Happy New Year
Following meetings between teacher representatives, School management and the Department of Education it is agreed that schools will open as normal tomorrow for as many students as possible. We will do everything in our power to run a normal school tomorrow but are already aware of a number of staff absences which are unavoidable. We also await instructions from the Department of Education on how to manage large staff absences. At worst we may have to leave some classes at home on a rotational basis if we are unable to provide the required cover. We should know more as the day goes on and will notify parents through social media, text and our website. We will certainly accommodate as many classes as physically possible. The Omicrom variant seems to be many times more transmissible than previous variants and with your help we will try to keep transmission to a minimum. Please continue to encourage your child to wear a mask, hand sanitise and keep distance. We have installed CO2 monitors and are researching HEPA filters and installed outdoor accommodation before the Christmas break. As information comes to hand we will update our website and Facebook page Absolutely humbled and proud to assist in the delivery of presents for each of the patients in St. Vincent’s hospital. Many patients suffer the absence of family and friends, particularly at Christmas, and our school staff have been privileged to work with St. Vincent’s staff to make sure that no one is forgotten. Thank you to Athy College staff for your generosity and to St. Vincent’s staff. Particular thanks to Ms Hanley, Ms Delaney and Ms Tyrell. A happy Christmas to all of the patients.
Good news for Athy as today we post the site notice to apply for Planning Permission for:
The construction of partial demolition of the existing school, a new 2-storey extension and single-storey multi purpose hall. The refurbishment and alterations of the existing 2-storey school building, removal of existing pe-fabricated temporary accommodation, new ballcourts, additional car parking and lighting, photovoltaic panels, new water main, extension to existing pumping station, new surface water attenuation and all associated site works. While this will not happen overnight it represents a significant positive signal for both the town and Athy College. Over the past few years we have been overwhelmed by the increase in numbers and already have 6 prefabricated classrooms with more to come in the new year. Enrolment for the 160 place for 2022 is now full with a waiting list and while enrolment for 2023 does not take place until next October we have already a large number of expressions of interest received on our website. The new build will create capacity for 1000 student overall. Thank you Athy for your support. As we have completed the longest term of over 15 weeks we would like to say a special thanks to our wider school family.
Our parent body has been incredibly supportive of all of our efforts over the last four months. They have minimised visits and encouraged students to follow our Covid regulations. On several occasions they have expressed their support and have offered assistance continuously. We are now within the “seven days of Christmas” where an infection could force a person to be in isolation for Christmas Day so we are releasing some classes early. It will allow us to concentrate on some of the exam classes where practical work may have fallen behind because of Covid. Classes continue for exam classes until Wed which is our official closing day. We have struggled to provide teachers this year. We grew in student numbers by almost 70 extra students at a time when there was a teacher shortage. Despite Covid, sickness, teacher shortage, maternity leaves, storms and family emergencies we did not have to leave any class at home and all classes were covered since we returned in August. We still have some posts advertised which are subject specific and will continue to try to acquire the required person. Our staff have been amazing in making sure that the same level of teaching and learning and care was provided throughout this time. Teachers have taken extra classes and supervision and staff generally have contributed hours in helping to combat the natural anxiety that Covid has caused among our students. Although we have had minimal close contacts of Covid Athy College has not been without tragedy. Sadly some staff members have experienced in their families the ultimate pain that Covid can bring and some have experiences of Covid ICU and other the loss of a family member to Covid. Similarly among our parent families the harshest realities of Covid have been felt. We are all one school family and we feel each other's pain. Within the college we have installed CO2 monitors and are looking to provide Hepa air filters in the coming year. We have followed our Covid procedures while still trying to provide the sports and extracurricular activities that students need for their mental health. We have been able to provide some lunchtime food and hope to be able to improve that provision in the new year. We have provided outside shelters to allow dining outside. I repeat our staff has been amazing. At a time when the teaching profession is getting unfairly criticised in the media our frontline staff have not shirked from their commitment . I, and the parent body owe a huge debt of thanks to the staff who turned up for work despite having the same family concerns regarding Covid as everyone else - many of whom had the option of working from home. Our staff work in a close community of over 600 people every day. We are blessed to have such a committed staff. My sincere thanks to Deputy Principal Mr. Maguire, the Board of Management and the management team within the school for supporting and administering the school. Mr Maguire, in particular, has made sure on a day to day basis that all classes are covered and that the school runs efficiently. At the end of 2021 we have also completed our enrolment for 2022 and have had to increase the number of places offered to 160. This will increase our overall student population by 90 extra students. Thankfully we have taken possession of three additional classrooms with 2 more due in the new year. We continue to be a designated School of Distinction by Trinity College, we are Ireland's first Google Reference School and have several other accolades (Well Read School, etc) of national and international significance. Our greatest achievement is that we are chosen by the largest section of our community ever as the school of first choice because of our academic achievement and caring, inclusive attitude. Thank you parents, teachers, students and the community of Athy. Happy Christmas to all Richard Daly We have just become aware that our main phone line is not working today. Please use 059 86 31795 until the issue is resolved
Since the installation of the beautiful statue of the Hare Queen at Athy College we were always anxious to generate a legend which would surround, embellish and, perhaps, explain the half human, half hare being depicted in bronze on our campus.
Enter Niamh Boyce, the renowned author who worked with students to explore the mythical being and create The Hare Queen Legend, a local tale of a changeling who turned from human to hare. This fantastic tale is set in Athy, on the banks of the river Barrow and can now take its place in local folklore. Niamh encouraged and assisted some students to create their own stories and reflections on the legendary creature thus creating the Hare Queen Chronicles. On reading the story President Michael D. Higgins described it as “a most inspiring and enriching piece of work, connecting the college to a significant element of its legacy and narrative.” He also congratulated all who contributed to the Chronicles in such creative and imaginative ways. Thank you to Lucina Russell. Kildare County Council Arts Officer, who provided funding for this project and particularly to Fidelma Massey whose extraordinary sculpture inspired this creative work. Particular thanks to Niamh Boyce whose two major works “The Herbalist” and “Her Kind” have won her acclaim. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have her work on this project. Unfortunately Covid times prevented a public launch and we awaited a time when we could showcase it. Niall de Búrca, the storyteller, visited the college today and themed his deliveries around the hare and enthralled students with stories of the legendary creature.. Collectively we donate this legend to the town of Athy. Well done to Athy College U17 Boys Soccer team who defeated St. Paul's, Monasterevin in an exciting game. Final scoreline 4-3 to Athy. Thanks to Mr Doyle
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