Oh my god, the end of Transition Year is actually here. It is so hard to believe. The year has flown by so quickly. But time flies when you're having fun I suppose. Transition Year has been a great year for me, and I really am so glad that I did it, but on the other hand, I'm looking forward to what fifth year will bring and getting back into routine.
It seems like only yesterday that we were getting our Junior Cert results. I've done so much throughout the year, which i have mentioned in previous blogs so I won't bore you and repeat them! I feel I got so much out of the year and that I really tried my best. I have made so many friends it's crazy, people I rarely used to talk to.
I feel I have matured throughout the year and I now feel more confident going into Fifth Year than I would have been last year. I am so grateful that our school has Transition Year and that I had the chance to take part in a wonderful year of opportunities. This is the last time I will blog in Transition Year *tear*
Over and out,
Emma.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
All good things come to an end..
We have eight full days left in Transition Year and I still cannot believe that the year is almost over. It feels like only yesterday that we were being divided into our classes on the first day of Transition Year. But as they say, time flies when you're having fun, right?
All we can do now, is make the most of our last few days before we are known as 'Fifth Years'. I am shivering just thinking about it. I am actually so sad that it is almost over. I have met some amazing people and made some amazing memories, from swimming miles with my classmates to climbing a mountain in Carlingford.
I feel that I have got out of the year what I have put into it. I was organised with schoolwork and I feel I had a positive attitude towards my classmates and teachers. I have taken the opportunities as they have come, which is what Transition Year is all about. I feel I have matured a lot and got more confident than I was this time last year.
For the last week of Transition Year, we are wrapping up our projects and doing class tests in order to get everything finished for next week. Next week, we are doing all our preparation for TY night. Our parents will get the chance to see what we have really been up to and we will get to perform dances such as zumba and Charleston which we did as part of our activities on a Thursday afternoon. We will also be receiving our new TY hoodies with our names on the back. A great night will be had by all!
For now, I will make the most of these last few days of a great year.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Sci-fest 2012
Yesterday, the 9th of May, all Transition Years headed off to IT Tallaght for the Annual 'Sci-fest' Competition. The competition is a great opportunity for students who did not necessarily make it into The 'Young Scientist' Exhibition. Students displayed and presented their projects in front of judges and experience science is a fun and interesting way.
I did my project with Helen. Our project was titled 'Which section of the tongue is most sensitive?' The judging went well however we did not win a prize but we still were glad that we took part. We also had the opportunity to go to talks during the day. I went to the talk about using science to solve crime and another talk which involved blowing up stuff like jelly babies! I found the crime talk very interesting as one of my work experiences was in the forensics in Phoenix Park.
Unfortunately we were made wait an hour to hear who won the prizes. On the plus side, many of our students won prizes so well done to them! Overall, it was a good day, despite the waiting around it was quite fun and I enjoyed it.
E.
I did my project with Helen. Our project was titled 'Which section of the tongue is most sensitive?' The judging went well however we did not win a prize but we still were glad that we took part. We also had the opportunity to go to talks during the day. I went to the talk about using science to solve crime and another talk which involved blowing up stuff like jelly babies! I found the crime talk very interesting as one of my work experiences was in the forensics in Phoenix Park.
Unfortunately we were made wait an hour to hear who won the prizes. On the plus side, many of our students won prizes so well done to them! Overall, it was a good day, despite the waiting around it was quite fun and I enjoyed it.
E.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Blog Challenge - Post a video in a Wall Post
Okay so we have been asked to post a video from Youtube and this one never seems to get old in my eyes. It is one of the most skillful and amazing things I have ever seen, and I feel so privileged to say that i witnessed this happen live. It will go down in G.A.A. and it's something that you don't see everyday.
The footballer in the video is Darran O'Sullivan, one of my idols and made enough, it's his birthday tomorrow, the 3rd of May!
Prepare to be amazed ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ymsQwl20M
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARRAN :)
The footballer in the video is Darran O'Sullivan, one of my idols and made enough, it's his birthday tomorrow, the 3rd of May!
Prepare to be amazed ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ymsQwl20M
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARRAN :)
Blog Challenge - What I have learned about myself in TY
I think I have benefited a lot more from TY than i originally thought i would. I've learned that I am motivated and when I have been given projects or other tasks that I have gotten straight into them and took instructions as to what to do and been enthusiastic towards the task.
I realised that I am quite punctual, in that I have always had homework, projects etc. in on time and never been late with work for the teachers. I found this an important skill to have in Transition Year because I am always busy and on my feet.
I've realised that I am more confident than I thought I was. I've been able to speak out loud in my language classes and speak my opinion in class discussions. I found this confidence useful when making friends with my fellow students in Banba. I did not know everyone at the start of the year and I am now friends with people I never was friends with before, which is a great thing.
I have learned that I am also very organised when it comes to just keeping on track with everything it Transition Year. I have to be able to keep all my work together, for projects etc. I feel Transition Year has made me a better person.
I realised that I am quite punctual, in that I have always had homework, projects etc. in on time and never been late with work for the teachers. I found this an important skill to have in Transition Year because I am always busy and on my feet.
I've realised that I am more confident than I thought I was. I've been able to speak out loud in my language classes and speak my opinion in class discussions. I found this confidence useful when making friends with my fellow students in Banba. I did not know everyone at the start of the year and I am now friends with people I never was friends with before, which is a great thing.
I have learned that I am also very organised when it comes to just keeping on track with everything it Transition Year. I have to be able to keep all my work together, for projects etc. I feel Transition Year has made me a better person.
Blog Challenge - Best Moment of TY so far
My favourite moment of Transition Year so far? I don't think i could choose but a few definitely stick out for me.
1. - Completing 4 miles swam with my group of friends at 'Swim a Mile'.
2.- Reaching the top of the mountain at Gaisce
3. - The Bank Launch and meeting Kildare hero, Johnny Doyle
I personally have really enjoyed Transition Year so far and I think there is has been way too many good moments so far this year but these three have definitely been my favourites.
Completing the 4 miles was amazing because I was so proud of myself and my friends that we did this challenge for such a great cause.
Reaching the top of the mountain at Gaisce was the most rewarding feeling of Transition Year. It was something I wasn't told to do, but that I actually volunteered to do it and the view was simply beautiful.
The Bank Launch was a success with the Original Rudeboys but having a good oul' chat with the man himself Johnny Doyle was a brilliant moment. Meeting somebody that you look up to is simply a great feeling.
1. - Completing 4 miles swam with my group of friends at 'Swim a Mile'.
2.- Reaching the top of the mountain at Gaisce
3. - The Bank Launch and meeting Kildare hero, Johnny Doyle
I personally have really enjoyed Transition Year so far and I think there is has been way too many good moments so far this year but these three have definitely been my favourites.
Completing the 4 miles was amazing because I was so proud of myself and my friends that we did this challenge for such a great cause.
Reaching the top of the mountain at Gaisce was the most rewarding feeling of Transition Year. It was something I wasn't told to do, but that I actually volunteered to do it and the view was simply beautiful.
The Bank Launch was a success with the Original Rudeboys but having a good oul' chat with the man himself Johnny Doyle was a brilliant moment. Meeting somebody that you look up to is simply a great feeling.
Gaisce - what an amazing experience
On Friday afternoon, 30 Transition Years set off for Kippure in County Wicklow for the Gaisce Hike. We were all full of excitements and all of our bags were ready to burst with the amount of food and clothes we were bringing! I don't think anybody knew how good this experience was going to be. The journey was less than an hour to our destination which was good because i sometimes get travel sickness. We arrived at 4:20 and we were told by the instructors to be ready for 4.30. We threw all our belongings into our quite luxurious homes we were staying in and we were all kitted out in our rain gear and boots and we were looking smashing!
On the first day we were going to hike 13km and on the second we would do 12km. It was very challenging but when we got to the top, the feeling of relief and the view made it so worth it! The way back down from the mountain each day was easier and we also ran a bit of it too! We all had so much fun on the way up and down, falling, laughing etc! The night we stayed over was perfect. We all stayed in groups and had our own house and the chance to make our own meals. We set the table like it was the last supper and all ate our dinners together and shared what we had. I'll never forget the two days, they simply could not have gone any better. I shared two amazing days with 30 amazing girls and not to forget Ms. H, Ms O'C and Mr.K! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have done Gaisce and so glad that i did it :)
On the first day we were going to hike 13km and on the second we would do 12km. It was very challenging but when we got to the top, the feeling of relief and the view made it so worth it! The way back down from the mountain each day was easier and we also ran a bit of it too! We all had so much fun on the way up and down, falling, laughing etc! The night we stayed over was perfect. We all stayed in groups and had our own house and the chance to make our own meals. We set the table like it was the last supper and all ate our dinners together and shared what we had. I'll never forget the two days, they simply could not have gone any better. I shared two amazing days with 30 amazing girls and not to forget Ms. H, Ms O'C and Mr.K! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have done Gaisce and so glad that i did it :)
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
What lies ahead for the last term of TY
So after having a brilliant Easter Break it is finally hitting me that we have only one term left in Transition Year, that means only about 6 weeks left! This year is flying by so fast so I really want to make the most of the rest of TY as I am dreading Fifth Year.
The teachers sure are keeping us busy, we have about a million and one things to do in time for the Transition Year night. Projectswise, we have a History, Geography and Maths project to do. They make up a lot of our final grade so it is vital that i take them seriously. I'm really excited about the Geography project believe it or not. I'm doing it on the River Feale in County Kerry.... shocker. Anyone that knows me will know that I like Kerry a bit too much.. so it is no surprise that my project on a chosen subject is about Kerry.
On Friday, all TYs are heading off to the National Aquatic Centre for the annual 'Swim a Mile with a Smile' event. All girls will either be taking park by swimming or by counting the lengths swam by the girls. We are hoping to raise a huge amout of money for a great cause.
In two weeks time, our class Banba, are heading on retreat to Glendalough in Wicklow for a retreat. I hope that it is a memorable day, despite all the walking, and that we can have some fun as a class as we come to an end.
E.
The teachers sure are keeping us busy, we have about a million and one things to do in time for the Transition Year night. Projectswise, we have a History, Geography and Maths project to do. They make up a lot of our final grade so it is vital that i take them seriously. I'm really excited about the Geography project believe it or not. I'm doing it on the River Feale in County Kerry.... shocker. Anyone that knows me will know that I like Kerry a bit too much.. so it is no surprise that my project on a chosen subject is about Kerry.
On Friday, all TYs are heading off to the National Aquatic Centre for the annual 'Swim a Mile with a Smile' event. All girls will either be taking park by swimming or by counting the lengths swam by the girls. We are hoping to raise a huge amout of money for a great cause.
In two weeks time, our class Banba, are heading on retreat to Glendalough in Wicklow for a retreat. I hope that it is a memorable day, despite all the walking, and that we can have some fun as a class as we come to an end.
E.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
min blog på dansk :)
HEJ !
I dag henvender jeg mig herved en blog på dansk. Da jeg gik til Italien, jeg lavede venner fra Danmark.
Jeg har altid fundet deres accenter virkelig interessant og de altid skriver på dansk om 'facebook'. I dag vil jeg skrive om mig selv på dansk. For det første, mit navn er Emma og jeg bor i Irland. Jeg er i øjeblikket i min fjerde år af Secondary School. Jeg har to ældre brødre og en hund kaldet Rocky. Jeg spiller klaver, og jeg er på klasse 7. Jeg er besat med GAA, bogstaveligt talt. Jeg spiller det næsten hver dag i ugen. jeg absolut elsker Kerry fodbold, de er simpelthen utroligt. Tadhg Kennelly er min helt, hvilket er en af de første ting, du nogensinde vil lære om mig. Mumford and Sons er min favorit band nogensinde. Jeg kan relatere forholde sig til deres musik og tekster, og jeg håber at se dem live i fremtiden. Jeg må gå nu, jeg har religion klasse. Jeg nød virkelig at skrive på dansk!
E.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Music Night
Next Wednesday, all music students in the school will be taking part in the school's Music Night. All years except exam years usually do a class performance.
Our class, Banba, and class Eriu are going to be performing 'Shake it Out' by the amazing Florence and the Machine. A lot of work has gone into the song so far, between music classes and band class during our activities afternoon. Ms. R is working very hard and helping us along the way.
Everybody loves the song which helps, and makes us more enthusiastic. We have a lot of work and practice to do before next Wednesday so hopefully it will be a success and we will do Ms.R proud!
E.
Our class, Banba, and class Eriu are going to be performing 'Shake it Out' by the amazing Florence and the Machine. A lot of work has gone into the song so far, between music classes and band class during our activities afternoon. Ms. R is working very hard and helping us along the way.
Everybody loves the song which helps, and makes us more enthusiastic. We have a lot of work and practice to do before next Wednesday so hopefully it will be a success and we will do Ms.R proud!
E.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
I have successfully completed the Braveforce Challange... like a boss.
Yesterday, all TYs set off for Braveforce, a former army training camp in Meath. Let's just say it was a LOT harder than we all expected. It involved muck from head to toe, sore legs and knees and muck that looked like highlights in our hair.
About a hundred of us did the course in total, two other schools did it as well. The other schools nominated certain people to do it, but we were different and entered the whole year, so they gave us an award.
The course was 3.5km it total, consisting of lots of running, walking through rivers, and jumping over stuff. After the course, saying I was wrecked is an understatement. I was freezing, i just wanted a hot shower... and fast!
Overall, it was an eventful day but i'm glad i did it :)
E.
About a hundred of us did the course in total, two other schools did it as well. The other schools nominated certain people to do it, but we were different and entered the whole year, so they gave us an award.
The course was 3.5km it total, consisting of lots of running, walking through rivers, and jumping over stuff. After the course, saying I was wrecked is an understatement. I was freezing, i just wanted a hot shower... and fast!
Overall, it was an eventful day but i'm glad i did it :)
E.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Work Experience... what a week!
Last week, (the 27th February-2nd March), TYs went on their work experience. I went to Stuart's Hospital, an organisation for people with intellectual disabilities. I have always had an interest in this kind of work as I already volunteer at St.Raphael's on Wednesdays, a similar organisation. I was working with men and women.
I got the bus into work and home every day, which was quite handy. I was very nervous on the first day as I was curious to see what it would be like, and what the service users would think of me, and what work I would be doing.
I fitted in really well from the word go! The supervisors were very friendly towards me, as were the service users. They are actually the most positive people you will ever work with. I found it very rewarding, helping them to reach their goals.
We tried to go outdoors as much as possible when the weather was good. We went to places like town and Liffey Valley and also brought the service users on a walk. We also took part in activities such as dancing and PE.
I had such an amazing week and made so many memories and friends. I became so attached to the people and really did not want it to end. I am definitely considering doing a job like this when i am older...
E.
I got the bus into work and home every day, which was quite handy. I was very nervous on the first day as I was curious to see what it would be like, and what the service users would think of me, and what work I would be doing.
I fitted in really well from the word go! The supervisors were very friendly towards me, as were the service users. They are actually the most positive people you will ever work with. I found it very rewarding, helping them to reach their goals.
We tried to go outdoors as much as possible when the weather was good. We went to places like town and Liffey Valley and also brought the service users on a walk. We also took part in activities such as dancing and PE.
I had such an amazing week and made so many memories and friends. I became so attached to the people and really did not want it to end. I am definitely considering doing a job like this when i am older...
E.
Lights, camera, action!
Last Saturday, all the girls in the play 'Tich Miller' headed down to Macroom, County Cork, for the 'Briery Gap' Transition Year drama competition.
We we all to meet at the esso garage on Saturday morning at 10 o' clock as it was a four hour drive and we wanted to be there early for a bit of practice. We were all a pile of nerves on the bus, making sure that we had everything and knew all our lines.
We all had leg cramps by the time we arrived at the theatre, everyone was dying to get off the bus! We were greeted by the people that worked there and they showed us our dressing room. Thankfully, we were given time to practice on stage so we would be calm during the real thing.
Everyone was dressed in their costumes and really got into the mind of their characters. The performance went very well, with no mistakes. The music and lighting went well too. Unfortunately we did not win any awards, but a great day was held by all the girls and I'm so proud of all the work they put in.
E.
We we all to meet at the esso garage on Saturday morning at 10 o' clock as it was a four hour drive and we wanted to be there early for a bit of practice. We were all a pile of nerves on the bus, making sure that we had everything and knew all our lines.
We all had leg cramps by the time we arrived at the theatre, everyone was dying to get off the bus! We were greeted by the people that worked there and they showed us our dressing room. Thankfully, we were given time to practice on stage so we would be calm during the real thing.
Everyone was dressed in their costumes and really got into the mind of their characters. The performance went very well, with no mistakes. The music and lighting went well too. Unfortunately we did not win any awards, but a great day was held by all the girls and I'm so proud of all the work they put in.
E.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Trip to Kildare
Last Tuesday, the 7th of February, all TY's headed off to Kildare town for a trip about Saint Brigid. I really wasn't too excited about doing a lot walking, but it was better than i thought.
We first watched a dvd about Saint Brigid. Saint Brigid is the patron saint of Kildare, our home county so it's important that we know about her. We learned about her life and all the work she did to spread Christianity and all the work she did for the sick and the poor.
We then went to visit a cathedral that Brigid herself built, however it was been knocked down numerous times over the year. It was freezing inside but it was quite interesting to walk around and look at the monuments etc. I also got to ring the church bell.
We then looked at the round tower which was used for defence, and we got the chance to go down into the kitchen that Brigid used long long ago.
Throughout the rest of the day we got to see two wells that Brigid built, one old and one newer one. At the first one, we got to bless ourselves with the water inside of it and say a prayer for someone. At the second one, some of us walked around the well, saying a decade of the rosary with Mrs. K.B. It was quite special to do.
On the way back we were given the opportunity to stop into Kildare Village Outlet to look around, of course I forgot to bring money so didn't get to buy anything in Starbucks, and looking at all the expensive clothes just made me feel more depressed.
I was glad to be home as it was a long a tiring day but I still enjoyed it.
E.
We first watched a dvd about Saint Brigid. Saint Brigid is the patron saint of Kildare, our home county so it's important that we know about her. We learned about her life and all the work she did to spread Christianity and all the work she did for the sick and the poor.
We then went to visit a cathedral that Brigid herself built, however it was been knocked down numerous times over the year. It was freezing inside but it was quite interesting to walk around and look at the monuments etc. I also got to ring the church bell.
We then looked at the round tower which was used for defence, and we got the chance to go down into the kitchen that Brigid used long long ago.
Throughout the rest of the day we got to see two wells that Brigid built, one old and one newer one. At the first one, we got to bless ourselves with the water inside of it and say a prayer for someone. At the second one, some of us walked around the well, saying a decade of the rosary with Mrs. K.B. It was quite special to do.
On the way back we were given the opportunity to stop into Kildare Village Outlet to look around, of course I forgot to bring money so didn't get to buy anything in Starbucks, and looking at all the expensive clothes just made me feel more depressed.
I was glad to be home as it was a long a tiring day but I still enjoyed it.
E.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Blog Challenge - A place I'd like to visit when I leave school
As part of Mrs. L's TY Blog Challenge, one of the tasks is to write a blog about 'A place I want to visit when I leave school'. This is the most simple question i have ever been asked. The answer? Kerry.. simple.
Kerry is simply my favourite place in the entire world... cheesy I know. The place is simply beautiful. From walking on the beach or taking in the view from the top of Ballybunion Cliffs. I also have family and friends there, I go down a few times a year. It's a place where I feel I can escape from everything and everyone, but manage to have the time of my life. I get to see family that I don't get to see often, yet i get on so well with them, and meet up with friends down there.
Everybody down there makes you feel so welcome. They have a different outlook on life, and can still find fun things to do in the country. My dream is to move there when I'm older, I'm so determined to go there, and I'm not going to let anybody or anything stop me. Yeah so I love Kerry.... a bit too much.
E.
Kerry is simply my favourite place in the entire world... cheesy I know. The place is simply beautiful. From walking on the beach or taking in the view from the top of Ballybunion Cliffs. I also have family and friends there, I go down a few times a year. It's a place where I feel I can escape from everything and everyone, but manage to have the time of my life. I get to see family that I don't get to see often, yet i get on so well with them, and meet up with friends down there.
Everybody down there makes you feel so welcome. They have a different outlook on life, and can still find fun things to do in the country. My dream is to move there when I'm older, I'm so determined to go there, and I'm not going to let anybody or anything stop me. Yeah so I love Kerry.... a bit too much.
E.
1st February..Have a good one Brigid!
The first of February.. anyone else think 2012 is going by so fast? Today is supposed to be the beginning of Spring..... i'm freezing. Today is also Saint Brigid's Day, the patroness of Ireland and Patron Saint of our county Kildare.
As i went to St.Brigid's primary school, we all had a lot of respect for her and learned so much about her over the years. She grew up in Louth and was a very religious woman. She built a church in Kildare and spent a lot of time there, hence why she is the patron Saint of Kildare.
In religion, we are setting up the prayer room to suit the occasion. We have put a lot of work into the room, be it painting a poster of her and putting music together. The service is today so I hope the school enjoys it as much as we did setting it up.
Next Tuesday, we are going to Kildare town so visit St.Brigid's well, I'm sure we will learn a lot more about her life and have a great day, just like the other TY trips.
As i went to St.Brigid's primary school, we all had a lot of respect for her and learned so much about her over the years. She grew up in Louth and was a very religious woman. She built a church in Kildare and spent a lot of time there, hence why she is the patron Saint of Kildare.
In religion, we are setting up the prayer room to suit the occasion. We have put a lot of work into the room, be it painting a poster of her and putting music together. The service is today so I hope the school enjoys it as much as we did setting it up.
Next Tuesday, we are going to Kildare town so visit St.Brigid's well, I'm sure we will learn a lot more about her life and have a great day, just like the other TY trips.
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
" I'm gonna' take you out to Mulingarrrrr "
Yesterday, all TYs travelled to Mullingar in Westmeath, for the annual 'Briary Gap Drama Competition'. Our class and class Eriu were taking part and class Fodla came to watch. Our class split into two groups to do two plays. Our play was based on the poem 'Tich Miller'. It is a poem about bullying and isolation. We were all extremely nervous as we only put the play together a couple of days ago!
Thankfully, our play went really well , nobody laughed or made a single mistake. All the girls that took part in all the plays did brilliantly, and our teachers were really proud of us. I found it to be a really exciting experience as i was very shy to go up on a stage infront of people, wouldn't really be my cup of tea..
At lunchtime, our whole year was given permission to walk around Mullingar. We decided to go to McDonald's, surprise surprise! We then came back to watch the plays performed by other schools, they were very impressive.
As stressful as it was, i will miss the play because we put so much work into it and had a 'bit a' craic' as they say. It was a really good day :)
E.
Thankfully, our play went really well , nobody laughed or made a single mistake. All the girls that took part in all the plays did brilliantly, and our teachers were really proud of us. I found it to be a really exciting experience as i was very shy to go up on a stage infront of people, wouldn't really be my cup of tea..
At lunchtime, our whole year was given permission to walk around Mullingar. We decided to go to McDonald's, surprise surprise! We then came back to watch the plays performed by other schools, they were very impressive.
As stressful as it was, i will miss the play because we put so much work into it and had a 'bit a' craic' as they say. It was a really good day :)
E.
Monday, 16 January 2012
First week back after Christmas...
So after a long holiday, we were finally back in school. The tiredness in our faces said it all..
We spent the first day back telling the teachers what we had got up to, learning about the singer Plan B in music class and worked on our Scifest project in science class. We also decided we really needed to put our heads together and really work hard to get our drama ready for the competition next Tuesday, fingers crossed we do as it has got such good potential!
We were also asked last week to start picking our subjects for Fifth Year... scary! TY is going so quickly, but that shows how much fun i'm having i guess. I'm thinking of doing Music, Geography and Biology, i can't see myself doing anything else so i really hope i get them three subjects.
Last Thursday we began three new activities. We no longer do Dancing, Photography and Pilates, we're forming bands, doing massages and Zumba classes, they're all really good so far! On Friday we went to the BT Young Scientist Exhibition. Our school had four entries and they really did TY and our school proud. I had a great day looking at the projects and exhibition stands. I got a lot of free stuff also!
It was a great week overall and i hope the second half of TY is just as good as the first half :)
E.
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