Abbey Community College in Waterford welcomes new influx of First Year students
The Kells First Year class in Abbey Community College
With the new school term now under way and pupils settling into the routine of the Leaving Certificate cycle for the senior years and Junior Certificate programme for the younger years Abbey Community College took time out to introduce its influx of First Year students to the school.
Commenting to Waterford News & Star and waterford-news.ie a spokesperson for the school expressed delight in welcoming 188 new First Year students through the doors.
"Abbey Community College is delighted to welcome 180 First Year students who have joined us for the 2025–2026 academic year," said the spokesperson.
"These students are grouped into six class groups, each proudly named after a renowned Irish historical Abbey," she added.
The spokesperson said one of the aims of naming the classes in such a manner was to celebrate Ireland's rich cultural heritiage while also fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.
"Following an engaging and comprehensive induction programme, our First Years have settled in exceptionally well to school life," said the spokesperson.
The transition from primary school to secondary education can be quite daunting for some students, however there are specific structures in place in Abbey Community College to ensure that the transition for new students is as seamless as possible.
That was a point highlighted by the school spokesperson.
"The programme was designed to support a smooth transition from primary to post-primary education," she said.
She commented that the programme is designed in a way to help students build friendships and become familiar with their new environment.
The spokesperson also said it helps new students feel confident in themselves as members of the entire school community.
"We are incredibly proud of how our new students have already embraced the values and spirit of Abbey Community College," she said.
"Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and positivity have already made a wonderful impression on staff and students alike," she added.
The school motto, 'Together Towards Excellence' is something that everyone in Abbey Community College embraces.
That was another point emphasised by the spokesperson.
"Guided by our motto, 'Together Towards Excellence', we aim to nurture each student’s potential and support their growth both academically and personally," she said.
"We look forward to working closely with these students and their families over the coming years," she added.
