On Wednesday 29th the second years enjoyed a great day out to Knocknarea followed by a well desreved treat in McDonalds. Unfortunatley we did not get the fantastic views from the top of Knocknarea but the students still took pleasure in reaching the summit. 

This rounds off a good year for the seconds years as they will now come back in September refreshed and ready for the Junior Certificate.

Thanks to Mrs Heaney Mcgreal & Ms Neary for their help on the day. 

A number of our 5th year students attended the Sligo Careers Fest in ATU Sligo on Thursday 9th May. This very informative day was orgnaised by the local branch of the IGC (Institute of Guidance Counsellors).  The students had a great time and found out lots of infomation regarding Higher & Further Education courses and apprenticeships from colleges all around Ireland.  A number of individuals from industry and education shared their career paths with the students, and this was a great opportunity for students to realise the variety of options available to them. 

On Tuesday 7th of May 6th year students got out into the local community for their PE class as part of Active Schools Week. They enjoyed some time out from their studying to take part in some fun on the Astro pitch in Ballymote.The 6th year students really enjoyed the competitive game with a wonderful display of skill from all. Well done to all.

On May 2nd, Transition Year students embarked on an exciting excursion to Baysports Athlone, accompanied by Ms. McDonagh and Mr. Gorham. Upon arrival, the group was greeted by staff of Baysports Athlone who provided orientation and a safety briefing. Students then set off to explore the array of water-based activities. The TYs tested their skills and challenged themselves on the inflatable water park. They had to navigate through a series of obstacles, slides, and climbing walls, all while trying to maintain their balance and avoid plunging into the waters below. A great day was had by all and sincere thanks are extended to the staff of Baysports and also to Ms McDonagh and Mr Gorham for accompanying the TYs on the trip.

The journey of our four budding TY entrepreneurs, Luke Ryan, Joshua Mc Gill, Ruadhán Sheerin, and Seán Sweeney, has been nothing short of remarkable since their triumph as Senior category winners and best Business Report winners at the county final of the Student Enterprise Awards. Their venture, initially known as MakeScentsTY, has undergone a significant transformation, now proudly rebranded as Glan, meaning 'clean' in Irish. 

The boys product is Glan organic soap. Each bar is handcrafted with meticulous care. At the heart of Glan soap lies a blend of natural ingredients, which the boys have sourced with integrity and consideration for the environment. The sensory experience of Glan soap is wonderful, whether it's the refreshing burst of citrus, the calming scent of lavender, or the invigorating notes of peppermint. But Glan soap is more than just a treat for the senses—it's a symbol of sustainability and conscious living. Committed to reducing their environmental footprint, our four soap superstars use eco-friendly packaging materials and prioritize cruelty-free practices, ensuring that every bar is as kind to the planet as it is to the skin. In essence, Glan soap is a reflection of values, and a celebration of nature.

The quartet's dedication and entrepreneurial spirit has culminated in their upcoming representation of County Sligo at the prestigious National Final of the Student Enterprise Awards, scheduled to take place on the 9th of May at the Mullingar Park Hotel.

One of the most notable achievements of Luke, Joshua, Ruadhán, and Seán has been their savvy marketing initiatives. Through a strategic campaign, they have effectively raised awareness of their product. As a result, their handmade soap line is now proudly stocked in prominent establishments such as Shells Café in Strandhill, The National Surf Centre in Strandhill, Lavins Ballymote, and Marese's Hair Salon.

To further amplify their reach and engagement, the boys have established a vibrant social media presence. Their Instagram account, glan_t.y, and TikTok handle, @glan1, serve as platforms for showcasing their products, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their entrepreneurial journey, and connecting with their growing audience. The support and encouragement of the whole school community is paramount to their success, and they invite everyone to join them in their venture by liking, sharing, and using the hashtags #studententerprise and #teamsligo in their interactions.

As they gear up for the National Final, Luke, Joshua, Ruadhán, and Seán embody the spirit of innovation, determination, and teamwork, proving that with passion and perseverance, even the boldest dreams can be turned into reality. We are so proud of their progress to date and wish them every success going forward to represent their school and county on May 9th!

Instagram: glan_t.y

Tiktok: @glan1

#studententerprise

#teamsligo

The TY Environmental Studies class along with the help of CSPE students are hosting a Swap Shop in the school as part of Earth week on April 30th.

The aim of this event is to help to raise awareness among students about the importance of responsible consumption and production. Students are encouraged to take part by donating their unwanted items and swapping them for something else.

The minimum value of an item must be €5.  Three items max per student.

REMEMBER... STOP SHOPPING- START SWAPPING!! 

On 18th April Transition Year students continued on an exciting journey into the world of tennis. Under the guidance of Ms. Cassidy along with the expertise of Coach Olwyn O'Toole, students delved into the intricacies of the sport, honing their skills and igniting their passion for tennis. This initiative, spearheaded by Ms. Cassidy, has not only provided students with a platform for physical activity but has also opened doors to new experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

The journey began with Ms. Cassidy's vision to introduce students to the sport of tennis, recognizing its potential to promote physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork. With the support of coaches Daire Heffernan and Olwyn O'Toole, her vision quickly turned into reality. Through their collaborative efforts, students were given the opportunity to explore and embrace a sport that promises both challenge and excitement.

As the TY students took to the courts, their enthusiasm reflected the success of Ms. Cassidy's initiative. From mastering the basics of forehands and backhands to refining their footwork and strategy, each session was filled with valuable lessons and hands-on learning experiences. Beyond technical skills, students also learned the importance of perseverance, resilience, and sportsmanship—qualities that are integral not only to tennis but to life itself. The invaluable contribution of Ms. Cassidy in organizing this venture cannot be overstated, and sincere thanks are extended to her for her dedication and commitment to the students' well-being and holistic development.

On Friday, April 19th, the Transition Year students embarked on an initiative to support Special Olympics Ireland. They gathered at two prominent locations in Ballymote, Supervalu and Henry's Gala, to collect funds. This effort not only showcased the students' commitment to community service but also highlighted the importance of inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the unwavering spirit of support that characterizes Ballymote. Shoppers and locals alike paused to engage with the students, expressing admiration for their initiative and contributing generously to the cause.

Beyond fundraising, the initiative provided invaluable learning opportunities for the TY students. They gained firsthand experience in empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility. The event fostered a sense of civic duty.

The funds raised by the TY students will directly contribute to the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics Ireland, empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential through sports training and competition. By supporting this organization, the students not only make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities but also contribute to the promotion of inclusivity and acceptance in society.

We would like to wish James Lavin (Captain) and Conor Walsh and their Sligo U17 teammates in the first round of the Connaght Minor Football championship this evening as they take on Galway.