Avondale Community College

Gaisce – The Presidents Awards

Gaisce, otherwise known as the Presidents Award is the countrys most
prestigious and respected individual awards programme. To earn an
award, candidates must participate in 4 challenge areas. The four
challenge areas are:

• Community Involvement
• Personal Skill
• Physical
• Recreation
• Adventure Journey

Successful candidates will be awarded bronze, silver and gold medals.
On Wednesday 23 March, 15 Transition Year students and 5 Fifth Year
students embarked on the schools annual ‘Gaisce Hike’ as part of
their adventure challenge. Travelling from Glendalough to Baltinglass,
along the breathtaking, Wicklow Way, was an enjoyable yet challenging
experience even in favourable weather conditions.

Guided by experienced walkers, Mr. Mulvey, school secretary Ms. Madden
and guides from Baltinglass Outdoor Education Centre, our brave
students embarked on their 2/3 day hike, depending on whether they
were Bronze or Silver challengers. Overnight accommodation was kindly
provided by the Outdoor Education Centre in Baltinglass.

The aim of Gaisce is to contribute to the development of young people
through the achievement of personal challenges, following the
completion of their latest adventure challenge, our students certainly
enjoyed a sense of achievement!


Wicklow Lions Club Schools Quiz

On Wednesday 23 March, 4 Senior students secured second place in the
Wicklow Lion’s Club Table Quiz. The team made up of Senior students
Sarah Miley, Conor Byrne, Ross Doonan and Conor McGraynor proudly
accepted this title on behalf of the school.

Wicklow VEC Environmental Awareness Programme

The Wicklow VEC Environmental Awareness Programme, now in its 13th
year, is one of the most prestigious award ceremonies on the school
calendar. Avondale Community College enjoyed great success at last
year’s Environmental Awards. The school claimed a number of top
prizes at this event including Best School, Best Overall Display and
Best Senior Project. With this in mind, our students look forward to
welcoming this year’s Judging Panel to the school, who will closely
examine our latest environmental endeavours over two days.

Religious Tour

As part of their religious programme our Second Year students recently
enjoyed a trip to the Mosque. Discovering the history of the Islamic
Faith was an enjoyable experience for all.

All Ireland School Hunting Trials

Avondale Community College proudly supports its first ever
Show-Jumping and Cross Country Equestrian Team. The team made up of
senior student Chloe Daly and junior students Michael Doyle and Thomas
Gaffney recently competed in the All Ireland Schools Hunting Trials in
New Ross. Our team competed very well in this event, which welcomed
128 schools from all over Ireland.

First Year Football

Our First Year boys recently participated in a football blitz
organised by Leighton Glynn and James Stafford of Wicklow GAA. Blessed
by glorious weather, our boys enjoyed this experience and worked hard
to improve their football skills. It seems this hard work has paid off
as our First Year Boys Football team have qualified for the Junior A
Championships. Well done to all.

Basketball

Best wishes to our First and Second Year Girls Basketball teams who
play Abbey Community College in the next round of the Wicklow League.

Junior and Senior Football

Best wishes to our Senior Boys Football team who will take on Colaiste
Bhride, Carnew in the semi-final on Wednesday. Best wishes must also
be extended to our Junior Boys Football Team who will compete against
Colaiste Chroabh Abhann. Kilcoole in the Quarter Final.

Athletics

Track and Field competitions will be held in Irishtown in April. Best
wishes to all our students who will be competing in this event.

A Final Note

Our recent school concert, which showcased the talents of our music
students, was a great success. Many thanks to all those who attended
and participated in this event.