In November the Transition Year students were given a tour of Dail Eireann in which they observed the proceedings of the Dail from the public gallery, visited the Seanad and got to see the original Proclamation

On the 28th November the Transition Year students visited the Ombudsman’s Offices in Dublin to take part in workshops on cyber bullying and the rights and responsibilities of young people. They also got to meet the Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan. Thanks to Mr. Doonan for travelling to Dublin with the Transition Year students

Chinese

For the first time students in Ballinamore Post Primary School began a study on Chinese culture with an introduction to Chinese language.

September

Adventure Weekend

On the weekend of the 31^st August – 2^nd September our Transition year students camped on Lough Allen.  This also formed part of their GAISCE requirements. By all accounts a good time was had by all.

Social Awareness

Students have begun their social awareness programme.  Sharon Tuhoy from St. Vincent de Paul will visit the school to assist the students in their work.  As a result the students will create an awareness campaign on a social issue which they will enter into competition in Sligo at a later date.

Sports 

For six weeks in September and October our students participated in various sporting activities organised by Michelle Fanning. On the 8^th November the students travelled to Carrick on Shannon for a Tag GAA competition.

 KEY Programme

 Six of our Transition Year Students are involved in the KEY cross border enterprise programme; this involves four residential trips to Belfast in which they engage in various outdoor pursuits and enterprise programmes.

 GAISCE

Students received a presentation regarding the Presidents Awards.  All of our Transitions Year students are currently involved in the GAISCE awards.

Organics/Agriculture

In September our Transition Year students visited an Organic Centre in Croghan as well as the Mart and Veterinary Clinic in Mohill.  This visit also included a visit to the Teagasc Office.

 Business & Enterprise

Our students were busy in October starting their own mini companies in which they sold their products in school. The various products were:  rain jackets, wrist bands and bags for football boots. Millions were made in profits! Next term our students will begin an online accounting programme which will be certified.

Religious Education

Ms. Clarke is organising Social Awareness Week for December in which students will highlight issues such as: homelessness, addiction and disability

ECDL – Computer Literacy

A year long programme is under way which will result in our students receiving a European Computer Drivers License. To date they have completed and passed 3 of their modules.

English – Film Studies

Transition Year students have begun comparing Irish Films under various modes of comparison which will enhance their skill set for approaching Senior Level English next year.

Paired reading

During the month of September and October the students visited the two local National Schools to assist students with their reading. The experience proved very beneficial to all involved.

 October

Science

All of our Transition Year students submitted projects for the Young Scientist Competition. Congratulations to Jack McGirl who was successful in his application and will represent the school in the competition in January. All Transition Year students will attend the competition.

Geography

An exploration of the Karst Features associated with the Marble Arch Caves was completed by our Transition Year students when they visited the Caves on the 18^th October.

Visiting speakers

On the 4^th October speakers from Alcoholics Anonymous visited the school to give a presentation on alcohol addiction; this was part of the student’s preparation for Social Awareness Week which will be held in December.

Irish Culture Week 8^th – 12^th October

During this week Ms. O’Malley organised various activities for the students which enabled them to explore and experience our Irish culture, these included Celi Dancing, making personalised Ogham Stones, Irish singing, just to name a few . A range of cross curricular activities complimented the week for example Ms. Cooney helped the students make boxty.

Papal Awards

On the 10^th October the youth officer for the Kilmore Diocesan spoke to the students regarding the Papal Awards. Some of our students have decided to partake in the awards which is similar to the Gasice awards but with some emphasis on Parish involvement

Parish Involvement: 1 hour per week x 8 weeks
Social Awareness: 1 hour per week x 8 weeks

 Activities continued throughout the month such as sports with Michelle Fanning and paired reading in the National Schools

 November

Peace and reconciliation workshops

In November and December 12 workshops will take place in school for our transition year students. These workshops are run by Leitrim County Council and are aimed at educating our students on the conflict in Northern Ireland. A number of speakers will also deliver presentations to the students covering all aspects of the Troubles from the different sides of the conflict.

Work experience

Four of our students spent a week (5^th -9^th November) on work experience with the Garda Siochana in Carrick on Shannon. Two of the days were spent in Templemore and Sligo.

The following week all students went on work experience that ranged from working in Accountants, Supermarkets, National Schools, The County Council, Rehab, just to mention a few.

 Visiting speakers

7^TH November: a speaker from the Peter McVerry Trust spoke to the students

21^st November: a speaker from Goal delivered a presentation on the work of this Irish charity

Paul Bradley, a chiropractor from Carrick on Shannon, spoke to the students regarding correct posture, carrying school bags, back care and study habits.

 A taste of what’s coming up before Christmas

•   Members of the I.C.A will visit the School displaying traditional skills and crafts.
•   Transition Year Students will develop their knitting skills!
•   A visit to the Children’s Ombudsman’s Office to complete a workshop on young people’s rights.
•   A guided tour of Dail Eireann.
•   A visiting speaker from the Family Life Centre.
•   Christmas card making.
•   A fashion show and clothes sale on the 8^th December.
•   Christmas exams 29th/30^th November & 3^rd December.
•   Social Awareness Week 10th – 14^th December:  visiting speakers from Trocaire and St Vincent De Paul.
•   Ice Skating and a visit to The Chocolate Factory in Dublin on the 19^th December.