Monday's song for Friendship Week is, " I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C58ttB2-Qg 

Welcome Students, Parents and Guardians to the weekly ‘TY Update and What’s on Next Week’! This is contributed to on a weekly basis by TY students and their teachers. 

TY’s have had a great first two weeks settling into their new classes and making new friends. Last Monday started with the announcement of the new TY Reps. There was huge anticipation followed by smiling faces all around as everyone knew that the girls chosen would do a brilliant job. The girls were also presented with their badges by their Form Teachers and our Deputy Principal, Ms. Ronan. Speaking to one of the TY reps, she told us she was “delighted to get the role”. It is reassuring to know that we have someone who is very enthusiastic about the job and so excited for the year ahead. Another rep told us, “I didn’t think I would get it” but assured that she would do the best job she could. 

We are delighted to introduce our TY reps who were elected by their peers. 

TY1: Sadhbh Ní Shúilleabháin & Hannah Galvin

TY2: Estella Graham & Zoe Ryan

TY3: Aoife Kennedy & Kate Lucy

TY4: Lucy Somers & Laoise Kelly

TY5: Aoife McGarry & Roisin McGrane

As a year group in TY, it’s important to have something to unite students for all the adventures and activities to come. Last week, each class was asked to pick a motto they thought related to and showcased their potential – while also encompassing the OLS House and Le Chéile values. The process involved each new TY class coming up with a Motto to go into the running for the TY Motto of the year.

“This Tuesday was the day of presentations, and during Pastoral Care our whole year went to the lecture theatre to present our chosen class mottos to each other. The TY reps were in charge of the presentations for each class, and I must say – the creative juices were flowing! One class even went as far as creating a dance routine in order to try to convince the rest of the year to vote for their motto. After the presentations were over, we all headed back to our base rooms to decide on which motto would best represent our year. We had to take into account which motto reflected our attitude towards TY, if it included the Le Chéile values and if it contained one of the 5 C’s. I was very impressed with all of the mottos and how creative each class was when making their presentations. Although it was very hard for me to decide on which one I was going to choose,  in the end I think I picked the right one. Unfortunately though, that choice has to be kept a secret!” 

We look forward to announcing the TY Motto next week. Well done to all classes and Reps on such a superb job.

TY students have a busy week signing up to Gaisce, we hope that come next week students will start completing their record sheets. If your child has not yet decided on their activities please don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to sign up to over the coming weeks, including homework club, maths club and many more. There is exciting news on the Horizon for those who have signed up for Gaisce. Keep your eyes peeled on Google Classroom! 

We are all very excited about our impending TY Carlingford Adventure Centre Trip. Please note the confirmed date for this trip is the 4th till the 6th October. This trip encapsulates the spirit of Transition Year and it is a terrific opportunity for the girls to build friendships, explore their own personal strengths and skills and challenge themselves through a diverse range of outdoor activities.The cost of the trip is €260, which includes meals, accommodation, all activities and transport costs from the school. If payment is still outstanding this can be done through Easy Payments Plus on our school website at www.olschool.ie. If you are experiencing issues with online payment, please contact me or the school bursar as soon as possible to arrange alternative payment methods. 

The first block of work experience has been confirmed for the 20th November, the google form document is now open for all students to record their placement details. Please ensure this is done as soon as possible. The closing date for this is the 27th October. 

There have been a large number of sign ups available to students already. These include: sign language, wellbeing committee, as well as multiple work experience opportunities. Please check in with your daughter to see what she has signed up for. All application forms are on the TY Google Classroom and she can register for Gaisce on www.gaisce.ie. 

Inter House sports commenced today with soccer throughout Lunch. We were extremely excited to see so many students out on the pitch with their house teachers and supporters cheering in house t-shirts. It was a fantastic opportunity for TY students to stay connected with their House. 

Sports training has also begun in sports such as hockey, basketball and camogie. Sport plays a pivotal role in our school community and allows us to increase our physical health and improve leadership and teamwork skills.

We look forward to more exciting sign ups next week and hope each TY student gets involved in Friendship week. Friendship Week in our school is a heart-warming celebration of the bonds that unite students. It's a time when students come together to celebrate the power of friendship, empathy, and kindness. 

Our Reps will also be busy next week sprucing up the all new TY Noticeboard ensuring both classes and Houses are represented. 

We would kindly ask all Parents/Guardians to make sure the TY permission Sip has been completed in the Consent section of the APP. NO SLIPS, NO TRIPS!

Contributed to by TY students.

Please read the attached letter to learn more about the academic tracking systems in the school.

Many thanks.

Please have a look at the attached document for details of what's on, when and where. Make sure to join something next week!

Click in to the Gallery to see some evidence of the first Interhouse Soccer showdown!

Parents/guardians may find the following article of interest:

Teens and social media: What parents need to know

Today our 6th Year Leaders were formally introduced to the school at a whole school assembly. Interhouse Sport begins on Friday and we look forward to some healthy competition to kick off the school year! We can't wait to see the positive impact our leaders will bring to the school! Click into the Gallery to see the full photos. 

Applications are now available for student librarians to work in the school library at lunchtime. If you would like to play an important and exciting role in the school library pick up an application form from the librarian. The closing date for applications is the 14th September.

Please see the attached letter from the Principal.

Many thanks.

We had a fantastic first full week back in school, great to see all of our students so enthusiatic!