Avondale Community College

Avondale Community College
School Notes
Week beginning February 20th 2012

Green Dragon Finalists!
Two of Avondale Community College's young innovators, Daire Flood and Cillian Kavanagh have once again achieved success with their invention, 'The Ice Device', as they have qualified for the National Finals of the Agri Aware Green Dragon Innovation Challenge. On Wednesday 22nd February 2012, Daire and Cillian presented their ideas to a panel of judges in The Radisson Hotel, Athlone. The boys' latest invention has already received high praise, as they received a 2nd Place prize in the Technology Section of the B.T. Young Scientist Competition earlier this year. 'The Ice Device' is an innovative device that can remove frost and ice from the windscreen of a vehicle quickly and efficiently, to promote safe driving during the winter months. The media spotlight was once again on the boys as they featured on the RTE Two News2Day programme. The boys' entry was one of only 25 entries out of an astounding 300 to be chosen to progress to the National Finals in The National Convention Centre, Dublin on 28th March 2012. Well done to the boys so far and the very best of luck in the national final!
Here's the link to Dáire and Cillian on News2day at the Green Dragon competition.

Sporting Success!

Athletics Front Runner!
Second Year student, Amaris Borel achieved great success when she won the 6om Hurdles in the Northern Ireland and Ulster Championships in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast recently. She also competed in the Leinster Championships and was once again successful as she achieved 2nd place. She will now go on to compete in the All Ireland Indoor Championships at the end of March 2012. Amaris will be also be competing in the school’s athletics competition in May. Well done Amaris and best of luck in the upcoming races!

Boys’ Basketball
First and Second Year boys’ basketball teams met Colaiste Chill Mhantain in the first round of the South East league on Monday 20th February 2012. The First Year team enjoyed a very convincing win, with the top scorers James Murphy and Jamie Cullen.
The Second Year boys’ basketball match was a very exciting and tight affair. Avondale emerged victorious, winning by 2 points at the final whistle.
Both teams will play Arklow CBS in the next round of the league. Best of luck in the next game!

First Year Boys’ Football
The First Year boys’ football team met Colaiste Chraobh Abhann in the quarter final of the first year league on Thursday 23rd February 2012. The boys played well and enjoyed a good win. Well done and best of luck in the next game!

Girls’ Basketball
The Second Year girls’ basketball team are busy training for their next game. They will meet St. Kilian’s Community School, Bray, in the first round of the league. Best of luck to the girls!

Book Club
Avid readers at Avondale Community College are currently reading this month’s Book Club choice, ‘Mockingbird’ by Kathryn Erskine. As part of the Book Club all students read the same book. The students then meet and have an opportunity to discuss the characters, plot and overall theme of the story in a group setting. The Book Club is a great way to encourage students to read regularly and also provides students with some of the latest publications.


Transition Year News
Photography Talk
Last week a group of Transition Year students had the opportunity to attend a Photography Talk, presented by local Photojournalist, Garry O’ Neill. The students gained an insight into the world of press photography and also the media in general. Garry, who recently received a PPAI Award, provided the students with much food for thought, in relation to photography as a career path, but he also provided advice and pointers about photography as a hobby. The students found the talk very interesting and our future photographers are now looking through the lens with a fresh eye.

Community Links
TY students from Avondale Community College have been busy creating links with the local community. TY students are currently painting a Relaxation Room in Valley View, to create a comfortable and relaxing space. While, Trans 1 have begun their Paired Reading in the B.N.S., Rathdrum. They are looking forward to meeting the First class boys and reading with them.

Enterprise Mini Company
As part of their modular course in Enterprise, TY students took part in a Mini Company Week. During this week, two opposing companies competed to make the most profit. ‘Te Tae’ sold hot chocolate, tea and biscuits, while ‘JLS’ sold sweets and lollipops. Students had to take on real life business roles such as CEO, PRO, Secretary, and HR Manager, to name but a few. This was a great experience for the students to put their business and enterprise knowledge to the test in the real world as they marketed and sold their products. ‘JLS’ emerged as the most successful company, making the most profit. Well done to all TY students involved and especially to JLS, our entrepreneurs in the making!


Trinity College Talk
A representative from Trinity College, Dublin visited the school last week to speak to 5th Year students. Students were given information on the many courses available in the college. The students had many questions in relation to courses and career options available. They also gained an insight into college life. Many thanks to the speaker on the day.