Avondale Community College

Avondale Community College
School Notes
Week beginning January 16th 2012

BT Young Scientist Exhibition
Exciting Entries!
Last week was an exciting week for the Young Scientists at Avondale Community College. A total of four projects were accepted into BT Young Scientist Exhibition, which was a great achievement considering the huge competition amongst the many entrants this year.

• Aine Doyle, Chelsie Kenna and Niamh Stacey presented a topical project entitled ‘So You Think You’re Safe on Facebook!’ This investigation looked at the safety issues surrounding users of Facebook. The project identified some areas that users can be wary of and promoted safety.
• ‘The Electronic Slurry Tank Meter’ was presented by Mark Roche and Cormac Ward. This project could prove extremely useful, as it is a device which allows the amount of slurry to be measured digitally rather than in the traditional method.
• TY students Craig Curley, David Kavanagh and Aaron Van Dijk presented ‘Ink Removal – Will it be Renewable?’ This one was sure to interest the environmentally friendly, as the project investigated how ink can be removed chemically from paper, with the prospect of using this paper again.
• ‘Safe Driving with the Ice Device’ was presented by Dáire Flood and Killian Kavanagh. This is a device that can remove frost and ice from the windscreen of a vehicle quickly and efficiently, to promote safe driving during the winter months, something we could all use on those frosty mornings!

The hard work and dedication of the students has been astounding. Well done to all the students and teachers involved!

Media Moguls!
As well as presenting their projects to the judges at the Young Scientist Competition students from Avondale Community College have also been gaining much media attention for their hard work. Martin King from TV3 visited the school last week to discuss ‘Safe Driving with the Ice Device’ with Dáire and Killian for ‘The Morning Show’, which was aired on Tuesday 11th January. ‘The Ice Device’ featured on RTE News on 12th January and on the local news show, Nationwide on Friday 13th January. East Coast Radio was interested in projects presented by Avondale Community College students as they interviewed Aine, Chelsie and Niamh for their radio programme. This was a great opportunity for the students and was testament to the interest that surrounded many of the projects.
Click here to view Daire and Killian's interview

Trip to BT Young Scientist Exhibition
First and Transition Year students had an opportunity to visit the exhibition on Friday 13th January and experience then world of Science and to see the many interesting projects on display. Students were impressed with the entries from their fellow students and many were inspired to enter next year’s competition!

U14 Football
On Tuesday 10th January our U-14 boys played Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew in a challenge match. This was a fast paced game between two good teams. Although Avondale Community College came out on the losing side, it was great preparation for our South - Leinster Semi-Final next week.


TRANSITION YEAR NEWS
ACCORD Talk
This week TY students were given a talk by Accord. The talk gave students an opportunity to discuss all aspects of relationships in a safe, respectful environment.
DATS Feedback
TY students are currently receiving their DATS feedback. This will help with their subject choices for Fifth Year.
Wicklow People Newspaper
The TY team of journalists are busy working on their articles for the forthcoming Wicklow People TY Newspaper. The articles are proving to be thought provoking and insightful.
Community Links
Transition Year 3 are currently undertaking their Community Links as they are completing Paired Reading in the Boys’ National School.


Third Year Parents’ Information Evening
An information evening was held on 11th January for Parents of Third Year students. Information was provided for the Transition Year Programme. Information was also offered in relation to Fifth Year and the subject choices available.

First Year Parent Teacher Meeting
The First Year Parent-Teacher Meeting will take place on 25th February 2012 from 3.45 p.m. – 6.15 p.m.