TY Newsletter 5th - 9th October (Activities Week 1)

Junior Certificate Results: Wednesday 7 October
Activities Week 1
4.1 & 4.4 Work Placement
4.2 Law Course
4.3 Boxing & Self Defence
4.5 Cookery Week
CAT4 Tests
First Aid Certificates
4.2 Driving Lessons
International Trips Update
Work Placement Opportunity: Collins Barracks
Junior Certificate Results: Wednesday 7 October
A note from Ms Delaney regarding the Junior Certificate results:
There are two ways to access the Junior Certificate results next Wednesday October 7th.
1. In person
Mr Copeland, Ms Doherty and I would love to see as many students as possible here next Wednesday at 12.30pm - gathering in the Assembly hall to receive their results.
While there will be no compulsion on the boys to open their results in company, this is a significant moment in their school lives and to celebrate together adds to this experience.
2. Online
We understand it may not be possible for everyone to be here on the day. In this instance each student has an individual access code for the SEC Junior Certificate Portal. (The access codes will be available early next week)
If a student wishes to access their transcript, using the portal, the results will not be available until 4pm on 7th October (as per State Examinations Commission).
Lastly, to facilitate, as many students as possible, to gather in the school for 12.30pm, there will be no activities taking place on Wednesday 7th October.
You are not expected to wear your school uniform.
Should you have any queries on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Congratulations to all the boys on their results and on reaching this important milestone!
Activities Week 1
4.1 & 4.4 Work Placement
(TYs are not expected to take part in WP on Wednesday due to Junior Cert Results)
As Activities Week approaches, it is important that students are well-prepared to make the most of their work placements.
Here are some key steps and tips:
Preparing for Your Placement
Contact your employer in advance to confirm the details of your placement.
Ask important questions:
Where should you go on your first day (reception or a particular entrance)?
What time should you arrive and finish work each day?
Who should you ask for when you arrive?
What are you expected to wear?
Do you need any special equipment?
What tasks will you be performing, and are any specific skills expected?
Will you need to bring a packed lunch, or can you go out to buy food?
Inform your employer of any health conditions that may affect your work experience (e.g., allergies, asthma).
Keep detailed notes of this conversation for reference.
Dress Code
Many employers request “smart casual” attire: dark trousers (not jeans), a plain smart shirt, and smart shoes (no runners).
For placements involving manual activity, jeans may be appropriate.
Remember to dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket in case of bad weather.
During Your Placement
To gain the most from your experience:
Prepare a list of questions for your employer.
Remember, you are there to learn, not to run the company.
Discuss your interests and what you hope to achieve.
Observe employees’ roles, ask how they got their jobs, and seek advice.
Keep a record of all work you do, skills used, and software or tools encountered.
Maintain a diary of daily activities and reflections.
Offer to help whenever possible and ask for feedback at the end of your placement.
If appropriate, request a reference from your supervisor.
Share your learning and experiences each day with your parent(s)/guardian(s).
Always express gratitude – work placements can be challenging to secure, and your employer is generously giving their time to support your learning.
It is important you ask your emplyer to fill in this feedback form by the end of your placement via this online form HERE
Or it can be printed from this link HERE
4.2 Law Course
Students taking part in the Law Course are asked to take note of the arrangements for the week.
Monday 5th
On the first day of the course, students should attend St Michael’s College at 9.00am (room to be confirmed).
The morning will include an Introduction to Law activities and a talk from Care After Prison. The session is expected to finish at approximately 12.00pm.
Tuesday - Friday (NO Activities Wednesday due to Junior Cert Results)
From Tuesday to Friday, students will attend the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ).
Students should meet at the CCJ at 10.30am each morning, with the sessions finishing at approximately 1.00pm.
As there will be no short break before lunch, students are advised to have a good breakfast before attending.
The Criminal Courts of Justice are located on Parkgate Street, close to the entrance to the Phoenix Park. Students can take the Luas to Museum, from where it is approximately a 5–6 minute walk to the CCJ.
Criminal Courts of Justice:Location on Google Maps
Dress Code
Students do not need to wear school uniform. However, as they will be spending the week in a professional environment, they are expected to dress appropriately and present themselves as they would for work experience.
Please note:
No St Michael’s College clothing or gear, including jackets.
No runners or hoodies.
Smart-casual clothing such as shoes, trousers and a shirt or jumper is appropriate.
There is no need to wear a suit.
There is no need for parents to purchase new clothing specifically for the week; students should simply wear suitable, neat and tidy clothes that they already have.
Students are asked, where possible, not to bring school bags, as they will not require any materials for the course. If students need to bring sports gear or other necessary items, they may do so, but please avoid bringing unnecessary belongings or valuables, as these may be at risk of being lost or stolen while in the CCJ.
As students will be in a professional environment throughout the week, they will be expected to conduct themselves accordingly at all times.
Dress:
No school uniform or branded gear.
Smart casual attire: trousers, shirts/jumper, shoes (no runners or hoodies).
Dress neatly for a professional environment. Students should avoid bringing unnecessary items or valuables.
4.3 Boxing & Self Defence
Venue: Headon Boxing Academy, 61D Heather Rd, Sandyford, Dublin
Times: 9:50am – 2:20pm (NO Activities Wednesday due to Junior Cert Results)
Dress: Gym wear/non-uniform
4.5 Cookery Week
Venue: STMC Pavilion, Room 44
Schedule:
Monday: Start 12:00pm
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00am – 1:00pm (NO Activities Wednesday due to Junior Cert Results)
Dress: Non-uniform
Please arrive 10 minutes early.
CAT4 Tests

A sincere thank you to all students for being so well prepared for the CAT4 tests. Your cooperation and preparation were very much appreciated.
A special thanks also to Mrs Delaney and Mr Hogan for their work in coordinating the testing.
Results and next steps will be shared with students in due course.
First Aid Certificates

First Aid certificates will be made available on Google Classroom shortly. Students should check Google Classroom regularly for the certificates and any accompanying information.
4.2 Driving Lessons
Due to the postponement of this week's driving lessons, the lessons have now been rescheduled for 16 October.
Students should meet at the trophy cabinet at 9.25am, where they will be brought to the driving lesson location.
Please dress warmly and appropriately for the weather, as much of the course takes place outdoors. Students should check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly.
International Trips
Interviews for the Immersion Trip will be announced shortly. Mr Corcoran will be in contact with the 28 students who have expressed an interest in this trip with further information about the interview process.
This will then be followed by the selection processes for the Boston Exchange, Camino, Area 47 (Austria) and South Africa Exchange.
National Museum of Ireland - TY Work Placement
Students will have the opportunity to take part in the National Museum of Ireland’s Transition Year Work Experience Programme at Collins Barracks.
The programme runs for five days, from 8-12 February 2027, from 10.00am-4.00pm each day.
The week offers a fascinating insight into the work of a national museum through a combination of talks, workshops and hands-on activities. Students will explore areas including museum education and community engagement, marketing and photography, conservation, exhibition development, collections and registration, archaeology and potential careers within the museum sector.
The programme takes place at Collins Barracks from Monday to Thursday, with Friday at Kildare Street. Students must be available to attend all five days and make their own arrangements for lunch and travel between locations.
For full details and application process CLICK HERE



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