School Re-opening

The school will re-open on Wednesday, August 24th. Details of all opening times are available on our Calendar page.

Calendar Page

A detailed provisional calendar for 2011-2012 is available on our Calendar page.

Graduates

A complete list of graduates from 1964 is available on the site on our Graduates Page. The graduates from 2011 have now been added,

Yearbook 2011

The annual yearbook has been presented to the graduating sixth year students and to all other school students. It has been edited by Ms Behan, Mr O'Reilly, Ms Craddock and Ms McGroarty. Mr Connolly was responsible for the photographs. It contains individual pictures of all the 6th year students who left the school this year and also form group photographs of all the 1st year and 6th year form classes. It also features numerous articles and photograhs of activities undertaken in the school throughout the academic year 2010-2011.

To view the 2011 Yearbook, click on the cover.

Copies of the 2011 Yearbook are available from the school secretary.

 

 

Standardised School Years

The Department of Education and Skills has details of the standardised school year for the next few years (2011-2014) on its website.

 

Retirement

Over the past six years twelve members of the teaching staff retired:

Mr Peter Foody retired in June 2011.

Mrs Siobhain Lowry retired in June 2011.

Mr Conor Kelly retired in June 2011.

Mr John Byrne and Ms Phil Doherty retired in June 2010.

Mr John Shortt and Mr Ted O'Donovan retired in June 2009.

Mr Jim Tully retired in June 2008.

Mr Frank O'Shaughnessy retired in June 2007.

Mr Pat Kelly retired in June 2006.

Mr Sean Cunniffe and Mr Peader O'Farrell retired in June 2005

We wish them every good wish in their retirement.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald unveils Graffiti Wall Mural at Moyle Park College.

On Wednesday June 1st at 3.30 p.m Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald formally unveiled the Graffiti Wall Mural in the Junior Yard in Moyle Park College. The project, which took four months to complete, with the help and advice of Art Teacher, Ms Petrina Shortt and Artist, Mr Cormac Cullinan, was done by Transition Year students together with 2nd and 3rd year students.

Ms Shortt outlined how the idea for the project began last August with Transition Year students wanting to express the interest of their age group - music and sport, with the local Round Tower and Church in the background. Artist Cormac Cullinan said it was an inclusive project, as not only artists but also students who could do technical drawing and stencils were needed. Forty people in total were involved.

Minister Fitzgerald joked that it was her first time to formally unveil Graffiti Art as usually her office would receive complaints about it. The Minister commended the students for their work and thanked the Credit Union for their support especially in these difficult times.

Principal Mr Aiden Clarke, welcoming the Minister, spoke of the "previously negative image of Graffiti Art but this mural captures the vitality of lunch time activity in this, the students' own space." Mr Clarke also praised the collaborative aspect of the project with funding made available through NAPD Creative Engagement Project and sponsored by Clondalkin Credit Union. Mr Adrian Mangan, Mr Mick O'Conaill and Mr Tony Foster represented Clondalkin Credit Union.

 

Ms Pauline Cunningham

MOYLE PARK COLLEGE CLASS 2011 LEAVE WITH MESSAGE OF HOPE

On Thursday evening, May 26th, Moyle Park Leaving Cert class 2011 graduated with a profound message of hope. Following Mass,celebrated by Fr Kevin Doherty, who inspired them to 'dream dreams', the young men spoke with emotion of their fond memories of the College. They echoed President Obama's words, 'Is feidir linn', resolving not to be put off by recession fears in pursuing their young mens' dreams.

6th Year Head, Mr Ultan McGabhann, spoke warmly of the students and the joys and woes of seeing them mature into capable young men. He urged them to embrace life in all its aspects, not 'to fear change', reminding them, in William Henley's lines from Invictus - 'I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul.'

Principal, Mr Aiden Clark, spoke of the graduation as a 'joyous occasion'. He urged the students not to' feel angry at problems created by previous generations, compromising our economic sovereignty'. Mr Clarke encouraged the students to face the future with 'a spirit of gratitude and hope'.

Student of the Year: Shane O'Connor

John Connors Award for Sports Student of the Year: Daniel Gregg

Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Shane Cross

Marist Brothers Award: Dean Reina

Ms Pauline Cunningham

Photographs from 6th Year Graduation Night 2011

Mr Anderson presents Daniel Gregg with his Sports' Student of the Year Award.	Three award winners: Stephen O'Brien, Daniel Gregg, Ryan Caldwell.	Dean Reina receives Marist Brothers' award from principal Mr Aiden Clarke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student of the Year Shane O'Connor receives his award from year head Mr Ultan MacGabhann	Shane Cross receiving the Sean Mitchell Memorial Award from Mrs Mitchell and Mr Clarke	Teacher Ms Corscadden with graduate Mahmood Abdullah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Showcase

This month 6th year student, John Kearns, writes about his interest in music in our May Showcase page.

Young Social Innovators

Read a web page on the school pink day prepared by Transition Year student Sofwat Islam.

Pieta Run

The Darkness to Light annual run went really well. Over thirty Moyle Park students and more teachers took part. We met in the school at 3.15 a m and made our way to the Pheonix Park, thanks to Mr. O' Reilly driving the school bus. The race began at 4.30 a.m in complete darkness and ended in light. It was a huge success. The Moyle Park winner was Thomas Bailey and coming second was Daire Duffy. Well done to all who fund-raised and took part. Nearly €1500 has been raised for Pieta house - the centre assisting those effected by self harm and suicide.
Can't wait for next year!

After the run	Teachers and students	Brad, Dillon, Graham and Alex

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aisling O' Malley

Feis Ceoil Winner - Adam McGrath

Adam McGrath, a 3rd year in Moyle Park College, was successfully awarded a gold medal in the senior euphonium section at the 115th Feis Ceoil in the R.D.S. Adam prepared for many weeks with Mr. Vincent Dolan, director of the Clondalkin Youth Band.

The Feis Ceoil is the most well-known musical competition of the Irish calendar with an extremely high standard of musical performances. Adam defeated a very strong musician from D.I.T. who works with the top professionals in Dublin and is a member of the Rathfarnam Concert Band.

Adam's solo performance in this competition brought a great vibe to Moyle Park College, the Clondalkin Youth Band and the area of Clondalkin. Well-done, Adam!

John Kearns 6th Year

Moyle Park Student Council Dail Visit.

On Wednesday April 13th, six Moyle Park College students, members of the student council and two teachers, Ms Liz Casey and Ms Pauline Cunningham, visited the Dail. The visit was made possible through the diplomatic efforts of Leaving Certificate student Chris O'Dwyer, chairperson of the student council. On arrival the group was taken to the viewing gallery where Leader's Questions was under way. Students experienced at first hand exchanges in both Irish and English between Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Fianna Fail leader, Michael Martin and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. The students were then given a guided tour of the Dail and the Seanad. They displayed a lively interest in matters political. At the end of the visit the group were invited by Ms Joanna Tuffy, TD, to coffee and biscuits in the public bar. Ms Tuffy has extended an open invitation to the student council to visit the Dail annually, if they so wish.

We wish to thank Ms Tuffy for her invitation and her hospitality.

The students who attended included Chris O'Dwyer, Christopher Reinhardt, Mark Casey, Daniel Fitzgibbon, David Hallows andColin Byrne.

 

Ms Pauline Cunningham

 

Students at the bust of Countess Markievicz	Student Council with Ms Joanna Tuffy T.D.
Photographs by Ms Liz Casey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under-16s miss out in Leinster Gaelic Football Final

Despite a spirited performance Moyle Park College's Under-16 footballers came out on the wrong side in the Leinster final in Leixlip. Mr Kenny and his charges can hold their heads high as Dublin Champions. Moyle Park College: 3-3, St Farnans of Prosperous: 2-11.

A video of the final, made by Ms Harrington of Moyle Park, is available on YouTube.

Former Student wins Literary Award

Congratulations to former pupil, Steve Wade, who won first prize in the abook2read literary competition for his novel On Hiker's Hill.

Open Day

Farmers Market This included a cup cake stand, bric-a-brac stand, teas, coffees and the Clondalkin Youth Service stand.	Moyle Park Rock Band Transition Year students performing outdoors at the Open Day.	The Art Room Three students demonstrate their artistic talents in the school art room.	The Library The parents of an incoming student visit the school library.
Photographs of the Open Day on Sunday 10th April by Ms O'Malley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moyle Park are Dublin Champions

Conor Johnston going for the ball	Brian Gregg in the tackle	Conor Johnston again going for the ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moyle Park College have won the Dublin Championship 4-7 to 0-11 against a strong side in Coláiste de hÍde, of Tallaght. The match was held in a great pitch in O'Toole Park , Crumlin.

The day started off the same as every other match day with a great speech from Mr Kenny. It seemed to work as Moyler got off to a dream start with a great team goal finished off by forward Seán Johnston. Moyler started to pick up some steam and ran right through the opposition’s defence and fired in another. Moyler’s opponents threatened but the defence stood strong to deny them any chance of a goal. This was the story of the first half and Moyler went in at half time with a healthy lead.

The second half started of the same as the first, with Moyler dominating. The opposition could not deal with the power and pace Moyler brought especially from the midfield pairing of Sean Long and Conor Johnston. Another strong performer was captain of the side Brian Gregg who again could not stop scoring and was a constant treat. With time still in the game Coláiste de hÍde suddenly burst into life scoring numerous points. It looked like there was a comeback on the cards but Moyler stood strong and put the game out of reach with a well worked goal.

Well done to Mr Kenny and all the players on the victory and good luck to them in the Leinster semi finals which will be played shortly.

 

Martin McGuinness

Poems on YouTube

Two third year students, Tobi Adebisi and Cian Ryan, have recorded their versions of Robert Frost's poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening and Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est. Click on the poem's titles to listen to and to view their recordings.

1st Year Photos

Evan Conlon 1.3 Winner of two bronze medals at the European Kick-boxing Championships	1st Year Charity Appeal First Year students Adam Doyle and Adel Azid Mohammed helping out the Local Community!	1st Year Charity Appeal In aid of St Vincent de Paul. Students preparing hampers for those in need
All photographs taken by Niamh Cahalane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moyle Park Students on RTE

On Sunday the 2nd January we were to be heard on RTE1 radio on "This Week", the news programme presented every Sunday by John Murray (right), discussing our hopes and thoughts for our futures. The title of the segment was "Looking Forward" and it was broacast 51 minutes into the programme. (Click here or on the RTE logo on the right to link to the podcast.)

We talked about how the previous year's economic downturn and the recent negative social developments might affect our aspirations.

Miss O'Malley asked us four 6th year students to meet Avril Hoare of RTE in the school to be recorded for the programme.

It was an enjoyable and informative experience which allowed us to express our opinions and have them broadcast nationwide.

Left to right: Shane Cross, John Kearns, Aaron O'Brien and Dean Reina.

Ski Trip - January 2011

Moyle Park students travelled to Ehrwald, Austria, on the 2nd of January for a week of skiing and probably one of the best trips of their lives so far. We stayed in the Sonnenburg Hotel for the week. This hotel was perfectly suited for what we wanted. The food and rooms were beautiful and, what we most wanted, it was right on the slopes. Some of the sights were just like pictures, you couldn't imagine being there. Sitting on the chair lifts, you were nearly falling asleep. It was so peaceful and quiet.

(This is one of my photos, left, of the Zugspitze Mountain, taken on my mobile phone.)

The best part of the ski trip for me would have to be winning the race, but really it was finishing with how to ski by carving. Norbert, the advanced ski instructor, gave our group probably all the experience you could have about skiing. We were very "Content" with him as he always said about us. Carving is probably the last thing you can learn about skiing, it helps you to control yourself while hitting unbelievable speeds. I also liked the fact that at the end of the week every student who went on this trip could do some sort of skiing whether it was the snow plough or carving.

Overall, this trip was a huge success and I really enjoyed the fact that we were always doing something - going to an Ice Hockey game, going to discos, watching freestyle skiing or playing pool.

I'd just like to thank, on behalf of all the students who went on this ski trip, Mr. O'Byrne, Mr. Kenny and Ms Quigley for everything they have done to make our holiday the best it could have possibly been.

Lee Dunne

Ski Trip 2011- Some Photos

Liam Breen (5th Year) and Martin Costigan (TY)	Mr Gary Kenny on the slopes	Gavin Keating (2nd Year)
Daniel Cleary and Thomas Peate (5th Year)	Scott Moriarity (5th LCA) and Martin McGuinness (T.Y.)	Alan O'Connor (5th Year) with Mr Kenny and Mr O'Byrne
All photographs taken by Ms Fiona Quigley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ski Trip - January 2011

The ski trip for 2011 has just taken place. Thirty-five students and three able teachers travelled out to Zurich airport on January 2nd and took a bus to their destination in Erhwald in Austria. This trip for the first time incorporated the option for students studying German to get their ski lessons in German with German speaking instructors and they had one hour tuition with German teacher, Miss Quigley, each evening. Whilst the emphasis was on the ski trip, this option allowed German students to gain exposure to the language in this Austrian ski resort.

The ski trip included the following:-

One week half board in the Sonnenburg Hotel in Erhwald.
Flights and transfers.
Two hour ski tuition per day ( option of four hours )
Hire of ski poles, boots and skis.
Ski insurance.
Lift pass for week.

Apres ski activities included swimming, skating, tobbogonning and, in the hotel, a games room. There was also a visit to an ice hockey match. The students returned to Ireland on Sunday, 9th January.

More photographs of the ski tour are available on our Photo Gallery page. Photographs and student comments are available on our Tours 2011 page.

Mr E O'Byrne

Ski Trip 2011- More Photos

Adam Gleeson (2nd Year)	Kyle McMahon (2nd Year)	Adam Gleeson (2nd Year)
Andrew Kedney (T.Y.)	Lee Dunne (T.Y.) with Mr O'Byrne	Scott Moriarity (5th LCA)
All photographs taken by Michael O'Neill, a teacher from St Paul's Raheny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Comes to Moyle Park - December 2010

The School under snow	Behind the trees	Peacocks in the school garden	The sports hall under snow
All photographs taken by C. Kelly. More photos taken by Mr Trevor Connolly are available in the photo gallery of the School News Blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Filming the Poem" wins National Quality Award from E-Twinning

A second year English class in 2009-2010 filmed a poem by Seamus Heaney called "Mid-Term Break." Their work on the film was part of an E-Twinning project undertaken with two schools from Germany, two schools from Romania and one school from Poland.

On Monday December 13th, the class was presented with a National Quality Award from Kay O'Regan of Léargas, the Irish governing body of E-Twinning. In a ceremony in the computer room, where most of the work on the project was done, Kay presented a glass award to the class. It was accepted on behalf of the class by Leon Mulvaney who played Seamus in the film which is on YouTube. Mr Delaney, the Year head and Mr Clarke, the school principal, both congratulated the class on the work done on the project.

 

National Quality Award Leon Mulvaney receives the National Quality Award from Kay O'Regan of Léargas	Eight students Some of the students who worked on the project	The class The students who worked on the project with their teacher, Conor Kelly	Receiving the Award Teacher: Conor Kelly Student: Leon Mulvaney Year Head: Eugene Delaney E-Twinning: Kay O'Regan Principal: Aiden Clarke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further details on the project and links to all the films are available at its own site called Filming the Poem which was, in December 2010, awarded a prize for the Best Educational Website in the Junior Spider Competition, sponsored by Eircom. Four of the students and their teacher, Mr Conor Kelly, were presented with their award on Friday, December 18th. Photographs of the occasion are available here. A slideshow of photographs is also available here.

In November 2010, the project was awarded a European Schoolnet Award. Two Irish winners were among the eLearning awards for 2010. Schools from 9 countries were rewarded for excellent use of ICT in education at the eLearning Awards ceremony. The winners and runners up were selected among 573 entries from schools in 39 countries in the EU and beyond, in this unique competition run by European Schoolnet. The winning teachers were rewarded with a trip to Copenhagen for the award ceremony. There the teachers had the opportunity to meet leading policy makers from Europe’s Ministries of Education and key technology innovators from SMART, ACER, Microsoft, ENISA and Europeana who adopted the categories this year. The Irish winners included Conor Kelly, teacher, Moyle Park College, Ireland who won the Microsoft gold award for outstanding teachers for the Filming the poem project. An Irish Scoilnet statement on the awards is available here. A photo of the ceremony in Copenhagen is available here.

In October 2010, the project was awarded the prestigious European Quality Label "for the excellence of the work in the eTwinning project Filming the Poem. This means that your work, the work of your students and your school have been recognised at the highest European level. As a result you will receive a certificate which you can attach to your website(s) and display in a prominent position in your school. Also, your project will be displayed in a special area on the European Portal at www.etwinning.net."

One of the partner schools in Romania has its own website devoted to the project and has posted its film on YouTube. A Polish school has also posted its film on YouTube.

 

Moyle Park Excels in Speech & Drama

On Friday 10th December the annual Speech and Drama exams took place in Moyle Park College. Each year an intrepid group of dedicated students choose to take these exams, run by the Irish Board of Speech and Drama and sponsored by the school. The students take time out from lunch and their own free time to rehearse and practice for exams ranging from Public Speaking to English as a Second Language.

This year Chris O'Dwyer, Luke O'Mara, Daniel Devoy, Aidan O'Reilly, Jack Carr, Philip Yeboah, Daniel Fitzgibbon, Daniel Olaniyi and Raymond Onwali all took part and impressed the examiner, David Meredith, greatly with ' their expressiveness, sincerity and ability to express and develop a balanced argument.' All students achieved top scores, from 85 - 90%, with Daniel Devoy being presented with a gold medal for an outstanding performance.

Well done and congratulations to all students involved. Certificates will be presented in the New Year and photos of the presentation will be posted.

Ms Lyons

Moyle Park Carol Service

To celebrate both the Christmas season and the introduction of music to the Moyle Park curriculum, the Moyle Park choir entertained with Christmas carols at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin on Thursday 9th December.

30 first year students accompanied by a brass and percussion ensemble made up of senior students sang Christmas Carols during the hour long performance. Students from local primary school St Joseph’s also performed. The ceremony was arranged and conducted by Ms Harrington.

Teachers at the Carol Service	Ms Edel Harrington who organised and conducted the Carol Service	The 1st Year Choir conducted by Ms Harrington	The school Brass Band Adam McGrath, John Kearns, Eric Murphy, Luke Redmond, and Dylan McCarthy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more photos of the carol service, visit the photo gallery of the school news blog.

There are two short films of the carol service on YouTube prepared by Ms Harrington.

Preparations for the Service Click on the image above to see the film.	The Carol Service Click on the image above to see the film.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Geography Site

Geography teacher, Mr Lee O'Reilly, has created a new Geography website for the Junior Certificate. Click here to access the site.

Science Club Documentary on RTE radio

As part of Science Week, 2010, the science club from Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, Dublin went to visit the science labs at NUI Maynooth. Click here to access the documentary made by science teacher, Terry Flanagan.

The Dublin Simon Fun Run

A group of over thirty staff, students and past pupils gathered in the Phoenix Park bright and early on the morning of the 9th of October. They were there to walk, run, jog or crawl five miles in aid of the Dublin Simon Community. Everyone finished the course, everyone got a medal and, most importantly, everyone did their bit to raise money for a great cause. Thanks to Ms Behan, Mr Molloy and Mr Hogan for organising the day.

The Dublin Simon Fun Run is the longest running charity event in the Phoenix Park. It is not only a fun day out but a very important fundraiser for the Dublin Simon Community.

. CSPE classes from 3rd Year also used the event to help them with their project for their exam.

For more information, go to the Fun Run site.

Congratulations to all the staff and students who contributed to the fund raising drive for the Simon Community. The fun run and bake sale together raised €1700 for a great cause. Well done to all involved.

Dara Hogan

LCVP visit Pfizer

6th Year LCVP went on a visit to Pfizer at Grange Castle Business Park, Clondalkin. Pfizer is one of the world's premier research-based pharmaceutical companies. The students learned all about Irelands biggest pharmaceutical company and were lucky enough to have a tour of the labs.

Another great trip!

Aisling O Malley

 

5th Years on Retreat

On Thursday 11th of November a group of 5th year students went on retreat to the Eammaus centre in Swords. The students really enjoyed the day and can't wait to go back next year. The day includes a group session of games and activities, meditation and sharing. Everyone felt very relaxed after the day and even felt they got to know eachother better as a group. A lovely meal was supplied and at lunch they all had a game of basketball and some chilled out watching t.v in the common room.

The staff at Eammaus couldn't praise the students highly enough. They said Moyle Park College should be proud to have such excellent students. We are proud- well done lads!

Aisling O Malley

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery on the school website has now been updated. To view the art, visit our Art Gallery page.

In the Pink for National Cancer Pink Ribbon Day, Friday Oct 8th.

Two students Reece Byrne and Dimosi Bruno	Three students Simon Byrne, Cristian Byrne and Luke Rigney	Two students Adam Galvin and Jason Boteng	One pink student Brandon Payne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the 3rd year in a row the boys of Moyle Park College, together with their teachers, turned the college pink for a day. This time it was to raise funds for the Marie Keating Foundation and St James Hospital Cancer Research.

Posing in pink saris, or even pink cowboy suits, the boys expressed their creativity while having fun. Many of the students went for the femine look and got creative with their clothing as our photographs show. Teachers, who were encouraged to do the same, participated fully, as our third row of pictures, below, confirm

 

 

Four Students Shane McAnaspie, Craig Black, Michael Donohue, Nathan Connolly	Chris Reid	Two first year students Luke Rigney and Lee Reynolds	Two first year students Lee Reynolds and Ben Mitchell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Susan McDermott, former school secretary, spoke movingly to the boys of her own breast cancer experience. While emphasising the positive aspects of life with cancer Susan urged the boys to be 'cancer aware'. Ms McDermott will shortly launch her book 'Thump the Lump', in which she shares stories of hope as told by cancer patients. All proceeds will go to cancer research. All the art work in the book was done by students of Moyle Park.

Principal, Mr Aiden Clarke, thanked Susan for her positive contribution to cancer awareness and the boys and their teachers- Ms Aisling O'Malley, Ms Sara Gray, Ms Edel Harrington, Ms PetrinaShortt, Ms Fiona Quigley - for all their work and for challenging stereotypes.

 

 

Ms Murray and Ms Gray	Ms Harrington and Sue McDermott	Ms Shortt	Ms McGowan with two pink students: Dylan McGrane and Conor Kennedy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUNDS RAISED
€1,540.82 was raised for the Marie Keating Foundation and for St James's Hospital Cancer Research.

PRIZE WINNERS
1st - Alan O' Connor;
2nd - Adel Azad;
3rd - Trevor Gregg, Jordan Clarke, Eoin Kelly, Ross O'Brien, Terence Kinsella, Keith Hanrahan.

 

Report by Pauline Cunningham. Photographs by Niamh Cahalane.

 

Click on the image above to view a TV3 news report on the Pink Day in Moyle Park.

 

Pink Day on YouTube - A Rap

For a rap song prepared for Pink Day, written and performed by Marvel Mavungu (with the assistance of Wilson Lumumba) and set to a series of photographs taken by Nuria Canestro of Momento Photographic Studio, click on the image (right) to connect to the YouTube slide show.

The rap was written by Marvel and performed by Marvel and Wilson to a soundtrack by Lil Mama entitled Lip Gloss.

 

Pink Day on YouTube - A Film

For a short film of the Pink Day, prepared by Ms Harrington and put on YouTube, click on the image (right).

 

 

 

Moyler Rockets on YouTube - A Film

For a short film of the science project, described below, prepared by Aaron Cahill and put on YouTube, click on the image (right).

 

 

 

LCVP Trip to Baldonnell

On Tuesday 5th October, the 6th year LCVP class went to the Air Corps as an enterprise visit. We went on the basis that two of our students were interested in Cadetship in the Air Corps and were in need of an insight, and this also opened a possible pathway for Work Experience.

The tour began with a display of the firearms the military would commonly use in a unit. They allowed us to hold the weapons and instructed us on their proper use. They showed us the Machine guns they use as standard, followed by the mounts they had for the weapons. Then they showed us the pistols they use and the disposable rocket launcher as well as the heavy machine gun a soldier would carry. They then showed us the Kevlar equipment and backpacks the soldiers have to wear in the field.

After this we were brought around the base and given a short description of some of the less important buildings. After this we were brought to the flight simulation room where the cadets are trained in theory before being allowed to fly. The room was a replica cockpit with fully functional controls faced with a projector screen attached to a series of projectors. Each student on the trip was given the controls and allowed to fly the plane.

Once we were done in the simulation room, we were brought to the different hangars where they keep the helicopters and the jets. The hangar with the helicopters had helicopters with maintenance being done and we got to see the engines and internal engineering of the helicopters. Then we were brought to see the government and police jets which were impressively big.

We also got to roam around the museum they had, which had old decommissioned planes, uniforms and helicopters which gave us an insight into where the developments of the modern flight equipment came from.

We were also informed of the ranks and customs of the base, for example the sacred square in front of the main buildings cadets are only allowed march upon. We were also shown the facilities on the base, for example their fire and ambulance units, their bars, their barber and their church.

We were also informed of the basic pay and how the ranking system works, the connections the air corps have with the Gardaí and the pay the men get once you sign on as a cadet. Overall I found the experience to be very enjoyable, particularly the display of firearms and the simulation.

Photographs (below) by Ms O'Malley and John Kearns. Report by Dean Reina

 

Mr Roebuck Wearing a military hat	Ms O'Malley On military manoeuvres watched by Aaron O'Brien and Dean Reina	In the cockpit Cormac Fitzpatrick and Brian Gregg	Chris Reid Holding one of the weapons at Baldonell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As part of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, 6th year students visited the Air Corp in Baldonnell. The students were excited to experience what it is like to fly an aircraft. They were allowed to examaine a selection of the firearms. They also were given a tour of all the aircrafts in the camp. It was a great experience and we wish those 6th years applying for the Air Corps cadetship this year the best of luck.

Aisling O'Malley

Transition Years - Up, Up and Away

Here are some pictures from the science project done by 4.1 on Tuesday 5th October. The class were asked by their science teacher Mr Flanagan to make rockets out of plastic bottles. The rockets were ignited by a pump attached to a car lighter which created the pressure necessary to set the rockets flying above the Sports' Hall.

Rafal	Nabil	Shane	Luke and Mark
Photographs by Terry Flanagan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School News Blog

The Transition Year students are maintaining a school news blog as part of their journalism course run by Mr Trevor Connolly. He describes its role in the school:

"It's not just a site for TY news but rather an area to highlight what's going on around the school and keep parents and staff informed. It will replace "Moyler Monthly" and give the TY Journalism students an outlet to publish their writing over the year. It's just been up a few days and already we're getting some activity on the site.

If you have a problem with the link, try copy and paste it straight into the address bar at the top of your browser. As it is such a new site it might not appear on a regular google search just yet but if you type the url straight in you won't have a problem.

If you teach TY, encourage your students to update the blog with an account of whatever they are working on. If you don't teach TY and want to publicise an activity or event in the school email me some details or pass on the information to a TY student to get the notice up."

 

Trevor Connolly

Transition Year Outings

1 : At the Bog (A teacher comments)

Science in TY every year starts with a visit to the bog at Lullymore in Co. Kildare. This gives the students a chance to see a real living bog (most students have NEVER been to a bog before). When there, they get the chance to learn a little bit about bogs, but more importantly, they get the chance to get their hands dirty! And if they are unlucky (or lucky) enough, they may even fall in. Last year, the trip coincided with the wettest day of the year, but undaunted, they stuck it out for the whole day. In contrast, this year's visit was on a beautiful sunny day, with sunscreen and sunblock an absolute necessity.

The students spent a number of hours removing invasive plants from the bog. These plants (mostly birch saplings) prevent the growth of natural bog plants, such as field scabious, which are needed by the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, a rare Irish butterfly which is found at Lullymore.

The bog is maintained by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, a voluntary organisation dedicated to the preservation of Irish bogs. Every year, the TY class travels to the bog to do physical work which is much appreciated by the IPCC. Long may it last.

Terry Flanagan

At the Bog Paul Farrell and David Wall	At the Bog Mark Kavanagh and Nabil Ghnewa	At the Bog Sofwat Islam in his wellies.
All photographs taken by Terry Flanagan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 : At the Bog (A student comments)

I have already been on two trips with my TY class and one of these was a trip to the Lullymore bog in Co Kildare last week. We learned all about bogs and the difference between raised and blanket bogs. My class was split into different teams to see which could cut the most trees and shrubs down. It was a simple goal, the biggest pile won!

Later we collected berries and looked at another side of the bog where a couple of students got stuck in the mud. To finish off the day we had to cross a field full of cows and they all ran. (The students, not the cows!) All in all class 4.1 had a good time and learned a little too.

Nabil Ghnewa

2 : The Amazing Maze (A teacher comments)

On their first day in TY, class 4.1 travelled to Kennedy's Farm at the foot of the Dublin mountains. Although a working farm, Peter Kennedy has opened it to the public, and has introduced a MAIZE MAZE. This is a 10 acre MAIZE field which he planted last May with 3 million maize seeds. When these germinated, he carefully removed certain plants to create a MAZE. Since then, the maize has grown at a fantastic rate and is now 12 feet tall.

When you arrive, you are given a map showing the details of the maze. Within the maze are hidden signs. The aim is to find all of these to get a prize. In total, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete the course. It certainly makes for a great afternoon of teambuilding and bonding for the class. Cost to the general public is €7 per person, €25 for a family of four and for groups of 10 or more, €5 per person. It is definitely worth a visit.

The maze will be open till Oct. 30th., after which the MAIZE will be harvested to be used as cattle fodder.

Terry Flanagan

At the Bog Ryan McManus with Ben Dunne	The Amazing Maze Mark Kearns and Luke Redmond	The Amazing Maze Brad Greene and Alan Davidson
All photographs taken by Terry Flanagan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 : The Amazing Maze (A student comments)

On Monday 30th August the students from TY class 4:1 went to the Maize Maze at Kennedy’s Farm on Kiltipper road. Mrs Murray and Mr Flanagan also went. When we arrived we were split into four groups of four. We started off in the kiddies maze. Here we had to find 5 wild life animal; this was done as a time trial. Then we moved onto what's known as the "adults’ maze".The instructor told us that this was over 7 acres.

We all stayed in the same groups and this time we had to find one word containing 6 letters and 11 counties in Ireland. It took us well over an hour and a half although some groups took up to 2 hours and the winners were group B: Mark, Keith, Brad and Sofwat, who are still waiting for their prize at the end. We all received pepper seeds for ourselves to grow. It was a good day out and the weather was fantastic

Shane Murphy

Moyle Park Yearbook 2010

The annual yearbook has been presented to the graduating sixth year students and to the first years on their Sports Day. It has been edited by Ms Behan, Mr Connell and Ms McGowan. Mr Connolly was responsible for the photographs. It contains individual pictures of all the 6th year students who left the school this year and also form group photographs of the 1st year form classes.

To view the 2010 Graduation Book, click on the cover (left).

Copies of the 2010 Yearbook are available from the school secretary.

 

 

 

Moyle Park on Twitter

Follow our Tweets which give up to the minute news items. You can get information on school activities delivered to your mobile phone or to your computer. For more information on how to follow the school tweets go to the Twitter Support page,

 

A 2.5 Report on Social Inclusion Award

We went to a Social Inclusion Ceremony run by South Dublin Council on Thursday 6th May. Our class 2.5 won an award for the best project for our 2nd Year CSPE project entitled Heroes in Hoodies. We were all presented with vouchers for Easons. There were other students from the school who alos won awards. The ceremony was held in the headquarters of South Dublin Council in Tallaght.

Malik Ogungbo

 

Monday Club Photographs

Adrian And Rennee at the Monday Club	Josh talks to one of the members of the club.	Jamie visits the Monday Club.	Eric and Patrick play music for the senior citizens.
Photographs by Eoin Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fame 2010 - A Show stopper by the boys and girls of Moyle Park College and Colaiste Bride

Moyle Park's Transition Year and 5th yr boys together with Colaiste Bride's Transition Year and 2nd yr girls wowed their audiences for three consecutive nights this week Feb 9, 10 11 with their production of the 80's Musical 'FAME'.

The show was the culmination of months of hard work and rehearsal, beginning as far back as October last, with rehearsals taking place even on Sundays.

'FAME' is set during the last years of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984). Just like their 80's counterparts the Clondalkin students, through the music, song and dance of 'FAME' explored the issues that confront young people everywhere today - prejudice, self-worth, sexuality and substance abuse.

This joint production is a showcase for what can be achieved with co-operation and coordination even in these economically challenging times. This is the second collaborative production between the two schools following their successful production of 'Grease' last year.

Great credit is due to both staff and students of both colleges for their achievement with this production which played to packed houses on all three nights.

Click here for a short YouTube video from the show and click here for a YouTube set of photos of the show.

Pauline Cunningham

Parents' Council

Click here to go to the Parents' Council page which has just been created on the website.

Students' Council

Click here to go to the Students' Council website which has just been created.

 

Moyle Park on Twitter

Follow our Tweets (see below) which give up to the minute news items. You can get information on school activities delivered to your mobile phone or to your computer. For more information on how to follow the school tweets go to the Twitter Support page,

 

 

 

 

 

Poem for the late Conor Cruise O'Brien

Former student and member of the SDLP Party, James White, has written a poetic tribute to the former Labour Party Minister and T.D., Conor Cruise O'Brien. Click here to read his poem.

 

Trinity Access Programme

The Trinity Access Programme was set up to increase the participation at third level of those who, for social, economic and educational reasons, have not yet realised their full educational potential.

TAP is closely linked with Moyle Park College and hopes to increase progression to third level and generate attitudinal changes among parents and teachers of what is possible. It does this by offering innovative programmes which must meet the needs of individuals and communities.

Some of these programmes have included Language Revision workshops, Easter Revision Maths courses, Study Skills workshops, Shadowing Days where 5th year students spend a day with a Trinity College undergraduate, Take 5 Summer Programmes where students from the school visit five different universities and E-mentoring programmes where transition year students are linked to mentors in various businesses in Dublin.

All of these programmes are fully funded by TAP. In 6th year, students then have an opportunity to apply for entry for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR). There are seven participating universities in the HEAR programme: TCD, DCU, UCD, DIT, NUIM, UL, UCC. Each of these universities reserve a small percentage of the CAO quota each year for students from the HEAR programme. HEAR accepts students from non-traditional backgrounds which include socio-economically disadvantaged students, mature students and students with a disability.They then grant the student reduced points for entry into the relevant CAO course.

 

Ms Aisling O'Malley (TAP Liaison Officer)

Advice to Parents of TAP Students

A slide show with information on the Trinity access programme is available here.

Aisling O' Malley

New School Library - Official Opening

On Monday Dec 8th 2008, Fran and Aine Mitchell formally cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new school library, 'Eoin Mitchell Library', in Moyle Park College. The library is dedicated to the memory of their deceased son, Eoin.

Blessing the library, school chaplain, Fr Damian Farnan, spoke of the poignancy of the moment, in remembering Eoin, pupil of Moyle Park (2000-2006). Eoin would be one of few, he said, apart from Scottish philantropist, Andrew Carnegie, to have a library named after him. Clondalkin town library was part funded by the Carnegie trust.

College Principal, Mr John Shortt, spoke of Eoin's 'love of learning'. Mr Shortt also outlined the €40,000 Dormant Accounts Fund which financed the project and the great work done by staff member, Mr Seamus Quinn, in completing the project.
In reply Mr Fran Mitchell spoke of how proud they are of their son, Eoin and his achievements and said that he was 'never more proud than today'.

Pauline Cunningham

 

 

New School Library - A Report

Moyle Park College was delighted to officially open their new library in memory of past student Eoin Mitchell on Monday 8th December. Local Priest Fr Damien Farnan wason hand to say a blessing over the library and commented on how Eoin’s memory will live on through the memorial made in his honour. Eoin’s parents together with his sister cut the ribbon to reveal a fabulous addition to the school facilities. Also present on the night were extended family and friends of the Mitchell’s, the Board of Management, Students' Council and staff at the school.

Principal, Mr John Shortt, spoke to welcome the assembled crowds and to thank those involved in the library’s planning and preparation. Special thanks went to Mr Shay Quinn who co-ordinated and led in the setting up of the library. With almost three thousand resources on the shelves, it is hoped that the library will provide support of teaching, learning and of personal development at all ability levels within the school.

Report (above) and photographs (below) by Trevor Connolly

 

Student Reading A Junior Certificate student reading in the new library	Cutting the ribbon Eoin Mitchell's parents and sister open the new school library	Teachers Reading Mr Hogan and Mr Quinn reading in the new Eoin Mitchell library	Blessing the Library Father Damian Farnan blessing the new school Eoin Mitchell library

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Graduation Class 2011

MOYLE PARK COLLEGE CLASS 2011 LEAVE WITH MESSAGE OF HOPE

On Thursday evening, May 26th, Moyle Park Leaving Cert class 2011 graduated with a profound message of hope. Following Mass,celebrated by Fr Kevin Doherty, who inspired them to 'dream dreams', the young men spoke with emotion of their fond memories of the College. They echoed President Obama's words, 'Is feidir linn', resolving not to be put off by recession fears in pursuing their young mens' dreams.

6th Year Head, Mr Ultan McGabhann, spoke warmly of the students and the joys and woes of seeing them mature into capable young men. He urged them to embrace life in all its aspects, not 'to fear change', reminding them, in William Henley's lines from Invictus - 'I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul.'

Principal, Mr Aiden Clark, spoke of the graduation as a 'joyous occasion'. He urged the students not to' feel angry at problems created by previous generations, compromising our economic sovereignty'. Mr Clarke encouraged the students to face the future with 'a spirit of gratitude and hope'.

Student of the Year: Shane O'Connor

John Connors Award for Sports Student of the Year: Daniel Gregg

Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Shane Cross

Marist Brothers Award: Dean Reina

Ms Pauline Cunningham

Photographs from 6th Year Graduation Night 2011

Mr Anderson presents Daniel Gregg with his Sports' Student of the Year Award.	Three award winners: Stephen O'Brien, Daniel Gregg, Ryan Caldwell.	Dean Reina receives Marist Brothers' award from principal Mr Aiden Clarke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student of the Year Shane O'Connor receives his award from year head Mr Ultan MacGabhann	Shane Cross receiving the Sean Mitchell Memorial Award from Mrs Mitchell and Mr Clarke	Teacher Ms Corscadden with graduate Mahmood Abdullah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduates

A complete list of graduates from 1964 is available on the site on our Graduates Page. The graduates from 2011 have now been added,

GRADUATES
Recent Graduates - 2011
Recent Graduates - 2010
2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003
2002	2001	2000	1999	1998	1997	1996
1995	1994	1993	1992	1991	1990	1989
1988	1987	1986	1985	1984	1983	1982
1981	1980	1979	1978	1977	1976	1975
1974	1973	1972	1971	1970	1969	1968
1967	1966	1965	1964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduation Class 2010

6th Year Graduation - Light a Candle of Hope

On Thursday evening May 27 at the Graduation Mass for Class 2010, the young men of Moyle Park College lit a candle of Hope. These 18/19 year olds , born during the boom of the Celtic Tiger years, now face into a world utterly changed.

In his opening address, celebrant Fr Damien Farnan urged the young school leavers to be courageous as they take their place, in an Ireland with a rich multicultural landscape. Year Head, Ms Niamh Cahalane, first female 6th year Head in the College, spoke warmly of these young men and 'the drive and energy' they displayed during their years in Moyle Park, ranging from academic and sporting achievements through to community involvement and fundraising activities, culminating in the recent Pink Day for Cancer Research when they bravely wore Pink for a worthy cause. Principal Mr Aiden Clarke , while reminding them of Yeats's words 'the world's more full of weeping than you can understand' urged them to be 'caring members of a complex society'.

During the Awards Ceremony students' achievements were acknowledged both in the academic and sporting areas. Staff Member Mr Johnny Roebuck, together with Team Manager Mr Gary Kenny, spoke of the school's delight with the Senior Gaelic Team taking second place in the Championship this year.

Dr Peter Duffy, Chair of BOM awarded a college bursary to Adam Brown.

Deputy Principal, Mr Maurice Hartigan referred to the boys' outstanding 'optimism' in his years dealings with them.

Music during the evening was supplied by student musicians: Adam Brown, Jack Whelan, Philip Hannigan, Neil McDonagh, Stephen Byrne, Graham Coogan, Paddy Tunga, Colm Looney and Daniel Fitzgibbons. Brass Band : John Kerins and Shane Cross.

Student of the Year: Akim Alshami

John Connors Award for Sports Student of the Year: Jack Whelan

Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Thomas Foy

Marist Brothers Award: Adam Brown

Marcellin Champagnat Award: Darren Field

Report by Pauline Cunningham

Graduation Year 2010 on YouTube

Click here or on the image (left) for a short slide show, available on YouTube, prepared for the Graduation ceremony.

 

 

Photographs from 6th Year Graduation Night 2010

Year Head Niamh Cahalane: Addressing the students and their parents	Glen Weafer: Addressing the students and their parents	Matthew Errity : Addressing the students and their parents.	Marist Brothers' Award Winner: Adam Brown with school principal Mr Aiden Clarke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student of the Year: Akim Alshami with the principal Mr Clarke	Sports Student of the Year: Jack Whelan won the John Connors Award presented by PE teacher Mr Lee O'Reilly	Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Thomas Foy presented with his award by Ms Fiona Mitchell	Marcellin Champagnat Award: Darren Field with the principal Mr Clarke
Photographs from the Graduation Night by official school photographer, Nuria Canestro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduation Class 2009

6th Year Graduation Night 2009

Year Head Terry Flanagan: Addressing the students and their parents	James White: Addressing the students and their parents	Patrick Kelly : Addressing the students and their parents.	Marist Brothers' Award Winner: Shane Haran with form teacher Ms Christine Kilcoyne.
Photographs from the Graduation Night by Conor Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards and Presentations

Student of the Year: Serhij Semenov with the principal Mr Shortt, Mr Flanagan and Mr Peter Duffy	Sports Student of the Year: Conor Lanigan won the John Connors Award presented by Year Head Mr Terry Flanagan.	Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Neil Keane Presented with his award by Mr John Shortt	Prefects Presentation: Brother Nicholas Smith being presented with a jersey by Adam Conway
Photographs from the Graduation Night by official school photographer, Anthony Hopkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6th Year Sports Day and Graduation

The 6th years have now graduated after a very successful Sports Day and a graduation ceremony at which the following awards were presented:

Student of the Year: Serhij Semenov

John Connors Award for Sports Student of the Year: Conor Lanigan

Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Neil Keane

Marist Brothers Award: Shane Haran

Click on the image (right) to view a slide show of the Sports Day. Photos of the Awards Ceremony appear above.

 

 

6th Year Graduation Awards 2008

Student of the Year: Colm Tobin with the principal Mr Shortt	Sports Student of the Year: Christopher Shields won the John Connors Memorial Award.	Sean Mitchell Memorial Award: Aaron Henry with the principal Mr Shortt	Marist Brothers' Award: Christopher Fox won the educational bursary.
Photographs from the Graduation Night by Ms Fiona Quigley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Transition Year 2010-2011

School News Blog

The Transition Year students are maintaining a school news blog as part of their journalism course run by Mr Trevor Connolly. Click here to access the site.

 

Transition Year 2009-2010

Transition Year Awards 2009-2010

Student of the Year: Cillian Nolan

Special Merit: Conor Hickey; Stephen Smith; Liam Flood.

Transition Year Graduation Night

Cillian Nolan With his T. Y. award: Student of the Year	Special Merit Awards Conor Hickey; Stephen Smith; Liam Flood.	T. Y. Artwork Jordan Kiernan and Aaron Kearney
All photographs taken by Trevor Connolly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Years go Go-Karting in Kylemore Karting

T Y students kitted out	T.Y student in his go-kart	T Y students looking at the track
Photographs by Trevor Connolly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Year 2008-2009

 

Transition Year Awards 2008-2009

Student of the Year: John Kearns (left)

Most Improved: Graham Hanlon

Special Merit: Chris Reid

 

 

 

Transition Year Graduation Night

Chris Reid With his T. Y. award	Shane Cross The Grease star on stage again.	Eric Connolly Performing on the night	Transition Year Certificates Sean Kennedy and William Ngesi
All photographs taken by Conor Kelly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Years Get Down and Dirty

 

On the 28th of August T.Y students from Moyle Park College went to the bog of Allen in Lullymore, County Kildare as part of National Heritage Week. The students took part in two activities at the Bog, one being the making of bog dams which interlock to stop the water. The other was to cut down birch trees that grow wild across the Bog that if not cut down would spread across the Bog. The student's were accompanied by Mr. Terry Flanagan, a teacher in Moyle Park College who has made many nature movies one of which was on the bog of Allen. Mr. Flanagan told the students some interesting about bogs.

Did you know?

• -That bogs contain 98 % water and that the water is bacteria free but is acidic.
• - That you can find volcanic ash in some bogs because of a volcanic eruption in Iceland in the sixteenth century.
• - That every time you turn on the lights 15 % of the power comes from peat.

   

  
  Christopher O'Dwyer
  ( Transition Year Student )
  

  
  

  

   

  Transition Year 2007-2008

   

  Transition Year Visit Kairos

  On Wednesday, October 3rd the Transition Year class visited the Kairos radio studio in Maynooth and learned how to make their own radio programme.They began the day by deciding what they would produce. Thedn each of the students present took responsibility for one aspect of the show. After extensive rehersals and few breaks, they recorded the show in one take. To listen to the radio programme they made on the day, click on the radio image on the left or click here. To view a photo of the day, go to the Photo Gallery.

   

  

   

  Transition Year - An Explanation

  When the question first came to me, I wasn't sure whether to do Transition Year. For a start, it's an extra year in school, a place most teenagers hate. As well as that it means the class you've been with since the first day in first year will be a year ahead, meaning you may feel a bit uncomfortable around people that have only been "faces in the corridor" for the last three years. However, after some discussion with my friends who had decided to do it and my family, I decided to do the extra year.

  The main reason I did Transition Year was because I didn't feel ready to pick my subjects for the Leaving Cert, which could shape my future. So I thought TY was a great chance to take the year "off" to contemplate my choices. To help this choice, we also had the chance of two two-week periods of Work Experience, which will ultimately help me in picking my ideal career. So I thought TY was perfect for this.

  There is this belief that TY is a "Doss year",and, because of this, many students consider the whole year a waste of time. This certainly troubled me at the time of decision making, but I decided on trying it for myself.

  Since September, everything about this belief has been destroyed. As well as the usual subjects (Irish, Maths, English) we had the chance to explore many different subjects. New to me this year is Japanese, Enterprise, Journalism, Celtic Arts, Wood Work, Art and Music. All these subjects are completely unique, and thus it has widened my thought on possible subjects for the Leaving Cert as well as possible job opportunities.

  The most unique and best part about TY is all the different tours, competitions and various courses we spend time doing. My favourite is the "European Computer Driving Licence" course or ECDL for short. The ECDL is a course recognised by every country in the European Union. So it's a great certificate to have, particularly for CVs. As well as the ECDL courses, we have also gone on loads of tours. We have gone Bowling, Football, Heiton Buckleys, Dublin Zoo, The Bog of Allen, the Canal with Water Ways Ireland, the Square Tallaght to see the "Inconvenient Truth", the RDS to see an Optical Illusion show, a Trinity debating open day at Trinity College and the Clondalkin Garda Station to learn about juvenile crime. As well as these, we got to do a 3-day computer course in Moresoft, Leeson Street. This was a great chance to try things that you wouldn't normally get a chance to do. We also got to help a 6th class from Sruleen with science. We helped them launch water rockets, which was great fun for both parties.

  Since the start of the school year, I am very happy that I chose to do TY. So if you're considering TY, I would say do. There is homework but it's not much, and most of it is assignments, which can be rewarding to do. There are a lot of tours, many of which really are fun. So when the time comes to choose, at least think of 4th year. After a stressful 3rd year, I believe Transition Year is the best way to wind down and genuinely think about your future.
  

  Dean Flood
  

  

  Transition Year Awards 2007-2008

   

Student of the Year: Thomas Curran with the principal Mr Shortt	Special Merit: Mahmood Abdullah	Champagnat Award: Alan Caul

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Year Awards 2006-2007

Student of the Year: Dean Flood

Special Merit: Neil Keane and Patrick Kelly.

 

Transition Year Awards 2005-2006

Student of the Year: Colm Tobin

Most Improved: John Mulroy

Special Merit: Ricardo Deakin (see photo left)

 

 

RoboCup Ireland 2006

On Friday 23rd of February eight Transition Year students went to The National College of Ireland. They were entered into a competition that essentially teaches them to programme a robot. There are three categories that a team can be entered into: rescue, soccer, and dance. The rescue mission, one of the categories chosen by the Transition Year students, is based on programming the robot to follow a black line and make it stop to identify survivors. (Coloured paper shaped as people). The robot has to stop and play a tune for two seconds and continue on. The other category chosen by the students was the dance category. The robot must perform a dance and play music. The programmers have to perform a dance and decorate the robot for the dance. The last category was the soccer category. It is the only one not chosen by the school and also seems to be the least liked category by a majority of the schools. This is the first time that this competition has been run in Ireland and, if successful, will, we hope,expand in the coming years.

Paul Murphy

 

Click on the image (left) to view a video of the robots prepared by Colm Tobin.

 

 

 

Transition Year RoboCup Final 2006

This is the first year ever Ireland held a 'RoboCup Ireland 2006', for Transition Year students in which we battled it out in three competitions involving robots: (1) Soccer (2) Rescue (3) Dance. The challenge was to build and programme robots to compete against each other in one-on-one and group challenges. It was organised by the National College of Ireland (NCI). Moyle Park College participated in both the Rescue and the Dance competitions.

We were introduced to the robots at the Kick Off on Feb 24th. Many weeks were spent preparing the robots. We learned how to build a basic robot and how to programme basic tasks for the robot to carry out. This meant spending a lot of time after school working on the robots in Mr. Flanagan's room. Ann Fogarty, the Robocup Implementation Officer, also made several visits to our school to help us with any problems we encountered. During the Easter holidays we also participated in another workshop, which concentrated on building teamwork skills.

Our hard work was finally put to the test 12th May when we competed against the other teams. Both our rescue and dance robot teams participated well. Although we did not win, we had fun preparing the robot, participating in the workshops and meeting people from other schools.

On the day of the competition, robots from the series Robot Wars were on display. These were accompanied by a host of other robots such as a rope climbing robot and robots that could pick up litter and put it in bins. They opened our minds to the world of robotics.

Colm Tobin

 

Click on the image (left) to view a video of the robotics final prepared by Colm Tobin.

 

 

 

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Job Vacancies

The Moyle Park College web site has a number of vacancies which it would like filled soon.

Senior Reporter: There is now a vacancy for a senior reporter who will keep the web site abreast of developments among senior students in the college.

Sports Reporters: The school web site requires numerous reporters in Gaelic Football, Hurling, Soccer, Basketball, Boxing, Athletics and Karate.

Photographer: The school has digital cameras which it would like used to record events in the college.

Those interested in applying for these positions are asked to contact the school principal..

 

 

 

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Sean Mitchell: A Memorial Ceremony 2005

On Thursday 27th of October, 2005, the community of Moyle Park College along with the Mitchell family gathered in the school's junior yard, to place a memorial for the late Sean Mitchell, colleague and friend.

The memorial is an Irish oak, an idea of Mr. Aidan Clarke, deputy principal of the school. He thought it would be a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated three decades of work to the school. Mr. John Shortt, school principal, started the proceedings, describing the tree "as a memorial in memory of Sean Mitchell, our departed colleague and friend." Next Mr. Sean Cunniffe, a former colleague now retired, gave a moving reading from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, before Mr. Frank O'Shaughnessy read from one of the Psalms. The ceremony ended with Mrs. Bridie Mitchell placing the final piece of soil on the tree.

"A moving occasion," as described by Ms. Mary Lyons. "A true gentleman with a sense of humour," is how Mr. Ted O' Donavan described Sean. "A marvellous gesture," was Mr. Sean Cunniffe's verdict on the ceremony.

On this moving day, it was a fitting tribute to a man who gave years of loyalty and work to the school.

Photographs of the event are available in our photo gallery.

Sean Mitchell: A Memorial Ceremony 2006

On Friday 15th of September the school teachers held a memorial mass for the late Sean Mitchell who sadly passed away in 2005 after a two year fight with cancer. His wife Bridie and his children were also in attendance.

A poem from past pupil Shane McCarthy is available in our Past Pupils Forum.

Dean Alford

 

 

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If you would like us to include a report on something of interest in the school, please e-mail us with details.