Published: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 4:45pm

Athboy school creates good impression at open day

by Noelle Finegan

Rachel Murray, Sophie O'Sullivan and Michaela Farrelly at the Athboy CS Open Day.
Pic by==: 97

Athboy Community School opened its doors to prospective pupils and parents on last Sunday.

A huge turnout of families that are established in, or new to, the area were impressed with the range and scale of the facilities available.

The buildings at both the Kells Road and the Kildalkey Road campuses were open for viewing by new pupils and parents and guided tours were provided by existing pupils who explained about the various rooms and coursework on display. These included practical work from the art, home economics, science, metalwork and woodwork rooms.

One of the main points of interest was the display showing detailed plans for the new school to be built for the start of the 2011/2012 academic year. Construction of the new school is expected to start in the next couple of months.

Also of particular interest were the three information technology rooms, including the design and communication graphics (DCG) room with newly installed computer hardware and software to support the new drawing curriculum at senior cycle. The many up-to-date computers and peripherals, all with internet access, were demonstrated.

In addition to the many general classrooms, other specialist rooms included geography, technical drawing and a fine gym that is used for various indoor sports and school concerts.

Throughout the afternoon, a team of guides organised by open day co-ordinator Ms Derbhile Gallagher, made up of peer mentors and other students who volunteered, and staff members were on hand to meet the parents and pupils, and answer any queries they had.

Junior Cert science experiments were demonstrated, art and craft work was displayed, and junior cycle PE students were present to demonstrate gymnastic routines in the school gym. There were also cookery demonstrations in the home economics room.

The range of subjects for pupils provided by the school was explained in detail at two separate talks to pupils and parents/guardians. A panel of teachers was available to talk to the prospective pupils on the optional subjects and answer any questions which they might have. All students would be encouraged to study the maximum number of subjects possible in terms of their ability and potential.

Mr Anthony Leavy, principal of Athboy Community School, along with deputy principal, Mr Tom O'Dowd, were there with a large number of staff to answer questions by parents and guardians in relation to the organisation of classes and subject specific queries. An information booklet containing details of subjects for incoming first years was distributed.

School chaplain, Mr Joe Tynan, outlined his role in looking after the spiritual welfare of the pupils as they journeyed through the school. He spoke about the pastoral care system which permeated the various layers of the school organisation.

Mr Leavy spoke about the new ePortal system, funded by the parents' council, which gives parents and guardians direct online access to their son or daughter's academic progress as well as attendance, punctuality and timetable. He also outlined the main policies that had been formulated to date and encouraged parents to play an active role in the devising and implementation of new policies that will be drawn up in consultation with all interested parties. In particular, he acknowledged the role played by the parents' association and their ongoing support and help with the formulation of new policies.

The facilities of both campuses are available to all sporting and cultural clubs for the benefit of youth and adults alike. Mr Leavy encouraged all parents and pupils in the catchment area to support the school both as daytime pupils and by using the facilities during out of school hours.

The enrolment day for Athboy Community School is Saturday 27th February at 9.30am. The deadline for completed application forms is Friday 5th February. Completed application forms are available from (046) 948 7894. The school has a website at www.athboycs.ie

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