Drumshanbo VS News

Transition Year Team Bonding Day
On Wednesday, 6th September, our Transition Year students visited Lough Allen Adventure for a team bonding day. Students used kayaks and rafts to reach an island for survival skills. Upon their arrival, they then had to complete the island games which were present. We would like to thank Lough Allen Adventure for providing such a great programme.

European Parliament Ambassador School Programme in TY
Our Transition Year students started their EPAS journey beginning with their love of food. On Friday, 22nd September, the students cooked and indulged on some delicious Italian cuisines. An enjoyable morning was had by all.

Student Enterprise Programme
The Student Enterprise Programme has commenced in Drumshanbo Vocational School. We were so grateful to Brian Dolan from Local Enterprise Office Leitrim for introducing the SEP awards to our Junior, Intermediate and Senior students. We were also delighted to have Diane and Caroline from the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland to come and talk to the students about turning their enterprise ideas into assets. There were many branded prizes awarded on the day.

Arigna Mining Experience
The Transition Year students had a wonderful day on their historical journey through time on Friday, 22nd September. They explored the amazing mines of Arigna taking a guided tour through the Arigna Mining Experience. The Arigna Mines are part of our local heritage and it is so important for the students to hear about and see the challenging conditions that the miners once worked in. We would like to thank Jimmy, one of the tour guides, who was very insightful on the day.

Worldskills Ireland in the RDS
On the 21st September, our Fifth and Sixth Year students travelled to the RDS for Worldskills Ireland. This great opportunity allowed the students to see so many apprentices in action. We would like to express our gratitude to Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board for supporting our students in attending this event. It was lovely to meet and talk with our CE Tom Grady, MSLETB Training Centres - Sligo and Ballina tutors Sheila Flynn and her colleagues.

Sligo Surf Experience
On Tuesday, 26th September, our Transition Year students were given a presentation by Seamus from Sligo Surf Experience about understanding the sea and of the beauty and dangers that accompany this vast amount of water. He spoke about the different tides and waves that one can enjoy whilst surfing, but also made the students aware of the ways in which they can protect this water environment. We would like to thank Seamus for being so insightful and taking the time to visit our school and speaking to the students.

School of Life Ireland with Michelle Harding
Drumshanbo Vocational School had the pleasure of welcoming Michelle Harding into the school to speak to our Transition Years. She ran an etiquette workshop which allowed our students to engage in and think about how they present themselves in the workplace. She encouraged and provided a very positive atmosphere with regards work and the students work experience. We would like to thank Michelle for visiting Drumshanbo Vocational School and for educating our students in this very important step in their lives outside of school.

European Languages Day 2023
Our Second Year, Transition Year and Sixth Year students were put to the test on Tuesday, 26th September, learning to speak a new language with the help of our European students. The pupils were taught useful phrases in Spanish, Ukrainian, Polish, Latvian and Italian. All students thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Childhood Cancer Ireland GoGold Fundraiser
On the 29th September, Drumshanbo Vocational School held our annual Childhood Cancer Ireland GoGold fundraiser. The wonderful 5A LCVP class, along with their teacher Ms Traynor, put a massive effort into making sure this special organisation was acknowledge by all in DVS, with the school a glow in gold and yellow. This 5th year group raised a massive €700 for this amazing cause. We want to thank Laura O'Rourke-Cullinan from Childhood Cancer Ireland for the most fabulous gold pins, ribbons and tattoos.

1st Year Bonding Day
Our first year students enjoyed a bonding trip, on the 9th October, to Lough Key Forest Park.
They participated in orienteering and Boda Berg. A huge thank you to the staff at Lough Key Forest Park for their great work.

Conradh na Gaeilge
Tháinig Sibéal ó Conradh na Gaeilge go Gairmscoil Droimseanbhó chun ceardlann Ghaeilge a dhéanamh le daltaí na hidirbhliana. Bhain ár ndaltaí an-taitneamh as an gceardlann. Go raibh míle maith agat a Shibéal as teacht chuig ár scoil.

Fire Safety Week 2023
We were delighted to welcome Finian Joyce, Adrian Flood and Kevin Smith from Leitrim Fire Service to speak to our TYs and 5th Years about the Be Fire Safe At School Programme which TYs complete in DVS.

GAA Future Leaders School Awards
Ms Travers, Ms Traynor and 5th year students, Éanna McNamara and Kevin Faughnan, travelled to Croke Park on the 17th October to attend the first ever GAA Future Leaders School Awards. We collected a bronze award, a lovely recognition of the commitment by last year’s TYs to the awards. It was our first year completing this wonderful TY Programme and this year’s TY group have even more activities planned for the year ahead.

DVS Maths Week 2023
Maths Week Ireland 2023 in Drumshanbo Vocational School introduced its students to great mathematical investigations, problem solving, puzzles, estimating and approximations. Our senior students and 2nd Years took part in the first Irish Maths Teachers' Association online competition. Our 1st years also virtually attended the Maths Week TV Mega Quiz and challenged themselves with emojis. The 1st Year I.T. class created interactive PowerPoints based on famous Mathematicians, videos and games.
The most enjoyable part of the week was definitely thanks to Tralee Education Support Centre for the Maths Week Celebrations Challenge. Congratulations to our winners from 1st - 6th year: Wiktor, Ellie, Cody, Edward and Darcey.

Congratulations Ben Lehany-Fee
On the 25th October, a very special night was had for past pupil Ben Lehany-Fee. Ben, who is studying Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, received his University Entrance Scholarship from Maynooth University in a special ceremony. We in Drumshanbo Vocational School are so delighted for Ben and wish him well in his future studies.

An Garda Síochána National Youth Awards
The beginning of November was a very special time for four young people who were chosen by Garda Síochána Sligo/Leitrim to represent this region at the An Garda Síochána National Youth Awards in Portlaoise.
We in Drumshanbo Vocational School are so proud of Brian Cull who organised a fantastic fundraiser for North West Stop Suicide Prevention and ‘Handled With Hearts’ Amy Keaveney, Alexandra O’Looney and Freya Whitney. We hope that you all had a very special day in recognition of your amazing work and support for your local communities.
Special thank you to Garda John Morgan and Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken for travelling to Portlaoise to celebrate the success of these four amazing young people.

Dr Aisling Heeran
Our past pupil Dr Aisling Heeran of Trinity College was welcomed back to Drumshanbo Vocational School by TY science teachers Ms Kearns, Ms Daly and Ms McBarron. Aisling did a very engaging and enjoyable laboratory workshop with our TY students focusing on blood testing and analysis.