School news from across Waterford
Students rehearsing for the Ardscoil na Mara Opening of the School Year mass. Photo: John Power
It was a busy start to the new school year for Tramore and Kilmacthomas students.
Students across Tramore and the surrounding area have enjoyed a busy start to the new school year, with sporting success, outdoor adventures, educational trips and special celebrations taking place during September.
From Munster Championship football action and recognition at Croke Park to hiking in the Comeragh Mountains and visits to the National Ploughing Championships and WorldSkills exhibition, students have wasted little time getting involved.
St Declan's Community College got their U17 Boys Munster Championship football campaign off to an impressive start with a 3-14 to 3-04 victory over Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore.
The sides met on Friday, September 18, with wet and blustery conditions adding an extra challenge for both sets of players.
St Declan's played into an awkward breeze during the first half, but the Kilmac side settled well and gradually took control.
Their hard work and clean handling were rewarded as they built up a commanding advantage by the half-time break.
Ardscoil na Mara responded strongly following the restart and enjoyed a more dominant period in the second half.
The Tramore students asked questions of the St Declan's defence through several probing runs as they attempted to reduce the deficit.
However, resolute defending helped the Kilmac students withstand the pressure, while a couple of quick breaks allowed them to maintain their advantage.
St Declan's eventually came through with 10 points to spare on a final scoreline of 3-14 to 3-04.
Among those who impressed for St Declan's were Colum Power, Matthew Masterson and Liam Phelan.
There was further GAA success at St Declan's when representatives travelled to Croke Park to receive a Gold Award for their involvement in the GAA Future Leaders programme.
The school received word in May that its GAA Future Leaders were among just 25 schools selected for a Gold Award from approximately 400 schools.
The achievement was recognised on Monday, September 14, when Ms O'Hehir travelled to Croke Park accompanied by students Gearóid, Áine and Sophie for the awards ceremony.
The school congratulated everyone involved with last year's St Declan's GAA Future Leaders on earning the award.
Transition Year students at St Declan's have been swapping the classroom for the outdoors as they take part in the Leave No Trace Level 3 programme in conjunction with Shielbaggan Outdoor Education and Training Centre in Co Wexford.
The programme allows students to experience the outdoors while learning about the impact people can have on the natural environment.
A particular focus is placed on how small changes in behaviour can help preserve important outdoor areas, including Waterford's Comeragh Mountains.
Students have also been travelling to Coumshingaun in class groups each week, helping them develop hiking and navigation skills while experiencing one of Waterford's best-known natural amenities.
The trips will continue over the coming weeks, with students occasionally getting some well-earned time to relax in hammocks following their hikes.
Agriculture was also on the agenda for Transition Year students at St Declan's when they travelled to Co Offaly for this year's National Ploughing Championships.
The visit allowed students to take a closer look at different aspects of Irish agriculture while experiencing one of the country's biggest annual events.
Students Tiah Costine and Ellie Kenny were among those who travelled, with thanks extended to Mr Meleady for organising the trip.
Senior students at St Declan's had an early start when they left at 7am for a visit to the WorldSkills exhibition at the RDS under the guidance of Mr Collins and Mr Walsh.
The students explored a variety of apprenticeship and career paths across several industries.
More than 160 finalists competed across disciplines covering construction, automotive, manufacturing, engineering, information and communications technology, creative arts and hospitality.
Students also saw skills competitions ranging from traditional trades, including bricklaying and plumbing, to areas such as additive manufacturing and heavy vehicle technology.
The exhibition gave students considering their options after secondary school a chance to learn more about apprenticeships, skills and potential careers.
Meanwhile, students and staff from Ardscoil na Mara came together at Holy Cross Church in Tramore on Wednesday, September 23, for the school's annual Opening of the School Year Prayer Service.
This year's theme, “Coming Together – New Year, New Beginnings,” reflected the importance of hope, belonging and community as students and staff embark on another academic year.
Throughout the service, students were encouraged to consider the difference each person can make through their words and actions and the importance of allowing their own light to shine within the school and wider Tramore community.
Students played a central part in the celebration through readings, prayers and music, while symbols representing different elements of life at Ardscoil na Mara were presented.
The school's choir and orchestra also performed.
The celebration was led by Fr Richard O'Halloran PP of Holy Cross, Tramore, with Acting Principal Aoife Denton among those addressing the gathering.
The school thanked Fr O'Halloran and the wider Holy Cross parish community for once again providing students and staff with a warm welcome.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to recognise Ardscoil na Mara's new student leadership team for the school year.
Gavin Downey has been selected as Head Boy and will be supported by Deputy Head Boys Oscar Mullane and Cian O Cadhla.
Rachel Weldon has been named Head Girl and will be supported by Deputy Head Girls Ruby Fanning and Grace Balfe.
The students have been chosen to represent their fellow pupils and take on leadership responsibilities within the Ardscoil na Mara community during the year ahead.
They will work closely with the wider Student Leadership Team, helping to represent the student voice and supporting school life in a variety of ways.
Their roles will reflect the school's key values of “Be Kind, Be Respectful and Be Responsible”, with the newly appointed leaders expected to carry out their responsibilities with maturity and commitment.
School prefects were also recognised during the service for the role they will play in supporting students and contributing to school life.
The service and recognition of the new leadership team allowed the school community to come together as another busy academic year gets underway.
