Our Erasmus exchange continues with unforgettable experiences in Namur and Brussels. On Day 2, we soared above Namur in the cable car, taking in breathtaking views of the Meuse River and the historic citadel. The adventure continued in the nearby town of Huy, where we explored its charming streets through a fun and challenging treasure hunt. We visited a Gothic church with impressive stained glass windows.

Today we took the double-decker train to the heart of Europe—Brussels! We began our visit at the House of European History, where we discovered how Europe has evolved over the centuries and we reflected on the future of Europe as well as the challenges we face. Next, we visited the European Parliament, where an Irish delegate gave us interesting insights into EU decision-making. We entered the Hemicycle, the main debating and voting chamber where plenary sessions take place and we saw the interpreting booths and learned that there are 24 official languages in the EU. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a walking tour of the city, with plenty of time to admire the stunning Grand-Place and indulge in Belgium’s famous chocolate. This evening, we're excited for the soirée with our Belgian partners!

A reminder to all our TY's that the deadline for making choices for 5th year is fast approaching. Whether you need an application form for LCA or LCVP or further information about a particular subject get yourself organised and have everything in place for Friday.

After a late arrival in Brussels last night, we were excited to reconnect with our Belgian exchange partners. We arrived at school early this morning for an 8:30am start to the school day. Our partners gave us a warm welcome, surprising us with lovely gift bags filled with Belgian chocolates before taking us on a guided tour of their school which has 1,200 students. We then spent the morning shadowing different classes, experiencing subjects like PE, geography, and maths alongside our hosts. In the English class, we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves and give short presentations about our home and school.

We are looking forward to eating in the canteen at lunchtime and participating in debating lessons this afternoon before heading home to our host families this evening.

This week the Guidance Department welcomed back two students from the class of 2024 - Chris Norris (studying Advanced Therapeutic Technologies at RCSI) and Eddie O'Loughlin (studying Actuarial and Financial Studies at UCD). Chris and Eddie spoke to our 6th Year students and provided advice on:

• approaching the upcoming mock exams
• how to improve exam performance between February and June
• how they prepared for their Irish and MFL oral exams
• the study plans and routines they had in place in the final weeks of school ahead of their Leaving Cert exams

Earlier in the month we were joined (virtually) by Ryan Costello from the class of 2016. Ryan is currently working as a Specialist Radiographer in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. After leaving CPC, Ryan studied Radiography at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. He spoke to some of our Senior Cycle students about making UCAS applications, in particular the all important personal statement. He also spoke about moving away from home to study, getting involved in college life, and his work as an Allied Health Professional.

As always, we are grateful to our past students for taking the time to link back in with CPC to support our current Senior Cycle students.

Best of luck to TY student Senan Gallagher who was selected to play for the Kildare Minor team in today's Leinster Championship match against Longford.

Well done also to Turlough Donnelly, Daniel Shaw and Josh Finn who are also involved.

Our sincere thanks to Brian Byrne who has featured our musical Grease in this week's Kildare Nationalist. It is a really beautiful article with gorgeous photos. Make sure to get your copy!

We were delighted to welcome Peter Whyte from Kildare Relay for Life to speak to TY, 5th Year and 6th Year students about this wonderful initiative which has raised over €900,000 for the Irish Cancer Society to date. This year's event hopes to push that total past €1,000,000! It will be held on 7th and 8th June at The Curragh Racecourse. The money raised will fund vital services and research. We will be selling Candle of Hope Bags at €5 each which people can decorate with the name of a person who has battled cancer, living or passed to honour their struggle. The candle will remain lit for the 24 hours of the Relay. Students will be involved in a range of activities to raise funds and awareness over the next few weeks. Any contributions to our fundraising activities would be most welcome. If you would like to enter a team to Kildare Relay for Life please contact Monica on 0868405358 or email Peter at kildarerelay@gmail.com

It has been an exciting and action-packed week for our German Erasmus visitors as they immersed themselves in different physical activities. A pedal tour in Dublin on Tuesday was the perfect way to combine sightseeing with an active adventure. Yesterday they participated in PE classes with their Irish partners as well as enjoying a friendly round of golf at St. Bridget's Pitch n Putt Club.  

Today, they gave hurling a go, showing great enthusiasm as they struck the sliotar and picked up the skills of this fast-paced game. They finished off the day with a full body workout, jumping in and climbing out of the bog, an activity which always proves to be a highlight for our visitors.

Our 5th and 6th year Leaving Cert Applied classes enjoyed their visit to the Apprenticeship Expo in the Knightsbrook Hotel Co Meath today. Where all things apprenticeship related were under one roof!

The Exhibitor list included:

1. Industry with an opportunity to meet the employers who are currently recruiting for Apprentices 

2. Education Providers where students could speak with Colleges running the various Apprenticeship Programme

3. Apprenticeship Ireland / SOLAS a chance to engage with those managing Apprenticeships in Ireland.

Students ended their day with a fun experience - Karting in the Zone Activity Centre. Students practised their timings and then had the chance to compete for best times. Congratulations to Andrew Curran 6A - for the fastest times!

Thank you to the students for making this a successful trip.

Thank you to teachers Ms Doran and Ms Whyte and the SNAs Ms Mulligan and Mr Harper for accompanying students on this trip. 

Well done all!

Ms Mills