CHRISTMAS TY NEWSLETTER
November/December2024
Whatwegotupto
Onceagainthisactionpacked termwasonefullofactivities andopportunitiesforeveryone totakepartin.
With these activities ranging from the barista course and theecologytriptoselfdefence andworkexperience,therewas something for everyone this term
CreditstoCiaraO’Farrell, EmmaMalacalza,EvaCarey, CaoimheTucker,RuthieWilkinson, BethSherwin,EmilyRoche, PatCarey,MichaelHampson, DavidHarmon,AlbertBernon, LilyO’SullivanandKateMerrigan.
SelfDefence
November/December 2024
ThebestactivitythistermhasgottobetheSelfDefenceCourserunby DarraghfromFocusMartialArts.Theentireyearsuccessfullycompleted the level one self defence course To complete this we had to take part in an assessment of all the skills we learnt throughout the activity. Over theweekDaraghtaughtusdifferentskillsandtechniquesifyouneeded to defend yourself. Daragh always said that fighting and using self defencewasalastresortandfirstyoushouldalwaystrytodefuseorget outofthesituation.
Whatwegotupto
We practiced these techniques and strikes on pads and on each other. This was a lot of fun but also very tiring. We startedwithsimplemovesandstrikeslike, palms, elbows, knees, and kicks. We also learned blocks and counter moves to incoming strikes. Daragh taught us how to get off the ground and how to defend ourselves while on the ground Another activity we did was wrestling against one another. This was so tiring but not comparedtotheassessment.
Tocompletethiscoursewe hadtodoafiveminutetest ofendurance,strengthand technique. This test consisted of doing a certain strike for thirty seconds, then running to the wall and back, doing either push ups, squats or burpees and repeating nonstop for five minutes Doesn’t sound like a long time but when you are doing it, it does. Everyone was wrecked by the end of it but thankfully the effort was worth it because everyonepassed.
EcologyTrip
On the 12th of November 2024, our year group went on an Ecology Trip to Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park in Co Kildare for an entire schoolday
This was originally for the biology classes until we realised it would benefit the whole year so thistripbecameopentoeveryone. Wehadtheexperienceoftakinganecological surveyofameasuredarea,thiswasnotnewto us as we had previously done experiments in school. We were given handouts and had to identifythedifferentspeciesoffloraandtakea reading from the forest’s soil. This was a very engagingexperiment
Throughout the trip we learnt a lot of things about using tools to measure biodiversity to understandconservation.Theexperiencegave us all a better understanding of how scientists studyecosystems Weweretaughthowtouse a soil meter (to measure pH, temperature and moisture levels of the soil), a Lux meter (measure the luminous intensity of the sun) and a quadrant, which we used to conduct a ‘Quantitative Study of Flora and Fauna’ by puttinginrandomlocationsinthearea
We were also taught about the different types of ‘animal collection equipment’ used to identify different species of fauna in the area in a ‘Quantitative Study’, such as a cryptozoologytrap(abigwoodenlidplaced on the ground to simulate a dark and damp environment in order to attract various species of fauna) and a Pooter (a cup with two straws, one used for sucking (and has a filter) and the other used for collection, that are used when an insect needs to be This was a super whole year activity Thanks to MsBradyfororganisingit.
BarristaCourse
November/December2024
ThisNovember,aspartoftheoptionalextracurricularactivities,Transition Year students had the opportunity to take part in the one day barista workshop Thiswasthehighlightofthemonthformanyasthecoursewas veryinteractive,educationalandenjoyableatthesametime
Theworkshopconsistedoflearningthebasicsofthemachines,producing the ideal espresso, heating and aerating the milk and working in a mock up coffee shop where we learned how to work together under time pressurewhileservingourclassmatesandteachers Firstly,wewereinstructedstepbystephowtopreparethemachineunder supervision. Everybody got multiple turns and eventually, once we were ready,wemovedontoproducingtheespressoandcalibratingtheperfect coarsenessandtasteofthecoffee.
After this, we were shown how to aerate the milk for drinks like hot chocolate, mocha, latte and the cappuccino and briefly learned how to pourthemilktocreatedesignsaspartoflatteart. Lastlywewereallassigneddifferentrolesandgivenorderstothenserveto our “customers” - in other words our classmates and friends and their teachersinneedofacoffee
In order to complete the course and receive the certificate, we were required to complete a three hour theory course followed by quiz questions Overall it was really a great experience enjoyed both by studentsandteacherswhobenefittedfromthefreecoffees
SVPHamperPackingandDropOff
On Monday, December 16th , our Transition Year group worked together alongside some Fifth Year students to pack hampers to help people in less fortunate situations during the Christmas season. These well stocked hampers included items such as food and sanitary products
WestartedthedayoffbylisteningtosomeguestspeakerswhoworkedforSaintVincentde Paul. They told us some more about their organisation and how all of our help and donationshaveapositiveeffectonthecommunity.
Afterwards,weheadeddowntotheSportsHallandweresplitintogroupsandgivenlistsof itemsthatneededtobesortedandpackedintothehampers.Saidproductswerescattered around the hall so we had to take roughly 25 of each and bring them to our packing stations
Makingthehamperstookalotofeffortasitwasimportanttomakesurethateachbaghad thesameamountofitemsineach.Thiswastoensurethatnoonewasleftwithoutacertain product.
Thehamperswerethenstoredinthechangingrooms,readytobedelivered Afterourhard work, we received hot chocolate in the Dining Hall as a reward for our efforts Later in the day, a number of parents arrived who had offered to transport the students in order to deliverthehampers.Wecollectedsixhamperseachfromthechangingroomsandloaded themintothecarstobedroppedoff.Allthecarshadsixhousestodeliverthehampersto, someevenincludingtoybags
Visiting these houses was an eye-opening experience as it made us realise how lucky we are as we saw how grateful people were to receive the hampers. Doing charity work for Saint Vincent de Paul was a really great chance for our year group to work together with FifthYearstowardsagreatcausewhichhelpspeoplegetb d i th b d ive Christmasseason
SVPLetterDropOffInterview withCocobelleManning
What is SVP? It's a voluntary organization that deals with tackling poverty through supporting family or lovedones
What is the Letter Drop Off? The letter drop is a groupofpeoplevolunteeringtheirtimetomailletters to certain areas. They are looking for support in any shape or form throughout the holidays which can be avulnerabletimeformanypeople
Why did you put yourself forward? I wanted to sign up for the letter drop because I felt I was actually doingthecharityworkmyselfandnotleavingitupto somebody else. I thought this would be very fulfilling, sowhenIheardaboutititwasdefinitelysomethingI wanted to be involved in I believe this was much more beneficial because I got to experience it first hand.
Sodidyoufeellikeyoubenefitedfromit?Yes,IthinkI got a huge benefit out of being able to help others, and when I went home that evening I felt extremely lucky
On Friday, 8th of November, the first home economics trip oftheyeartookplace.
The group was made up of our Fourth Year Home EconomicsclassandtheFifthYearHomeEconomicsclass InGino’swelearnthowgelatowasmade.Wewereshown what ingredients are used for making gelato. Most of the fourth years already had some experience making gelato as we made gelato during our time in Rome in Second Year We made a multitude of flavours including bubblegum,chocolateandstrawberrygelato.
HomeEconomicsTours
After Gino’s we got on the bus and made our way to NewtownMtKennedytogototheWicklowWolfBrewery.
Inside we got to see the whole platform from a viewing area Quincy, the creator and co-founder of Wicklow Wolf began to tell us how their beer is created. He also taught us about different kinds of beer and what is needed to makebeer.
After the lesson we made our way downstairs to the pizza van where we got pizza for lunch A huge thank you to Ms O’Connellforarrangingthissuperopportunity.
The Home Economics class took a trip to the Butlers ChocolateFactoryonthe9thofDecember
Upon arrival we were given a white chocolatier coat and taken on a tour. We then walked into the chocolatefactoryfromaviewingpoint.Wewereable toseethewholefactoryatwork.Wecouldseeallthe different stages of production. The moulding of the chocolate to the decoration We got to learn about thehistoryofchocolateanditwasveryinterestingto seethattheeastereggswerealreadyinthemaking. Wethenmovedontodecoratingourownchocolate Santas.Weweregivenabowlofwhitechocolateand achocolateSantaeachtodecorate Itwassomuch funandabitchaotic Itwassuchaninterestingexperience,throughoutour chocolate making we were shown how different mouldsandmethodscanaffecttheendproduct.We were shown the machine that helps mould the chocolateandeveryonewasshockedtolearnthatit would take up to 2 hours at least to make before cooling. Everyone had such a great time and were verygratefulforMs.O’Connellforbringingus.
GamblingTalk
On the 11th of November our year attended Tony O’Reilly’s speech on his struggles with gambling.InthistalkTonywentthroughwhathisaddictioncausedhimtodo.
Tony told us about how gambling separated him from his family and friends, this was duetohimbeingseverelyaddictedtothefeelingofgambling.Thiswasaveryimportant partinTony'sstoryasitforcedhimtocomeoutabouthisissues.Thistaughtusthevery importantlessonofseekinghelpwhenyouneedit.
Tonywasusingthisaddictionasagetawayfromrealityandthismadehimdothingshe must not have been proud of, such as stealing over 14 million euros from his post office that he was the owner of. Once he was convicted of this he was placed in the Midlands Prison This was significant because months prior to this our year visited the Midlands PrisonandthismadeuspictureTonyinconfinementwithmanyotherinmates. AfterhearingthisdevastatingstoryfromTony,itencouragedmetodomyownresearch which taught me that It is estimated that around 1-2% of the population experiences some form of gambling addiction. However, the stigma surrounding it makes many individualsreluctanttoseekhelp AlthoughthisheartfeltspeechfromTonyinspiredmeto come out with any problems. This shows the importance of Tonys work and what he is doingtohelpothersnotmakethesamemistakesashedid. In conclusion, Tony's speech inspired us to speak up about any problems and to break throughthebarrierthatpeoplehavetospeakabouttheirproblems
ShoeboxAppeal
This term a large group of TY students organisedashoeboxappealforthechildren of Eastern Europe who are struggling this Christmas as part of their YSI module. “We were all really happy with the number of shoeboxes everyone brought in and hope they make lots of children happy” Darragh Kelly commented Thanks to Ms Ní FhéinneadhaandMsBuckley
ChristmasCarols
On Friday 13th of December, a group of girls and boys from the choir went and sang ChristmasCarolstotheelderlyatTheDargle ValleyNursinghome.
When asked about the experience Hannah, one of the pupils who went carolling said “It was really enjoyable, it was nice to see how happywemadetheresidents”Itwasareally funexperience.Wereallylovedit
FocusIrelandTalk
At the beginning of October this year, I and a groupofmypeerstookpartinafundraisingsleep out for Focus Ireland. In total we raised the astonishingamountofjustover€17,200!
On the 18th of December, we had a lovely lady named Grace come to St Gerard’s so we could presenttoherthecheque.Italsomeantshecould explain to the rest our year what it was that our money went towards and a little bit about the charityandthepositiveimpactourhelphashad.
Caoimhe and I met Grace at the front office and introduced her to our year, which was so lovely as it meant we had the chance to talk to her separatelyaboutallthingsFocusIreland.
I’msureIcansaythisonbehalfofallthattookpart in this fundraiser that it was such a pleasure to raise awareness and money for those struggling with homelessness and was such a proud feeling seeinghowappreciatedoureffortswere!!
DignityBags
This month's YSI module class has got up to a lot, but what is most noticeable and important aredefinitelytheDignityBags Dignity Bags are bags filled with hygiene products, clothes, food and water These bags will be going to the homeless which will be supplied by 5 Loaves. A lot went into making thesebagsandIcaughtupwithIsobelBownes from 4A to hear about it. She explained to us whatwentintomakingthesebags.
She firstly emailed the organisation who were more than happy to hear from her. Next, 4A made posters which were then hung up all aroundtheschool.Alongwiththeposters,Isobel made an announcement to each year what suppliestheyweretobringin
Onceeverythingwasdonatedalargergroupof TYs went through each bag sorting it until 5 Loaves arrived with a van to take everything away
Thiswasareallyeyeopeningexperienceandit madeusreflectonhowsmallactionscanreally helppeople.
WorkExperience
LukeRedmond
AkeypartofourTransitionYearcurriculumisourworkexperienceopportunities.Theyhelp provideuswithvaluableinsightintotheworkingworldandhelpusfindoutwhereourkey interestslie.HerewehaveafewinterviewsfromourTY’sonwhichworkexperiencesthey participatedin.
Sowhatdoesthecompanydo?STRATxAIisaninvestmentcompanythatusesAIand machinelearningtomakeinvestmentportfolios.
Whatkindofworkwereyoudoing?Myworkwasalotofcodingforthem.Iwasworkingon aprojecttocreateanLSTM,forpredictingstockreturns
Whatwerethemostdifficultpartsofworkingthere?Theprojectwastoughbecausethere weresomenewconceptsIhadtogetmyheadaroundbutIenjoyeditanywayasthejob involvedalotofmyinterests.Anotherthingthatwasn’treallychallengingbuttiringmore thananythingwerethelongdays.Gettingupatsixinthemorningtotakea2hbustoarrive forthe9-5andthenonlygettinghomeataroundhalfsevenwastoughbutIguessI’llget usedtoitwhenIgetafulltimejob
Whatdidyoulearnfromworkingthere?Idon’tknow,theygavemealotofusefultipsand informationintheindustryofinvestingandcoding,anditreallygavemeanideaofwhat kindofthingswewouldbedoingintheindustry.
Arethereanyinterestingstoriestoshare,orwasitmainlyworkbased?Itwasprettywork based,likelongdays,proper9-5,itwasatoughproject,IwasfamiliarwithLSTMSand someconceptsbutthereweresomethingsIhadtowrapmyheadaround.
Whatskillsdidyoulearnfromthis?Ilearntaboutworkingwithotherpeople,asIhadto integratemycodeintotheirsystem.SoIhadtoworkwiththeteamanditgavemeskillsto workandcollaboratewithothers.ThiswasoneofthemostimportantskillsIlearned.Time managementwasalsoakeypartofthisproject,managingcommutingandtheproject deadlines Ialsolearnedskillsdirectlyrelatedtocoding
Sowhowereyouworkingfor?RPSgroupinCork,whichisan specialisesinmechanical,electrical,structuralandcivilengineering.Thecourseconsisted offivedaysofworkingwiththeirspecificsoftwareusedtoengineerbuildingsandtheir projectsaroundIreland
Whatwerethemostdifficultpartsofworkingthere?Probablythefirstday,learninghow tousethesoftwarecorrectly,itwasquitetechnical.Wewereveryindependentsowewere mainlyworkingbyourselves.
Whatdidyoulearnfromworkingthere?Ilearntaboutthespecificdifferenttypesof engineeringthatIdidn’tknowbefore,andIlearnedthatstructuralengineeringwasmy maininterest,asweengagedinaprojectondesigninganofficeblock Aswell,Ilearnt somepracticalskillsonusingthesoftware
Arethereanyinterestingstoriestoshare?Notreally,itwasmainlyjustworking,butitwas interestingtoworkwithnewpeopleonanexperienceIwouldn’thaveotherwise.
EmmaMalacalza
DefenceForces
I had the incredible opportunity to take part in a work experience programme with the Irish DefenceForcesatCathalBrughaBarracks.BrodieMcNeillalsoattendedthiscoursewithme. Overthecourseoffivedays,Itookpartinavarietyofactivitieswhichwerereallyfun.
On Monday, the first activity we did was a hands on weapons display where we got to hold andlookatthegunsandtryonbulletproofvests Thehighlightofthedaywaswegottogoin thetanks.TofinishoffthedaywegotatourofthebarracksandtheMichaelCollinsMuseum withinthebarracks.
Ontheseconddaywetriedasimulatorwhereweweretorespondtodifferentscenariossuch as somebody forcefully entering the barracks My favourite activity we did during the week was trying on the protective bombs suites which weighed 60kg We also got to drive the machinetheyusetododiffusebombs.Thiswasreallyfuntodoandwepracticedpickingup buckets.
OnWednesdaymorningtheDefenceForceshelicoptercameinandwentreallylownearus.It wasreallyinterestingtoseeandwassoclosetous.Thenextactivitywedidwasdrills.These drillsshoweduswhatsoldiersdoduringcombatandhowtheydealindifferentscenarios To end the day we did physical training which was quite difficult and showed us how fit the soldiershavetobe.
Whatwegotupto
OnThursdaywealltookabustotheCur military training exercise which was urb andsmokegrenadesandgpmgs Thisw tryshootingblankrounds Tofinishtheweektheytoldusaboutcad gotocollegewhilebeinginthedefence the week. Overall it was a fantastic wee muchandmadegreatfriendsoverthew
FilmWorkshop
Oneoftheextracurricularswetookpartinthis yearwasthefilmworkshop Duringthiswegot to learn a lot about the film industry and productionwithEmmetfrom……….
We started off by filming our own five second clip. He made us act out a scene where two girlshadjustgotteninafightandwereabout to head into the principal's office Everyone learnthowtouseandoperatetheequipment He showed us all the different purposes of lighting and how to use the camera and monitors.Wethensetouttoworkonourmain goalforthewastocreateashorttwotothree minutemovie
Overall this workshop was great and it has definitelybeenoneofthebestextracurricular activitiessofarduringthisschoolyear.
On the 25th of October the two TY DCG classes went up to Dublin City for the day on a trip organised by Mr Jolly and MrShelly.
We went on a walking tour around Merrion Square which is a beautiful squaresurroundedbyhistoricGeorgian townhouses; one of the last few true Georgian squares left in Dublin. In the middleofthesquareistheveryfamous Merrion Park which is home to an even more famous statue of the author Oscar Wilde Oscar grew up in Merrion Square. We even walked by the very building.
After a short 10 minute walk we arrived outside the Mansion House which is the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin Dermot, our guide for the day, spoke about the importance the Mansion House had in the early days of the Irish Government as this very building hostedthefirstDáiloftheIrishRepublic
TheCTYIEngineeringcourseinDublinCity Univerity’sGlassneivenCampustookplace overthepastthreemonths.Itookpartinthis coursealongwiththreeotherTYstudents; EvaandPatCareyandDavidHarmon Formeitwasdefinitelyachallengetokeep upwiththelevelofworkthatthefirstyears doingthismodulecomplete,butitwasalso verybeneficial.Wedidtwodifferentstrands ofengineeringthroughoutthecourse.They werematerialsengineeringandelectrical engineering Weallagreethatmaterials engineeringwasharderforus.Thiswas probablybecauseitwasn'tasinteresting andwecouldn'tconcentrateonwhatwe werebeingtaught.
Inthemornings,wehadalecture Formeit wasalwaysmaterialsinthemorningbutthe otherclasses,classAandB,rotatedthrough bothmoduleseachmorning.Thislecture lastedfrom10:00to12:00,andthenwehad anhour'slunch Intheafternoonwehada tutorial,whereweansweredquestions basedonthemorning’slecture.Thelast lectureformewasaboutelectronic engineering.Again,EvaandPat’sclassand DavidandFinn’s,wouldswapanddothe othermodulefromtheonetheydidinthe morning
IfeellikeIgotalotoutoftheDCUCTYI EngineeringcourseandI'mverygladIdidit. ItwasagreatexperienceandIwould recommendittoanyonewhohasthe chancetodoit
While we were coming to the end of the tour we stopped just outside the Stone Masons’ building which is a world wide group that operates out of many important citiesaroundtheworld.Thegroupisamaleonlyclubandiscoveredinmystery. Afteralunchbreak,MsDonovanorganisedforustogoseetheNationalArchaeology MuseumwhichwasveryinterestingtoseetheseancientIrishartefacts Overall, it was a really interesting tour and gave us a much deeper insight into our capitalcityandhugethankstoourteachersfororganising.