Contents:
• Croke Park Tour
• Seamus Heaney Exhibition
• CLIL class meets President of European Parliament
• Ski Trip
• Manor Mia Musical
• Work Experience
• Epic Museum and Book of Kells
• DATS
• Ice-skating
• Cycle against Suicide Day
• Public Access to Law
During the month of January, the TY students received the opportunity to go on a tour of Croke park stadium.
The year was split in two for the trip; half going on the 18th of January and the other half on the 25th of January.
We all met in school at 9:00am the morning of the trip. We took the dart to Clontarf Road and walked to the stadium from there. When we arrived, we were greeted by a tour guide and were shown a short film outlining the importance of the national stadium.
We then received an in depth tour, detailing the history and importance, of all areas of the stadium. We had the opportunity to walk through the tunnels, enter the main dressing room, see where reporters would sit and even sit in the President of Ireland’s seat.
While walking, we were taught how Croke Park is run now in comparison to how it used to be run.
We were also told about historical events that occurred there. We learned about “Bloody Sunday ,” where 14 people were shot and killed at a Dublin Vs Tipperary match in 1920, including a Tipperary player named Michael Hogan. As part of the tour, we were shown the Hogan Stand, which was named in his honour.
Original ticket, Ball from the match and Michael Hogan.
The tour was enlightening and informative and we all enjoyed this great day out.
By Róise Ní Laoire
Well done to our wonderful TYs and 5th Years who have completed the Peer Education Programme with Jigsaw. We are very proud of the work you are doing to make ManorHouse a member of the One Good School Program.
On the 30th and 31st of January we went to the Heaney Exhibition.
We learned a lot about the poet as we walked around the exhibit, reading all the interesting facts about his poems and about his life.
In 3rd year we studied some of his poems. ‘Mid-Term Break’ was one of the poems we studied, and this poem was discussed as part of the exhibition.
We learned that Seamus Heaney was one of Irelands most famous poets ever and that he won a Noble Prize for literature.
We all enjoyed our day out to this exhibition and would love to visit more exhibitions!
By Sadhbh Brett
The TY CLIL class have been working hard, learning about the EU through French. We have been learning about all of the benefits of the EU, doing projects and making videos.
On the 3rd of February, EU parliament President Roberta Metsola was in Ireland and held a Youth Dialogue, with the students of Ireland, doing the EU ambassador program in Smock Alley. Our CLIL class was invited to go.
The class spent the previous day, 2nd Feb. as a CLIL day. This also happened to be “La Chandeleur”, a festival similar to pancake Tuesday in France where they celebrate by eating crêpes. So the class spent the morning in Home Economics kitchens learning about the history of La Chandeleur and making delicious pancakes and hot chocolate.
We then went back to the classroom and spent the rest of the day learning about the structure of the EU parliament and coming up with questions to ask Ms. Roberta Metsola the following day.
February 3rd saw us all very excited. The CLIL class met with Ms. G Kelly in Tara station and started to make their way towards the event. With a slight bit of struggle with Google maps, the class found Smock Alley and went inside.
We checked in, received little EU flags, went upstairs and were greeted
February 3rd saw us all very excited. The CLIL class met with Ms. G Kelly in Tara station and started to make their way towards the event. With a slight bit of struggle with Google maps, the class found Smock Alley and went inside.
We checked in, received little EU flags, went upstairs and were greeted with a long table of tea, coffee and cakes. We then took our seats in the 3rd row and waited for the event to start.
Ms. Metsola was given a brief introduction and then she began speaking. She talked about the importance of listening to young people in politics and asked for us to give her difficult questions in the Q&A section because it's important that we are listened to. She spoke very eloquently and didn't even have notes to refer to.
The Q&A section began and one of our students, Niamh Abbott was the first to receive the microphone. She asked about the difficulties Ms. Metsola had faced not only as a woman in politics but as a young woman. Roberta explained that she hoped now, in 2023, it is not as much of a challenge as it was when she began at 23. She started politics really young and even dropped out of college to run in an election. She went back and finished college later.
Ms. Metsola continued answering the people's questions which ranged from everything between how she got into politics and the war in Ukraine. There were so many questions that she ended up running significantly over time.
The event for the CLIL class ended with a group photo with Metsola and Fine Gael politician, Peter Burke.
On the way out we were given goodie bags with highlighters, a digital pen, a newspaper and a little booklet. After grabbing a bite to eat in the train station we then got on the dart back to the school. We had returned in time for our CLIL class, where we told the other French teacher, Adele, all about the trip. It really was an interesting and fascinating day out.
By Niamh Abbott
(CLIL Class at Christmas)
Some of the girls in our year were lucky enough to go on the Boston/New Hampshire ski trip it was an eight-day trip with loads of fun activities like tubing, shopping and of course skiing.
There was much excitement in the air at the airport on the morning of January 2nd. After a long 7-hour flight from Dublin to Boston airport we all loaded up on a bus ready to drive to our hotel. After we got to the hotel, we had our dinner and went up to our rooms excited for the adventures we had planned for the next few days.
We started skiing lessons the next day and we all got put in different groups doing different slopes and learning new skills, for 6 days of our trip we had 2hour blocks of skiing twice a day.
We did activities after skiing every day, shopping at the local outlets was something we did 2 times during our stay, we used the hotels outdoor pool to help with our muscle pains after our long days of skiing. One night we went out for dinner at Applebee’s a restaurant near to our hotel.
My personal favourite activity we did was tubing and I think most of the girls that went would agree, tubing being pushed down a big slope of snowing a donut like ring, It was a very exciting activity.
On our last night we had an ‘awards’ ceremony; biggest bruise won by Aoife Keegan. (Ouch!)
Biggest eyelash transformation won by Allie Sue. Most stylish on the slopes won by Summer Sweeney. Most epic fall on the slopes won by Cuillean Monaghan.
Little Miss Forgetful won by Megan Byrne.
It was great fun and a enjoyable way to spend our last night away.
We were also lucky enough to make a trip to Boston City before our departure. We went to a market place and many people made some last minute purchases for family and friends back home. Finally, we made our way to the airport to take our flight and end our trip.
We want to thank all of the people who help this trip come to life.
By Keeva Matthews and Farrah Connelly
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER WAS AN IRISH PATRIOT, US ARMY GENERAL AND GOVERNOR OF MONTANA WHO FLEW THE FIRST TRICOLOUR FLAG ON THE 7TH OF MARCH 1848, IN WATERFORD.
IN HIS RELATIVELY SHORT LIFE – HE DIED AGED JUST 43 – MUCH OF WHICH WAS SPENT OUTSIDE OF IRELAND, THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO BOTH IRISH NATIONALISM AND TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND TO IRISH PEOPLE BEING ACCEPTED AND RESPECTED IN THE USA.
THE THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER FOUNDATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2013 TO PROMOTE PRIDE IN AND RESPECT FOR THE IRISH FLAG AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF ITS SYMBOLISM AND MEANING FOR PEACE.
THEY FOUNDATION HOPES YOUNG PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS, ETHNICITIES, CULTURES, GENDERS AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION WILL HAVE PRIDE IN, RESPECT FOR AND LIVE THE IRISH TRICOLOUR MESSAGE OF PEACE AND INCLUSION.
THIS YEAR KATIE TEEFY AND FARRAH CONNELLY TRAVELLED TO WATERFORD TO REPRESENT MANOR HOUSE AT THE FLAG CEREMONEY.
TAOISEACH LEO VARADKER ADDRESSED THE STUDENTS ASSEMBLED AND THEN EACH SCHOOL WAS PRESENTED WITH A FLAG. THANK YOU TO MR. WHELAN WHO WENT WITH FARRAH AND KATIE, AND THANK YOU TO THE TWO GIRLS THEMSELVES FOR REPRESENTING US SO WELL.
FARRAH IS THE ONE GRAY UNIFORM!
Auditions for the musical started in September so it was a great way to start off Transition Year! Lots of people auditioned to be apart of the main cast. Others signed up to be part of the set design team and the marketing team!
So many auditioned for the main cast so there had to be audition callbacks until the final main cast was decided!
Those who chose dancing were split into three groups; the blue group, red group and pink group. Each group was then assigned different dances to perform.
There was musical practice every Wednesday to learn the dances and songs. Wednesdays were so very busy, with everyone doing different jobs; dancing, singing, painting and much more.
As the musical got closer there was multiple practices a week, especially for the main cast! It really was a very exciting time, as we were doing full rehearsals and dress rehearsals.
Our cast:
• Ella Harris as Donna
• Amelia Conroy as Sophie
• Toni Grant as Tanya
• Layla Connolly as Rosie
• Niamh Bell as Sam
• Rise NíLaoire as Bill
• Fionnuala O'Byrne as Harry
• Anna Cotter as Sky
• Addison Fly as Lisa
• Grace Collier as Ali
• Farrah Connolly as Pepper
• Anna Hyland as Eddie
Marketing team:
• Molly Connel
• Maia Dowling
• Brooke Robertson
• Nicole Leder
• Leonor Sousa
• Aimee Ennis
• Sadhbh Brett
• Jessica Orlea
• Lauren Murphy
Set design team:
• Keila Cagney
• Kate Ryan
• Maria Wren
• Ciara Glancy
• Erin McLoughlin
• Ciara Ponsonby
• Siomha Clarke
• Zoe Adrianse
• Sarah Conroy
• Jordan Hernandez
By Amelia RodenFor the 5th to the 13th of January in 2023, the Transition Year students of Manor House did their first block of work experience with the school.
Each student was given the task of finding a place to do their work experience, examples of these places are as shown below. We were given School permission slips and insurance forms to give to our employers.
What did Transition Years think?
To get some feedback about the Work Experience, we conducted a quick survey and asked students in Transition Year just two questions: What areas of work they did their experience in? and how much did they enjoy it?
The results to this are shown below…
• Blue: Hospitality/food
• Orange: Retail/clothing
• Green: Healthcare
• Red: Art/design
• Purple: Office work
• Brown: small business
• Pink: Teaching/schools
We also asked “Did you enjoy your work experience?” (1-not at all up to 5-really enjoyed the experience.)
The Average came in at a very positive 4.2
On the 13th of December our TY group attended a trip to the EPIC Museum in Dublin city centre.
This museum highlights the Irish immigration and accomplishments of the people of Ireland. The TY’s were given a booklet which they had to stamp off in each room they entered. In this museum they experienced interactive activities that helped them understand what it was like to live in Ireland during this time of immigration. The museum had plenty of fascinating rooms. One such room was made to look like an airplane, it illustrated what it was like for Irish people to travel.
There was another exciting room that displayed a table that you could interact with and learn plenty of facts about all Irish history and sport.
Overall this trip was very inspiring and helped the TY students learn and appreciate the impact of Irish emigration.
On the same day we went to visit the Book of Kells in Trinity Collage Dublin.
The Book of Kells is a 9th century manuscript that was made by Irish monks, the book illustrated the four gospels of the Christian New Testament. This trip helped TY’s experience some of Irelands most iconic cultural heritage.
Our TY’s had free range to walk around and explore the museum and Trinity Library for themselves. This trip was quite engaging and intriguing and overall the TY students had a very successful and fun filled day.
By Sophie McGrath and Erin McLoughlin
On Wednesday the 08th of February, 4th years took the DATS or Differential Aptitude Tests. DATS are tests usually taken by Transition Year students. They are used to help them make their subject choices for Senior Cycle and to guide them towards possible career paths. There were many different sections and I have added in one of each type of question below.
• Verbal Reasoning
The first test we took was a test on Verbal Reasoning. This test measures the ability of a student to see relationships among words. The test took about 20 minutes. Students with well-developed Verbal Reasoning skills are usually suited and perform well in subjects like English, Irish and History, where a lot of reading is involved.
• Numerical Ability
The second test we took was Numerical Ability. This test measured our math's skills. This test is important for success in courses such as Math's, Physics, Accounting and Chemistry and is useful for careers like banking, carpentry, and electricians. This was another of the longer tests and took 25 minutes.
The last test we took before our lunch break was another English based test, a spelling test. This test measures how well a student can spell common English words. The test was presented in a format of three correctly spelled words and one misspelled word where the student must pick the word spelled incorrectly. The ability to spell is a basic skill necessary in everyday life.
Next, we took a spatial ability test. This test measured our ability to visualize, to think in three dimensions or to picture mentally the size, shape and position of objects when shown only two-dimensional pictures of patterns. Spatial ability tests are often used as part of the recruitment process of engineers, architects, mechanics, graphic designers and more.
After that, we took the mechanical reasoning test. What this measured, was our ability to understand the basic mechanical principles of machinery, tools, motion, and the laws of everyday physics. Students who performed well in this section will often do well in the following jobs: electricians, mechanics, aircraft engineers, maintenance workers, machinery engineers and much more.
The next test we completed was one that worked with patterns and sequences in a way that tested our ability to see the relationship among objects or design. Students who done well in this section may enjoy subjects like art, applied math's and chemistry. They may also do well in careers like architecture, construction and design.
The last English based test we took was on Language Usage. This test measured our ability to detect errors in grammar, punctuation and capitalization. The test consisted of sentences divided into four parts where the student must decide if there is an error and if so, which of the four sections the error occurs. Well-developed language skills are required in most jobs. Careers in writing, law and teaching require a high level of ability in this area.
The Perceptual Speed and Accuracy test was the last to be completed. It measured speed and accuracy in perceiving and marking simple letter and number combinations in a very limited amount of time. This skill is very useful when managing time in exams and is applicable to all subjects. Students who performed well on this test could do well in carers like coding, analysis of data and quality control.
The D.A.T.s will help individuals to
1) understand why they do well or poorly in certain subjects.
2) It can suggest new career options not previously considered and
3), it can change or raise educational and career aspirations.
The D.A.T.s was a great opportunity for all Transition Year students and will be of great help to individuals when choosing their subjects for senior cycle.
By Aimee Foley
On December 9th TY’s went ice skating in Dundrum shopping centre.
Our final show of our musical Manor Mia! was the night before and so there could have been a feeling of anticlimax, so it was wonderful to go and take part in such a fun activity.
We had all bonded over the weeks of the musical and ice skating added to that.
We all had so much fun, a lot of laughs and falls, a great day!
By Tara Fearn
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BIG thank you from the Irish Department to Keeva Matthews, Katie Teefy and Niamh Bell for all there help for Seachtáin na Gaeilge and helping mark St. Patrick’s Day, much appreciated!
‘Cycle against Suicide’ is an organization that helps anyone who is battling mental health problems. It was started by Jim Breen, a man who himself had also battled mental health issues It raises money to help people who are struggling by, as the name suggests, cycling around the country.
On this particular activity day, the TY students attended the event organized for students across the country to attend.
Subjects like cyber bullying, social school problems and mental health problems were talked about while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. Speakers included TikTok stars, book auditors, DJ’s, dog trainers, as well as the organizers and staff of ‘cycle against suicide’ itself.
The smile Committee at Manor House School is inspired by ‘Cycle against Suicide’ and does many different activities every year to help and motivate students who may be struggling with their mental health.
The smile room in our school has various things dedicated to the ‘Cycle against Suicide’ organization and was visited by Jim Breen himself when he visited the school previously.
I think this was a great event, positive for all TYs and the 5th year students, who are part of the smile committee, who attended.
By Leonar SousaOn the 7th and 8th of November, after Halloween midterm, every base class took part in a public access to law programme.
Barristers came into school and we had a day long workshop with them. Throughout the day we learned all about solicitors and barristers, and what were the differences are between them.
We also learned about the college process to become qualified and all the types of exams and work you do to. This was really interesting, as not many of us knew beforehand how to become a barrister or a solicitor.
Another interesting aspect of the programme was learning about the Irish court system and the law system. We looked at the different types of court: the District Court, Circuit Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. We also looked at the difference between the civil courts and the criminal courts.
At the end of the day, we were given an actual court case to research and we did our own mock trial.
Students were given different roles in the case and we had to conduct a trial, exactly how a real trial would be held.
The whole programme was a great experience and gave us a good insight into what it would be like to pursue law in the future.
By Cuileann MonaghanOn the 26th of January Manor House’s TY’S students had the opportunity to visit the Laughter Lounge. (It can be found at Eden Quay, in Dublin City).
We were there for 3 or 4 hours, along with other TY’S from different schools, who chose to also attend.
To get there, we took the DART to town and walked for about ten minutes, all while having very fun chats with each other. After getting there we were directed to a large room and sat down in the comfortable chairs, waiting for the fun to begin.
But what is the laughter lounge actually about? Well, the name is selfexplanatory, it’s a lounge where you laugh!
The comedy show was specially prepared for TY students and showed through comedy how boys and girls react in different ways to different situations. For example, having crushes, or how boys and girls fall in love differently! All while making the students laugh. The good thing is it showed, in a very general way, how everyone reacts differently to different things, and there are no right or wrong reactions.
The laughter lounge really helped the students relax and have a fun time. We enjoyed it so much because it was so age appropriate and really helped us have a good time with our friends.
Everyone laughed to the point their cheeks hurt, and we will definitely be asking parents to go in the future.
Onintza Senor Casado and Leticia Sousa
