcome were a well integrated group of students that enjoyed Ireland very much!

Higher Options and Careers News:  On Friday, the 16^th of September, Leaving Certificate students attended the Higher Options College and Careers Fair at the R.D.S.   This gave our students the opportunity to talk to lecturers and admissions officers from all the third level institutions in Ireland. Many universities from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand were also present.   Students that may not want to attend college straight after the Leaving Cert were also catered for with a range of one year Post-Leaving Cert courses and volunteer projects abroad.    The Army, Ambulance service and many professional bodies also attended.    Career talks were also held from 10.00am to 2.00pm on a variety of different topics from careers in science to careers in social work.   This trip had many positive and lasting benefits for our students. They include:

Informing students of the UCAS application system

Preparing students for Third Level education

·         Exposing students to a wide range of F.E.T.A.C. courses

·         Giving students the opportunity to meet with representatives from third level institutions and public service bodies

The Higher Options trip can also be used as research for a careers investigation to form part of their LCVP Vocational Preparation module.

On Friday 7^th of October the guidance office has invited Mary Higgins from UCAS to our school to talk about applying to college in the United Kingdom.   She will also talk about fees, expenses, accommodation and qualifications. The talk will take place in the music room at 13:00 and sixth year parents are most welcome. Contact the school for more details