Avondale Community College
WORLD BOOK WEEK
This year the theme of our World Book Week was the classic novel ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll. The English Department drew on this text as inspiration for an array of literary events last week.
The week got off to a brilliant start as Fifth and Sixth year students welcomed celebrated author Donal Ryan to the school. Speaking to the group about his fantastic novel, ‘The Spinning Heart’, which students are studying as part of their comparative course, Donal offered many interesting insights into the unique chorus of voices that reside in the text. The session also included questions from the floor, a reading of poetry and an invaluable insight into the world of a writer. Donal’s humour and honesty were well received and we are extremely grateful to him for such an enjoyable morning and for so generously giving up his time to visit us.
Senior Cycle students also attended a talk with ‘Poetry Focus’ author Frances Rocks, who guided students through aspects of their English Leaving Certificate paper. Frances offered some key advice and smart practical tips to help students tackle their Poetry and Composition Sections. Students left this fantastic session confident and feeling well equipped for the final stages of their exam preparation and revision.
Junior students were also included in events and invited to a showing of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in the library. They were also encouraged to enter several competitions ranging from designing book covers to submitting poetry. Finally, First year students participated in a Mad Hatter’s Quiz on Friday afternoon to test their literary knowledge.
It was a fantastic week and the English Department would like to extend its thanks for the support from the school community.
SPORTS NEWS
First year students and their senior sports mentors received their Avondale Community College half zips last week. Hopefully they will bring our players luck in all future competitions.
SPONSORED WALK
Avondale Community College hosted their annual Sponsored Walk in aid of the Sports and Cultural Fund last Wednesday. Thank you to all students and sponsors for supporting this important event.