Ballymahon Vocational School
Aidan Murtagh, Patrick Farrell and Niall McCormack
Open Night: We held our open night here at BVS on Thursday 20th November which ran very smoothly and we had a great attendance with many past students bring their children back to our school. We hope to see many new faces here next September! All Staff, Students and Parents are thanked for all their efforts in making this evening most successful. Those who attended are thanked sincerely for visiting our school. Anyone who wishes for further information on enrolment can contact our school office at anytime.
TY Trip to Cinema: On Tuesday last all TY English students went to Athlone cinema to see the new ‘Hunger Games film’. This trip covers Film Studies in English so it was both educational and enjoyable!
Ericsson Partnership: On Thursday 27th November our 5th year LCVP students had the opportunity to have a site visit to Ericsson Ireland in Athlone. As part of the Business Partnership Programme, we were greeted and given access to the video conferencing room, the storage facilities and we got the opportunity to speak with senior software analysts and Icloud engineers. All students were very grateful for the effort and time all staff at Ericsson which included Anne O’ Connell and David Donnelly a senior software engineer and a past student of Ballymahon Vocational School.
Dr. Rodrigues Visits BVS: On the 19th of November 2014, L.C.V.P students invited in Dr. Francis Rodrigues the owner of Excel Dentistry Ballymahon into our school to interview him for our LCVP Summary Report. It was an amazing day. He was full of enthusiasm and gave us excellent advice. He inspired us all to follow our dreams and to never give up. It was a very valuable lesson.
Skydome: On Monday last TY’s, 1st years and some 3rd years took part in the skydome programme. Skydome is a dome which was set up in the sports hall and displayed all the planets, stars and constellations. Maybe our next trip will be the Space Station!
Young Scientist: Work is continuing on our projects to be done. At the moment surveys are being tallied up and test results are also being finalised in order to have both projects completed for the exhibition in January. We wish both groups well as they undertake their research.
Best Wishes: We would like to wish our TY coordinator and teacher here at BVS Mrs McCabe the best of luck as she goes on maternity leave. Before she left she was very busy knitting a Christmas Jumper for the new arrival. Best of Luck Ms. McCabe!
Senior Football : On Monday 24thour schools senior football team played a very strong opposition in the form of Cnoc Mhuire, Granard and unfortunately for us the Granard side emerged the victors by a single point in this match which was played in Leo Casey Park, Ballymahon.
Debate:On Tuesday 18th November our 6th Year History Class travelled to The Catholic School University, Dublin to compete in the Historical Association’s Great Debate. BVS was represented splendidly on the night by Kate-Ann Rowan and Nicole Waldron. Both girls were highly commended on the night by the Judges for their detailed research and engaging presentations. The rest of the 6th Year class also went along to support the girls and it was a positive experience for all involved.
Let Your Change Make a Change: Ms. Tully’s 112 History class will be asking students and staff to donate loose change to help the young children of Syria who are in dreadful conditions as a result of persecution. Any support would be greatly appreciated.
TY Mini Company: On Sunday 23rd November our TY Mini Company “Allsorts” took part in Skelly’s Christmas Fair. All sorts of items were on sale from Cupcakes to Clocks, all handmade by our TY students. It was a great success and the students gained great experience. The students will also be selling their products at the Rustic Inn Christmas Fair on December 14. On the day, Edel Ferry raffled off a hamper, this was a great success and we were delighted to announce the winner as Ms. Fleming! Keep up the good work!
New Role:This week we congratulate Mr. Jones who was the overall winner of the Male Champion Bull in Tullamore recently. On the day he also took part in the Judging of the Queen of the Land Contest!!Next stop, Rose of Tralee presenter for Mr. Jones!!
Sympathy: This week the BVS Community extend its sincere sympathy to our teacher and staff member Mrs. Barrins on the death of her father, Mr. Robbie O’ Grady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Barrins and her family at this time. May he rest in peace.