The College Press ————-Friday, 28th October 2016 Issue 1 Volume 12—————
The Halloween Issue
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College Press Editorial Team Editors: Deryn Mooney & Eve Murphy Student Contributors: Jill Weld Roisin King & Sean O’Neill Susie Tracy Caroline Kane Sarah Anderson Sinead Sexton Finnian King
Special Thanks To:
Mr. Doyle Ms. O’Callaghan
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Editorial Once more Halloween has come around! The monsters beneath your bed are coming out to play, and the witches are brewing their potions. Brooms will be flying, wolves will be howling so lock your doors. Our latest issue of the College Press features articles from current affairs in school, a punderful pun page and the cutest owl you will ever see... Enjoy your trick or treating but beware for the night is dark and full of terrors. And remember‌ Winter is coming.
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Les Misérables Musical time has come around once again in Newbridge College. This year the talented students of our school will be showcasing the brilliant production; Les Misérables. Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Mis has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Featuring the timeless classics “I Dreamed A Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home” and “One Day More”, it is sure to be rd an unforgettable performance. thIt will commence on the 23 of November and finish on the 26 . Tickets will be in high demand so free up your calendar and get yours soon!
By Sinéid Sexton Many of you in the school will know that our annual musical for 2016 is Les Misérables. A massive amount of work has been contributed to it and many teachers and students are involved. Les Misérables was first published in 1862 and was written by Victor Hugo. It is, to put it briefly, epic. The quality of the musical is top notch and the soundtrack is on point. There is next to no dialogue in the musical which can make it very difficult to do as a musical. Both for the actors involved and the directors/teachers. Since its debut in 1862 there have been many renditions and even a movie. The movie, Les Misérables (2012), is a quality musical in movie format. The talent of the cast this year is second to none. I'm not going to spoil the surprise but I am certain you will not be disappointed. This year, the musical is going to be an 4amazing show and I would recommend you all support it. By Finnian King!
Pun Page
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Interview with Ms. Courtney- A new member of staff at Newbridge College Q1. What University did you attend? A1. I attended U.L. Q2. Did you always want to be a teacher? A2. Yes, since secondary school. Q3. How long have you been teaching? A3. I have been teaching for two years now. Q4. What subjects do you teach? A4. I teach P.E. And Geography. Q5. What’s your favourite subject to teach? A5. I like teaching both subjects for different reasons. Q6. What do you like about our school? A6. I really like the relationship between teachers and students in this school. Q7. What do you feel makes our school unique/ sets it apart from others? A7. I feel the whole school community that makes it not just about subjects and classes is unique to this school. Thank you to Ms. Courtney for taking part in this interview! By Jill Weld
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Cycle Against Suicide
School Ambassador Awards Ceremony Upon arrival at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on the morning of September 30th, we expected to be entertained, rewarded and inspired, we were not disappointed! We were warmly welcomed by the Cycle Against suicide ambassadors and representatives. The Loreto Dalky choir opened the ceremony with a couple of beautiful songs. After their wonderful opening, none other than Jim Breen himself welcomed us all to the ceremony. He shared with us his incredible story from his time on secret millionaire to his first school visit right through to how his organisation got to where it is today. He is a true inspiration and his words soared high and far for all who attended the ceremony. Jim also had a very special announcement to make, next year’s theme “SHARE THE JOURNEY”. Shortly after that we were greeted by a guest speaker, the Ombudsman for Children – DR. Niall Muldoon. He talked to us about the work he and his colleagues do for children in Ireland. The Cycle Against Suicide Schools Ambassador award recognises the school’s fantastic work on promoting positive mental throughout the school, spreading the smile, and carrying a very important message “It’s OK not to feel OK and it is absolutely OK to ask for help!” We were then introduced on stage to collect our reward along with the other 112 schools who also won the award. Roisin and I felt privileged and honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf 7
Kildare Student Named as Cycle Against Suicide Student Leader The annual Cycle Against Suicide Student Leader Ambassadors’ Retreat took place in Kippure Estate, Co. Wicklow on Thursday and Friday, August 18 th and 19th last. The Retreat, now in its third year, recognises students for their exceptional contribution to the area of mental health. The aim of the Student Leader Ambassador Programme is to harness the immense leadership potential of these young adults, and empower them to bring the Cycle Against Suicide message, “It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help”, back to their schools and communities. The Student Leaders actively participate in all Cycle Against Suicide activities throughout the year. Among the group of exceptional students, nominated by their schools and selected from hundreds of applicants, was Elliot Davis of Newbridge College, Kildare. Elliot and his fellow Student Leader Ambassadors from all over the island of Ireland gathered to participate in the wide range of workshops, including Media Skills, Outdoor Pursuits, Team Building, Presentation Skills and Leadership Training. As well as participating in workshops and presentations, students also collaborated to develop a theme for this year's Student Leaders' Congress, which will take place in University of Limerick on January 19 th, 2017. Link Teacher Deirdre O'Callaghan said, 'It is a huge honour for Newbridge College to have a student selected for such a prestigious and worthwhile programme at a national level. We are immensely proud of Elliot’s achievement’. Among the inspiring guests presenting at this year's Retreat were Jim Breen, Founder of Cycle Against Suicide, and Ombudsman for Children, Niall Muldoon. 8
Scary Stories to Send Shivers down your Spine Don’t be scared of the monsters, just look for them. Look to your left, to your right, under your bed, behind your dresser, in your closet but never look up, she hates being seen.
The last thing I saw was my alarm clock flashing 12:07 before she pushed her long rotting nails through my chest, her other hand muffling my screams. I sat bolt upright, relieved it was only a dream, but as I saw my alarm clock read 12:06, I heard my closet door creak open
You hear your mom calling you into the kitchen. As you are heading down the stairs you hear a whisper from the closet saying “Don’t go down there honey, I heard it too.”
I begin tucking him into bed and he tells me, “Daddy check for monsters under my bed.” I look underneath for his amusement and see him, another him, under the bed, staring back at me quivering and whispering, “Daddy there’s somebody on my bed.”
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Captains Interview School Vice
Captain - Roisin King
Captain - Dylan Johnson
Deputy
Captains - Aine Fleming & Louis Younge.
Hi Guys. I’ll start off by asking how has sixth year been so far? Dylan: Go on Fleming, ladies first Aine: It’s been good, it’s been kind of difficult though because there’s been lots of work but the craic is really good. Roisin: It’s been good, really really busy but I feel like we are treated like proper adults now. As you move up in the year the teachers become friendlier and friendlier. Louis: Ah yeah the same, good fun but loads of work to get through Dylan: It’s a very sociable year but also lots of work If you had to teach one subject what would you teach? Roisin: Definitely not Chemistry because no one in the class ever knows what’s going on, so probably French Louis: P.E just because of the craic Dylan: Physics Aine: C.S.P.E (good thinking) What is your favourite subject? Roisin: I love them all so I honestly don’t know. I don’t think I’d be able to choose. Louis: Music Dylan: Physics and maths (yikes) Aine: DCG
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What would you all like to do in college? Roisin: Medicine Dylan: Theoretical Physics in Trinity (yikes again) Louis: I’d like to do music production Aine: Primary School teaching What is your favourite thing about going to Newbridge College? Roisin: I love everything about it Dylan: Eh the craic Aine: Just getting to see your friends everyday, it’s good fun Louis: I like how all the students and the teachers get along Dylan: I’d say the general atmosphere around the place If you could pick one place in the world to live where would it be? Aine, Dylan and Louis simultaneously: Trinidad Aine: I’m getting in there and saying Trinidad Dylan: Tobago Louis: I’m going to say Los Angeles Roisin: Probably Paris What is your favourite memory of going to Newbridge College? Roisin: Taking part in the musical last year was great. I loved it. Aine: Probably the ski trip Dylan: Sweeney falling in the river in First Year Louis: Ha ha yeah Finally, if you could change one thing about the school what would you change? Aine: That’s a hard one Louis: Yeah Dylan: More microwaves Roisin: I would say more overall school events where everyone in the school gets together and we do something that is like open evening or the Horse show. I think we should do more of them. Thanks to all the captains and everyone that took part. By Susie Treacy
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A Star in our Midst Ciara Taheny; you may know her for her role as Eponine in the upcoming school musical or for her charismatic smile. But what you may not know is that during July of this year, Ciara represented Ireland in the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Ciara began Stage Academy, a music, drama and dance performance academy in Newbridge, at the age of six. Through her years in the stage school she became a talented and recognised member. Through a long and enduring audition process she, and her group of 17 other stage enthusiasts, were selected to represent their country across twelve categories of dance, song and drama. All to take place in the film capital of the world; Los Angeles. Although this unexpected, fortunate opportunity arose for Ciara, she took no guarantee in her luck. Ciara took the New Year’s hopeful beginning in her stride as her preparation began in January of this year. The team trained three times a week, and in the two weeks prior to their departure to LA, they endured gruelling 6 hour practices every day. The team saw no point in trying their best, they knew it was all or nothing. Hours upon hours of practice saw them win nine gold medals, three silver medals and take home the prestigious title of Overall Vocal Group of the World, by bringing a bit of Ireland to America and singing a Celtic song. However, medals were not all the team brought home. Ciara saw her team of 17 grow, to form a group of friends from 52 different countries across the world. And with an interview from The Daily Show on American TV, it might not long until we see her face on our TV screens at home. So, you may only know her from around school, but she has taken her cue, learned her lines and played the role of a lifetime in the performing arts theatre of the world.
By Eve Murphy
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The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet Book Review 'The long way to a small, angry planet' is the debut novel of author Becky Chambers. Chambers originally self-published the novel in 2014, but within one year of its first printing, the novel was picked up by Hodder & Stoughton publication house. The story opens up with the description of a girl in a pod, soaring through space. We are soon told that the girl, Rosemary Harper, is destined for the Wayfarer, a patched-up spaceship with a rather chaotic crew of many species from every far-reached corner of the galaxy. From Sissix, the friendly reptilian pilot, to Kizzy and Jinks, the sparring engineers who keep the ship running. Life on board, as chaotic as it is, is rather peaceful, which seems to be just what Rosemary wants. That is until the crew are offered the job of their dreams, the chance to build a hyperspace tunnel to a distant planet, and in return receive a large payment. That is, if they can survive the long trip through war-torn areas of space, without endangering any of the already fragile alliances between planets and empires which create a peaceful galaxy. Although everything seems to be optimistic, some crew members seem to be keeping secrets, including Rosemary. The crew of the Wayfarer soon learn that whilst the Galaxy is a vast space, spaceships are rather small indeed. 'The long way to a small, angry planet' is a story which captivates you from the very first line. A tale of adventure and friendship, the story line is full of twists and turns which will have you reading until your eyes are sore. It is very much a story that will stay with you long after you have finished. I enjoyed this book immensely and would encourage any sci-fi fan to pick it up, whether you are a bookworm or not, the story of Rosemary and the crew of the Wayfarer is truly enjoyable for fans of every genre.
by Sarah Anderson 13
Must Watch Movies Do you want to have a spooktacular Halloween? Do you want to be scared out of your wits? Well then here is a list of ranked must watch Halloween Movies you must see this year to truly be in the spirit! So grab the popcorn and the jellies and unleash the ghouls!! 1. 2.
The Woman in Black Nightmare on Elm Street 3. The Conjuring 4. The Visit 5. Scream 6. Paranormal Activity 7. Halloween Town Series 8. Hocus Pocus 9. The Vampire Diaries 10. Twitches
(Asked By First Year)
Advice From Sensitive Sally
Q. I just started in first year and I am struggling with making friends. I have a few people that I talk to in class but I don’t feel like any of them are my best friends. How do I become closer with my friends? A. Firstly I’d like you to think about how many close friends you had in primary school. People that you could tell anything to and people with whom you had a similar sense of humour. Ask yourself how long it took you to become that close with them. Was it a year? Two years? Maybe since junior infants? It definitely wasn’t nine weeks. It’s ok to feel as though you haven’t fully connected with someone yet. You are still learning your way around the school, just like everyone else in your year. If I would have any advice it would be to not get too caught up in finding your best friend. Sit beside someone new in class, join clubs in school, say hi to people as you pass them in the hall. Try to focus on meeting as many new people as you can. Your friends will seem to fall into place before you realize. Remember that what you give out is what you get back. And that while your studies are important it’s also important to make time for your friends and yourself. So, take a minute, relax and 14 as cliché as it sounds; be yourself, you’ll find like-minded people attract one another. Sincerely, Sensitive Sally x
Caroline in Kentucky 2016 Over the summer just gone, I partook in the Sister Cities exchange with Lexington, Kentucky. This was an amazing experience for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to gain a bit of cultural experience from the great USA.
Day 1 I was both apprehensive and excited for the exchange as I was the only person from the school doing it and therefore didn’t know any of the other students. However I got to know them all quite quickly from our long day of travel and two flights to Lexington, there were 12 of us all together and we were all roughly the same age which made it easier to get along. When we arrived in Lexington I met my exchange partner Shelby for the first time. I had skyped Shelby a few times previous to the trip and was really excited to meet her and her family. I remember thinking her mom was exactly how you’d imagine a typical southern mom to be, telling me to treat the house like it was my own and offering to cook me every delicacy under the sun. Luckily Shelby stepped in and assured her that all I wanted to do right then was sleep off the jet lag. The next morning Shelby drove us to her friend’s house. We met everyone else from the exchange here. It was great catching up with all the Irish and getting to know the Americans and all 24 of us spent the entire day at the lake house. What an amazing first day.
Day 2 This was our first day of organised activities and we went rock climbing in Red River Gorge. Now this isn’t your regular indoor rock-climbing that you’d get here, this was outdoor, in 30 degree heat, scaling the side of a cliff, clinging on by your fingertips rock climbing, but it was great fun. Afterwards we found a rope swing out by a lake in the gorge and took full advantage of it, before going to have some of the best pizza I’ve ever had.
Day 3 This was a more relaxing day, Shelby and I had a late breakfast with her neighbours, before exploring downtown Lexington. We went to the mall, before going out to meet her friend in a Mexican restaurant called Local Taco. We met up with the rest of the group later to go to a drive in movie theatre where we had corn dogs and watched “Finding Dory” before it started lashing rain on us and we all headed back to one of the Americans houses.
Day 4 This was the 4th of July, America’s day of Independence so naturally I was very excited to spend it in the USA. Shelby and I started the day by doing what she traditionally does which is going to her local country club and partaking in a large pot luck dinner before having a desert taco with her friends. Unfortunately the celebrations ended early this year due to the torrential weather conditions, we were in the middle of a full on lightning storm. So we decided to skip the swimming and meet up with the rest of the group for ice cream before 15 watch the fireworks from his back yard. going to one of the Americans to camp out and
Day 5 Shelby and I went to another potluck today at her friend Isabelle’s house where some of the boys taught the Americans how to play rugby and they taught us to play American football. Before this we got a private tour of the town house in Lexington, their fire station and we also went bowling.
Day 6 The day I had been looking forward to the most! We went to Kings Island theme park in Mason, Ohio. It was such great fun to go on all these rides with your friends and sing “olay, olay, olay” to let them know the Irish were here! We spent the entire day at the theme park, from opening to the closing fireworks display, we even got stuck on one of their biggest outdoor rollercoasters, which proved more than pleasant as we got to watch the sun set from an amazing view point!
Day 7 This was definitely one of my favourite days as Shelby, who had gotten to know how much I loved animals at this stage, surprised me by bringing me out to one of her friend’s farms. Where I got to meet and cuddle all of her animals which was really great. Then trying to navigate our way back into the city from the country side was exciting too as it was dark, all the fireflies were out and it felt like we were driving through stars.
Day 8 This was our last full day in Kentucky and I was really sad that I had to go home soon. So to make the most of it, the entire group spent the day at the pool, squeezing in the last chance of a tan. Afterward Shelby and I had one last lunch at Local Taco, where I told the waitress I was going to miss their queso cheese chips very much. Before we made our way over to a camp out at Isabelle’s house. There’s nothing like a group of friends to help you forget the fact that your American adventure would soon come to an end.
The Final Day Shelby and her neighbour took his exchange partner and I to their high school where they proceeded to let us drive their car and do donuts around the parking lot. Afterwards we went to the park before getting a late breakfast of pancakes in the town. I then went back to Shelby’s house to get my things before the whole family brought me out to the airport to say goodbye. We met with the group and checked in before saying goodbye to our new friends, it was bitter sweet as though we were sad to leave them, we knew we would be introducing them to our own country in 3 days by bringing them to the Longitude festival in Marley Park! By Caroline Kane 16