Well done to all Transition Year and 2nd Year students that took part in the Christmas Fair on the 12th of December. Excellent display of handmade items and home baking. Special thanks to 4th, 5th and 6th class from Ballymote National School for attending today.

Some of the Buinesses set up by our 2nd Year students taking part in the Christmas Craft Fair on Tuesday the 12th of December as part of their CBA Business in Action.

On Thursday the 30th of November the Transition Year students embarked on an exciting Winter activity that combined the thrill of ice skating at Dundrum on Ice with shopping at Dundrum Shopping Centre. The event aimed to foster team spirit, provide recreational opportunities, and allow students to experience the festive season in a fun and engaging way. The day commenced with the students lacing up their skates at Dundrum on Ice, located in the heart of Dundrum Town Centre. Under the supervision of the accompanying teachers, Ms McGrath, Ms Cassidy, and Mr Coen, the students showcased their skating skills, or for some, discovered the excitement of gliding on ice for the first time.The experience on the ice not only promoted physical activity but also encouraged teamwork and camaraderie among the students.

Following the ice skating session, the students ventured into Dundrum Shopping Centre which allowed students the opportunity to browse through a wide array of shops. The shopping expedition served as an excellent opportunity for students to exercise their decision-making skills, budgeting, and negotiation abilities. It also provided an occasion for students to shop for festive gifts or personal items, enhancing their independence and responsibility.The Transition Year Winter activity proved to be a resounding success, blending physical activity, festive spirit, and the joy of shopping. The ice skating experience at Dundrum on Ice allowed students to bond and enjoy the thrill of the season, while the shopping excursion at Dundrum Shopping Centre provided a practical and enjoyable way for them to explore retail environments.

The accompanying teachers, Ms McGrath, Ms Cassidy, and Mr Coen, played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth coordination of the event. Overall, the combination of ice skating and shopping proved to be a well-rounded and enriching Winter activity for the Transition Year students, promoting social interaction, physical well-being, and practical life skills.

Our 6th year students visited the Open Day in ATU Sligo on Friday 17th November.  This was a great day giving the students the opportunity to ask questions and find out about the wealth of courses on offer in this University which is on our doorstep.  For more information on the University and the courses on offer, go to www.itsligo.ie/.

Congratulations to the winners of our recent college awareness quiz who managed to bag a seletion of college goodies including notebooks, pens and bags.  Throughout college awareness week students from all year groups took part in various activities to create an awareness around opportunities after school and the options that are available to them. 

Students from the Transition Year program embarked on a unique and enlightening visit to Finner Camp military training facility on Thursday 23rd November. Lieutenant Conor Smyth met the group at the camp gate and co-ordinated the visit.

The three-hour itinerary included a tour of the camp, a weapons demonstration, lunch in the camp's mess hall and a careers talk.Following the tour, students gathered in the gym for a weapons demonstration. Experienced instructors explained the intricacies of various firearms, highlighting the importance of responsible weapon handling. They were then given a talk about the physical training required in military life.

As midday approached, the group gathered in the mess hall for lunch, providing a taste of military dining. The meal offered not only a delicious array of options but also an opportunity for students to see military personnel in their everyday life.

The Finner Camp visit provided students with a multifaceted understanding of military life, from the  responsibility associated with handling weapons to a greater understanding of life in the army and the multitude of career options available in the army.  The experience went beyond a traditional school outing. Students left with a newfound appreciation for the dedication and discipline inherent in military service. Sincere thanks are extended to Lieutenant Smyth and all of the army personnel who facilitated this most memorable visit.

Well done to the schools 1st and 2nd year Boys GAA Team on beating Lough Allen College of Leitrim in the the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellance on Tuesday last. The boys put in a great display of skills on the day in a tense affair.Trailling by 2 points, Ballymote won the game in the final minute thanks to a goal from Ryan Faughnan.

Special thank you to Ms.Greene on managing the team on the day.  

Training continues on Fridays with Pat after school from 1:30-2:40.

The Transition Year students embarked on a creative Halloween adventure, carving pumpkins in Art class under the guidance of Ms. McGrath. This fun and spooky activity allowed the students to channel their artistic flair and Halloween spirit as they transformed their pumpkins. The students carved intricate and imaginative designs, adding a touch of Halloween magic to our school's seasonal decorations.

Our students went all out today for our Halloween fancy dress competition, where there were prizes for the best junior & senior individual, best junior & senior duo/group and the best teacher. A big well done to all the student who dressed up as it was a very tough to choose the winners. Our TY students also go the chance to learn some pumkin carving skills today.