June 6th, 2002

GOING TO “CLASS” IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT  EUROSCOLA 2002

We remember the tall, marble columns reaching towards the sky. We were there at last. We waited. Finally, we walked inside, into the European Parliament, right in the heart of Europe. It was one of those experiences where every detail was photographed by memory ensuring that we would never forget what lay before our eyes.

The Parliament Chamber

In the Parliament Chamber we each took a seat which bore the name of the usual M.E.P. occupant. We couldn’t help but gaze in awe. Not only were we sitting in M.E.P. seats but this huge room represented the voice of over 350 million E.U. citizens. It was where hundreds of important decisions were made about E.U. member states and their future and also about us, the citizens of Europe. It reflected 15 nationalities and cultures, and different languages, and it symbolised a common membership of the E.U.

 Euroscola Invitation

The invitation to travel to Strasbourg arose from the school’s proud record of participation in E.U. awareness programmes and competitions. The school has promoted an enormous interest in the European Union, which includes students participating annually in the European Youth Parliament Ireland. Two students, Niamh Kennedy and Caoimhe Ní Raghallaigh got through to the national final of European Youth Parliament Ireland (EYP) in 2000. Caoimhe, having got through to the international final that year, took part in EYP in Oxford. She later participated in Slovenia last July. During Easter last year five students, Johnny Martin, Gavin Leahy, David Collins, Anna Kennedy and Maria McCarthy got through to the national final of EYP. In April 2001 three Fifth Year students, Bobby Noonan, Orla Vallence and Sheila Ryan travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels to receive an award, and last September Patrick Ryan’s prize was a four-day visit to Belgium which included visiting the European Parliament in Brussels.

Our invitation to Euroscola was financially sponsored by the European Parliament. As second level students we regard this as a very generous and practical way to bring home to our generation what European Union really means. To the personnel in the European Parliament Office in Dublin we would like to say “thank you sincerely” and be assured that we benefited enormously. We also wish to say a huge “thank you” to Mr. Pat Cox, M.E.P., President of the European Parliament.

After a hectic day of jet-setting across Europe we arrived at our destination – the youth hostel, “Auberge de la Jeunesse”, situated in a quiet suburban area of Strasbourg, the river Rhine and Germany just 50 metres behind, and to the front a beautiful park and the whole of France. On arrival it was evident that it was a very large complex with various facilities including basketball courts and a football pitch to name but a few. The hostel was shared with students of various nationalities and we had the opportunity to interact with them through activities which included pool games and the nightly disco. The atmosphere was very calm and relaxing, making us feel safe and at home.

Euroscola

Our day at Euroscola began on arrival at the European Parliament building “Louise Weiss” at 8.30 am. Euroscola is the opportunity for senior students from all over Europe to come together to experience the procedures in the European Parliament.

After the official welcome each school was introduced by a student representative who gave a brief account of the school and its location. Marian Kinahan did the honours for us superbly. She acknowledged to the assembly of 500 young people that Ireland’s economic, social and political progress through membership of the E.U. was much celebrated in Europe, and she took particular pleasure in stating that we had travelled from the Munster constituency of Pat Cox, M.E.P., the recently elected President of the Parliament. Our first contact with the other participants was when we were divided into multilingual working groups called committees based on our chosen topics for discussion. This was followed in the afternoon by a debate during Plenary Sitting. The working groups reported to the Plenary Sitting for voting on their proposals. This was a really interesting procedure – press green to vote in favour and red to vote against. The abstention button was in between red and green. Immediately the result of this electronic voting appeared on two enormous screens.

Rachel Crowe, as president of her committee, introduced the group’s proposal in the chamber during Plenary Sitting. Gavin Leahy responded during debate.

Eurogame consisted of four players of different nationalities per team and provided an opportunity to mix with 500 students from other E.U. states. Anna Kennedy was on the prize-winning team and brought back a beautiful silver cup.

The closing ceremony at 6.00 pm at the end of a long and amazing day was most impressive. A European Union flag was presented to each participating group and all 500 students stood in solemn attention for the rousing European anthem.

We left the Parliament, past those marble columns, wondering where the time had gone.

Sightseeing

While in Strasbourg, our free time enabled us to do some sightseeing. We were very lucky that in just 4 days, we were able to experience 4 different European countries. Our trips included Heidelberg in Germany, where we visited the city’s famous castle which was very interesting. A boat trip in Strasbourg enabled us to relax and take in the beauty of the city’s architecture. On our final day we tried to take in as much as possible travelling through Luxembourg en route to Brussels, where we saw the famous Atomium and the renowned Grand Place. While abroad the Euro saved us monumental effort. Four countries in four days and just one currency. Brilliant!

Our Teachers

All of those who travelled to Strasbourg agreed that it would not have been possible if it had not been for the teachers in St.Ailbe’s. We are so fortunate to have teachers who encourage us in everything we do, teachers you can approach if you have a problem or need advice and be assured of their help. As students we enjoy a friendly and open communications network with our teachers and we benefit from their great belief in us. This belief in us was the vital key in making the trip to the European Parliament such a success.

To conclude, our trip was both educational and enormously enjoyable. From an educational point of view we learned about the procedures in the European Parliament, not just the facts and figures associated with it. All in all the trip proved to be extremely enjoyable as we came together and were able to make every moment a moment to remember. It was an experience which will be forever carved in our memories.

Johnny Martin

Marian Kinahan

Helena Hanrahan

Fifth Year students.

EUROSCOLA, TUESDAY 16^thAPRIL 2002

Liam Carroll, Guidance Counsellor

The aim of the one-day event is to bring together about 500 second-level students in Strasbourg from the 15 Member States in order firstly, to give them an insight into the workings of the European Parliament and, secondly, to give them a taste of Europe in a day of meetings and discussion on topical European subjects. Students debate topics which they have prepared in advance, e.g. human rights, democracy, problems of society, environment, economic and social affairs, Youth and Europe’s future and its role in the world. They get an opportunity to make use of their linguistic skills in communicating with their opposite numbers from the other European countries.

The formal proceedings begin with a plenary session, where the various groups are introduced to one another. One pupil from each school makes a short (two minute) introductory speech on his/her school, using at least two of the languages of the European Union, including his/her mother tongue. The discussions in plenary and working groups, for the most part, take place in English and French. Participants are divided into the five working groups and during the afternoon they present the conclusions of their discussions to the participants assembled in “plenary sitting” in the Chamber of the European Parliament. Each participant receives a certificate signed by the President of Parliament.

In issuing invitations to schools, the European Parliament endeavours to reward schools or classes which have distinguished themselves in a competition of a European character. This method of selection enables the Parliament to reward the best schools. It encourages young people to look beyond national issues and consider their country’s role in a broad international context, especially the historic collapse of Communism and the accession of new E.U. member states to the east.

From a Guidance Counsellor’s viewpoint it is hoped that participation in Euroscola will throw a spotlight for students on many issues of a national and transnational nature in relation to our membership of and the enlargement of the E.U. It is also hoped that students develop an awareness of global skills which are becoming increasingly important for career success. Among these skills are Communication Skills, i.e., languages, an openness to and respect for diversity, and an interest in and curiosity for other cultures.

A total of thirty two students from Transition Year and Fifth Year departed the school at 5.00 am on Monday 15^th April to fly from Dublin to Charleroi and onwards by coach to Strasbourg. All arrived home in Tipperary at 3.00 am on the following Friday tired, still enthusiastic, safe and sound.

The school is indebted to Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, and to the Office of the European Parliament in Dublin for the invitation to participate in Euroscola 2002. Thirty two students had a marvellous trip. They tangibly benefited from E.U. membership by using the Euro in four countries, and they gained insights to last a lifetime.

May 6th, 2002

Fisheries Board Competition

Congratulations to Aidan Long, 5^th. Year student from St. Ailbe’s who won first prize in the Senior Section of the Fisheries Board Essay Competition for his essay entitled “The River Suir in the year 2020”.

The Competition, which attracted a large entry, was open to all schools in the Suir catchment area – Counties Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford. Aidan won a prize of €1900 for the school and €190 for himself for his vision of the River Suir 20 years from now.

Congratulations also to 2^nd. Year student, Mary McDonnell, who received third prize in the Junior Section of the competition. Her essay on “The River Suir and its Uses” won her €635 for the school and €63 for herself.

The prizes were presented by Mr Noel Davern TD, and Mr David Willis, Chairman of the Fisheries Board, at an award ceremony in the Clonmel Arms Hotel on Tuesday 9^th. April. The ceremony was attended by the winning students, Mr Paul O Callaghan, Principal of St.Ailbe’s and Mrs Honor Flynn who co-ordinates projects and competitions in the school.

The prize fund of €2535 will be used to develop the wildlife garden, freshwater pond and bird feeding station in the grounds of St. Ailbe’s.

“Make a Book” Exhibition

Recently, 2^nd Year students, John Casey, William Kelly and Thomas Roche, travelled to Dublin Castle to attend the launch of the “Make a Book” exhibition. The “Make a Book” project is part of the Junior Cert Schools Programme and it offers a wonderful opportunity for students to exhibit their imaginative creations. Sixty-four schools were involved in the project this year and the exhibition celebrated the co-operation between students and teachers in producing stunning works of art.

The students worked as a team to write and illustrate a book. They then designed and created various works of art to enhance the theme of their book. John Casey accepted a certificate on behalf of the school. The following students were involved in the project but were unable to travel to Dublin Castle: Tina Cronin, Edmund Mullaly, Joanne O Connell and Redmond Peters.

February 10^th, 2002

The First and Second Year Schoolgirls Basketball League is now underway and St.Ailbe's played last Tuesday against St.Mary's, Nenagh but unfortunately despite a valiant effort it was the Nenagh girls who took the laurels. However St.Ailbe's travelled to play the Salesians, Limerick on Friday where the Second Years had a very convincing win (39-14). The First Years were narrowly beaten but coach, Ms Treacy, has high hopes for this team when they have acquired a little more experience.

December 19th, 2001

St. Ailbe's 2^nd Annual Science Quiz

in Association with

Pall Ireland

St.Ailbe’s School in conjunction with Pall Ireland hosted its second annual Primary Schools Science Quiz on Wednesday, 12^th. December last. 21 teams from 11 primary schools in the Tipperary Limerick region took part in the quiz, the brainchild of St.Ailbe’s science teachers, Ms Colette Tracey and Ms Honor Flynn. They hope by running this annual event to raise awareness and promote interest in the physical sciences, as despite recent interventions by the Department of Education and Science, the number of students studying science at second and third level continues to fall nationally.

Alanna Landers and Robert Collins, Transition Year, did an excellent job as quizmasters for the evening, with Ms M. Quinlan, Ms N. Ryan and Ms V. Hogan keeping a close eye on the scoring. Ms. Tracey remarked on the extremely high standard of answering by all teams. No team emerged as a clear leader until the very last round, when the Monastery Boys (Tipperary) pulled ahead and were declared the winners for the second year in a row. Runners up were Cappamore N.S., with Cappawhite N.S. and the fifth class girls from St.Joseph’s,Tipperary taking third and fourth place respectively.

Mr. Frank Dohenny from Pall Ireland addressed the participants and encouraged them to take up science and spoke of the many opportunities available to science graduates in Ireland today. He then presented the Monastery Boys team with the beautiful Pall crystal trophy, £100 towards the development of science in the school, individual trophies for the team members and £80 team prize. Cappamore N.S. received £40 and individual trophies and Cappawhite N.S. were awarded £20 and individual trophies.

St.Ailbe’s thanks Pall Ireland for their generous and ongoing support for this worthwhile annual event.

December 17^th, 2001

Euro Day

The Leaving Certificate Applied 6^th. Year students have certainly been very busy at St.Ailbe’s over the past few weeks. On Tuesday, 11^th. December last they organised a special “Euro Awareness Day” for the students of the school. Ms. Fiona Robbins, the Irish Representative for the Euro at the European Commissions Office, was invited to address the pupils on the Euro changeover and the impact it will have on the Irish economy in the New Year. She gave a very informative PowerPoint Presentation to both junior and senior students. Ms Robbins presentation was supplemented by a Euro Information Desk set up by the LCA class who distributed leaflets, converters and sample Euro notes to the students. All prices in the school canteen, vending machines and public telephones were converted to Euro to help the staff and students to prepare for the change over after the Christmas holidays.

It was a very informative and enjoyable day and the LCA 6^th. Year students are to be congratulated for their contribution to both student and staff enrichment over the past few weeks.

Contemporary Issues Day

A “Contemporary Issues” Day was organised for pupils of St.Ailbe’s by Leaving Certificate Applied 6^th. Year on Tuesday, December 4^th. Issues such as homelessness, alcoholism, the environment, drugs and teenage pregnancy were investigated on a local, national and global level. The final display comprised of a very attractive and interesting exhibition of stimulating and insightful information about the subject matter chosen.

The weeks leading up to the display had been filled with letter writing, Internet searches and interviews. As the material accumulated from the diverse sources, students analysed and summarised the content. Decisions were made about relevance and interest and comparisons were drawn on the impact of local on National and Global issues.

During the exhibition visitors were surveyed to discover their level of awareness in relation to the various issues displayed. The project “Home is where the Heart Is” included some very moving poetry written by homeless people themselves. Plenty of colour was used to attract attention towards each display, with some clever use of design and artistry.

This task, undertaken by the LCA Programme, allows students an opportunity to voice their opinions on various issues. Each student will now write a report about his/her experience in relation to the exhibition. The LCA Programme encourages alternate styles of learning and allows the students to approach tasks in a number of ways. In organising a “Contemporary Issues” Day, these students exploited a wide range of their own skills and informed their peers of their ideas and opinions in the process.

St.Ailbe’s U-18 Rugby

On Tuesday, 11^th.December St.Ailbe’s Rugby team came up against Clonmel High School in the deciding group game of the U18 Munster Development League.

The High School came into the game with a fine pedigree, being undefeated in the Competition to date. St Ailbe’s did well to hold back a very strong Clonmel team to a single try in the first half, leaving the score at 5-0. In the second half, as in previous games, St.Ailbe’s got their act together with highly competitive play from PJ Connolly, Shane Kiely and Adrian Fitzgerald keeping St.Ailbe’s camped inside the High School 22, but still failing to produce the score that was needed.

Towards the end of the game St.Ailbe’s conceded two soft tries, and then a rallying call from Captain David Vallence resulted in Adam Ryan pouncing for a fine try, leaving the final score at 17-5.

Coach Johnny Lonergan made special mention of the performance of Tommy Ahern, Ciarán Nash and Michael Noonan in a tough game, which unfortunately resulted in St.Ailbe’s losing its title as Munster Champions.

December 12^th, 2001

St.Ailbe’s U-18 Rugby

On Wednesday, 28^th. November St. Ailbe’s U-18 Rugby Team came up against Patrician Academy, Mallow in the Munster Development League at Clanwilliam.

Straight from the start the Mallow side used their physical advantage to put St.Ailbe’s under extreme pressure, resulting in an early try scored by their No. 8, leaving the score 5-0 to Mallow. St.Ailbe’s Captain, David Vallence, quickly rallied his troops and St. Ailbe’s were camped in the Mallow half for the remainder of the first half. They were very unfortunate not to score the try that their possession allowed. A momentary lapse by Mallow conceded a penalty to St. Ailbe’s with outhalf, Chris Long, unfortunate to narrowly miss the upright from the touchline.

Once again in the second half St.Ailbe’s enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession with Jonathan Ryan, Conor Henerbry and Philip Long particularly impressive, but it was definitely not St.Ailbe’s day. A late penalty conceded by St.Ailbe’s left the score at 8-0 to Mallow.

Coach Johnny Lonergan paid tribute to a very brave performance by a young and inexperienced St.Ailbe’s side, making particular mention of the performances by Thomas O Dwyer and Ciarán Nash.

St.Ailbe’s are now under pressure to beat The Clonmel High School in their final group game if they are to successfully defend their Munster Development League Title.

November 26^th, 2001

St.Ailbe’s U-18 Rugby

Last Wednesday the St Ailbe’s U-18 Rugby team enjoyed a victory against Davis College, Mallow in Mallow in the first round of their defence of the Munster Development League title.

David Vallence, in his first game as Captain of the St Ailbe’s side, had a great game scoring the first try for the team. Coach Johnny Lonergan also highlighted the performance of Christopher Long, Thomas Harty and Tommy Aherne in what was their first game of rugby for the school.

November 18^th, 2001

Congratulations to Michael Kenny, Francis Kiely, Anthony Glasheen and Ger Peters who were on the Tipperary Vocational Schools Senior football team which defeated Limerick Vocational Schools in the Munster “B” final last Monday.

The St. Ailbe’s First Year hurling team were finally defeated by Cistercians, Roscrea in Roscrea after a series of great victories against Nenagh, Thurles and Templemore. The lads now look forward to the First Year Munster Vocational Schools Championships next February after such a promising run in the County League.

Well done also to the several former St. Ailbe’s pupils who did so well to reach the County Senior Football Final with Aherlow last Sunday.

October 7^th, 2001

St. Ailbe’s basketball is well underway this term with both the Cadet and the Senior teams participating in the highly competitive Bank of Ireland Schools Cup and the SBAI League (Limerick/Tipperary zone)

The Senior and Cadet teams have played three victorious games in the SBAI League to date and have reached the Zone semi-finals stage. The Senior team beat Ballingarry 56 –36, Rockwell 51–21, and Presentation, Clonmel 46- 26. The Cadet team were equally successful beating Ballingarry 36-26, Rockwell 46-25 and Presentation, Clonmel 43-26.

The U19 Senior team have defeated Loreto, Mullingar 66-51 in the Bank of Ireland Schools Cup and are now into the second round of that competition. St Ailbe’s girl, Clare O Grady scored a fantastic 16 points in that game and was awarded Most Valuable Player for the match.

The U16 Cadet team had a great game against Mount St. Michael, Rosscarbury and hung on to defeat them 46-45 with Anacarthy girl, Fiona Fox, scoring a total of 22 points. Unfortunately their luck ran out in the second round against Castleknock Community College and despite a spirited performance by St. Ailbe’s they lost by a mere 2 points, 38-40. There was some consolation for the St. Ailbe’s girls however as Fiona Fox was awarded Most Valuable Player.

October 1^th, 2001

St.Ailbe’s Student in European Parliament

Patrick Ryan, Bansha, a fifth year student in St. Ailbe’s School, visited the European Parliament in Brussels on Thursday 20^th of September, where he was the guest of Mr. Pat Cox MEP, leader of the European Liberal Democrats.

Earlier in the year, while Patrick was in transition year, he was invited by his Guidance Counsellor Mr. Liam Carroll, to enter in an essay competition, which was sponsored by Mr. Pat Cox. The title of the essay; “Breathing New Life Into The Old Continent” appealed to Patrick who has an interest in history and current affairs. There were submissions from fifty schools, but Patrick won first prize, which consisted of a commemorative scroll and a four-day trip to Belgium. Three classmates also participated and received scrolls of commendation.

Research for the essays took several weeks, using the Internet, the library in European Union House in Dublin, Pat Cox’s office and the Irish Council of the European Movement. Eventually there were drafts, and finally the essays were ready for submission.

“Are you serious sir?”, was Patrick’s incredulous comment when the result was announced after adjudication by the editor of “The Examiner” newspaper. But disbelief led to excitement and anticipation when Patrick got a copy of the itinerary of the four-day trip.

Following the opportunity of observing the MEPs in session from the gallery of the European Parliament, Patrick was greatly impressed to step into the original World War I trenches at Hill 61. It was an eerie experience to visit a place of such desolation and to remember the misery of so many, including the thousands of Irish men who fought and died in the 1914-1918 war. The visit to the war museum in Ypres had visual and aural reconstructions of trench warfare, which were haunting and horrifying. But recollection did not end there. At 8pm every evening of the year the Last Post is sounded at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The sad echoing of the trumpets – lest we forget – lingers poignantly for a long time.

Patrick enjoyed visiting the Irish Round tower at messiness which symbolically commemorates all Irish soldiers from both the North and the South who fought and died in the great War. The tower was built by FAS workers from North and South and was officially opened by President Mary McAleese in 1998 in the presence of the King of Belgium and the Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This was followed by a visit to Tyne Colt graveyard, the largest World War I graveyard in Belgium. Many headstones bear no name, just the sad inscription “Known unto God”.

Dinner, hosted by Pat Cox MEP on behalf of the European Parliament, overlooking the Magnificent Grand palace in Brussels consisted of more than a wonderful menu in a beautiful restaurant: at 10pm staff opened the windows for the stunning sound and light show which brought the wonderful architectural detail into relief.

A visit to the Irish College in Lovain, with its many historical associations (including the Flight of the Earls in 1607), was later followed by a trip to Bruges, which reinforced Patrick’s appreciation of our European heritage – it is surely one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe – and whetted the appetite to see some more. And this is just what he will do. Next April Patrick will be one of thirty-two students from St. Ailbe’s who will participate in ‘Euroscola’ in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This will give the students an insight into the workings of the Parliament while discussing topical European issues along with students from 14 other member states.

Patrick has returned but he has not forgotten the horrors of European warfare. He has come home with a deeper appreciation of the European Union and its role in promoting economic stability and peaceful co-operation.

September 19^th, 2001

St.Ailbe’s School: French Foreign Exchange Programme

Bon Voyage to the 17 students from St.Ailbe’s and their teachers, Ms Rice and Ms Scally, who departed for the Collège Léonard de Vinci in Tournefeuille, near Toulouse on Sunday 16^th. September. The students are looking forward to their two weeks in this beautiful area of southern France where a full programme of activities has been organised for them.

The St. Ailbe’s French School Exchange Programme has been up and running since 1993 and is one of two foreign school exchange programmes organised by the school.

Readers should listen to the Andrew Looby Programme on Tipp. Mid West Radio over the next two weeks to hear how the students are getting on.