Our Fourth Year students together with Ms Finn and Ms Dillon returned from the States yesterday morning after two fantastic weeks at Spring-Ford High School. Well done to all involved and many thanks to our hosts. We look forward to next year when students from Spring-Ford make the return trip to Ireland.

Last week, all Transition Year students got a taste of reality when Michael Gleeson’s MOGCar demonstration arrived at the school. The objective of the demonstration is to instil the minds of drivers and would be drivers the limitations and frailties of a motor vehicle. The impressive and necessary exhibition showed students just how dangerous motor vehicles are especially when one speeds or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The display aimed to dispel the feeling of “invincibility” behind the wheel.  

The “hands on”, all weather safety demonstration is aimed at second level students as most will be learning to drive or will be in the near future. Mr. Michael Gleeson arrived at the school with a specially modified car where students were able to get an insight into the internal workings of a car and also learn preventative measures to counteract a crash scenario. Students also discovered the consequences of driving with damaged parts. 

Ms. Sarah O’ Brien said that “the whole demonstration was very educational and provided our Transition Years with the brutal but necessary reality of road accidents. There is no doubt in my mind that the display opened the student’s eyes with regard to road safety.”  Coláiste Chiaráin takes the safety of students very seriously and anything that can educate students with regard to their wellbeing will be taught.

The first round of elections for the student council will conclude tomorrow. There have been some hotly fought contests with a single vote separating candidates in many cases. Well done to all those who put their name forward and shown that they are willing to be a voice for fellow students. 

Catch up on all the student council news, on the student council website. The website can be accessed here:
http://sites.cco.ie/studentcouncil  

You can keep track of the results here:
http://sites.cco.ie/studentcouncil/2009-councillors

Profiles of you new councilors will be available here:
http://sites.cco.ie/studentcouncil/profiles