This week was all about recognising achievement and marking milestones at ETSS Wicklow. We were proud to celebrate both our 6th Year and Transition Year graduations, two joyful occasions that brought students, families, and staff together to reflect on growth, resilience, and success.
Our 6th Years, the first ever Leaving Certificate group in the school’s history, were honoured in a heartfelt ceremony acknowledging their academic journeys, friendships formed, and the legacy they leave behind. Meanwhile, TY students celebrated a year filled with unique experiences, from QQI qualifications to work experience, from creative projects to subject tasters, and their growth was clear for all to see.
The week concluded with our Whole School Awards Ceremony, where students from every year group were recognised for excellence in academics, sports, creativity, and leadership.. Congratulations to all of our award winners, you inspire us every day!
As we head into the final stretch of the term, we want to extend our very best wishes to all students sitting in-house exams next week. To our 3rd Years, preparing for their Junior Cycle exams, and to our trailblazing 6th Years, preparing for our first ever Leaving Certificate, we are behind you every step of the way. Trust in your hard work, look after yourselves, and remember—you’ve got this!
It’s been another action-packed week here at ETSS Wicklow, with our students engaging in learning, leadership, and some well-earned adventure!
Spanish Exchange
We were delighted to welcome students and teachers Bernat and Tony from Institut Nicolau Copèrnic for the second leg of our Spanish exchange programme. After settling in, the group enjoyed a walk along the coast to the lighthouse with Sheena and Sinéad—complete with a seal sighting! Earlier in the day, they joined classes and began connecting with their Irish counterparts.
TY Trip to Emerald Park
Transition Year students had a brilliant bonding trip to Emerald Park. For some, it was a chance to face their fears on the rollercoasters, while others simply soaked up the sunshine and fun. The day brought the year group closer together as they approach their final term of TY.
Ladies GAA Hit Alton Towers
Our Ladies GAA team travelled to Alton Towers for a team-building trip and represented the school with fantastic energy and spirit. A big thank you to all the staff involved, and well done to the team for being such great ambassadors—even if there were a few sleepy heads on the journey home!
Geographers Shine at TU Dublin
A huge congratulations to all the students who submitted projects for the Pathways for Geographers Awards at TU Dublin. From innovative ideas to eye-catching posters, our students truly impressed. Geography teachers were proud to accompany the group for a campus tour, inspiring talks, and well-deserved recognition.
Astro Pi Success in Orbit
Well done to Polly, Rosie, Ioana, and Katelyn from our coding club, who successfully completed this year’s Astro Pi Challenge! Their code—designed to calculate the speed of the International Space Station—will now run on a real Raspberry Pi aboard the ISS. This marks our third consecutive year completing the challenge, and we can’t wait to hear back from space.
BEAM Symposium
A group of our students, who will take the new Climate Action and Sustainable Development subject next year, represented ETSS Wicklow at the BEAM Symposium in Airfield Estate today. The event brought together leaders in education, sustainability, and climate action to share ideas and build connections. Our students were right at home in this setting, engaging with key themes of change, advocacy, and collaboration.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
It has been a busy first week back after the Easter holidays, with students and staff settling quickly into the final term. There is a real atmosphere of focus around the school as everyone gears up for upcoming exams, particularly our 3rd- and 6th-year students who are preparing for their Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exams.
5th Year Biology Students Explore Glendalough
Our 5th-year Biology students enjoyed a change of scenery this week as they travelled with Alicia to Glendalough for their ecology field trip. Students had the opportunity to study the local flora and fauna in a real-world setting while taking in the breathtaking sights of the Wicklow Mountains.
Success at the East Coast Volleyball Tournament
We were also blessed with fantastic weather for the East Coast Volleyball Tournament. We are extremely proud of all our students who participated, and a special congratulations goes to the boys’ teams, who took home both first and second place — an outstanding achievement!
MyFit Gym Supports Our Self-Defence Club
Finally, a huge thank you to MyFit Gym in Rathnew, who generously donated punching bags to our Self-Defence Club. This donation will go a long way in helping our students train, build confidence, and grow stronger.
Summer Giveaway Competition!
Exciting news! Every line in our fundraiser on Thursday 22nd May 2025 has a free chance to win one of three amazing prizes in the Summer Giveaway Competition. Prizes include:
At 7pm on the day of the draw, participants will be randomly selected and must answer a call from 'Our Fundraiser' within five rings and correctly answer the following quiz question to win:
Which one of these months is in summer?
(a) July (b) February (c) December
Don't miss out — thank you for supporting our school!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Monday
Active Club with Kamila
Origami club with Joanne
School Press Team with Sarah
Tuesday
Ciorcal Comhra with Grainne & Joanne
Boys Basketball with David
Girls Volleyball with Andrei
Wednesday
Boys Football with Francisco
Maths club with Alan, Lucy & Paddy
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Thursday
LGBTQ+ and allies club with Jade
Board Games club with Owen
Lego club with Paula
Book club with Grace
Girls Football with Tony
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Friday
Girls GAA with Clare and Caitlin
Debating club with Alan
Girls Basketball with Lucy
MUN Club with James and Tony
Green Schools Club with Ali
Self Defence club with Andrei
4/4/25
Transition Year Highlights
This week, our Transition Year students had a fantastic and busy schedule filled with diverse activities and learning experiences.
One of the highlights was the series of drumming workshops, where students explored rhythm and musical creativity under expert guidance. These sessions offered a dynamic break from the usual routine and encouraged teamwork and self-expression.
Additionally, many TY students completed their first aid courses, gaining invaluable skills that will serve them well in various aspects of life. Learning these essential techniques is an important part of our commitment to fostering well-rounded and responsible individuals.
Some students also enjoyed a fun and challenging outing to GoQuest, where they tackled interactive puzzles and problem-solving activities. This experience not only tested their mental agility but also strengthened team spirit and camaraderie.
Model Council of Europe
Our senior students Ayah Mohamed (5th year), Aidan O’Connor (6th year), and Hannah O’Callaghan (6th year) proudly represented ETSS Wicklow and Sweden at the 2025 Model Council of Europe, held at the Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle, last Friday.
The students passionately debated the topic of 'Protecting young people online in the EU,' advocating for a proposed ban on social media for under-16s and measures to enhance online safety. Although the final proposal resulted in a two-tier system and an education program, the experience was invaluable. They had the opportunity to meet Swedish ambassador Lina Holmström, MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and Minister Thomas Byrne.
It was an unforgettable day of discussion, diplomacy, and learning!
Spanish Exchange
The Spanish exchange at ETSS Wicklow is off to a great start! Our students have arrived in Terrassa, Barcelona, accompanied by Sheena, Diane, and Sinead. After a long but smooth day of travel, they settled in with their host families.
Today, they had an exciting introduction to the local culture with a tour of the school and the centre of Terrassa. A highlight of the day was a guided tour of the Fira Modernista de Terrassa monument, a beautiful structure inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudi.
We are immensely grateful to PPLI for their support in making this exchange possible!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Monday
Active Club with Kamila
Origami club with Joanne
School Press Team with Sarah
Tuesday
Ciorcal Comhra with Grainne & Joanne
Boys Basketball with David
Girls Volleyball with Andrei
Wednesday
Boys Football with Francisco
Maths club with Alan, Lucy & Paddy
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Thursday
LGBTQ+ and allies club with Jade
Board Games club with Owen
Lego club with Paula
Book club with Grace
Girls Football with Tony
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Friday
Girls GAA with Clare and Caitlin
Debating club with Alan
Girls Basketball with Lucy
MUN Club with James and Tony
Green Schools Club with Ali
Self Defence club with Andrei
28/03/25
A Week of Culture, Collaboration, and Coastal Adventures
What a week it’s been at ETSS Wicklow! From standing ovations to global debates and wild Atlantic waves, our students have been busy making memories and making their mark.
Transition Year Musical a Resounding Success
Wednesday and Thursday saw the TY musical light up the stage with early and late shows each day. The production was a joyful celebration of talent, dedication, and teamwork. Whether performing under the spotlight or working behind the scenes, every student involved played an essential role in bringing the show to life. It was a resounding success, and everyone who took part should be incredibly proud of themselves.
WickMUN 2025 — What a Weekend!
Our 3rd annual Model United Nations event took place over Friday and Saturday evenings, and it was our biggest yet. We were honoured to host over 230 delegates from schools across the country, including St. Andrew’s, Gonzaga, and Blackrock College, to name just a few.
The weekend kicked off with powerful opening speeches from UN Youth Delegate Natasha Maimba and our very own Secretary General, Ayah, whose words set the tone for two days of inspiring debate, collaboration, and diplomacy. From engaging committee sessions to a memorable General Assembly, students tackled complex global issues with thoughtfulness, energy, and respect. A huge well done to all delegates, chairs, and organisers — the future of global leadership is in safe hands!
FROM WICKLOW TO THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Our 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th year Geography students headed west this week for a field trip they’ll never forget. From the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher to the lesser-known but equally awe-inspiring Baby Cliffs, students saw real-world examples of coastal erosion and Karst landscapes in action. It was a trip that combined stunning natural beauty with hands-on learning.
FRENCH EXCHANGE ADVENTURES
This week, we were delighted to welcome a group of French students to ETSS Wicklow as part of our ongoing exchange programme. After our students travelled to France earlier in the year, it was our turn to return the hospitality.
The visiting students got a taste of Irish school life, joining classes, socialising with our students, and experiencing the warm welcome ETSS is known for. They also had the chance to explore some of Wicklow’s natural beauty with a trip to Glendalough. It was a fantastic cultural exchange that strengthened friendships, improved language skills, and left everyone with great memories.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Transition Year Berlin Trip – A Journey Through History
Our Transition Year students recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to Berlin, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of the German capital. The packed itinerary included visits to Alexanderplatz, the iconic TV Tower, and a fascinating Fat Tyre Bike Tour, giving students a unique perspective on the city. They explored the Reichstag, Ritter Sport shop, and took a deep dive into history with guided tours of the Stasi Museum and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. The group also experienced the Olympic Stadium, a TV Tower night tour, the famous Berlin Underworlds Bunker Tour, and the Stasi Prison, rounding off their adventure with some well-earned fun at a bowling night. This trip was an incredible opportunity for students to engage with history beyond the classroom while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Berlin.
France Trip – A Historical and Cultural Exploration
Another group of students had the privilege of travelling to France, where they explored key historical sites and deepened their appreciation of French culture. One of the highlights was a visit to Arras, where they joined French students in touring significant World War I memorials and cemeteries. The students visited La Nécropole nationale de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, the Vimy Trenches, and the Wellington Quarry, where Irish Fusiliers served under the British Empire. These visits provided a profound insight into the sacrifices made during the war and the enduring impact on history. Alongside these powerful experiences, the students engaged in a variety of educational and cultural activities that made for a truly enriching trip.
We are delighted to share that our school has secured the Amber Flag, a significant achievement reflecting our commitment to promoting positive mental health and well-being. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our students and staff in fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment. Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative!
Our 3rd-year students put their mathematical skills to the test in today’s Pi Day Competition, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements! After an intense silver tie-breaker, Gleb, Tima, Hayden, and Fionn secured a fantastic third place, while Polly, Fintan, Yasseen, and Prahad powered through to claim first place.
This competition challenged students with complex problem-solving tasks, reinforcing their logical thinking and teamwork skills. A huge well done to everyone who took part – a fantastic showcase of talent and perseverance.
Our annual SciFest event took place today and was a resounding success! The showcase was filled with innovative and thought-provoking student projects, highlighting creativity, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving. Students presented their research on a range of topics, impressing both their peers and judges with their depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM. A huge well done to everyone who participated and to the teachers who helped make the event possible!
First-Year Boys’ Football Team Shine in Semi-Final!
Our First-Year Boys’ Team put on a fantastic performance in the semi-final of the Wexford-Wicklow Cup, showcasing incredible skill, dedication, and teamwork. Reaching this stage of the competition is a huge achievement, and our students gave it their all on the pitch.
Their hard work and commitment throughout the tournament have been truly commendable, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts. Well done to the entire team – an exciting future ahead for these young players!
Weekly Round-Up: Fieldwork, Victories, and Achievements
It has been another action-packed week at ETSS Wicklow, with students engaged in a variety of exciting activities across academics, sports, and enterprise.
Senior Cycle Geography Fieldwork Our Senior Cycle Geography students took to Wicklow Town this week, carrying out important fieldwork to examine coastal processes and urban studies. This hands-on learning experience allowed students to observe the dynamic coastal environment and analyze urban development in a real-world setting.
Boys' Volleyball Victory A huge congratulations to our boys' volleyball team, who secured an impressive win against ETSS Stepaside. The team showed skill, determination, and teamwork in a hard-fought match, making their coach, Andrei, incredibly proud.
TY Team-Building at GoQuest Our Transition Year students put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test on a trip to GoQuest. The interactive challenge zone pushed students to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate under pressure—skills that will serve them well in their TY journey and beyond.
Enterprise Success – Harry Tindale Reaches Final A massive well done to Harry Tindale, who has reached the Enterprise Final. His innovative ideas and business acumen have stood out in the competition, and we’re excited to see how he performs in the next stage.
TY First Aid Course TY students also took part in a First Aid training course this week, gaining essential life-saving skills. From CPR to wound management, they learned invaluable techniques that could make a real difference in emergencies.
Geography Field Trip Across Wicklow First, Second, and Fifth-year Geography students had an unforgettable day exploring some of Wicklow’s most breathtaking landscapes. Their field trip included stops at Killakee Viewpoint, Lough Tay, Lough Bray, and Glendalough, where they studied glacial landscapes, human impact on the environment, and the natural beauty of the region.
It’s been a fantastic week of learning, teamwork, and achievement—well done to all involved!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
This week marked a significant milestone for our school as our first-ever Sixth Year mock exams got underway. Over the course of this week and next, our Sixth Years are putting their knowledge to the test in preparation for their Leaving Cert.
Meanwhile, the rest of the school will begin their exams next week. Best of luck to all students sitting exams—this is your chance to showcase the dedication and hard work you've been putting in all year.
Ladies GAA Team Fundraiser
Our Ladies GAA team has been hard at work this week, not just on the pitch but also in the kitchen. The team has been busy organising a bake sale fundraiser to support their end-of-year bonding trip. With plenty of delicious treats on offer, the event promises to be a fantastic way to bring the school community together while supporting the team.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed—whether by baking, buying, or spreading the word. Your support means a lot.
ETSS Wicklow Awarded LGBTQ+ Quality Mark
ETSS Wicklow has reached an incredible milestone, achieving the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark in recognition of our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ young people. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire school community.
Over the past 18 months, the school has taken significant steps to ensure that all students feel safe, valued, and respected. Through various initiatives, awareness campaigns, and the unwavering efforts of students and staff, ETSS Wicklow has built a space where inclusion and diversity thrive.
Belong To, the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation, commended the school for its dedication, highlighting the time, effort, and determination that went into earning this accreditation. They expressed how inspired they were by ETSS Wicklow’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ young people.
An official accreditation event will take place soon to mark this achievement, and we look forward to celebrating as a school community. In the meantime, we extend a huge congratulations to everyone who played a role in this success—this award reflects the values of respect, inclusion, and equality that define ETSS Wicklow.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Free Live Online Training in Mental Health Peer-Support for Parents
Cycle Against Suicide is offering free live online training in Mental Health Peer-Support for parents, empowering them to be advocates for mental health in their communities.
Why This Training Matters Parents are often the first point of contact when others seek support, and they frequently turn to fellow parents for advice and encouragement. Cycle Against Suicide’s training equips parents with the skills and empathy to confidently support their peers in times of need.
Through this training, parents will gain:
A better understanding of peer support and its role in good mental health.
Practical skills in active listening, supportive conversation techniques, and positive coping strategies.
Guidance on how to signpost individuals to existing preventative and early intervention professional mental health supports and services.
Bringing Peer-Support to the Forefront of the Mental Health Conversation Building on the message that "It’s OK not to feel OK, and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help," Cycle Against Suicide aims to create a network of trained parent supporters who can provide an informal, yet essential, mental health support system.
Please note: This training is designed for adults supporting other adults. For resources on supporting children and teenagers, including the HELP Programme and psychoeducational webinars, visit https://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/help-programme/.
We would be delighted to provide this free training to the community of parents at your schools.
Fifth-Year Visit to Trinity College Dublin On Monday, January 27th, our fifth-year students visited and toured Trinity College Dublin. The class was split into three groups, and we were lucky to have three amazing tour guides to show us the campus and share information about courses and social life within Trinity. The groups explored different areas of campus, including the physics, business, law, and geology buildings. They also visited the tennis courts, sports building, and debate hall to see the various activities the college has to offer. The students received booklets and leaflets with more information on CAO points, accommodation, and course details, making it an informative and inspiring trip. (Article by Ava Mulhall)
TUD Spatial Planning and Environmental Management Talk On Friday morning, David O’Connor from TUD visited to speak with students about the Spatial Planning and Environmental Management course at TUD Bolton Street. This four-year course allows students to cover both spatial planning and environmental management in the first year before specializing in one of the fields from the second year onward.
David also introduced an exciting project for current TY and 5th-year Geography students. Participants will choose a location to focus on and work on four out of twelve possible topics. At the end of the year, students enrolled in the course will shortlist the best projects, and if our school performs well, we could have the opportunity to attend the prize-giving ceremony in May.
This talk provided a valuable insight into a relatively new and promising course, offering fresh opportunities for students interested in geography, planning, and environmental sustainability. (Article by Harry Tindale).
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
ETSS Wicklow U16 Boys Volleyball Team Competes in Semi-Finals
Today, our U16 boys' volleyball team traveled to Nord Anglia to compete in the semi-finals against Nord Anglia International School and Patrician High School.
In their first match, the ETSS Wicklow team secured a 2-0 victory against Nord Anglia with an impressive performance. Their second match saw them battling hard against Patrician High School but ultimately falling 0-2. However, their journey is not over yet—if Patrician HS loses 3-0 in their next match, our team will still have a chance to advance to the finals.
Team captain Lewis Phillips was a standout player, leading with tactical skill and strategic plays. We also spoke to team setter Norbert Lach about the day's matches. Reflecting on the games, he shared, "It was a very well-played two games. It was an unlucky loss, but we all played well and enjoyed ourselves."
By Harris Bremner
Semi-Final Success
Our ETSSW U15 boys' football team secured a 3-1 victory over Adamstown in Enniscorthy, securing their place in their first-ever final. Coached by Francisco, the team showed great determination throughout the match, and their victory makes history for sport at ETSSW.
This win is remarkable and a proud moment for our school, and the team are training and preparing to represent ETSSW in the final.
This success is all due to the team’s hard work, and the quality training from their coach Francisco, as well as support from the school community. Everyone is eagerly waiting for the final, which may be the school's first overall victory in a football championship. Good luck to the U15 football team!
We now officially have our school TikTok page up and running, thanks to our newly formed Social Media team! We'll be sharing content about school life, classes, events, and behind-the-scenes moments from ETSS Wicklow.
We’re excited to see where this new venture takes us—so be sure to follow us at @etss.wicklow on TikTok!
By Bobby Connoly
TY Students Take Part in NBK Survival Training Workshop
On Wednesday, half of our TY students attended a workshop with Niall Kennedy, one of our local community guards, who led his NBK Survival Training session. The workshop focused on both mental health and fitness, offering students valuable insights and practical exercises.
Niall shared his journey from being a professional boxer to facing personal struggles, including the emotional loss of one of his best friends. His story resonated with many, highlighting the importance of resilience and mental well-being.
On the fitness side, students took part in reaction-time games and a fun workout session—purely for enjoyment, as Niall himself emphasized. It was an engaging and insightful experience, and we’re looking forward to the other half of the TY group taking part next week.
By Harry Tindale
Wellbeing Week at ETSS Wicklow
This week Amanda’s (Art teacher) 3rd year mindfulness class organised well-being week there were many different activities such as yoga in the PE hall on Tuesday and there was hot chocolate in the home economics room on Thursday all the donations went to pieta house charity. Big thanks to Amy (Home economics teacher) for giving up her lunch to help with the preparation of the hot chocolate. There was also a mindful walk at lunch time to the Wicklow harbour. Which was a blast we walked along the Wicklow Sea front on the way back we fed the ducks which was a wonderful experience.
By Dylan Mc Connologue
Historic Final for ETSS Wicklow’s U15 Boys Football Team
The U15 boys’ football team has made history, becoming the first team from ETSS Wicklow to reach a final. Under the leadership of coach Francisco, the team showed incredible determination, skill, and teamwork throughout their campaign.
While they came up short in the final, their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Their resilience and hard work have inspired the entire school community, and they can hold their heads high knowing they’ve achieved something truly special.
This is just the beginning for this talented squad. With experience gained and lessons learned, they will regroup, train harder, and come back even stronger next season. The future is bright for ETSS Wicklow football, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this fantastic team!
On the Thursday during well-being week, Amanda and her mindfulness students organised a Hot chocolate and talk. During big break all the students donated 50 cents towards the Pieta house organisation which provides free, therapeutic help to people with suicidal distress, engage in self-harm or just need to talk!
The students enjoyed some delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows and were able to talk with friends and peers. Overall, it was such a wonderful experience during mindfulness week, and we hope we’ll be able to organise it again!
By Sophia Van Der Linden
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
It’s been another fantastic week at school, filled with hands-on learning, major achievements, and historic sports victories!
TY Students Take the Wheel! Our Transition Year students had an incredible experience with the Irish School of Excellence, where they learned vital driving skills and practical car maintenance. From understanding what’s under the hood to changing a tire, students gained real-world skills that will benefit them for life. They also took part in the beer goggles experience, which demonstrated the dangers of impaired driving in a safe, controlled environment—an eye-opening lesson for all.
Amy’s Second Book Published! We are beyond proud to celebrate Amy, our Home Economics teacher, who has published her second book on exam success skills! This is a huge achievement, and her expertise continues to inspire both students and fellow educators. Congratulations, Amy!
Boys' Football Triumph – History Made! What a game! Our U15 Football Team, coached by Francisco, made history this week by securing a place in the FINAL with a 1-3 victory!
Today, our team faced a tough semifinal against Adamstown in Enniscorthy. They fought tirelessly, staying focused and giving their all in what was an incredibly intense and thrilling match.
This team has already proven they are champions in ambition and courage. Next week, they’ll battle for the FINAL, with hopes of bringing the trophy home to Wicklow!
Wellbeing Week Preparations Underway Excitement is building as we prepare for Wellbeing Week next week! A range of activities and initiatives are planned to promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing across the school. Stay tuned for more details!
That’s it for this week—well done to all students and staff for their hard work and achievements. Have a fantastic weekend!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Weekly Update: Girls' Volleyball Quarter-Finals, Study Skills Workshops, and Extracurricular Activities Return
Our girls’ volleyball team gave it their all in a hard-fought quarter-final match this week, narrowly missing out on victory. Despite the result, their coach Andrei, who also serves as head coach of the Ireland Men’s team, expressed immense pride in the progress and determination the team has shown throughout the season. Their teamwork, resilience, and dedication on the court have truly been inspiring. Well done, girls!
Study Skills Workshop for Parents and Students We’re pleased to share information about a free three-evening Study Skills Webinar Series starting this Thursday, January 9th, and running weekly through January 23rd. These webinars, led by experienced post-primary teacher Kieran Sweeney, are perfect for post-primary students and their parents looking to develop effective study habits.
Topics include enhancing the learning environment, organizational skills, motivation strategies, memory techniques, and work-life balance tips. These workshops provide valuable tools as exam preparation gets underway. 📅 Dates: January 9th, 16th, & 23rd ⏰ Time: 7–7:45 PM 📍 Registration: Sign up here
Clubs and Activities are Back in Full Swing The new term has brought the return of our vibrant extracurricular program, with clubs like Board Games, LEGO, Green Schools, and Model United Nations (MUN) buzzing with activity. These are just a few of the many opportunities our amazing teachers facilitate, offering students a chance to explore their interests, build friendships, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re into creative problem-solving, environmental action, or debating global issues, there’s something for everyone.
Congratulations to Ayah for winning the school's stage of Rotary Ireland's Youth Leadership Development Competition! This impressive achievement highlights her dedication and leadership skills.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from our busy school community!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Dear parents and guardians please note that following the latest updates from Met Eireann that the school will reopen as normal tomorrow from 8am. We are looking forward to welcoming all of our students back following what we hope was a restful and enjoyable Christmas break.
Winter Newsletter
Newsletter Viewer
6/12/24
A Week of Community and Positivity at ETSS Wicklow
It has been an incredibly positive week at ETSS Wicklow, filled with achievements, celebrations, and the enduring spirit of our school community. From sports victories to academic accomplishments and a wonderful Winter Fair, we’ve come together to support one another and share in our successes. Here’s to many more weeks like this!
U15 Boys' GAA Team Triumphs with 0-10 Victory
Our under-15 boys’ GAA team continues to show their strength and determination, securing an impressive 0-10 victory this week. Despite facing challenges, including a game cancellation due to bad weather, the team remains undeterred. Head coach Francisco has been leading rigorous training sessions to ensure the players are ready for their next matches. Their dedication and hard work are a true testament to their resilience and commitment to the sport. Well done, team!
Winter Fair a Heartwarming Success
This year’s Winter Fair was a resounding success, bringing together students, staff, parents, and guardians in a celebration of community spirit. The event buzzed with a fantastic atmosphere as everyone came together to support the school. Thanks to the incredible efforts and generosity of all involved, the fair raised significant funds for the school community. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day so special.
TY Students Shine in QQI Course Assessments
Our Transition Year students have completed their QQI Level 5 and Level 6 courses, run in partnership with Portobello Institute. The assessments marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication: students of the Special Needs Assistant course undertook an exam, while those in the Fashion Merchandising and Design course showcased their creativity through a stunning window display. This display was open for all students to view, sparking inspiration and admiration school-wide. These courses highlight the unique and enriching opportunities available to our TY students, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
This Week at ETSS Wicklow: Winter Fair, Spotify Wrapped Day, and PE Expo Success!
29/11/24
As the festive season draws closer, ETSS Wicklow is buzzing with activity! Here’s a roundup of this week’s highlights and a special invitation to an upcoming community event.
Join Us at the Winter Fair!
We are delighted to invite all students, parents, staff, and members of the community to our Winter Fair on Monday, December 4th, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the school.
The first hour, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, will be a sensory-friendly hour, ensuring everyone can enjoy the event comfortably.
The Winter Fair will feature:
Craft Stalls showcasing creative work from students and local crafters
Homemade Treats and seasonal goodies for sale
Unique Gifts perfect for holiday shopping
This is a fantastic opportunity to support the school while enjoying a fun-filled day. All proceeds will go towards enhancing student activities, facilities, and programs. Bring your family and friends—we can’t wait to see you there!
Spotify Wrapped Day
This week, ETSS Wicklow celebrated one of our most exciting and unique traditions—Spotify Wrapped Day! Students and staff came together to share their favorite songs, top artists, and most-played playlists from the past year. The halls were filled with music and lively conversations about everyone’s 2024 soundtracks. It was a fantastic way to connect through music and celebrate the diverse tastes that make our school community so vibrant!
PE Expo Success
On Thursday and Friday, ETSS Wicklow hosted its annual PE Expo, and it was a resounding success! Students showcased innovative projects on topics such as sports performance, mental health in athletics, and the benefits of team sports to the entire school community.
The Expo was a celebration of creativity, research, and passion, with students impressing everyone with their knowledge and presentation skills. Congratulations to all who participated—you’ve set the standard for future Expos and shown the incredible talent we have here at ETSS Wicklow.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Monday
Active Club with Kamila
Origami club with Joanne
School Press Team with Sarah
Tuesday
Ciorcal Comhra with Grainne & Joanne
Boys Basketball with David
Girls Volleyball with Andrei
Wednesday
Boys Football with Francisco
Maths club with Alan, Lucy & Paddy
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Thursday
LGBTQ+ and allies club with Jade
Board Games club with Owen
Lego club with Paula
Book club with Grace
Girls Football with Tony
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Friday
Girls GAA with Clare and Caitlin
Debating club with Alan
Girls Basketball with Lucy
MUN Club with James and Tony
Green Schools Club with Ali
Self Defence club with Andrei
Thank you to everyone in our school community for your continued support and enthusiasm. Don’t forget to join us on December 4th for the Winter Fair—we’re looking forward to seeing you there.
This Week at School: Winter Fair, Think Languages Week, and Astro Pi Highlights!
22/11/24
Even though this week has been exam week, it has still been a busy and exciting time at school, with preparations for the upcoming Winter Fair, the celebration of Think Languages Week, and a spotlight on our involvement in the Astro Pi competition. Here’s a recap of all the activity:
Winter Fair: A Festive Celebration on December 4th!
Our school community is eagerly preparing for the Winter Fair, happening on Monday, December 4th! Students, teachers, and parents are working together to organize a variety of exciting stalls. Expect handmade crafts, delicious baked goods, and festive surprises to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
We are asking for your support to make the Winter Fair a success! Contributions in the form of baked goods or prizes for our raffle would be greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go back to supporting our school and enriching the experience of our students.
If you’d like to register for a stall, simply scan the QR code or visit the link below. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of this special event. Let’s make this year’s Winter Fair the best one yet!
Think Languages Week 2024: A Celebration of Languages and Cultures! This week, we celebrated Think Languages Week 2024, an exciting event that brought the richness of global languages and cultures to life for our TY students. From inspiring talks and interactive workshops to lively fairs and quizzes, the week was a whirlwind of learning, creativity, and fun!
Highlights included:
Welcome Ceremony: A pre-recorded opening ceremony set the tone for celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.
Guest Speaker: The Swiss Ambassador to Ireland shared insights into the culture of Switzerland and the value of multilingualism. Students participated in an engaging Q&A session.
Language Workshops: TY students explored languages and cultures through interactive workshops in Romanian, Polish, French, Irish Sign Language, Catalan, Basque, and more.
Language & Culture Fair: The school community came together to enjoy a vibrant fair featuring stalls celebrating global traditions, crafts, and cuisines.
Interactive Quiz: Students tested their knowledge in a fun and competitive quiz, with prizes awarded to top teams.
Performing Arts and Martial Arts: The week concluded with workshops in Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Flamenco, and martial arts led by Andrei and Ali.
Thank you to the incredible team of teachers, students, and organizers who made this event a huge success.
Astro Pi: Exploring Space Through Science and Technology Our school is proud to participate in the Astro Pi competition, an incredible opportunity for students to design scientific experiments that run aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Participants use the Astro Pi computers, equipped with sensors to measure temperature, humidity, air pressure, and magnetic field strength.
In the past two years, our students have completed fascinating projects, including:
Measuring the deforestation levels in specific areas.
Calculating the speed of the ISS as it orbits Earth.
Through Astro Pi, our students have developed valuable skills in coding, science, and technology while tackling global challenges. We’re excited to see what this year’s team will achieve!
It’s been a fantastic week of events and achievements at our school, showcasing the creativity, diversity, and talent of our students and staff. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Girls’ Volleyball Team Victory Our girls' volleyball team made history this week with a stunning victory over DCW in an exciting match held in our school hall. The team showcased impressive teamwork, determination, and skill, securing a hard-fought win in a closely contested game.
The girls triumphed in four out of the five matches they played, marking the first-ever victory for the girls' volleyball team at our school. Coach Andrei expressed immense pride in their performance and praised their resilience throughout the matches. This achievement is a significant milestone for our volleyball program, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!
Boys’ Volleyball Team Celebrates a Historic Victory
Our boys’ volleyball team achieved an incredible milestone this week, securing a thrilling win in a closely contested match against DCW. The team demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience, making this victory a proud moment for the school community.
Under the expert guidance of coach Andrei, the boys showcased their dedication and passion for the sport, battling through each set with unwavering determination. Their hard work in training paid off, and the victory is a testament to their collective effort and sportsmanship.
Congratulations to the entire team and Coach Andrei for this well-deserved success! We look forward to seeing what more they can achieve this season.
Science Week Festivities This week, we celebrated Science Week with a host of engaging and fun activities. Dougie Bowie reports on the highlights:
On Monday, students participated in a scavenger hunt at lunchtime.
Wednesday saw an exciting science quiz during tutor time.
On Thursday, Sairose led a chemical reactions demonstration at lunchtime.
The week concluded on Friday with an innovative escape room challenge during lunchtime. Throughout the week, students also enjoyed science demonstrations in their classes, making this an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Study Week - November 2024 This week was Study Week across all year groups in the school. Students revised topics covered since the start of the year to refresh their knowledge and prepare for their upcoming exams.
Study Week is an excellent opportunity to practice study skills, which is especially beneficial for 3rd and 6th-year students preparing for their state exams in June. Exam timetables can be found on the news page of our website.
Best of luck to everyone sitting their exams next week!
Mission Space Lab Astro Pi Students continue their work on the Mission Space Lab Astro Pi project, demonstrating creativity and technical skills as they develop experiments for potential testing aboard the International Space Station.
Lotto Winner Announcement Congratulations to Mark Brogan, this week’s lucky school lotto winner! If you’d like to be in with a chance to win big like Mark, you can purchase tickets for our lotto at https://www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/etsswicklow. Proceeds support student activities, enhance facilities, and fund exciting new programs.
Exam Timetable
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Monday
Active Club with Kamila
Origami club with Joanne
School Press Team with Sarah
Tuesday
Ciorcal Comhra with Grainne & Joanne
Boys Basketball with David
Girls Volleyball with Andrei
Wednesday
Boys Football with Francisco
Maths club with Alan, Lucy & Paddy
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Thursday
LGBTQ+ and allies club with Jade
Board Games club with Owen
Lego club with Paula
Book club with Grace
Girls Football with Tony
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Friday
Girls GAA with Clare and Caitlin
Debating club with Alan
Girls Basketball with Lucy
MUN Club with James and Tony
Green Schools Club with Ali
Self Defence club with Andrei
8/11/24
Stand Up Awareness Week: Celebrating Inclusivity and Pride
This week, our school proudly participated in Stand Up Awareness Week, an event dedicated to celebrating inclusivity and support for our LGBTQ+ community. The week’s activities were led by the passionate LGBTQ+ and Allies Club, with Jade guiding the way to make this week impactful and memorable.
One of the highlights was Thursday’s bake sale, which was a huge success thanks to the delicious contributions and enthusiastic support from everyone involved. On Friday, we concluded the week with "Wear Your Colours" day, as students and staff showed their support by dressing in vibrant rainbow colours. Thank you to all who took part in the activities and made Stand Up Awareness Week a celebration of unity and acceptance.
Volleyball Championship: A Proud Day for Our Teams
Our boys' and girls' volleyball teams traveled to the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin for a day of competition and camaraderie. Accompanied by their coach Andrei, the first- and second-year students had an exciting time participating in a blitz tournament, competing against teams from several schools.
The dedication and hard work of our students shone through, making their coach—and the school community—very proud. Everyone is looking forward to future matches and seeing our teams grow and succeed. Congratulations to all who represented our school with such enthusiasm!
TY Students Prepare for QQI Course Assessments
Our Transition Year students are diligently preparing for their upcoming assessments in their QQI courses. As the only school in the country offering these Level 5 and Level 6 courses to TY students, we are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. These courses provide valuable, practical skills and experiences that will support their future academic and career paths. Good luck to all our TY students as they work towards their assessments—we're confident they’ll achieve fantastic results!
U15 Football Team Shines in Dominant Debut Victory!
This Friday marked an outstanding debut for our U15 football school team, who kicked off their league journey with an emphatic 9-1 away victory against North Wicklow ETSS in Bray. Led by Coach Francisco, the team demonstrated an impressive mix of speed, precision, and teamwork throughout the match, maintaining high energy and focus from the opening whistle to the final minute.
The game showcased our team's fast, direct, and effective style of play, a testament to the hard work and discipline they’ve been honing in training. Each player contributed significantly, reflecting the strong attitude and determination that Coach Francisco has instilled in the squad.
The goals were a team effort, with stand-out performances from several players who found the back of the net at pivotal moments:
Dougie - 7' & 11'
Alejandro - 19'
Matas - 27' & 28'
Oscar - 50' & 61'
Ryan - 64' & 68'
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Weekly Update: Successes in Sports, Academics, and Community Involvement
25/10/24
This week has been bustling with achievements and activities, from sports triumphs to academic advancements and skill-building initiatives.
Astro Pi Teams Back in Action
The school’s renowned Astro Pi teams are back in the Coding Club, eagerly working on new projects and ready to push the boundaries in this year’s challenges. With experienced coders like Yatharth and Katelyn leading the charge, the club is building on last year's successes and inspiring new members to get involved in creative coding and problem-solving.
Phil Speaks Debating Success
The school’s debating team had a fantastic showing at the Phil Speaks competition at Trinity College Dublin. Our students demonstrated exceptional debating skills, with Aidan and Oscar finishing in second place overall! Their success is a testament to their dedication, quick thinking, and passion for debate, making the entire school proud.
Boys’ Basketball Team’s Strong Performance
Our boys' basketball team hit the court with energy and skill this week, showcasing incredible teamwork and dedication. With some impressive shots and solid defense, the boys kept their focus throughout, making it clear they’re a force to be reckoned with this season. Their hard work in training is paying off, and they’re eager to build on this game for future matches.
Girls’ GAA Team Shows True Grit
Our girls' GAA team faced a challenging opponent this week but displayed true grit and resilience throughout the match. They played with heart and determination, inspiring both teammates and supporters alike. Each game provides valuable experience, and the team’s camaraderie is stronger than ever as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Study Skills Week: Building Foundations for Academic Success
This week marked Study Skills Week, where many junior cycle students watched informative videos on effective study techniques to prepare for upcoming exams. Ava Mulhall reported on the event, highlighting various methods students can adopt, such as using flashcards, watching educational videos for deeper understanding, and discussing topics with friends or family to reinforce their knowledge.
These techniques provide younger students with essential tools to succeed academically, while older students are encouraged to explore new study strategies that might enhance their learning further. Study Skills Week is an invaluable resource, helping all students develop a solid foundation in effective study habits.
Weekly Lotto Winner: Jamie Boyce
Congratulations to Jamie Boyce, this week’s lucky winner of the school lotto! Jamie’s participation supports vital school programs and activities, making a meaningful impact on our school community.
Save the Date: Wicklow Lions Club Table Quiz – 7th November
The Wicklow Lions Club fundraising table quiz season is here, and ETSS Wicklow has been offered the evening of Thursday, 7th November at Earnie’s Bar. Every Thursday through late autumn and winter, the table quizzes are hosted in various Wicklow town venues to raise funds for local schools, clubs, and charities.
A table of four people is €40, and groups can be made up on the night. Funds raised are divided proportionally among participating groups, so the more tables we have representing ETSS Wicklow, the larger our share will be.
This is a fantastic opportunity to support our school while enjoying an evening out with friends and family. There will also be a raffle with exciting prizes. Please save and share the date: Thursday, 7th November at 8:30 pm in Earnie’s Bar, Market Square, Wicklow Town.
Warm regards, PSA Committee, ETSS Wicklow
Read Our School Newsletter
For a more detailed look at recent events, achievements, and upcoming activities, be sure to read our school newsletter. It’s packed with updates on academic programs, sports, extracurriculars, and community events, providing a comprehensive view of life at ETSS Wicklow. Stay informed and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and staff!
ETSS Wicklow School Newsletter
ETSS Wicklow School Newsletter
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Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Sports Achievements Our girls' basketball team showcased their determination and skill today, emerging victorious in a nail-biting finish. Marija Mickeviciute was rightfully crowned player of the match for her outstanding performance, and Kai Lawlor Clack made a significant impact by contributing 14 points to the team's success. Their coach, Lucy, is incredibly proud of them. Well done, team!
U18 Volleyball Match - By Matas Araminas
Our U18s lost after a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Piper’s Hill College. Despite creating several opportunities, ETSS couldn't win the first set, which ended 24-17 to Piper’s Hill. However, the lads showed tremendous spirit and determination throughout the second set, working hard and encouraging each other, securing a 24-22 victory for ETSS. Unfortunately, the happiness wouldn’t last long, as Piper’s Hill won the final set 15-12.
We are incredibly proud of their effort and commitment, especially considering the younger lads on the team. This young team has a bright future ahead, and we will now regroup and focus on winning the next game. Well done to Piper’s Hill College on their victory.
Open Night - By Ava Mulhall On the 15th of October 2024, our school’s open night took place, with eager prospective students and their families filling the halls from 6 o’clock. Each subject was assigned a room, some even sharing spaces, where student volunteers welcomed and guided visitors. The home economics and business rooms were especially popular, offering delicious food samples, while chemistry and geography wowed guests with fun, hands-on experiments.
Parents shared how much they appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and the willingness of both teachers and students to answer questions and provide insights into school life. The evening was a huge success, showcasing the vibrant and engaging learning environment our school offers, with everyone working together to leave a lasting impression on our future students.
Math Week - By Olivia This week, our school participated in Math Week, a fun initiative aimed at enhancing students' problem-solving skills and love for mathematics. Each morning, our principal, John, announces the previous day's winner along with a new riddle to challenge our critical thinking. Students who solve the riddles enter a daily raffle for a chance to win a voucher.
The whole school has embraced the daily riddles, and teachers have introduced enjoyable, math-themed activities into their lessons to boost engagement. The week has been filled with excitement as students from all year groups collaborate to crack the daily challenges. The energy around math has never been higher!
Wicklow Jail TY Trip - By Bobby Connolly On Thursday, the Transition Year group took a long-awaited trip to Wicklow Jail as part of History Week. Split into two groups, students were guided through the jail’s grim past by costumed guides portraying real historical figures. The tour offered fascinating insights into the prisoners' harsh conditions, punishment methods, and the history of emigration from the jail to other countries.
Students found the experience both educational and eye-opening, learning about a significant part of the town’s heritage while walking the very corridors that housed real-life prisoners. The visit was a highlight of History Week and a memorable trip for all involved.
TY 5km Walk for Mental Health Today, our Transition Year students participated in a 5km walk along the scenic Murrough. The walk, titled "Gr8 2b Yng," was organized by the Wicklow Youth Mental Health Initiative as part of their Suicide or Survive workshop. The event encouraged students to engage in discussions around mental health while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views. It was a great opportunity for the students to reflect, connect, and support each other in a relaxed and positive environment.
First School Lotto Winner A big congratulations to Dawn Leane, our very first lotto winner! 🎉 The school lotto fundraiser has officially kicked off, and we’re thrilled to have Dawn as our inaugural winner. Thank you to everyone who participated in the draw. Your support is helping to enhance student activities and contribute to new programs within the school. Be sure to keep an eye out for next week’s draw, and good luck to all!
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Principal's address at 7 pm followed by a presentation by architect and senior lecturer Patrick Flynn on the new school build
JC Results DAy 2024
Weekly Update:
11/10/24
Parent-Teacher Meetings By Ava Mulhall Last Thursday, the 5th and 6th-year parent-teacher meetings took place. These meetings are vital in keeping parents informed about their child's academic progress. At our school, teachers are assigned rooms, and students receive a map to find their teachers. The event ran smoothly, and the organisation was excellent, ensuring everyone could navigate the evening with ease.
Junior Cert Results Celebration By Ava Mulhall
Today, TY students received their Junior Cert results in a joyous gathering in the school hall. The hall was beautifully decorated with balloons, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere greeted students and their families. John delivered a heartfelt speech, congratulating the students and emphasizing that “your success is not defined by a grade, it is defined by your willingness to grow,” leaving everyone inspired.
One by one, the students were called up to receive their results, shaking John’s hand before opening their envelopes with excitement. Teachers were thrilled with the outstanding results and shared in the celebration as students proudly shared their achievements.
Notably, the Geography results were exceptional this year, with 6% of students achieving distinctions, significantly higher than the 2% national average. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and hard work of both the students and teachers in preparing for the exams, and it's a testament to the school’s strong academic focus in this area.
Cupcakes, biscuits, and tea were enjoyed by all, making the day a memorable success.
History Week Adventures History Week was packed with educational trips organized by teachers, taking students to historically significant locations such as Wicklow Gaol, Kilmainham Jail, and Glasnevin Cemetery. These trips gave students the opportunity to engage with Ireland’s rich past, deepening their understanding of historical events and figures in an immersive way. Huge thank you to our dedicated History teachers for all their hard work organising events this week.
Basketball Team Triumph What a team! Lucy's girls' basketball team put on an outstanding performance today, showcasing their skill and determination on the court. The game was intense, particularly in the first quarter, with Constanca Goma and Rosie Anderson working tirelessly to secure possession of the ball. Their efforts paid off, and Malú Pereira de Araujo emerged as the top points scorer of the match, making some fantastic shots. Special mention goes to Sophie O’Callaghan, who made her debut and was awarded player of the match for her remarkable contribution. A fantastic display of teamwork and talent!
Volleyball Games Update Under the leadership of coach Andrei, the volleyball team has continued to impress this week with another series of exciting matches. Their coordination and skill on the court continue to grow, with each game demonstrating their progress and commitment to the sport. Andrei's expertise as the head coach of the Ireland Men's team is certainly paying off as our players continue to develop into a formidable team.
OneNote Training for Parents This week, parents participated in a helpful OneNote training session to familiarize themselves with the platform their children use for schoolwork. The training was designed to ensure parents feel confident navigating OneNote, enabling them to better support their children’s learning. The session covered key features like organizing class notes, accessing assignments, and tracking progress, making it a valuable resource for staying engaged with their child’s academic journey.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
On October 1st, 2024, our 6th-year Geography students headed to Bull Island to complete essential fieldwork for their Leaving Cert exam, which contributes 20% to their final grade.
We took the train to Greystones and then the DART to our destination. As we approached Bull Island—a low-lying island in North Dublin created over 200 years ago by the construction of the North Wall—teachers Robert and Ali explained why the soil became more sandy the closer we got to the beach.
Upon arrival, the students conducted a series of experiments to gather data about the island's coastal processes. We observed freshly deposited sand and increased wave frequency due to recent storms.
The students, divided into two groups, used equipment such as ranging poles, a measuring tape, and even oranges to measure the rate of longshore drift. One group member placed a ranging pole at the water's edge, threw an orange into the sea, and after one minute, marked where it drifted. They then measured the distance to calculate the longshore drift rate. The students also counted wave frequency, measured deposition angles, and used quadrats for further analysis.
The day was a success, with both students and teachers satisfied with the results, gaining valuable insights into the area's coastal geography.
PSA Meeting: Planning Our New School Building
This week, our Parents and Staff Association (PSA) held a meeting, joined by special guest Patrick Flynn, a senior lecturer and architect specialising in educational buildings. Patrick outlined what we can expect regarding the new school building, offering insight into its modern design and facilities tailored to enhance learning environments.
Parents and staff were excited to learn about the innovative approaches being considered, from sustainable building practices to flexible spaces for diverse educational needs. Patrick addressed questions about the timeline, the architectural vision, and how this new building will positively impact the school community for years to come.
Visit from Paralympian Katie George Dunlevy
We had the privilege of welcoming Paralympian Katie George Dunlevy to our school this week. Katie shared her inspiring journey of perseverance and determination, leaving a lasting impression on all our students. Her powerful story of overcoming challenges to achieve sporting excellence encouraged students to pursue their own dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Katie’s visit was a highlight of the week, and we are incredibly grateful for her time and motivational words. Her message of resilience and determination is one that students will carry forward in their own lives.
Kayaking Trip with First-Year Geography Class
Robert took his first-year Geography class on an exciting kayaking trip this week to observe geographical processes and landscapes firsthand. The students got the opportunity to see in real life what they’ve been studying in the classroom, from erosion to deposition, all while navigating the waters.
It was an incredibly informative and, of course, fun experience for the students, combining hands-on learning with adventure!
Zoom Assembly with Principal John Maddock
By Olivia Kruszelnicka
This week, we ended the school day with a Zoom assembly led by our principal, John Maddock, and vice principal, Sarah. Every class tuned in for the final 20 minutes of school to hear exciting announcements. Craig, the first-year Year Head, introduced the top three first-year students: Amira Laasri, Ryan Gannon, and Owen Kearney. These students, along with several raffle winners, received rewards like vouchers, lunches, and book tokens. These prizes not only recognize hard work but also encourage students to put extra effort into their studies and behavior.
CAT4 Test: Understanding Learning Styles
By Olivia Kruszelnicka
The CAT4 test is designed to help teachers understand how their students learn. Since everyone has different learning styles—whether visual, auditory, or another type—the CAT4 test allows teachers to tailor lessons to each student’s unique needs.
Unlike traditional subject-based tests, CAT4 focuses on identifying patterns and logical thinking. The test, taken on iPads, has three sections: shape patterns (where you identify similar shapes), word patterns (where you select the matching word), and number patterns (where you find the next number in the sequence).
Though I found some parts challenging, it's important to remember that CAT4 isn’t graded and doesn’t affect future studies. Instead, it helps teachers understand the best ways to support their students, and for students, it offers insight into their strengths and areas that may need more attention. The CAT4 test is an important step in personal educational growth and a helpful tool for future learning.
Some clubs and activities on offer for next week are as follows:
Weekly Update: A Week of Excitement and Achievement
26/09/24
This week has been packed with exciting events and achievements across various areas of school life. From cultural celebrations to sports triumphs and continued progress in our TY courses, there's a lot to reflect on. Here’s a roundup of what’s been happening:
European Language Week By Robert Mason
European Language Week is a school-run event celebrating the diverse cultures and languages of Europe. Every morning during tutor time, from 8:45 to 9:00 AM, students participated in small activities. This year, European Language Week was held from September 23rd to 27th, not just in Ireland but across Europe. The event, organized by Sheena Roche, Francisco Bouza, and Esther Byrne, aimed to help students gain a deeper understanding of European cultures and languages, answering some questions they may have had about their heritage.
A fun twist to the week included D.E.A.S. (Drop Everything and Salsa) during the last 15 minutes of school. Students were taught Spanish dance styles through instructional videos, getting the chance to practice their new moves.
Girls GAA Match Report By Dougie Bowie
The girls' GAA team traveled to Gorey Educate Together on Monday for a thrilling match that ended in a nail-biting 17-17 draw. Both teams showed tremendous skill and determination. Caoilfhionn was a standout performer, netting three impressive goals. Our girls showcased great teamwork and resilience throughout the game, making it a tight contest. With this strong start to the season, they are already gearing up for their next challenge.
QQI Course Update: Week 3 By Bobby Connolly
All TY students are fully engaged in their QQI courses: Fashion Merchandising and Special Needs Assisting. The group working toward their SNA qualification learned about various types of disabilities and how to support students with special needs effectively. They began their first assignment—a report evaluating the accessibility and safety of a premises for children with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the Fashion Merchandising students learned about the structure of their upcoming assessments and explored the world of fashion displays. Both courses, run in collaboration with Portobello Institute, are proving to be informative and enriching. We look forward to seeing what the next few weeks hold!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Action-Packed Week: Despite the school being closed on Monday for teacher training, it was an action-packed week for all!
Important Information regarding school site! Please see below.
Student Council Elections: It’s official! After some inspiring election speeches over the intercom, the school community voted, and we are thrilled to announce our new Student Council President Aidan and Vice President Oscar! Huge congratulations to both!
Drama Workshop: Our 1st years took part in a fantastic drama workshop hosted by Spotlight Studios. It was a great opportunity for them to get creative and connect with one another in a fun, supportive environment.
In-Class Highlights: Saoirse’s 2nd year science class showcased their creativity this week by building devices that demonstrate energy transformations. From kinetic to thermal, the students impressed with their innovative designs!
Sports Teams in Full Training: It’s been a busy week for our sports teams with GAA, football, and volleyball training sessions in full swing. The hard work and team spirit is already showing!
Clubs Back in Action: Many of our fantastic clubs were back in action this week, including Green Schools, MUN, and the LGBTQ+ Club!
Thank You to Our Lotto Supporters: A huge thank you to everyone who has joined our school lotto! Your support means the world, and the funds raised will go directly toward enhancing student activities, improving facilities, and supporting new programs. With tickets starting at just €2 (or a weekly €5 donation), you could be in with a chance to win amazing prizes, including a €25 Gino's Gelato voucher this week. There are less than 3 weeks left to join and be in with a chance of winning!
Weekly Update: Exciting Events and New Initiatives!
Friday 13th September 2024
This week has been full of exciting developments at our school, offering wonderful opportunities for both students and staff.
We are proud to announce the launch of our School Lotto fundraiser. This new initiative will raise important funds to support our students' educational experiences, well-being, and extracurricular activities. For just €2.50 for 1 line or €5 for 3 lines each week, you can contribute and be in with a chance to win fantastic prizes. Our launch prizes include:
A signed rugby ball by Jack Conan
A beautiful plant from Fields Flowers
A €100 voucher for local businesses like Bridge Tavern and Phil Healy’s.
We’re also excited to announce two additional prizes:
A €50 Wicklow Town voucher
A €50 Shoebox voucher
The first draw is on Thursday, 10th October, so don’t miss out. You can sign up through the link below.
In other great news, Teacher Robert and TY students Harry and Ioana attended the launch of the new Senior Cycle subject, Climate Action and Sustainable Development. We are thrilled to be one of only 43 schools selected to participate in the phase 1 roll-out of this innovative subject. This new curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle global environmental challenges, focusing on topics such as climate justice, sustainability, and human impact on the environment.
At the launch, Minister for Education Norma Foley praised the initiative, saying, "This subject is an important step forward in preparing our young people to understand and respond to the most pressing global challenge of their time." Robert was instrumental in bringing this new subject to our school, and we are proud to be at the forefront of its introduction.
This week also saw a number of our students enjoying a trip to the Bord Gáis Theatre in Dublin for a performance of Wicked. Led by teachers Sheena and Shauna, the students had a wonderful cultural experience and gained valuable insights into the world of professional theatre and storytelling.
In addition, lunchtime clubs and after-school sports are back in full swing. Volleyball and the self-defense club have resumed, and we’re excited to see the return of our Model United Nations (MUN) team under the guidance of Tony. The board games and LEGO clubs also joined forces again this week, offering students a fun and creative space to unwind.
It’s been a busy and exciting week, and we look forward to more great events in the days ahead.
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
What a busy and exciting start to the school year! We were thrilled to welcome our new first-year students, along with other new faces joining various year groups. It’s been a week full of energy as everyone settles back into school life.
A big highlight this week was the return of extra-curricular clubs! Huge thanks to all the staff members who generously give up their lunch breaks and time after school to make these activities possible.
Volleyball teams hit the ground running with some intense training under their coach, Andrei, head coach of the Ireland Men’s Volleyball Team.
The LEGO and Board Games clubs were in full swing, with a fun crossover hosted by teachers Eoin and Paula.
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Active Club with Kamila
Origami club with Joanne
School Press Team with Sarah
Tuesday
Ciorcal Comhra with Grainne & Joanne
Boys Basketball with David
Girls Volleyball with Andrei
Wednesday
Boys Football with Francisco
Maths club with Alan, Lucy & Paddy
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Thursday
LGBTQ+ and allies club with Jade
Board Games club with Owen
Lego club with Paula
Book club with Grace
Girls Football with Tony
Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Friday
Girls GAA with Clare and Caitlin
Debating club with Alan
Girls Basketball with Lucy
MUN Club with James and Tony
Green Schools Club with Ali
Self Defence club with Andrei
We also received some exciting news: the school will be attending the launch event for the new Leaving Cert subject: Climate Change and Sustainability. This subject will give students a deep understanding of climate action and sustainable practices. We’re proud to be a pilot school for this project, with our TY students among the first in the country to sit this subject! Representatives from the geography department will attend the event alongside two of our TY students.
Additionally, two of our students had an amazing experience representing Team Ireland at the International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) over the summer. The iGeo is a prestigious competition where students from around the world test their geographical skills and knowledge. Our students made up half of Team Ireland—a remarkable achievement!
In class, Lucy’s second-year maths students were hard at work today, using algebra to solve problems in a fun, fast-paced activity. Each table had a different problem, and students moved around the classroom to solve as many as they could before the timer rang!
Special mention also to Gleb Yukhymenko in Lucy’s science class, who went above and beyond with his impressive animation of the stages of the carbon cycle. His teacher couldn’t be prouder of this outstanding work!
First-year students also had their first introduction to coding, where they learned to animate their names. We’re already spotting some future stars for our internationally acclaimed coding club!
Well Wishes for the upcoming exams from LeighAnne's Animation Class
Exam Timetables
Friday 24th May 2024
Student Report
WICKMUN 2025 Student Interviews
WICKMUN 2025 applications for various leadership positions, including Secretary General, Head of General Assembly , Head of Administration, Head of Press, Head of Security, and Chairs, were opened last week. he Model United Nations (MUN) program provides students with the opportunity to develop their public speaking, critical thinking, and diplomatic skills. It also allows them to engage in meaningful discussions about global issues and propose solutions to real-world problems.
Interviews were conducted this week during lunchtime by teachers James Hayden and Tony Redmond, alongside experienced 6th-year student Hannah O'Callaghan, who has previously served as Secretary General and Head of General Assembly. The interviews were rigorous, involving tough questions to assess the candidates' capabilities and commitment to the role.
The WICKMUN program has a rich history of empowering students to become effective communicators and leaders. It serves as a platform for students to explore international relations and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of global politics. The dedication and enthusiasm of the applicants reflect the growing interest in international affairs and diplomacy within our growing student body.
We commend all the students who took part in the application and interview process. Their initiative and willingness to take on leadership roles within WICKMUN are commendable. The positions for WICKMUN 2025 will be announced next week, and we wish them every success in WICKMUN 2025. The model United Nations lunchtime club will start back in September 2024 and we are always looking for new members.
By Ayah Mohamed - TY
Our Secretary General Aidan O' Connor at WICKMUN 2024
Staff Report
End of Year Transition Year Ceremony
Last Wednesday, there was a buzz of excitement as ETSS Wicklow celebrated their annual End of Year Transition Year Ceremony. This special event marked a significant milestone for our students, honoring their growth, achievements, and readiness for the next phase of their educational journey.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Principal John Maddock, setting a tone of pride and celebration. Co-ordinator Robert Matthews took to the stage to congratulate the students on their remarkable accomplishments throughout the year. In his heartfelt speech, Mr. Matthews commended the students for their dedication, resilience, and the personal growth they have shown, highlighting how these qualities will serve them well in the future.
One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Transition Year Certificates. Each student proudly received their certificate, which signified their readiness to take on new challenges this year. The grand finale of the evening was the highly anticipated end-of-year dance-off. The energetic and spirited dance-off was a perfect way to celebrate the camaraderie and sense of community throughout the year.
The Transition Year Ceremony was more than just an end-of-year event; it was a heartfelt celebration of the journey each student has undertaken. It acknowledged the challenges they have overcome, the friendships they have built, and the knowledge they have gained. It was also a moment for parents and teachers to reflect on their crucial roles in guiding and supporting the students' development and their future.
TY students accepting their awards
TY Dance Off Routine
Fun Sports Day/Girls Football Tournament
ETSS Wicklow recently held an exhilarating Sports Day on Thursday. However the highlight of the week was definetly the girls' football tournament on Wednesday. The event was a vibrant celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and school spirit, drawing enthusiastic participation from students and staff alike.
The girls' football tournament, saw several teams competing fiercely yet fairly, demonstrating impressive skills and determination. The matches kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Both events fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among participants and supporters. Teachers and students cheered together, creating an uplifting and inclusive atmosphere. The success of the Sports Day at ETSS Wicklow underscores the importance of extracurricular activities in promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship, and unity within the school community.
Sports Day @ ETSS Wicklow
Star Football Players
Expert Exam Advice
We are very proud of our colleague Amy Cowan who has just had her book 'Less Stress More Success - Home Economics' published nationally. We can be assured that our Home Economics are in very safe hands as they prepare for their Junior Cycle exam in the next few weeks. Congratulations Amy on all your hard work!
the importance of Revision week
Revision week is a crucial period in our school calendar, offering students the opportunity to make the most of their teachers' expertise. Our teachers, who are experts in their fields, provide invaluable guidance on exam techniques, helping students refine their knowledge and boost their confidence. This time is essential for giving one final push before exams, ensuring that students are well-prepared to succeed. Embrace this opportunity, and let your hard work during revision week propel you toward a successful exam season and a well-deserved, triumphant summer holiday!
Ali, Assessment & Attainment coordinator
Friday 17th May
Student Report
Transition Year Production of "The Wizard of Oz" Delights Parents and Staff
The Transition Year production of "The Wizard of Oz" at ETSS Wicklow was a resounding success this week, leaving parents, students, and staff in awe of the talented performers and the dedication of the production team. The classic tale of Dorothy's adventure in the magical land of Oz was brought to life by the students who showcased their singing, dancing, and acting skills, captivating the audience from start to finish.
The colorful costumes and vibrant set design by our Art department added to the enchanting ambience of the production, transporting the audience to the whimsical world of Oz. Parents who attended the performances were full of praise for the students, highlighting the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed by the young cast. Many commented on the impressive vocal performances and the seamless choreography, emphasizing how much they enjoyed the production.
It truly showcased the hard work and commitment of the students and staff in bringing "The Wizard of Oz" to the stage. The TY students would like to extend their gratitude to the dedicated staff members of Sheena, Shauna, LeighAnne and Cian who supported and guided the students throughout the production process. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing the students' talents was evident in the polished performances and seamless execution of the production. In addition, a special thanks were extended to Dave from RSVP Productions for his invaluable contribution to the success of the production. The professional sound engineering provided by RSVP Productions enhanced the overall quality of the performances, ensuring that the audience was treated to an immersive and memorable experience.
The success of "The Wizard of Oz" production serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and creativity of the students and staff of ETSS Wicklow. Everyone involved, from the performers to the production team, should take pride in their contributions to this outstanding production. The lasting impression made by "The Wizard of Oz" will undoubtedly be cherished by the school community for years to come.
By Ioana Teodora Bosneaga - Third Year
Staff Report
Fishing Futures Project
A number of parents and students this week got to enjoy a day of fishing on Arklow South beach. Organised by our Home School Community Liasion coordinator Ceire in conjunction with the fishing Futures Ireland project, parents got to enjoy a very memorable and informative day out.
The Fishing Futures project is an angling initiative that provides Angling as a social and leisure activity for its members as an alternative healthy lifestyle choice which will enhance and enrich their future lives. A big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers from who gave up their time to teach the skills of this wonderful past time to our students and parents. Ceire hopes to run similar parent and student initiatives next term. Fish will definitely be on the menu this week.
Zoe caught the biggest fish of the day
A Great day out was had by everyone!
Answer to Last Week's Maths Problem of the Week
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Tickets for the TY Musical 'The Wizard of Oz' on Sale Now
ETSS Wicklow is delighted to present this year’s Transition Year Musical “The Wizard of Oz’ next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14th and 15th! Tickets are available to buy at the link below. We look forward to welcoming you all to what is going to be a phenomenal show! Check out the video for our pre-rehearsal set-up!
Our EPAS team of junior ambassadors enjoyed promoting Europe day on the 9th of May using our Europe information point in the school. The students enjoyed taking part in the programme programme for the first time this year, as it gave them the opportunity to learn about the role of the European Parliament and to actively engage with their MEPs, like Grace O'Sullivan who we wish all the best in the upcoming elections. They learnt about European values, their rights as EU citizens and were encouraged to actively participate in EU democratic processes. Our students enjoyed receiving their first ever ambassador school plague at the Eurofound headquarters in April.
ETSS Wicklow teachers Robert and Ceire will travel next week for EPAS seminar for teachers scheduled at the European Parliament in Brussels. They are one of four Senior ambassadors for Ireland that have been selected to attend alongside 100+ Senior Ambassadors selected across EU Member States and the United Kingdom for this event. This event brings together the most active Senior Ambassadors (teachers) from all EU Member States and the UK and allows them to learn more about the European Parliament, follow workshops on youth engagement, European Elections in 2024, visit the European Parliament premises, and meet EPAS teachers from other EU countries.
Throughout this seminar our ETSS Wicklow teachers will be involved in:
Interaction: educators can use the EP interactive educational material that includes general information and facts about the EU, training on democratic skills and participation, call role-play games and quizzes.
Knowledge-sharing and enhanced engagement: the meetings will facilitate knowledge sharing, highlight achievements and address challenges. This fosters transnational connections and allows members to share experiences and expertise.
Community building: by actively involving participants, we reinforce the importance of community building within together.eu
We look forward to hearing updates about their trip on their return.
EPAS Awards 2024 at Eurofound Headquarters
Our EU Info Point
Staff Report
Erasmus Plus Funding Secured
We have some exciting news to share with you all! Our MFL teachers, Sheena Roche and Esther Byrne, have secured a whopping €61,000 funding from the Erasmus Plus program. This is a great achievement and opportunity for our school and students to travel abroad and collaborate with other European schools.
The lengthy application process was worth it, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on the students' learning experience. This funding will open up doors to new cultures, languages, and perspectives, and we are grateful to have such dedicated and hardworking teachers on our ETSSW team.
We would like to congratulate Sheena Roche and Esther Byrne on their accomplishment and thank them for their commitment to providing excellent opportunities for our students. We look forward to seeing the exciting projects that will come from this funding in the future.
Sound Therapy Sessions
As part of the SCP program, first and second-year students were invited to attend a sound therapy session with project worker Ben this week. The session aimed to help students reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and promote overall wellbeing. The students were guided through a series of relaxation exercises while listening to calming sounds and music. Many students found the experience to be very helpful and reported feeling more relaxed and centered. ETSS Wicklow plans to offer more sound therapy sessions in the future to continue supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students.
A Relaxing Set-Up
Maths Problem of the Week Initiative
Maths teacher Lucy has been promoting math across the school for the last year by presenting students with a 'problem of the week' on a Monday. These problems have real-life practical outcomes that engage students at all levels. To encourage participation, we recognise mathematicians of the month with certificates. So don't be shy, give it a try and see if you can solve the problem of the week! Check back next week for the answer and a new challenge. Let's continue to make math fun and engaging for everyone!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Friday 3rd May
Student Report
History Trip
Our TY History students took a trip to Custom House and NMI archeology in Dublin yesterday. It was great seeing our future historians getting to explore some of our own history and enjoying a nice treat to end it all!
Our TY students at the Customs House
Visit from World Pride
Thanks to Ricque, Patrick, Helen and Bee from @wicklowpride_ for extending our partnership with our LGBTQ+ ally group! It was great to link our two communities to expand the support of our young people. Knowing our students have a safe space outside the group is so wonderful.
Our LGBTQ+ club
National Educate Together Debating Competition
Some of our students were brought down to Galway today to represent our school in the ETSS National Debating Competition Final. ETSS Wicklow’s late principal Colm Kehoe had a real passion for debating which led to the creation of the first all-Ireland Educate Together debating competition. He really loved to inspire young people to take an interest in the world around them and fostered student voice that saw students grow in confidence as a consequence of their participation in the competition.
In his memory, last year ETSS Wicklow continued to grow and build this wonderful educational opportunity with the same kindness, generosity, passion and professionalism that he did. ETSS Wicklow passed on the baton this year to last year’s winners Galway ETSS to continue this wonderful competition which allows all Educate Together students come together online and in-person to debate topical issues that matter to them.
Being the ones to judge and award the Colm Kehoe cup to Galway ETSS was a great privilege. We are sure Colm would be proud of his initiative and the dedication shown by all the Educate Together staff and students present.
The Prestigious Colm Kehoe cup
ETSS Wicklow an Ambassador School for the EU
Congratulations to all our Junior Ambassadors who attended the awards ceremony today for the completion of the EPAS program today at Eurofound HQ in Loughlinstown. The program aims to increase students' awareness of European parliamentary democracy, the role of the European Parliament and European values. The students received a plaque on behalf of the ETSS Wicklow as an honorary ambassador school. Well done to all the students involved.
Staff Report
Spreagadh 2024 in UCD
Huge thank you to Eoin and the UCD School of Education for hosting the first event of its kind! Some of our students with an interest in pursuing teaching as a career, engaged in Spreagadh. This research focuses on DEIS schools and aims for more representation of socio-economics, culture and diversity in the future generations of teaching! Being the only Educate Together out of 8 schools was such a privilege. We can’t wait to see where this takes us!
Students @ UCD this week
Football Tournament @ ETSS Wicklow
We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to all members of our school community to join us for the inaugural Colm Kehoe Memorial Cup Girls Football Tournament, scheduled to take place at the Wicklow Rovers pitch on Wednesday, May 22nd.
This tournament holds a special significance as it is dedicated to the memory of our esteemed late principal, Colm Kehoe, whose passion for education and love for sports continues to inspire us all. In what promises to be a day filled with excitement and sportsmanship, we are honoured to welcome five other distinguished schools to participate in this historic event: Gorey Educate Together, Blackrock Educate Together, Clogher Road, Hansfield Educate Together, and Goatstown Educate Together.
The gathering of these schools not only signifies a coming together of communities but also marks a significant milestone as the first tournament of its kind between Educate Together Schools.
As we prepare to witness the skills and teamwork of our talented players, we are reminded of the values of sportsmanship and cooperation that define our educational ethos. The Colm Kehoe Memorial Cup is not just a one-time event; it symbolises a commitment to nurturing a love for sports and fostering a sense of unity among schools. We are excited to inaugurate this tradition and look forward to the years ahead, where the spirit of competition and friendship will continue to thrive in this annual tournament.
May Ticket for Success Winners
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Friday 26th April
Student Report
WICKMUN 2024
Over the weekend of April 19th and 20th, our
school held its second in-person Model United Nations Conference, WICKMUN2024.
Headed by a team of seniors – Secretary General Aidan O’ Connor, Deputy
Secretary General Ayah Mohamed, Conference Managers Sonny Anderson and Lenna
Smith and President of the General Assembly and last year’s Secretary General
Hannah O’ Callaghan – the conference was a student-led success!
Day one (Friday April 19th) began with an opening
ceremony which saw speeches from Principal John Maddock, and politicians Anna
Waithira Burke from the Labour Party and Stephen Matthews from the Green Party,
who inspired all students in the room and expressed their joy at the future
generation before them. Finally, Secretary General Aidan O’ Connor gave a
speech encouraging every attendee to do their absolute best, and with a bang of
the gavel, the conference was opened, and committees began debate!
With over 200 student attendees from secondary schools across the
country, the school was packed over the two-day conference. With seven
committee rooms – The Crisis Committee, The Disarmament and International
Security Committee, The Health and Youth Committee, The Historical Committee,
The Special Political and Decolonisation Committee, The Ecology and Environment
Committee and The Economic and Social Council – full of delegates debating
topics from “The Question of The Cost of Living” to “The Question of Improving
the Quality of Life of Refugees”. Each delegate attending was representing a
country and its views during debate, which had been assigned to the schools
attending prior to the conference.
After a good night's sleep, the students returned on Saturday
morning for day two. Committees were back in session. Bobby Conolly (the head
of Press) began printing the second edition of the ‘Swagmag,’ the conference’s
magazine. Bobby’s press team had been working hard, getting interviews, taking pictures,
and getting all sorts of juicy gossip from the attending delegates! Harry
Tindale’s Admin team were keeping the committee rooms afloat by-passing notes
and helping Bobby with printing communicating with committee rooms. Caleb
Gunn’s Security Team kept the delegates safe with a little bit of
mischief and by de-escalating any tricky situations that arose. Thanks guys!
As the afternoon crept in, it was time for the General Assembly. Lead
by Head Chair of the General Assembly, Hannah O’ Callaghan, all the attending
delegates gathered in the main hall to debate the topics they had been
discussing in the committee rooms. Debate was intense and fruitful, with
incredible speeches made by numerous delegates in the room.
As the conference drew close to and end, awards were presented to delegates
who exhibited and contributed to incredible debate over the weekend. Finally,
one last speech was given by Aidan O’ Connor, in which he detailed his
“retirement plan” of being Head of Security next year. Before he closed the
conference, Aidan invited the room to observe a moment of silence in remembrance
of the lives taken in Gaza since October 6th last year and urged the
delegates to put their skills and intelligence to good use, by helping causes around the world by raising support and awareness.
And with that, WICKMUN24 was officially closed.
By Aidan O' Connor– 5th Year
ETSS Wicklow Book Drive
The Student Council are organising a book drive to help build up our schoollibrary which will be set up for next year! We are accepting book donations of all kinds from students, parents & guardians and staff up until the end of the year. The library will be located in the area between the TY and 5th year classrooms.We are really excited to have this new addition to our school! By Bobby Connolly - Third Year
Staff
Report
National Educate Together Ethics Event
Some
of our 1st & 2nd year students attended Educate Togethers annual event in
Hansfield Educate Together. They discussed topics on empathy and solidarity and took part in student-led workshops and had an opportunity to spend time in the exhibition hall where many schools showcased their Global Citizenship and Ethical Education projects. ISSU, Friends of the Earth and CASC (Climate Action Short Course) also joined us and shared information in the exhibition hall. WorldWise Global Schools (who part funded the event) hosted a graphic harvesting wall where students were invited to share their thoughts and learning from the day. Thanks to our senior cycle students Hannah O Callaghan, Aidan O Connor &
Ayah Mohamed who led a debating workshop at the event. Thanks to Hansfield for
having us!
Our students engaging in some great discussion!
Creative Schools Week
Another successful Creative Schools week here at ETSSW! Students enjoyed recreating old art masterpieces through photography. They stretched their creativity in the written word by engaging in the creative writing competition. They also explored creativity in the life of a former NASA Engineer and the Irish Visual Artist Joe Caslin and designed posters inspired by our school ethos - Acceptance being the theme. Friday brought a dance session based on a viral TikTok dance with Sheena and in the Art room, students carved and moulded unique 3D clay creations with Leigh-Anne and got their faces painted by Saoirse!
Gaisce
Bronze Award Camping Trip
Huge
congratulations to the first ever Gaisce Bronze Award candidates in ETSS
Wicklow on completing their Adventure Journey in Larch Hill International Scout
Centre! Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people aged 14-25. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential. The programme encourages and rewards young people to discover their passions and challenge themselves, positively impacting themselves and the world around them. For their adventure day, our students did archery, orienteering and played gutterball, had hot
chocolate, marshmallows and s'mores by the campfire, camped overnight and got
up at 4am to start their Gaisce hike. A special thanks to Sarah, Gráinne and
Robert for taking them away to complete this part of their award!
Some of Our TY girls getting familiar with camping!
A memorable Trip!
TY Barista Training Course
Tuesday marked the start of our unique partnership with the Way Ahead Centre for
training our TYs as baristas! 10 TY students undertook the training today
learning all about coffee and how to make all the different types of coffee.
They are now certified to work in any café in Ireland. We are hugely proud of
our students. Special thanks to barista trainer extraordinare Riaan!!
TY Ayah learning how to make a great coffee!
Microsoft Dreamspace Coding
Session
Last Thursday some of the
brightest and best coders in ETSS Wicklow attended a session in Microsoft
Dreamspace. This session was a prize for receiving first place in the EU Code
week competition, a huge achievement for all involved. Students built and raced
their own race cars around a track and went on a guided tour around the
Microsoft Offices. Congratulations to Rosie, Ioana and Polly who won the race!
The Dreamspace @ Microsoft
Visit from the UCD Student
Recruitment office
This week the UCD Student Recruitment
office were visited our fifth years to get our feedback on the prospectus and
access for prospective students. We are so delighted to be named as one of
UCD’s key link DEIS schools for equal access in higher education! Watch our webpage and social media for more partnerships to follow.
Our 5th Years weighing up their options
Upcoming Events to Look Forward To
Summer football tournament
We are pleased to announce our summer football tournament at our school, where currently, 9 teams have completed registration. Huge thanks to our PE teacher Francisco for putting all this together.
Congratulations!
A massive congratulations to Michael and Ayah in TY1 for winning work experience placements with the Department of Foreign Affairs as part of the Global Ireland Young Leaders Programme. The Programme will take place over three days, from the 13th to the 15th of May, at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ offices in Dublin city centre.
This is a wonderful opportunity for Michael and Ayah to get firsthand experience of the wide array of work within the DFA and to learn about the different career options that are available!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Friday 19th April
Student Report
An Incredible IT Donation
SchoolComputers.ie held their annual CSR Education Mega Draw Event to celebrate Educate Together Secondary School in Wicklow, winning €20,000 worth of IT equipment. The aim of the programme is to empower schools across Ireland by providing them with much-needed support for enhancing their educational technology infrastructure and enhancing learning experiences and facilities. Irish professional rugby player, Jack Conan, joined us at the event along with local TD Steven Matthews. Thank you once again on behalf of all our students for the very generous donation.
Thank you to SchoolComputers.ie
WICKMUN 2024 Is Officially Opened
WICKMUN 2024 was officially opened tonight by our Secretary General Aidan O'Connor. Over 200 students from across the country were welcomed into our school to debate current world issues in the Model United Nations format. Guest speakers Steven Matthews from the Green Party and Anne Anne Waithira Burke from the Labour party spoke about the importance of their voice in politics today. Debating will continue tomorrow and we welcome all families to pop in tomorrow from 9am-6pm to witness this amazing event in action.
Some of our students with local TD's
WICKMUN 2024 is Officially Opened!
Friday 12th April
Student Report
We Mind Workshop
Did you know that ETSS Wicklow has a partnership with Jigsaw Wicklow?
Parents, staff and students have engaged in training with Jigsaw. In April, Adam Burke from Jigsaw facilitated phase 2 of the We Mind programme for TY students following the first phase done before Christmas!
"Together, we will achieve better mental health outcomes for young people (aged 12-25) by delivering therapeutic services, promoting youth mental health and mobilising community and societal change, while ensuring our organisation evolves to support all aspects of our work."
TY First Aid Course
TY1 earned an Emergency First Aid certificate this week with First Aid Courses. They spent the day learning essential skills for life and they can make a real difference in their community one day. It will also be a real asset to their Curriculum Vitae! Special thanks to Garry our knowledgeable and hilarious instructor!!!
TY1 Learning Vital Life Skills
Staff Report
WICKMUN 2024 Training Session
On Tuesday the 9th of April students Hannah o' Callaghan from 5th year and Odhran O' Reilly from second year delivered a model united nations session for students around Ireland via Zoom in preparation for WICKMUN 2024 taking place next weekend from Friday 19th-Saturday 20th April. It was wonderful to see local schools such as the Dominican College and schools farther afield such as Cork Educate Together in attendance.
The session started with last year's Secretary General taking this years participants through what a resolution is and how to write one. With Odhran giving some wonderful examples they then demonstrated how to debate a resolution and make amendments. They encouraged everyone to attempt to make a speech on the day and that at WICKMUN everyone is fully supported and it feels like a little family.
All the staff and students at ETSS Wicklow are really looking forward to next week's annual event and would welcome any parents who are seeing the Model United Nations in action, to come along to witness this great event for themselves. Please find the schedule for the weekend below.
ETSS Wicklow Representation at Dail na Og
Third Year Oscar Kavanagh took part in Dail na Og over the Easter break as one of the students elected as national executive for county Wicklow. On the 27th March, over 160 delegates from Comhairlí across Ireland met in Dáil Éireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nÓg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of today, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. We are all very proud of Oscar and his contribution to discussion on the day.
Oscar in Action!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
FRIDAY 22nd March
Easter Newsletter from our Press Team
This term, we have re-designed the newsletter to make it more of an interactive experience. To navigate your way through it, just swipe your screen or press the arrow on your keyboard and to view the photos that are grouped together, just click on them and swipe your way through them.
We hope you enjoy reading our newsletter that our hard-working and dedicated Press Team put together!
The school's Press Team attended an online webinar about photography
skills hosted by the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition
which our school is entering this year. The webinar was a very informative talk
about taking photos and editing them and the variety of tools you can use when
it comes to photography. The talk will help us improve our photography skills
which we can use for our competition entry, that has a grand prize of €1500 for
the winner.
By Bobby Connolly - Press Team
Lunchtime Workshop
TY Careers/Leaving Certificate Subject Choices
On Thursday evening the schools first Transition Year and Leaving Certificate subject choices fair took place from 6-8pm. It proved to be a valuable and insightful event for both students and parents as they had the opportunity to discuss with our teachers and current senior cycle students the various subjects on offer at ETSS Wicklow. Attendees were also able to gather essential information and guidance on future career options from our guidance counsellor Stacey. The interactive nature of the event fostered meaningful conversations and connections, making it a successful and enjoyable evening for everyone involved. We are looking forward to next year already.
By Bobby Connolly - Third Year
There was great interest in the event!
Leaving Cert Spanish Presentation
Staff Report
Seachtain Na Gaeilge 11 – 15 Márta
Students had great fun this week, with a lot of activities planned daily 'as Gaeilge' to encourage the use of the Irish language outside the classroom this school this week. Students had fun learning a daily Seanfhocal such as 'Níl in aonrud ach seal' and incorporating this into their daily routine. The week finished with a fun class kahoot on all the new seanfhocal they had learnt with some great prizes on offer.
Fun As Gaeilge
National Pi Day Competition
The highly anticipated National Pi Competition competition was held this week in Glenart College in Arklow. Schools from all over the country participated in several rounds of trying to solve difficult pi mathematical problems as well as remembering as many numbers of Pi as possible.
ETSS Wicklow's Pi team comprising Rada Kanevskaya, Fintan Devine, David Dubrovskij, and Yasseen Mesabbah put up a fantastic performance. The team gave it their all and came very close to clinching the first place, but unfortunately, they fell short by just four points. Well done everyone!
Well done Team ETSS Wicklow!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
FRIDAY 8th March
Student Report
Dublin Zoo
TY students enjoyed an
amazing day out at the zoo last week, which the second years are getting to also enjoy this Friday!
Dublin Zoo was found
in 1831, and it’s the 4th oldest zoo in the world - when it first opened, it
had lions, monkeys, leopards, bears and parrots. The purpose of the zoo was solely
for entertainment - so the enclosures were small, designed for containment and
to allow visitors to easily see the animals.
Communions were often
held in the zoo - elephant rides, lion feeding time, and chimpanzee tea parties
were all common zoo activities in the 60s - Thankfully, this no longer
happens.
Times have changed -
now the main purpose and aim of Dublin Zoo is conservation of wildlife, and
they try to allow the animals to live as similar a life they can to the life
they would be living in the wild.
We left bright and
early, and took the train up to Dublin - and arrived at the zoo for 10 o' clock
sharp. We split in two groups - and my group wandered around the zoo for an
hour. We saw zebras, lions, red pandas, elephants, wolves, aye-ayes - the lot!
After that, we were
given a guided tour of the zoo, and the lady (Victoria) told us about Dublin
Zoo’s conservation initiatives. It was a really
brilliant day, and we all had great fun!
By Ayah Mohammed - TY
A Flock of Flamingos
An Orangutan in plain sight!
Student Council
Message
The Student Council
has been working hard since Christmas, on a number of different things - and so
far, so good!
We’ve been working on
drafting a letter to send around to various local TD’s, talking the pressing
matter of our lack of facilities due to not having a proper school building. We
are hoping that they will be able to further highlight this in Leinster House,
and with luck speed up the process.
We interviewed
students from different classes, and asked them to give their opinions on how
the lack of a building and adequate facilities is affecting their education,
and we will be putting together a video to send alongside the letter.
Student Council
President and Vice President, Ayah and Vyga met with John the principle 2 weeks
ago to discuss some of the issues that had come up in our meetings.
We discussed the
upcoming Student Council book drive, which we will be running after Easter to
collect books for a study area/ that is being organised for 5th and 6th years
next year - something much needed and wanted by students!
A sanitary towel
dispenser for the girls bathrooms is being ordered by John at the request of
the Student Council, after the issue was brought up multiple times that there
is often a lack of sanitary equipment in the bathrooms.
The process of researching
the cost of different water fountains is underway, and with luck the student
Council will pick out a suitable one and order it before the Easter break.
Students will be happy to know that we will soon have water fountains to fill
our bottles!
That is all for the
updates on the Student Council, and we hope to accomplish as much as possible
in the near future.
By Ayah Mohamed,
President of the Student Council
ETSS Wicklow's Student Council
Staff Report
Annual Chess Championship at ETSS Wicklow
Last week saw the return of the Annual Chess Championship at ETSS Wicklow. We started the week with 128 participants and after days of gruelling knockout matches, we made it our final few competitors. The Junior students, in particular 2nd years, were the stars of the show. 15 of the final 16 were from 3rd year or below, showcasing the strong chess culture among our junior students in the school. A special mention to 1st year students Garrett O'Reilly and Declan Devine, who made it to the last 16 and quarter-finals respectively.
As we moved to the end of the week and the latter stages of the tournament, it was the 2nd years that started to hit the headlines. Yasseen Messabah dispatched Alim Kamilov, one of the pre-tournament favourites, in the last 16. It was plain sailing from there for Yasseen, who beat fellow second years Fionn Lang and Fintan Devine in the quarter-final and semi-final. On the other side of the draw, another 2nd year was quickly progressing through the field. Prahad Raguram eliminated Alex Zevatskiy and Declan Devine, to set up a semi-final showdown with reigning champion, Naoise O'Dubhslaine. It was the game we all wanted to see, and after a very cagey opening, Prahad prevailed against all odds to set up an all 2nd year showdown with Yasseen in the final.
The final was broadcast to the whole school, with top-class commentary from resident chess experts, Craig and Tony. After a very aggressive opening from Prahad, who was only a couple of moves away from a potential checkmate, Yasseen stunned the school by checkmating Prahad, who had trapped his own King into a corner. It was a masterclass from both students, who go away with prize money of €50 and €25.
By Craig Ledwith - Chess Master
Prahad in Action!
Past Champion Cody!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
FRIDAY 1st March
Student Report
First School Volleyball Club
Our school's volleyball team is a place where students come
together to learn, grow, and have fun. Each week, we have special days for
practice. On Tuesdays, it's just the girls practising. They work hard to
improve their volleyball skills and learn how to play as a team. Then, on
Wednesdays, both boys and girls practice together. It's a great chance for
everyone to learn from each other and become better players. And finally, Thursdays
are all about the boys. They focus on their skills and teamwork, with Andrei,
our physical education teacher, there to help them every step of the way.
But our team doesn't just stop at practice. We have big dreams for
the future! We want to start a volleyball club. This club will be a place for
everyone who loves volleyball, no matter how good they are. We'll have games,
practice sessions, and even events to help out our community and the school.
Because for us, volleyball isn't just about winning games. It's about building
friendships, supporting each other, and growing together both on and off the
court. With hard work and determination, we know we can make our volleyball
dreams come true!
by Marija Mickeviciute in Third Year
Our Boys Team
Our Girls Team
WCDMUN 2024
Last weekend our Model United Nations Delegates
attended the prestigious WCDMUN Heald in Wesley college Dublin. Ayah Mohammed
in TY was the only female main submitter of her resolution at the General
assembly which was one of the few passed at the general assembly. In addition
Odhran O’ Reilly in 2nd year made a resounding speech at the general assembly
and Oscar Kavanagh in 3rd year made a few impactful speeches as well. Once again a massive thank you to the WCDMUN team and our advisors as without
them we would not be able to attend. By a Third Year Student
Minister Simon Harris and Secretary General Hannah O' Callaghan at WICKMUN 2023
Student Council Attends BOM Meeting
On the 22nd of February, Marija and Sonny, a 5th
year student, attended a meeting at 7pm about what was going on with the
student council, who we were, what we did, and some ongoing projects.
We started by introducing ourselves. We then talked
about what we have been up to as student council members. One of the most
recent projects we have worked on was the selection box drive, which was a
donation to our local Vincent de Paul branch. After 3 weeks of gathering
selection boxes from each classroom, we donated over 250 boxes. The class that
donated the most selection boxes got a free pizza reward. Another thing we did
was have the student council write a letter highlighting the impact of
temporary housing on our school life. This letter was presented to the PSA and
also shared with local councillors and TDs in the hope of securing our
permanent site in the future.
We also reviewed policies such as anti-bullying and
attendance policies. One of our ongoing projects is to make a video showing the
impacts of a temporary building at our school. In the video, we want to
interview students from different subjects and extracurricular programmes about
how the building affects the subjects. Also, we are planning to install water
fountains at our school. We are still thinking about which options to choose.
Another project we want to get involved in is the
ISSU conference, in which student representatives from schools in every corner
of the Republic of Ireland come together to feed into the work of the ISSU and
its policies for the coming years and learn skills to aid them in furthering
student voice in their own schools. Some members of the Student Council are
planning to attend, and our 5th year member, Katie O'Connor, is planning to run
for disability officer. Also, we want to
make a library or study zone in the unsaturated area in the upstairs 2nd, 3rd,
4th, and 5th year building after Easter. We will ask our local library to
donate any books or ask students to donate books too.
On the 21st of March, we are going to do a wear red
day to stand up against racism. Pyjama Day is also another idea. It’s a pyjama
or cosy day, which is to help student wellbeing and metre health, especially
after the very busy exam week. The meeting went very well overall.
by Marija Mickeviciute in Third Year
Our Student Council
LGBTQ+ History Month
This week in our LGBTQ+ Ally Group we celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month which is celebrated every February. This years theme is Medicine #UndertheScope so we are celebrating people who work as doctors, counsellors and many other people under this topic. Harry showed us a PowerPoint listing some key things in history. As a group we all came up with some examples of LGBTQ+ celebrities that have changed our country to be more inclusive. We also talked about our history as a group that this is the first LGBTQ+ Ally Group and we will always be the first members of it!By Harry Tindale - Third Year
An Interesting lunchtime PowerPoint Presentation
Staff
Report
Astro Pi
Competition
For the second year running ETSS Wicklow has
submitted entries to the prestigious Astro Pi competition. This year students
are tasked with having to write computer programs that solve a scientific task
in space: to gather data to calculate the speed at which the International
Space Station (ISS) is travelling as accurately as possible. We have submitted
two very interesting ideas, with the aim of having both teams progress to the
final stage, where students will have their code run on the ISS and receive the
results of their experiment. Exciting times! Our two teams were made up of
second and third year students.
By Ali Aziz – Geography & Technology Teacher
Our Entries
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
FRIDAY 23rd February
Student Press Team Report
Third Year Mock Exams
On Tuesday, February 6th the 3rd years began their pre Junior Cycle exams (mocks). Students took on papers for core and option subjects, English, Irish and Maths which were taken in ordinary and higher level and History, Geography, Science. The option subjects were Home Economics, Business Studies, Music, Art, Technology and Woodwork. These exams will give all students and insight into what areas need to be revised for the Junior Cycle final exams and what areas they have done better on. The Home Ec cooking mocks are scheduled for around March 4th (exact dates TBC). Well done to all of the 3rd year students who completed their mocks.
By Bobby Connolly - Third Year
Junk Koture
Over the last few months some ETSS Transition Year Students have been working hard on their Junk Kouture creations. We had some very imaginative and unique designs including different dresses and even a car ! All of the designs were made from recyclable materials such as cardboard, paper cups, Shein bags and train tickets. Congratulations to all the students on their hard work and time put in to present their final pieces. By Ava Flynn
My Entry
TY Trip to Mondello Race Track
On the 22nd February 2024 the TYs went on a trip to Mondello. We started off with a talk about road safety and were divided into three groups; green, orange and yellow. The green group started off with a trip to the museum to look at all the amazing race cars they had; including two formula 1 cars! They then took a trip to the lookout tower, where you overlook the racetracks. We were then brought back to the main building where we got to practice emergency breaking. The fastest was 0.32 seconds! We were then brought up to the training room where we participated in a practice theory test and even tried on funny goggles to see what it would be like if you were under the influence of alcohol whilst driving. The final activity of the day was practicing parallel parking, turning sharp corners and indicating around other drivers. It was an overall amazing experience and I would highly recommend going if you have the chance.
By Ayah Mohammed - TY
Some very nice Cars
TY Fun
Staff Report
Table Quiz Fundraiser
Join staff and parents next Friday night the 1st of March at 7pm for a evening of general knowledge for a table quiz fundraiser in aid of our annual TY musical and the two day Model United Nations event.
Model United Nations in a nutshell
allows students from schools across Ireland to role play delegates from UN
member states and simulate UN committees where current issues are debated. The
benefits for students are clear, as it provides them with the opportunity to
develop and use real world skills such as; research, drafting, critical
thinking, teamwork, deliberation, negotiation, conflict resolution and
leadership skills. Since 2019 we have been the hosts of this amazing event in
the local community. This year WICKMUN will be held at ETSS Wicklow
from Friday 19th - Saturday 20th April 2023.
Out TY musical this May is the renowned Wizard of Oz and we look forward to opening our doors to the local community. Both of these events introduce our students to the joys and benefits of engaging in politics and performance. Due to the considerable costs of running these events we are looking to raise as much as possible through the on the night quiz and raffle. It should also prove to be a very fun evening and a great way to get to know more members of the school community. I look forward to seeing you all there next week.
By Ceire Hatton - HSCL
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Finally please note that the school will be closing on Friday the 12th April to facilitate staff training.
FRIDAY 9th February
Student Press Team Report
WICKMUN 2024
We are very proud to say that we are an enthusiastic Model United Nations school. We have been involved in MUN since 2019 under the guidance of late principal Colm Kehoe, and are improving our knowledge and skills as the years progress. The Model United Nations (MUN) is an international format of debate which allows students to take part in simulations of the United Nations by representing different countries and NGO's/IGOS in different committees that debate a range of relevant and topical issues. It develops strong organisational, negotiating and research skills, encouraging group work and working with others. An MUN club is ran in the school by Ceire and James on Fridays at lunchtime.
So far this year, we have been invited to multiple MUN conferences, ETSS Wicklow attended Royal Russell MUN in London in October, RADMUN in November, PARKMUN in December and ROCKMUN in January as the delegation of Mexico, participating in some fruitful debate. Well done to all students who took part in this. We are excited to attend more conferences in the 2024, such WCDMUN in Wesley College and of course our on WICKMUN.
Building on the success from hosting our first in-person conference last year we will be holding our second annunal conference on school grounds from the 19th-20th of April. Due to Covid, the first three years were hosted online, but nothing beats the energy of face to face debating. This years main preparation team for the conference consists of: Secretary General: Katie O' Connor, Co-Secretary General: Ayah Mohamed, President of the General Assembly: Hannah O'Callaghan, Conference Manager: Sonny Anderson, Co-Conference Manager: Lenna Smith, Head of Administration: Harry Tindale, Co Head of Administration: Urte Matuseviciute, Chair: Lenna Smith, Chair: Odhran O' Reilly, Chair: Oscar Kavanagh, Head of Press: Bobby Connolly, Head of Media: Hugo Kerekes and Head of Security: Caleb Gunn.
. Last year, we had a whopping 180 delegates attend our conference, and we are hopeful to get a full capacity conference of 220 this year. We are inviting multiple schools from all over Ireland, and can’t wait to meet all these delegates for a debate
filled, and not to mention enjoyable, weekend. As we get closer to the event, all are welcome to sign up for the numerous roles that will be needed for the hosting of this incredible school event.
By Katie O'Connor - Secretary General
General Assembly WICKMUN 2023
Staff Report
Educate Together Debating Competition
ETSS Wicklow’s late
principal Colm Kehoe had a real passion for debating which led to the
creation of the first all-Ireland Educate Together debating
competition. He really loved to inspire young people to take an interest
in the world around them and fostered student voice that saw students grow in
confidence as a consequence of their participation in the competition.
In
his memory, last year ETSS Wicklow continued to grow and build this wonderful
educational opportunity with the same kindness, generosity, passion and
professionalism that he did and passed on the baton this year to last year’s
winners Galway ETSS to continue this wonderful competition that allows all
Educate Together students come together online and in-person to debate topical issues
that matter to them.
ETSS
Wicklow Debate team finished their last debate in the league rounds of the Competition
against Stepaside ETSS proposing the motion that ‘Women’s
sports are undervalued’. Each student had prepared really well,
making impressive speeches on what turned out to be a very challenging motion
and were delighted with their first victory this year. They narrowly lost
out in the other roads to Limerick ETSS and Firhouse ETSS debating the motions ‘All
schools should be Educate Together schools’ and ‘AI will eliminate
creativity’.
They
have learnt a lot and developed and honed their debating this year with debate Coach
Sarah Culleton during lunchtime. They are looking forward to the final of the competition
which will be hosted this year in Galway ETSS for the awarding of the Colm
Kehoe cup and our students will have the further opportunity to participate in another
of Colm’s passions ‘The Declamation Contest’. Well done to all the team and a
big thank you to Sarah for giving up her time.
Well done to all for completing exam week
On behalf of all the staff here at ETSS Wicklow, I would like to congratulate students on finishing their second block of exam assessments this week. Under our new trimester assessment model which is being trialled this year, all students complete assessments in November, February and May/June. Well done to all of our students who worked hard this week and especially to our third year students who completed their mocks. We hope you all have a very well-deserved mid-term break!
John Maddock
Finally please note that the school will be closed for the midterm break from Monday 11th of February and until Friday the 15th of February inclusive. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 19th February,
FRIDAY 2nd February
Student Press Team Report
TY Hairdressing Workshop
Transition Year students had the great opportunity this week to participate in a barber hairstyling workshop with the local stylist Pink Elizabeth. The workshop was organized as part of the school's Transition Year program and proved to be a great success.
Pink Elizabeth began by giving a brief introduction to the world of hairstyling and grooming. She then demonstrated some basic techniques such as how to trim a beard, how to style hair, and how to use various grooming tools.
The students were then given the opportunity to try out these techniques on each other! They were provided with all the necessary tools and equipment and were given guidance and assistance by Pink Elizabeth.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on experience and were excited to try out their new skills on each other.
Overall, the workshop was a great success. The students not only had a lot of fun but also learned some valuable skills that will serve them well in the future.
Ayah Mohammed - TY
TY Students learning the ropes of Hairdressing
Forensic History - JFK Shooting
Before going in to this workshop, I honestly did not know what to expect - I assumed that since we were told that it was a forensics workshop, we’d be conducting some sort of investigation, maybe revolving around DNA or fingerprints. And in one way it did - but what I was not expecting was to be delving in to the story of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and theorising about who the killer was - or why he killed the president.
The classroom was done up spectacularly - posters, standing banners, a copy of J.F.K’s autopsy, a model of his brain, and prop guns - everything in connection with the case.
The man told us the story of the assassination, right down to the finest detail, every timestamp, every witness - and we saw that the case was wrongfully closed - none of the explanations added up, and much of the evidence was tampered with - including the body, and there were no photos of the autopsy…
The assassination of J.FK is arguably one of the most famous murder cases of all time - and incredibly dark and interesting to study. TY’s had great fun!
Ayah Mohammed - TY
Rory Heaslip Learning about inventions of the day.
VR reality brought them right back to the time.
Basketball Success
Winners!! Our 1st and 2nd year boys' basketball team played a blinder today. Patrick Adesola opened the match with a 3 pointer which was closely followed by some excellent play by Jacob Murray and Shaheen Mohamed. We were in the lead by the end of the first quarter. The game was neck and neck the entire way through, but the boys made an impressive comeback in the final quarter, finishing with a 9-point lead. Congratulations to man of the match Oscar Doyle.
ETSS Wicklow Boys Basketball Team
Football @ ETSS Wicklow
Girls football is growing fast in ETSS Wicklow, our coach Tony is pushing very hard the project and the growth is very obvious. After the last game this what he had to say:
"A strong performance from our Minor Girls football team last Thursday as they faced local rivals Dominican College Wicklow in our final match of the league. The result didn’t go our way but a phenomenal effort from the girls! Huge performances from Malu and Caoilfhionn McLindon, along with the help of our First Aider Ava gave us a fighting chance! Well done girls!"
HollyAnne Armstrong - First Year
Our Wonderful Girls Football Team
Rockmun 2024
This year our ETSS Wicklow's delegation attended the prestigious ROCKMUN conference! attending as follows were; Myself, Ayah, Katie, Hannah, Ruben, Rebecca and Guillermo. Representing Mexico our students debated and developed solutions on international issues such as finance, security, and Human rights. We all engaged in fascinating debate on the first day talking to people and networking. The second day we continued with our debating and entered the General Assembly where myself and Jack made speeches. Towards the end of the day Katie won best delegate in her committee for her speech on Adolesence and Mental Health in Conflict regions! We would like to thank the ROCKMUN team for allowing us to go and our own supervisors!
Oscar Kavanagh - Third Year
5th Year Katie O'Connor delivering her speech.
Met Eireann Meteorologist and RTE Weather Reporter, Linda Hughes visits ETSS Wicklow
On Wednesday, January 31st3rdyears and TYs had a visit from Met Eireann meteorologist and RTE Weather reporter, Linda Hughes who gave an interesting presentation on how the weather in Ireland is predicted, the status systems for extreme weather events and how climate change will/is effecting Ireland. A number of interesting questions were asked to Linda such as “do you work individually or in a team?” and “Does Met Eireann offer Transition Year work experience?”. Students learned a lot from the presentation given.
Thanks to Linda for coming to our school and giving us the fantastic talk.
Bobby Connolly, Third Year
Met Eireann Talk
1st Year Art Trip
Leigh Anne brought the 1st years on an amazing art trip down to the Wicklow pier to take some fabulous photos and get primary sources for their art exam.
The trip was well organised and the class brought great respect to the school. We had a ball of a time and as much as we had fun we took some phenomenal photos. We got to see a baby seal out in the water it was some people's first sighting of a seal! We all had the best time hope you have a great day thank you.
Hollyanne Armstrong & Lucas Cai First Year
First Year Boys Football
The 1st year boys had a very challenging match against Ramsgrange. The first half didn't go well but kept their heads up. In the second half, the boys put in an amazing performance but failed to hit the target. The lads put in a great team performance against a very strong team. Special mention to Callum Nugent who put in a great effort as goalkeeper.
Dougie Bowie and Harry Kavanagh, First Year
Staff Report
Transition Year Updates
Over the last month TY students have enjoyed a new range of workshops and activities each week to broaden their experience in the year and to expose them to different activities and knowledge bases.
When we got back from the break TYs got involved in a dance battle in Hip Hop with Jay Asolo, they explored mental and physical wellbeing with Wolf Academy, explored the science of forensics and cut each other’s hair in barbering and hairstyling with Pink Elizabeth.
Next week, alongside their exams, TYs will undertake an online escape room and work with Stephen Kiernan – author of Motivational Mondays.
There’s lots more to come after the midterm – including Mondello Driving (February 19th), Berlin, the Gaisce Adventure Journey, the zoo, QQI Level in Barista Skills and much more!
Parents Junior Cycle Maths Session
This week experienced Maths teacher Paddy ran a Junior Cycle maths session for our parents. He provided an overview of the Maths Junior Cycle curriculum, including the units of work covered over the three years of the programme. He also discussed the common mistakes made by students and provided parents with useful websites and online tools to help their child succeed in Maths. Feedback from parents about the workshop was that it provided them with the opportunity to ask questions about the curriculum and what was expected from their child and how to better support them. Our home school community liaison coordinator Ceire will be posting about more in-person sessions for both Junior and Senior Cycle in the coming weeks. Thanks to all who attended and Maths teacher Paddy for giving up his time for this great new initiative.
Back to class withMaths Teacher Paddy
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Finally please note that the school will be closed for St. Brigid's day on Monday 6th February and will finish at 2:45 for all students on Thursday 8th February.
Attention parents of Junior Cycle Maths Students!
Are you feeling overwhelmed when trying to help your child with their Maths homework? Do you want to better understand the Junior Cycle Maths curriculum and how to support your child in their studies? Look no further, as we are excited to invite you to our Parent Support Class on Junior Cycle Maths on Tuesday 30th January!
In this one-hour class, experienced Maths teacher Paddy will provide you with an overview of the Maths Junior Cyclecurriculum, including the units of work covered over the three years of the programme.
Paddy will also discuss common mistakes made by students and provide you with useful websites and online tools to help your child succeed in Maths.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to better support your child's education! Join us for an informative and interactive session with Paddy, where you can ask any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you there! To book a place please click on the link below:
On Thursday 25th January, our Transition Year Coordinator Robert Mathews gave an incredibly informative talk to some of our current 3rd Year Parent/Guardians and students. Robert went through the plan for the Transition Year of 2024/25, highlighting all of the fantastic modules, workshops, work experience & community care opportunities and the very much anticipated Berlin trip in March 2025. Robert also went through the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and the Gaisce President’s Award Program which is a really exciting opportunity for future TY students.
There was a big reveal made when Robert went through a planned trip to Iceland in October 2026! The trip is planned for current 1st, 2nd and 3rd years. Robert and school Principal John are looking for 3rd year Parent/Guardians to join a Transition Year 24/25 planning committee, parents who volunteer for this will be involved in planning events, modules and workshops for the future TY students. If you are a 3rd year Parent/Guardian and interested in joining the committee, please contact Robert or John at Robert.mathews@etsswicklow.ie or principal@etsswicklow.ie .
By Bobby Connolly - Third Year
Great excitement about the 2026 Iceland Trip!
Tickets For Success!
Again, big congratulations to all our Tickets for Success winners from Christmas: Fionn Stereo Savage from Yeats Class, Zach from TY 1, Jack Doyle from Kehoe Class and Leo from Gray Class were awarded Canteen Lunch Vouchers; Caoimhe from Osborne Class, Harry Tindale from Hyde Class, Chris from TY 1, Ethan Stafford from Yeats Class and Albert Tomu from Bowie Class were awarded Homework Passes; Ayah Mohamed from TY 1 was awarded a Penneys Gift Card; Marija from Collins Class was awarded a Sports Direct Gift Card; Mia Flynn was awarded an Apple Pencil; and Patrick from Yeats Class was awarded a pair of Apple Airpods.
Moving on, we're going to have a brand new line up of prizes, 5 students will win a homeworks pass, 5 students will wint a free canteen lunch voucher, one student will get a €50 Penneys gift card, one student will get a €50 SportsDirect gift card, one student will get a pair of Apple AirPods and another student will get an Apple Pencil. Good luck everyone!
By Gleb Yukymenko - 2nd Year
Some of our Wonderful prizes last term!
TY Hip Hop Workshop
Jay Asolo came in to teach the TY students about Hip Hop - the origins, the elements and finally some dancing! Hip Hop originated in 1973 in the Bronx, New York City, and was a huge cultural movement that for many people, was a lot more than just music. To be precise, it all began on the 11th of August 1973, when DJ Kool Herc, the entertainer for his sisters party, began to experiment with the music and the turntable. This was later broken in to the different elements of Hip Hop, including DJing, MCing/Rapping, Graffiti/Street Art, Beatboxing, and Breaking (dancing).
The hardships that many people, especially people of colour and people from lower class backgrounds, faced in the 70s, was often reflected in rap music, and delivered like a story. Elements of different diasporic and African American cultures was implemented, and hip hop is now one of the most widely listened to genres, and the beginning of it influenced and inspired many musicians in years to come.
Jay Asolo taught us a lot, and then we finally we got down to it - after practicing our rhythm and timing, he taught us a choreography. At the end we had a dance battle - and there was lots of laughter at the confidence of some students experimenting with freestyle dancing! We had an amazing 2 hour workshop, so thanks so much to Jay Asolo, and to Robert for organising it!
By Ayah Mohammed - TY
Choreographer Jau Asolo
Staff Report
ROCKMUN 2024!
ETSS Wicklow’s Model United Nations students attended ROCKMUN this weekend in Blackrock College. Representing Mexico, our students debated and developed solutions on international issues such as finance, security, and Human rights. 5th Year Katie O’Connor speech on Adolesence and Mental Health in Conflict regions was received with great response. We are very proud of all our students who attended the conference, well done!
Our MUN students representing Mexico!
Basketball Going from Strength to Strength
Our basketball team lead by coach Lucy went today to deliver. You could see the motivation on the face of our lads since this morning. And... THEY WERE RIGHT!!! Hard worked victory brought back by the lads today. Despite being very tired our coach offered a few words:
"Winners!! Our 1st and 2nd year boys basketball team played a blinder today. Patrick Adesola opened the match with a 3 pointer which was closely followed by some excellent play by Jacob Murray and Shaheen Mohamed. We were in the lead by the end of the first quarter. The game was neck and neck the entire way through, but the boys made an impressive comeback in the final quarter, finishing with a 9 point lead. Congratulations to man of the match Oscar Doyle". ETSS Wicklow sports are growing by the day and the basketball team is putting another brick in the foundation.
A Great Victory Boys!
Football News!
Our football coach Craig pushes the team hard no matter the difficulties that nature throws at the team. We managed to catch him for a few minutes and this what he had to say:
"Storm Jocelyn was no match for our 1st year soccer players today, who braved the conditions to get a good session completed in preparation for our next match. Thanks again to Wicklow Rovers for the use of their excellent facilities". With a number of games still to play the team is very confident that they can build on their successes to date and we are all looking forward to watching some great football.
The boys warming up for their match!
Athletics @ ETSS Wicklow
Noah Harris delivers yet again a stunning result at East Leinster School cross country senior boys where he took the silver medal. We are extremely proud to see the school crest on such an athlete.
A great performance by Noah Harris!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
Lunch-time Board games with Dara
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
Lunch-time School Press Team
After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
After school boys soccer training
After-school girls GAA training
After school Mixed Volleyball
After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Book club
Lunch-time Origami Club
After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
FRIDAY 19TH JANUARY
Student Press Team Report
Third Year Upcoming Mock Exams
Third years are currently preparing for their upcoming mock examinations. Mock exams are Pre-Junior Cycle final exams. The mock exams are taking place from February 6th to 9th. Teachers across all of 3rd year are preparing their students in every way to ensure they succeed and do their mocks to the best of their ability! There are many study methods out there for each student’s abilities.
The mock exams provide a great opportunity to give students a feel of what a real state exam is like. The exam subjects include the three core subjects: English, Irish and Maths – all which can be sat in Ordinary or Higher level and all other subjects: History, Geography, Science, Home Economics, Art, Music, Business Studies, Woodwork and Technology which are all taken in common level. Below you can find our Guidance Counsellor, Stacey’s best exam tips & tricks.
Bobby Connolly - Third Year
Staff Report
Basketball Success
Our 1st and 2nd year boys basketball team put in a fantastic performance today. Patrick Adesola opened the game with an impressive 3-pointer which was followed by some great shots by Player of the Match Javier Bilbao. Our boys had taken the lead by the end of the first quarter. Shaheen Mohamed impressed us all with his high skill level throughout the game. A special mention goes to new recruit, Oscar Doyle, for his brilliant defensive play. We’re looking forward to the next match.
Our Boys Basketball team in Action
Maths Support Centre Open!
The Maths Support Centre has reopened for 2024! It is open to students in all year groups and of all abilities and runs every Wednesday from 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm. This initiative is designed to provide free assistance to all students seeking to enhance their mathematical skills and abilities. This weekly session is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your maths knowledge and boost your confidence in the subject. Join us and let's make maths an enjoyable and rewarding experience!
Hands on learning in the Maths Support centre this week!
Astro-Pi Competition Update
We are pleased to share that our school is fielding two teams for the Astro Pi competition this year. The central focus of our experiment involves calculating the speed of the International Space Station (ISS). Our teams will be creating Python programs that will be ran onboard the ISS, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with space science and coding in a real-world context. Last year we had one successful team so this year we are aiming to build on this by having both of our teams successfully complete this challenge.
Students using the Python Program
Attention parents of Junior Cycle Maths Students!
Are you feeling overwhelmed when trying to help your child with their Maths homework? Do you want to better understand the Junior Cycle Maths curriculum and how to support your child in their studies? Look no further, as we are excited to invite you to our Parent Support Class on Junior Cycle Maths!
In
this one-hour class, experienced Maths teacher Paddy will provide you
with an overview of the Maths Junior Cyclecurriculum, including the
units of work covered over the three years of the programme.
Paddy
will also discuss common mistakes made by students and provide you with
useful websites and online tools to help your child succeed in Maths.
Don't
miss out on this opportunity to better support your child's education!
Join us for an informative and interactive session with Paddy, where you
can ask any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you there! To book a place please click on the link below:
TY girls are a step closer to receiving their STEM passport for Inclusion, having completed day 2 of their 3 day course at the Microsoft Headquarters in Dublin!
We left early morning at 8:45am, and went straight in to learning about coding and using PYTHON, which is a programming language used by many high - profile companies like Netflix and Google. We made our own chat - bots, which if programmed correctly - could almost have mini conversations with us!
Just before break, we were given a short tour of the building. Everyone was amazed - the Microsoft building has a music room, sleeping pods, and a well-being room where you can get massages and nails done!
We also learnt that Microsoft buildings in different countries have different themes, which relate back to unique aspects of the country! The Microsoft building we went to is based around the fact that Ireland is an island - so some of the inside is built with materials that make it look like a ships port or dock.
After break, we learned about AI, and the advantages of and disadvantages of AI. We also learned about Deepfake, and the harm it can cause… Overall it was a great day, and everyone is looking forward for the last day of the course!
Ayah Mohamed - TY
TY Girls enjoying their trip to Dreamspace
Charity 80KM
5th Year Student Katie O' Connor is taking on the 80K in January Challenge! Her fundraiser will help to raise vital funds for the training of life transforming Autism Assistance Dogs. It costs €25,000 and takes 2 years to train and place an Assistance Dog. They do not charge families for these life transforming dogs. The charity is entirely supported by fundraising and donations. Please donate what you can and support Katie and this wonderful charity by clicking on the link below.
The Student Council are delighted to welcome everyone back to school - after a great two weeks of rest and recharge. We’d like to remind students that all suggestions to the student Council are welcomed, and that we promise to try our very best to achieve as much as we can in the coming months. We’re looking forward to starting back to school and continue working hard for the student body!
Chair of the Student Council
Staff Report
New Clubs @ ETSS Wicklow
A new Table Top Club officially kicked off today with Caitlin. Students held their session zero, designed their character stats and came up with a plan for their games. The games officially begin next week. Well done to all involved and we are excited to see the results over the coming weeks.
Students Enjoying a New Lunchtime Club!
1st Year Football
First year boys started the year in style with an unprecedented 12-2 thumping of Glenart College. The boys were determined from the very beginning to get their campaign back on track after losing the opening game of the competition to Bridgetown and they began the game with a bang. We had two hattrick heroes on the day in Ryan Cox and Matas Araminas, and they were added to by Dougie Bowie (2), Fionn Convery (2) and Harry Kavanagh. It would be impossible to choose a man of the match, as every member of the squad put in a super shift. The team is pictured below, dedicating their win to a member of the squad who couldn't be with them for the match.
1st Year Boys Football Team
Parent Staff Association Meeting ~ Thursday 18th January
All parents and guardians are welcome to join us for our first PSA meeting of the new year next Thursday 18th of January from 7-8pm. Our meetings allow the opportunity for parents, staff and school management to discuss and offer valued feedback on school policies, general issues of interest and the aims and objectives for the school year. We encourage parental participation in these discussions as well as involvement with other school activities and much needed fundraising.
Join our PSA!
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
Book Club with Grace and Sarah
Lunch-time sports with Andrei
After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
The Enterprise in Animation students visited Brown Bag Films’ Smithfield studios yesterday, 14th December. This wonderful opportunity was kindly organised by student Thomas Howe’s aunt Clare Parsons, a former employee of Brown Bag. COO Cathal Gaffney generously met with students and provided an engaging and inspiring presentation about the studios creations, organisation and origins. Cathal spoke with students individually about the business side of the industry as well as the creative aspects at length, answering all students’ questions with great care and consideration. It was a truly valuable and enjoyable experience for all students and staff alike!
Our Animation students enjoying their trip this week.
School Report
Parent Wreath Making Workshop
Parents also enjoyed a lovely festive Wreath Making workshop with our HSCL Ceire, where they were able to enjoy some mince pies and coffee while they created some amazing door show stoppers. Well done to everyone on your beautiful creations! Ceire looks forward to welcoming parents into the school in 2024 for some more exciting parent events!
Parents enjoying a festive class!
Community IT classes Offered by TY Students
Since September TY students have been offering one-to-one IT lessons to members of our school community. Participants have learned how to make the best use out of their electronic devices, as well as how to download and use the latest apps and. These popular classes will continue to run in the new year and if you are interested in booking a space please contact Fran at reception@etssswicklow.ie or 040433060.
Gaeilge24
Bhí lá iontach againn Dé hAoine seo caite ar Gaeilge24. Is éard is Gaeilge24 ann ná lá ar a labhraíonn gach duine Gaeilge. Rinneamar póstaeir, aclaíocht agus d'fhoghlaim gach duine cúpla focal nua. Buaicphointe an lae ná an siúlóid cois trá gan amhras, nuair a chuardaigh na daltaí Gaeilge amuigh sa saol mór. Ba bhreá an suim sa teanga a léirigh ár ndaltaí nach ndéanann staidéar ar an nGaeilge freisin!
Cody Grove (5th Year) teaching Maths Class through Irish Our Students enjoying a social walk 'as Gaeilge'.
Maths Problem of the Week Initiative
Every week, during tutorial, students tackle a "Problem of the Week". This initiative was put in place by our maths department late last year and is designed to provide our students with an ongoing opportunity to improve their problem-solving skills. All problems are linked to the maths curriculum and are aimed at getting students to think mathematically. Each student is rewarded with tickets for taking on the challenge, and these tickets go into a raffle which is drawn at the end of each half-term.
Solution to follow next Week!
Careers Week
Students are looking forward to careers week next week, which has been put together by our guidance counsellor Stacey. Guest speakers will speak to students about a variety of different career paths including HR, marketing, apprenticeships, technology, the medical fields and business while representatives from colleges are also invited in.
Some clubs and activities on offer for nextweekare as follows:
Monday
· Book Club with Grace and Sarah
· Lunch-time sports with Andrei
· After-school Boys (Senior and Junior) Basketball with Lucy
Tuesday
· Lunch-time Board games with Dara
· Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
· LGBTQ+ and Allies Lunch Time Club
· Lunch-time School Press Team
· After school Girls Volleyball with Andrei
· After school Girls Basketball with Francisco
· Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Wednesday
· After school boys soccer training
· After-school girls GAA training
· After school Mixed Volleyball
· After-school Maths Support Centre
Thursday
· Lunch-time sports with Andrei
· Lunch-time Book club
· Lunch-time Origami Club
· After school Boys Volleyball with Andrei
· Evening Study 4 – 6 pm
Friday
Lunch-time Sports with Andrei
Lunch-time Lego Club
Lunch-time Model United Nations Club with James
Lunch-time Green Schools with Ali
Finally just a reminder to parents and guardians that the school will close at 1 pm on Friday 22nd December for the school holidays.
Friday 8th DecembeR
Student Press Team Report
The winter fair was really brilliant, there were lots of stalls with students from across all years selling different things.
Although most of the stalls were students, there was also other people who came in to the school as well. These people were mainly adults selling Jewellery, more baked goods, sweets, handmade items and more. These stalls were a huge success. The school of ETSS Wicklow was decorated very festively with Christmas decorations covering the corridors, hall and classrooms. The winter fair started at 4.00pm with an autism friendly quiet hour before opening to the general public until 8.00pm. We would like to thank everyone inside and outside the school for all of the hard work in the organisation of the fair, with all of the help we brought the great evening together.
Caoilfhionn McLindon & Caoimhe McGrath Yeates, 1st year
ETSS Wicklow Winter Fair
3rd Year Science CBAs
3rd year science students have started their CBA 2’S. The science CBA 2 is called ‘Science in Society Investigation’. The CBA has 3 sections students must follow – Initiating research, Communicating findings and Evaluating the information to respond to the chosen question. The question students research and answer must be based on one of the following topics: technological application of science, an application of science that affects human health, an application of science that has an effect on the environment or an application of science that has an effect on society. We look forward to seeing what CBA’s are produce
A New Approach to Education
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First School Lotto Winner
OneNote Training for Parents
Our Secretary General Aidan O' Connor at WICKMUN 2024 
Star Football Players
A Great day out was had by everyone!
EPAS Awards 2024 at Eurofound Headquarters
Our EU Info Point
A Relaxing Set-Up
Student Report
Our TY students at the Customs House
Our LGBTQ+ club
The Prestigious Colm Kehoe cup
Some of Our TY girls getting familiar with camping!
A memorable Trip!
TY Ayah learning how to make a great coffee!
The Dreamspace @ Microsoft
Thank you to SchoolComputers.ie
Some of our students with local TD's
WICKMUN 2024 is Officially Opened!
TY1 Learning Vital Life Skills
Oscar in Action!
Lunchtime Workshop
There was great interest in the event!
Fun As Gaeilge
Well done Team ETSS Wicklow!
A Flock of Flamingos
An Orangutan in plain sight!
Prahad in Action!
Past Champion Cody!
Our Boys Team
Our Girls Team
Our Student Council
An Interesting lunchtime PowerPoint Presentation
Table Quiz Fundraiser
TY Students learning the ropes of Hairdressing
ETSS Wicklow Boys Basketball Team
5th Year Katie O'Connor delivering her speech.
Back to class with Maths Teacher Paddy
Great excitement about the 2026 Iceland Trip!
Some of our Wonderful prizes last term!
Choreographer Jau Asolo
Our MUN students representing Mexico!
A Great Victory Boys!
The boys warming up for their match! 
A great performance by Noah Harris!
Hands on learning in the Maths Support centre this week!
TY Girls enjoying their trip to Dreamspace
1st Year Boys Football Team
Join our PSA!
Our Students enjoying a social walk 'as Gaeilge'.
