Dec 2011 - Oaklands Community College Edenderry

Issue 11 • December 2011
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL…
It has been a very busy start to the school year. Our enrolment has increased significantly and as a result of this, a major
extension to the school has been sanctioned by the Department of Education and Science.
We introduced Transition Year and this has been a great success, not only for the school but for the extended community
as well. Our Open Day is on Tuesday, 31st January when our school will be open to all pupils, this will be followed by
our Open Evening (7-9pm) when the school will be open to all parents of 6th class pupils. I would like to advise any
parent that intends sending a Son/Daughter to Oaklands next year to contact the school immediately for an enrolment
form in order to secure a place for 2012-2013.
I would like to thank all Parents/Guardians for your continued support in all aspects of school life.
FIRST YEAR TRIP
TO KILFINANE, CO.
LIMERICK
First Year students from Oaklands Community
College recently participated in a very successful
overnight trip to Kilfinane Outdoor Pursuit Centre,
Co. Limerick, accompanied by Ms. O’ Shea, Ms. Fahy
and Mr. Quinn. This trip forms part of the First Year
Induction Programme and is eagerly awaited each
year. Students participated in many team building
activities such as orienteering though woodland
and mountainside, mountain climbing up one of the
highest peaks of the Ballyouras, rock climbing and
different team challenges. One of the main highlights
of the trip was kayaking on Lough Gur, which is also
a renowned historical site of international importance
with its stone circles and ancient crannogs which
attracts visitors from all over the world. The
enthusiasm and exemplary behaviour of the students
was evidence of a very successful trip by all.
LINK MODULES
ENTERPRISE ACTIVITIES
As part of Link Modules, students undertake
to organise an enterprise activity. 6th Years
ran an extremely successful Student Versus
Teacher soccer match. Despite excellent
refereeing by Mr. Quinn, the students won
4-3 on a nail biting penalty shootout.
On October 28th, 6th Years held a WAX &
SHAVE event. Nineteen students and six
teachers volunteered to have legs wax or
Gerry Connolly
G. Connolly - Principal
Pictured is Mathew O’Connor getting his legs
waxed.
heads shaved. This was a great fun event with many ‘volunteer’ waxers getting involved.
OAKLAND’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHOIR
Preparations are well
under way for the
Christmas season with
the traditional songs
such as Silent night and
Jingle Bells taking pride of
place on our ever growing
repertoire. This year we
have introduced backing
tracks to the choir to make our students sound even more fantastic!!
We will be taking part in the annual Community Carol Service in St. Mary’s Church on 15th of
December with our own unique interpretation of Mary’s boy child. Hope to see you all there.
BADMINTON FINAL
WINNERS
L-R Ms Young(Organiser) Anthony Cullen and Shane O Grady,
Ms Keane (Organiser)
Sr. Senan Avenue, Edenderry, Co. Offaly. T: 046 9731573/9732118 F: 046 9731439 W: www.oaklandscc.ie

L.C.A. ACTIVITIES
RUGBY THRIVING IN OAKLANDS
For the first time ever in the history of Edenderry, Oaklands Community
College have introduced full contact rugby to the school. In partnership
with Edenderry RFC, the boys of first and second year took to the field for
their first match on the 7th December. Coach Patsy Gorman expressed how
impressed he was with their first game explaining that they played ‘stylish
rugby’. The future is looking bright for the Oakland’s rugby team.
Oaklands Community College
The 5th and 6th year LCA year group are very busy since September. The 5th year LCA year group
attended an LCA induction day in Birr Outdoor Education Centre. They also visited Kilmanham Jail
with Ms Moriarty.
6th Year LCA group completed a craft workshop in Birr Outdoor Education Centre and are currently
attending a Model Workshop with Michael Morris. Both the 5th and 6th year LCA year group got
involved with the Wax and Shave for Charity and they actively participated in the organisation of Bill
Cullen’s visit to Oaklands’s Community College.
GREEN SCHOOLS
On Friday October 7th Oaklands Community College Edenderry celebrated
the raising of their Green Flag for Energy Conservation in the School.
Coordinator of the Green Schools Programme at the School, Ms. Young,
was very thankful to all parties involved in making the day possible. 47
members on the committee have worked very hard in the last two years
raising awareness that simple actions can cut down energy consumption
substantially. They wanted to help students and the wider community
understand that conserving energy is vital in order to help protect our
environment from the impacts if climate change and to show students the
link between energy consumption and financial cost-and how it impacts on
home as well as school life. Brian Cronin 3rd Year, Michelle Beegan, 3rd Year
and John Foley (guest) had the pleasure of raising the flag at the front of
the school.
JCSP NEWS
Well done to all 1st years who took part in word millionaire. This
involved reading enough books to reach a million words. The books
varied from history to fiction and drama. All students were awarded
for their hard work and participation.
JCSP students have just completed their paired reading initiative. With
the help of the TY students they read a variety of books every week.
Both 1st years and Ty students will be awarded with a certificate for all
their hard work. A special thank you to all T.Y. students who took part.
The JCSP department have recently purchased MP3 players to begin
a new literacy programme. A variety of books have been uploaded
onto all MP3 players. Students are enabled to listen to the book whilst
reading along with it. This will be a fantastic way for students to
enhance their vocabulary and work with modern technology.
OAKLANDS STUDENTS
SUPPORT SHOE BOX APPEAL
Twenty eight students from Oaklands College volunteered to
participate in “Team Hopes” Christmas shoe box appeal. They filled
their shoe box with toys, clothes, stationary and sweet gifts. The
efforts of the Oaklands students means that some of the two million
needy children in countries in eastern Europe, the former soviet
union and Africa will receive these donations.
Teacher involved Ms Young expressed a big thank you to all the
parents and students that got involved with the appeal.
New Staff to our
School 2011/2012
L to R: Ms C. Donohoe, Ms M.
McDaid, Ms S. Spollen and Ms
M Strong.
James Reilly and
Nicole Cooney
pictured with
Bill Cullen after
his motivational
speech to students
at Oakfield
Community College
Transition Year students prepare some crepes
to celebrate European Languages Day, 26th
September 2011
Sr. Senan Avenue, Edenderry, Co. Offaly. T: 046 9731573/9732118 F: 046 9731439 W: www.oaklandscc.ie