NCP - Summer edition

The NCP The NCP

VOL.21 ISSUE 5 JUNE 2023

Welcome to the fifth and final Newbridge College Press of our academic year!

This edition looks back in celebration of some of the academic, sporting and social achievements of our students and also shares the reflections of our departing sixth years. With an eye to the wonderful summer break that lies ahead we have some great tips on how to make the most of the long sunshine-filled days.

If you missed the Variety Show, Daniel McConnell helps us to relive the excitement of the night and the wonderful display of talent in support of Barretstown’s great work. Many of us leave for the summer break safe in the knowledge that we will return to the familiar school setting and friendly faces in August. Not so our sixth years who head off in search of new adventures as a new chapter opens in their lives. We hope that their fond and humorous reflections on their time in Newbridge College will resonate with you all.

Our “Around the School” feature brings home just how busy our students have been and the successes that they have enjoyed in quizzes, philosophical competitions, and a host of sporting activities. The sporting theme continues to feature strongly and in this edition, we put a spotlight on the Doyle and Skoyles Cups, both of which celebrate the grit and determination of our pupils.

As the Summer stretches ahead, take on board some of the amazing suggestions for summer reading, movies to catch and activities that you can enjoy alone or with family and friends such as cooking, playing games and getting the most from those summer festivals. Most importantly, don’t forget to check out our fantastic personality quiz and discover which seabird you are – a vital piece of information for all of our readers!

For those moving on, we wish you every success and happiness and for those returning we wish you a safe, happy, and fun-filled summer break and we look forward to connecting again next year through our next edition of NCP.

The NCP Editorial

Summer Stars

Summer Stars is the free national reading programme for children that takes place in all public libraries and online each summer. It runs from 13th June - 31st August 2022.

Below are some of the top recommended summer reads for teenagers...

Places We've Never Been by Kasie West

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

Those Summer Nights by Laura Silverman

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie

Gonzales

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

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Doyle’s Cup: Winner (Max’s Mini Coopers)

What do you think went well with the match?

I think we worked very hard and very well as a team. Everyone played well and all contributed!

How do you think your team played?

I think everyone played well, we got the first touch and scored right away. We got a try straight away, it was a level match but we pulled ahead and won by a large margin!

Is there anything you think your team was particularly good at?

My team had a very good backline – they are very fast and good at getting past defence. My team were not too cocky and we had some experienced players as well – for example – Declan Coleman and Peter Murphy (2nd Year) and Saul Brewster (1st Year).

Is there anything you think you could have done better?

I think we had a very strong defence. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Definitely speed!!

Jack Garvey

Doyle’s Cup: Runner – Up (Jack’s Jaguars)

What did you think went well with the match?

I thought everyone enjoyed the match!

How do you think your team played?

My team didn’t play as well as we had in the semi-final as we had a few injuries, but we still played very well!

Is there anything you think your team was particularly good at?

My team was particularly good at making tackles

Is there anything you think you could have done better?

I think as a team our rucking could have been better.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d definitely choose super speed!

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Max Rainbow

Skoyle’s Cup: Winner (Holland’s Hero’s)

What did you think went well with the match?

Tough – even on both tams – great skill on both – we made a great comeback – went to penalties

How do you think your team played? with passion – determined to win -

Is there anything you think your team was particularly good at? defending - teamwork

Is there anything you think you could have done better? took chances a bit more.If you could have any superpower, what would it be? time travel – so not late – back in time

Skoyle’s Cup: Runner – Up (Scott’s Starburst)

What did you think went well with the match?

I think it went well It was a tough match and both teams played really well It was a super match by them {Holland’s Hero’s}. We were winning by half time - we had scored one point and tried to get another before it went to penalties.

How do you think your team played?

I think the team played well - I’m super happy and proud of the team. They really wanted to win and had great determination!

Is there anything you think your team was particularly good at?

We really had great driving and determination!

Is there anything you think you could have done better?

I don’t really think so, we really have improved as a team already We all work well together!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flying would be cool!

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Niamh Holland

Keelin Scott

As the holidays fast approach the weather is shaping up to be glorious. However, if you want a break from the UV rays, why not bathe in the warm glow of your local cinema screen. Here are some of our top pics for movies to see over the summer.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Summer Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. ...

Knights of the Zodiac. ...

Fast X. ...

The Little Mermaid. ...

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. ...

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. ...

The Flash. ...

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

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WHICH SEABIRD ARE YOU? WHICH SEABIRD ARE YOU? WHICH SEABIRD ARE YOU?

Q.1 What’s your favourite food?

A Some nice salty chips

B Canned fish Some sardines please!

C I’m fairly easygoing, I’ll eat whatever

D I love white bread

Q.2 What’s your dream holiday?

A A beach day out

B There’s nothing like standing on a rocky cliff and looking out at the ocean I can just taste the salty air

C It's not about where you're going but who you’re going with. I like to always have my friends with me

D A lovely meadow picnic beside a pond

Q.3 What’s your favourite Hobby?

A I’m quite an explorer, you can find me miles from home

B I love to snuggle into a cosy burrow and read a good book

C I’m a super social bird so I’m always doing something with my friends, whether we’re hunting or just hanging out

D I love to paddle around the water and sunbathe on the riverbed

Q.4 What’s your favourite colour?

A Yellow B Red C Orange D Green

Q.5 What’s Your Favourite Time of Day?

A The afternoon. It’s the best time for peoplewatching

B I’m a dawn and dusk kinda bird

C You know that person you hear fumbling the fridge and midnight? That’s me.

D Any time suits me. I just get up and go to sleep whenever I feel like it

How would your friends describe you?

A I’m very decisive and people dont always get along with me but I’m not afraid to go after what I want

B I’m compassionate and a big hugger, although I can be a bit gull-able

C I’m very popular and am part of a dozen friend groups. Sometimes my schedule is a little too packed!

D I’m a very optimistic person who likes to live in the moment and make the most of each day

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Mostly As: Seagull

Although you can be a bit aggressive at times, you’re a very admirable bird. You’re very independent, (often seen flying even as far as Newbridge) and you know how to overcome obstacles to get what you want, despite being a bit of a chip stealer!

Mostly Bs: Puffin

You’re a sweet and humble bird who loves nothing more then to to nestle away into a cosy burrow. You are nice to all those around you but sometimes you find it a bit hard to stick up for yourself

Mostly Cs: Penguin

You really are a social person, just like penguins who always stick in large huddles. You're a good natured and honest person although sometimes you can get a little too easily stressed out.

Mostly Ds: Duck

You’re a carefree optimistic person who loves nothing more than seeing where life takes them and making the most of each moment. You sometimes find it a little hard to commit to things though and don’t like to plan ahead.

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Variety Show

After a few year's of an absence this May saw the return of a great tradition in Newbridge College: "The Variety Show." The long awaited night of talent, drama and merriment did not disappoint. It is a testament to the school that we have such an array of gifted students an staff. The theatre was to capacity as the audience were delighted by a copious line-up of talent, from sensational singers, dynamic dancers and amazing actors. We even have a surprise guest hosting spot from Mr. King (via Evan O'Connor), a fantastic teacher act which took us through the history of dance and some very cheesy jokes (you know who you are.)

Well done to Ms. O'Brien, Ms. Moran and Ms. Murphy and everyone involved in putting on a fantasitic night of entertainment.

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Variety Show

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The NCP L-R: Shane Treacy(1Z), Mei Liu (1Z) winning the Spelling Bee back in 2017!!!

grown!!! Please turn to the next page to reminisce with 6th years Orlaith Gavin and Alexandra Patchell on their interviews with the NCP 6 years ago and reflect on their time in Newbridge College.

My, haven't they

First Memory -

My First memory of Newbridge College is now bittersweet, but I will always reflect on this memory Positively, It was the Camp we do before officially starting First year and it was the First time I had approached someone by myself, I was always very shy growing up and waiting for others to initiate the first introduction, but at this camp was the first time I worked up the courage to introduce myself first to someone, I remember seeing them just walking around also alone and just thinking that they had a really cool haircut and that’s how I approached them, and after that we had lunch together and went on to be in the same class.

First Year Class -

I remember my first year Class very well as everyone in the class practically stayed except with some newcomers in 2nd year. 1W was very entertaining to be in, I spent the next three years with most of those people, and in those classes, especially history someone would always be joking around and it would just honestly be funny and entertaining and was just a very memorable time and I enjoy reflecting on those memories.

Favourite Memory -

Trying to Find a favourite memory from my time is Newbridge would be difficult, but one of the most recent memories which took place my last few days of 5th year, is me simply starting a simple conversation with a girl in my year, only having small talk once or twice before that, and that one conversation turned us into quite the duo, I was heading into 6th year with my friends going into college, and this one conversation which led to me feeling more secure and having some relief for My last and most stressful year of School as I knew I wouldn’t have to spend my lunches alone.I am also very proud of receiving the David Tyrell Dillon Perpetual Trophy and what that means to have been received that

Hopes for Next Year -

What I hope to do next year is focus on my Art, keep working on my skills in Ballyfermot -

3D Digital and Traditional Art and Design or IADT Design for Film

What I will miss -

What I will miss Most about Newbridge College, is most of the teachers I have had throughout the years, who have always been so understanding, who have given me so much help and support over the years and I will always be grateful to them

The NCP Time flies....Then & Now

First memory of the college:

My first memory of Newbridge College was when I was in 5th class touring around the school for the open day. My initial reaction was to be nervous, as from an outside perspective the school is massive! I convinced myself I would never be able to find my way around the school, which ended up being true as I still get lost as a 6th year. All the students touring were lovely, and the teachers gave off a great warm welcome.

My first year class:

It was intimidating being in a class full of people you didn’t know, especially since I was the only one from my primary school class who came to this school. It was easy to make friends, it was long before out class was like a little family, which wrecked our teachers' heads. 1Y is a class ill never forget, full of shyness which blossomed into long lasting friendships.

My favourite memory of Newbridge college is a tough one. The school provided so many activities that everyone thoroughly enjoyed, although I must say the 5th year Dubai trip might take the top place. Besides from that, having a laugh with my friends in the back of the science class, going to the school musicals and variety shows, cutting open hearts in biology and preparing for my leaving cert graduation are all memories I wouldn’t change for the world.

My favourite subjects: I have always been a fan of English, however, it wasn’t until 5th year when my class read "Frankenstein" did I really become passionate about the subject. Something about dissecting poetry to discover the deeper meaning holds a long lasting place in my heart, my English teachers allowed me to discover that side of me as they constantly encouraged me and promoted my work

Next year: I hope to study English, Drama and Film in UCD next year. I would like to become an English and drama teacher and perhaps even come back to the school. The points for this course are high so hopefully with a lot of hard work ill get it, although nowadays, there are so many similar courses. I keep reminding myself that ill always be an English teacher no matter what, no matter where I study I will always get to have my dream job, which I find very reassuring.

What I will miss most: I'll miss the community the most when I leave. Secondary school is a significant time in everyone's lives and it really does flash before your eyes. When I was in first year the 6th years warned us how quickly time flies, and as ignorant little first years we all rolled our eyes, but the weren't lying.

My time in secondary school has gone by like the

blink

of

an eye. Ill miss seeing my friends everyday and a good few of the teachers who supported me for 6 entire years. The school community is so welcoming and homey, its going to be hard to say goodbye.

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Around the School

TY students who took part and were very successful in the BOI Money Smartz quiz in Trinity College

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Around the School

Congratulations to Alexander Fought, Anú Veling-Quinn, Lily Crawford, Pippa Bury Power, Killian Marquardt, Anna Doherty, Saoirse Innes & Thomas Daly who were all selected as finalists in the UCD Young Philosopher awards 2023, which was held in UCD on Tuesday May 16th. Also, congratulations to Lily Crawford who received a highly commended for her project "Is the death penalty morally right or wrong?”