Please click on the button below for a summary letter about last term’s activities:
A LETTER TO PARENTS
Click on the button below:
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
I am writing to you to inform you of the upcoming events due to take place in Transition Year in the last term.
TY School Musical
This year's TY show will be ‘Hi School’ Musical. This upbeat musical comedy is a firm favourite with all age groups. There are many well-loved songs and it is peopled with colourful characters, who despite being larger than life, also contain a hint of the people we all came across in our own school days. This year's group have excelled in their commitment to this creative project and their hard work will be fully on display in the high standard of song, dance, and visual treats the audience will get to experience. The show will take place in SCS at 7.30pm on Thurs 9th, Fri 10th & Sat 11th March. Tickets are available from cast members, the school office and Cathal O’ Donovan’s Bookshop. Ticket will also be available on the night. Come along for an evening of fantastic entertainment. The ticket price is as follows: €10 for one ticket, €30 for a family ticket.
Tickets for our raffle will be on sale each night. At the moment we are sourcing some great prizes for the raffles. If you have any unwanted gifts at home (e.g. toiletry sets, boxes chocolates/biscuits, gift vouchers) that you would like to donate to our raffle, we would very much appreciate it. Tickets will cost €2 per strip, € 5 for three strips.
End of Year Portfolio and Interview
As part of the Certification process, each TY student is required to complete a TY Portfolio. Each student is required to submit a minimum of six items: one voluntary activity, 6 tests, 2 projects, 2 TY specific events, CV and career investigations. There are also compulsory elements to this portfolio which certain subject teachers have requested the students to submit. All students have received this information and the Closing date for submission of the portfolio is on or before Friday April 28th. Following the submission of the portfolio, students will be given a five-minute interview on their overall experiences of T.Y.
TY mini-Company
Business ideas were brainstormed & generated! Market research was conducted Christine Duggan from the student enterprise programme has been very supportive as usual with advice and support. Prototypes were produced, marketing was carried out both inside and outside of the school to generate sales.
Students set up impressive stands and presented their products at the open night on December 8th where demand for their creative and unique products was high. Full production followed and the enterprises were very busy satisfying their customers.
The Regional Finals of the Student Enterprise Programme is on Monday next the 6th of March in The Celtic Ross Hotel where the top four enterprises will compete against other schools in the west Cork region. We felt the fairest way to make this selection was to hold our own enterprise competition within Skibbereen Community School where each company was interviewed by two judges, Mr John Dullea and Ms Anne Hayes. We are very grateful to these teachers for giving up their time to come to our class and for the advise they have given to the companies. This was a difficult task but CES Beads, Jella Smile, MC Grass Measuring and Listarkin Glass are the four companies representing SCS on Monday next at the Regional Finals of the Student Enterprise Competition 2023. Preparations are well under way as each group has submitted their report and are working on their display boards for Monday next so we wish them all the best.
Work Experience
Students completed their second week of work experience the week beginning Monday 20th
This week has again given them a fantastic insight into the world of work and what the day-to-day life within their chosen career taster looks like.
Social Placement
Social placement week will run from Monday 17th- Friday 21st of April. During this week students will embark on helping or working within the community in various charity organisations, care settings, primary schools, preschools, creche, Library, Cope, CoAction, clubs or community projects which contribute to the health and wellbeing of the local Skibbereen and wider West Cork community. Each student will be required to select two preferences for social placement. We will endeavour to place your son/daughter in a placement of their choice. However, this may not be possible but, we would hope in that case to allocate them their second preference.
Each student will be given details of their allocated placement over the coming weeks. For those of you involved in voluntary organisations and would like the assistance of some of the Transition Year students during this week, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the school on 028 51172 or grettaburchill@skibbereencommunityschool.ie, conoruhl@skibbereencommunityschool.ie,
Karen Weekes Talk on Resilience and Positive Mindset
Karen who is a lecturer in MTU was the first Irish Women to undertake the mammoth adventure of crossing the Atlantic in a rowing board. Her experience and display of resilience and positive mindset is something that can only empower and inspire our TY students here in SCS. Hopefully this story encourages them to dream big
Ocean Plastic project
A number of our TY students carried out two days of plastic collection on some of our local beaches. This fantastic project opens our young generations eyes to the amount of waste we are producing and what harm it doing to our beautiful local environment. Their example is one we should all follow. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Outdoor Pursuits activities
Outdoor pursuits will kick off again onThursday March 30th., with a choice between a 46km cycle from Waterford to Dungarvan along the beautiful Waterford Greenway or testing their love of heights while rock climbing at Awesome Walls in Bishopstown..
On April 24th the TY group will have a choice between Team building activities in West Cork Secrets and Sailing in picturesque Glandore.
Finally on May 11th this year's TY outdoor pursuits adventures will conclude with two water activity options. Surfing in Inchydoney or Kayaking in Schull.
TY RCSI Mini Med
The RCSI Transition Year MiniMed programme takes place annually in RCSI and offers transition year students an excellent opportunity to gain experience of what it is like to train and work as a healthcare professional. The programme consists of lectures, practical’s and real-life surgeries via video link to the operating theatre, all of which are carried out by leading professionals in their respective areas.
This year we have split the programme into three distinct areas MiniMed, MiniPharm, MiniPhysio.
Programme 1: RCSI Transition Year MiniMed – 27 February-1 March, online programme only
Programme 2: RCSI Transition Year MiniPharm – 2 March 2023, online programme only
Programme 3: RCSI Transition Year MiniPhysio – 3 March 2023, online programme only
12 TY students registered for this programme and found it to be a wonderful experience. Well done to all involved
Attendance and End of Year assessments
Lots of events and activities going on in our busy TY programme at this time of the year. Certain students are involved in some and not in others but please be reminded that 18 out of the 28 weekly classes are academic based and will continue to cover material important to their senior cycle subjects in 5th and 6th year, so full attendance is as important as ever. Class summer tests will commence in May to assess students' academic progress throughout their TY year.
Fees outstanding
The Transition Year fee of €130 is now overdue. This payment includes TY Journal, 24-hour school insurance, software licensing, locker rental, photocopying, communications and TY module instructors.
This payment can be made using our online payment system available through the school website or by paying at the school office. Payment of outstanding fees is essential to secure places on the planned TY trips.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the school.
Yours faithfully,
Conor Uhl/ Gretta Burchill
Hi all,
TY Reminders
Please fill in the TY Journal.
Fill in page 33, 59, homework and reflection pages, Compulsory modules rotation 1 & 2
Please write in homework or the topic being studied for each subject each day.
Please fill your work placement summary sheet for your February work experience week Feb 20 - 24. This should be handed in by Jan 27 at assembly or G85.
Private TY BALL Function
We wish those TY students who are attending a TY Ball in Springfort Hall, Mallow on the 10th of Feb a very enjoyable night but we wish to inform all students and parents/guardians that this is a private function organised by students in conjunction with an events company. SCS has no role in organising this Ball and as a result bear no responsibility for the organisation, venue, travel, cost, supervision, insurance etc.
Upcycling of bikes on Thursday 26/1/2023 9:30 - 1:00pm.
The following students have permission to go only
Adam Stratfold
Peter O' Mahony
Joshua Goddard
Thomas Mitchel Ahearn
Deacon Scrooby
Andrew Scannell
Luke Dennehy
E Scooter workshop available to TY Students for €15, please ask the students that went today what it was like and
then decide if you wish to sign up for the E Scooter wookshop. it is not free. Depending on student interest I will then book a date.
To The Musical cast,
It is of the utmost importance to be available for in school and after school rehearsal. Dedication, commitment and hard work are required right now.
I would like to congratulate Ava Scarlett on her Display award at the BT Young Scientist competition and wish the best of luck
to Catherine O' Callaghan, Kate Connolly and Stephen Kingston on the next round of the Angus Beef Competition in limerick.
I would like to hear from students who have completed the TY leadership programme in Rotation 1 & 2 with Ms McCarthy.
I need one student from each class group to gather student ideas for upcoming outdoor pursuit trips
Thank you
Ms Burchill TY Coordinator
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I would like to bring the following TY Information to your attention.
· The Go Karting trip to Watergrasshill takes place on the 11th of November. The cost of the trip is €61, a deposit was paid already, please bring the completed Parent consent form and balance payment on Monday 7/11/2022. The Parent consent form is attached to this email.
· Code Like a Girl takes place in the school (F45) on the 14th, 15th, 16th of November.
· Teen Talk 2022 - Cork County Council & Healthy Ireland are delighted to announce that following the success of previous year’s Teen Talk events, another event has been scheduled for Tuesday 22nd November 2022.
This will be held both In Person (Limited places available) and also Live Streamed Online to schools.
Details
· Tuesday 22nd November 2022
· For Transition Year (TY) Students only
· Radisson Hotel, Little Island. (Limited Places Available, Only 20 attendees per school incl Teachers)
· 10am – 12.30pm
· Also Live Streamed to all Schools
· With MC Anna Geary
This is a Health & Wellbeing with a particular focus on Mental Health. To get a taste of previous in person event, here is a promotional video https://youtu.be/L12rj8KYZcc
IF you would like to attend the Teen Talk 2022 at the Radisson Hotel, Little Island please email me to register for the trip.
A Trip has been organised for the Food & Hospitality classes to attend Cork & Ice in Fota and the Marina Market. Further details will follow form the Food & Hospitality teachers.
This Driving Education programme is a fantastic, hands-on learning experience for all students.
Each Student will get a chance to:
· Drive a Vehicle with a Qualified Instructor
· Change Wheels Safely
· Experience ‘Beer Goggles’
· Use Sat Navigation Systems
· Practice Theory Test
· Buying & Taxing a Vehicle
· Green Energy Module
· Road Safety Module
· Basic Mechanics & much more…
The TY Driver ED Programme takes place in SCS on the 5th and 6th of December. The cost is €35 per student.
Please email me if you wish to register for the TY Driver ED programme.
Christmas exams will take place between the 12th and 21st of December 2022
TY RCSI Mini Med programme details are in the TY student emails.
Yours sincerely
Gretta Burchill TYC
Dear TY Student/Parent/Guardian,
This is some updated information for you;
Please assist your son/daughter with their TY work placement taking place from the 24th to the 28th of October. The work placement summary sheet is now due and needs to be handed in to G85 by Monday the 10th of October.
There is a flag day for Mercy hospital Heroes on the 14th of October. I am looking for 20 volunteers. The time required for each student is 1.5 hours.
Upcycling of bikes workshop will begin after Mid Term.
Code Like A Girl is a programme that Vodafone are running which teaches young women the basics in coding. This programme is free and takes place in the school over 3 days( Nov 14, 15, 16). This is a great opportunity to win some fantastic prises and increase their interest in STEM.
TY Driver Education Programme takes place in SCS on the 5th and 6th of December.
The cost of this programme is €35. Further details on the Irish drivers school of excellence website.
Students may now enter the Grainne O'Neill memorial Legal essay competition. details in student emails.
Go karting is rescheduled to Nov 11.
Please click on the button above for details and permission slip for Karting
Notes for absence will be collected in the sports hall on Monday and Thursday and in the canteen area on the other days.
All TY Students are required to fill in page 33, page 59 and have homework and reflection pages filled up to date for next Thursday. An email will issue on Wednesday listing the 30 TY Journal required on that Thursday. The TY Journals will be collected at English time on Thursdays.
TY Royal Surgeons Ireland Mini Medical Programme for TY students Feb 27th, March 3rd.
Kind regards
Ms. Gretta Burchill,
TY Coordinator.
P.S All this information has been sent to your son/daughter’s school email address.
Congratulations to TY student Cian Collins on winning a silver medal at the kickboxing world cup in Hungary recently.
Well done on a fabulous achievement.
4th Year Art work completed during lockdown is presently on display on the Uillinn website.
Title: Marks of Place.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We were delighted to welcome our TY students back into the building last week. It’s been a challenging year for everyone and we are determined to make the last term count.
ACTIVITIES
All activities that were in place before lockdown are now up and running. Surfing, kayaking and sailing will continue on April 29th, May 6th and May 13th. Dorothy O Tuama who runs the school tours of Macroom Buffalo Mozarella Farm in Macroom is visiting our Food & Hospitality TY Class on Wednesday 28/4/21. The practical element of the Driver Education programme will take place on site at SCS on the 10th of May. This will involve driving a dual control car. “Mean Girls” the Musicial is near completion. The team of set designers, musicians and actors are frantically making the final preparations. The Ocean Plastics Project group are back cleaning the coastline and collected over 20 bags of rubbish from one section last week. 6 TY students visited the Skibbereen Community Garden and used their engineering skills to improve the structures there under the guidance of the West Cork Development Partnership.
On Wednesday, May 5th (approx. 9.30 am to 12.30 pm) IBEC have offered to host an virtual event through a world-class 3D event platform. The aim is to provide all TY students across Ireland with insights about their future opportunities and different pathways.
FEES
As you can imagine, operating a TY programme is an expensive and arduous task, with unavoidable costs such as Module Instructors, transport costs, classroom materials, Microsoft Teams licensing, communications, Student Personal Accident Insurance, TY student Journal, Careers Portal licence/handbook. The school has made every effort to keep the TY fees to a minimum this year due to the disruption of Covid. Transition Year students doing Outdoor Pursuits are required to pay the sum of €200.00 (includes the annual school registration fee of 70euro) towards the TY Programme Costs for this year. Transition year Students doing PE only are required to pay the sum of €100.00 (includes the annual school registration fee of 70euro) towards the TY Programme Costs. We appreciate that this is a difficult time for families and these fees can be paid in full or in a number of instalments.
We would appreciate if payment/instalments could be submitted on or before Monday 10th of May 2021.
Easy Payments Plus – SCS online payment system:
The Transition Year costs can be paid using our online payment system.
The method for using this payment system is as follows:
Step 1: Log into www.skibbereencommunityschool.ie.
Step 2: Click on Pay Now Easy Payments Plus
Step 3: Login
Step 4: Click on Activate to set up an account
Step 5: Enter your mobile number and Surname
Step 6: An activation code will be sent to your mobile phone
Step 7: Use this code on the next screen to activate your account.
If you have any queries regarding the TY fees, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the school or on grettaburchill@skibbereencommunityschool.ie.
END OF YEAR ARRANGEMENTS
There will be no end of year Exam Hall examinations for Transition Year students due to covid restrictions. However, teachers will be giving important class tests over a two week period from May 10th to 21st. It is imperative that your son/daughter attend for these tests as they have implications for subject levels in 5th year.
Each TY student must also submit a portfolio for certification. Your son/daughter has been briefied on its specifications.
Friday, May 21st is the final day of school for TY students.
I want to thankyou for your continued support and please encouage your son/daughter to get involved as much as possible.
Regards,
Ms. Gretta Burchill,
TY Co-ordinator.
To all students of Transition Year,
Please read the details below about an upcoming webinar.
Introduction in to medicine for secondary school students.
webinar hosted by TCD medicine students.
The webinar will take place on the 19th of March at 7:00pm, 1.5 hours , Q & A at the end.
It will cost €5.00 all of which will go to hospitals in developing countries.
kind regards,
Ms Burchill.
Click on the button below for more details:
Subject: IWISH Thursday 4th March 2.00-3.30pm
Any female students interested in attending IWISH this Thursday 4th March from 2.00-3.30pm, please send your name to Ms Ronan or Ms Burchill asap.
IWish is a fantastic event for any female students interested in learning more about STEM - Science Technology, Engineering & Maths.
Places are limited for the event and participation is free.
Here is short video to give you an idea of what IWISH was like last year
youtu.be
List of Speakers for 2021 event - see the following link
https://www.iwish.ie/speakers/
Mary Robinson- Former President of Ireland, Adjunct Professor for Climate Justice Trinity College Dublin and Chair of The Elders. Mary Robinson served as Pres ident of Ireland from 1990-1997 and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. She is a member of the Club of Madrid and the recipient of numerous honours and awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the ...
www.iwish.ie
A link will be forwarded to interested students before thursday
RCSI Mini Medical & Mini Health Sciences 2021
RCSI Mini Medical & Mini Health Sciences 2021 programme, which will take place from the 22 – 26 February. This programme will encompass elements of the three schools of Medicine, Pharmacy & Physiotherapy.
This programme will be virtual, therefore there will not be a limit on spaces & all Transition Year students who register can attend. While the event is online, attendees will not be required to turn on their cameras. Please share the below link with your students as they will need to register themselves directly & we will be in touch with those students in early February with further details.
Registration will close on 12 February 2021.
https://rcsi.eventsair.com/rcsi-mini-medical-sciences-2021/minimed-2021/Site/Register
Check your emails for Tyndal CAPPA TY programme, Driver Education workshop link for Thursday 21/1/21 at 1:45 and the Story of stuff competition.
Houses of the Oireachtas Work Experience Programme Application
Marking Scheme 50 marks There is a limit of 400 words (+/-10%).
Does the applicant set out clearly what motivates them to join this programme (5 marks)
Have they set out what benefits they hope to gain from this programme? (5 marks)
Have they shown how this programme fits in with future study/career plans (5marks)
Have they identified a relevant research area in relation to the work of the Houses of the Oireachtas and explained why it is of interest to them (20 marks)
Have they shown evidence of research into this area (15 marks)
Can TY students check their school email straight away for details about the Driver Education Programme and the TY Mini Med Programme.
Transition Year Update
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
The Transition Year Programme is now up and running and I am writing to inform you of the academic and TY specific parts of the programme.
Compulsory modules Class 7 & 8 Monday
Each student will study the following modules for a double class for 5/6 weeks in rotation;
Health Education, First Aid, Cookery, Digital Media Literacy, Driver Theory Test preparation.
Health Education-mindfulness, positive psychology and mind set, physical health, resilience, self-care and self-esteem.
Vocational Module: Class 4,5 & 6 Wednesday
Each student is required to choose one Vocational module to study for a triple class per week for the full school year. At this stage, your son/daughter has chosen their Vocational module. These include Farming, Woodcraft, Food & Hospitality, Applied Art, Coding and Sports Administration & LGFA Future leaders.
Activity Modules: Class 1,2,3 & 4 Thursday
Students who selected Outdoor Pursuits have a schedule of events for 27 Thursday (Surfing, Kayaking, Sailing, Water Safety, Hill Safety, Orienteering, Pitch & Putt, Sport Science, Local walks, Team Challenges, Training programme, Cycle Event and a Hike) from 9:00 to 11:50 AM. Students who selected Mini-Co or Musical have a double class from 9:00 – 10:20 AM followed by a double PE 10:30 – 11:50AM
Optional Leaving Cert subjects:
Students will study six optional Leaving Cert subjects in total. These subjects are taught for 3 classes per week for the full school year. At the end of TY, students will then choose four of these subjects, to study for their Leaving Cert. It is an important opportunity to try different subjects and make an informed subject choice for senior cycle.
Work Experience
The first week of Work Experience is scheduled for Nov 2nd – 6th. The next week of Work Experience is scheduled for Feb 22nd – 26th. Garda Vetting is needed for work experience in primary schools or play schools, council offices, etc. Students should collect these forms In G85 to allow time for the Garda Vetting process to be completed. The forms and paper work
to support work experience will be given to students over the next week.
Finance
The Transition Year fee is currently under review and you will be informed of the amount over the coming days.
New Exciting opportunities at SCS
Driver Education Programme. See website irishsoe.com/courses.
This is great value for money as we got a 50% discount ie cost is €25.00 per student. Each student gets the opportunity to:
· Drive a Vehicle with a qualified instructor
· Change wheels safely
· Experience ‘Beer Goggles
· Use Sat Navigation Systems
· Practice Theory Test
· Buying and Taxing a Vehicle
· Green Energy Module
· Road Safety Module
· Basic Mechanics
4 Zoom virtual classes at 1.5 hours followed by an onsite practical driving campus.
Dates of the course: Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23.
Parent Action: If you would like your son/daughter to participate in this programme, please go to the online payments section and pay €25.00 for the Driver Education Programme, by Thursday 24th of September. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. 24 Spaces available. I will take the payment as parent permission granted for this course.
‘Make That Course’ See website makethatcourse.com.
‘Make That Course’ is a 30-hour Programme which allows students to create their own online course. Make That Course is a group of three courses, there are 10 steps in each course with student tasks and explainer videos. Is there some skill or hobby that your son/daughter is really good at, that could help other people to learn this particular skill or solve a problem?
That’s what this platform is designed for, to help students think of a good idea, build an online course, and publish their course online in Academy.com
Parent Action: If you would like your son/daughter to participate in ‘Make That Course’, please go to the online payments section and pay €25.00 for the ‘Makethatcourse’ Programme, by Monday 28th of September. The Students will have access to the Platform until August 2021.
Communication
Thank you
Finally, a very big thank you for your support and patience while we were in the process of getting the TY programme up and running. Students will receive information in Tutorial class, Office 365 email and the school App. Parents will receive information in the TY News and
Events part of the school website and on the new school App.
If you have any queries regarding the TY programme, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the school number 028 51172 or grettaburchill@skibbereencommunityschool.ie.
Kind Regards,
Ms. Gretta Burchill
Programme Coordinator
Many thanks to Connie, Dylan, Jamie, Jack, Isaac, Eoin, Fiachra and Felim for volunteering to pick daffodils today in Castlehaven to support the upcoming Irsh Cancer Society’s “Daffodil Day”. Many thanks to Mr.Chris O Brien for accompanying the lads and Mrs. Sheila Carroll for organizing.
Our winning TY Company “Be- Light” and their Business Teacher, Ms. Mary O Donovan were invited to “The Women in Business Event” organised by the West Cork Enterprise Board today. The school are very grateful to the Board for their support and the chance to showcase our Mini Company’s Business Plan.
Congratulations to our TY Mini Company “Bee-Bright” and their teacher Ms. Mary O Donovan who have just won the West Cork Enterprise Board’s TY Mini Company Regional Competition in the Celtic Ross Hotel today. They fought off stiff competition from 22 other West Cork Teams to qualify for the County Finals in County Hall on March 24th. This merged company is made up DIWines which produced a lights in a wine bottle display and “Boat Bright” which produced a safety light for rowing boats. The common factor was a “light” product which the judges acknowledged. This is a fantastic achievement and well done to all involved.