14Oct 2025
- Catherine Farrell - PRO
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6
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St. Nathy’s College Open EveningÂ
Last Thursday, St. Nathy’s College was filled with excitement as we welcomed prospective students and their families to our annual Open Evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for future pupils to experience life at St. Nathy’s and we were delighted with the warm response from our feeder schools and local community.Â
Principal Fr. Henry, joined by Deputy Principals Ms. Gildea and Ms. Garvey, extended a very warm welcome to visitors. They spoke about this important step in each student’s education, recognising the mixture of excitement and nerves that comes with moving to secondary school.Â
We are deeply grateful to all staff and students whose hard work made the evening such a success. Many current pupils served as guides, leading tours in several languages, sharing their experiences, and helping families feel at home. Visitors commented on the friendly atmosphere and the enthusiasm that filled the halls.Â
Every department contributed to the evening’s success, reflecting the wide range of learning opportunities available at St. Nathy’s.Â
The Career Guidance team offered support to families navigating the transition to secondary school, while our EAL and SEN teachers provided reassurance and advice to those new to the Irish education system. Both departments emphasised inclusion and helping every learner reach their potential.Â
The French Department brought a touch of France to Ballaghaderreen with colourful displays, maps, and student projects. Teachers spoke about language learning, culture, and theirupcoming trip abroad. The Irish Department celebrated our national language through engaging displays, student work, and discussions on the importance of keeping Irish culture alive.Â
The Geography and History departments offered insights into past and present, with maps, models, research projects, and fieldwork studies on display. Teachers spoke about how both subjects build understanding of people, places, and global issues.Â
11C (Ms McCann's room) was alive with activity! The English Department engaged students and parents with a synopsis of the Junior Cycle English course and some word-based activities. Â Present pupils aimed to show incoming first years that English can be engaging and fun! Students had the opportunity to sketch cartoon characters, compete in a fun version of scrabble and create their own Mad Libs. There were some beautiful displays around the room, including, student poetry, favourite book titles, film reviews and student newspapers. "The Venice Times" was a big hit! Thanks to all of our present pupils who created the displays.Â
The Maths Department organised interactive puzzles for the sixth class students and their parents. All visitors to 5A enjoyed problem solving tasks, while also discussing the first year curriculum. The evening aimed to show how the department helps every student build confidence in their mathematical abilities, preparing them for future academic success. Â
Hands-on learning was also on display in Wood Technology, Construction Studies, and DCG, where visitors admired carefully crafted woodwork, technical drawings, and digital design projects. Teachers explained how these subjects develop creativity, precision, and problem-solving skills. In the Engineering and IT rooms, students demonstrated cutting-edge tools and equipment, sparking great interest in technology and innovation.Â
In Home Economics, the aroma of fresh baking drew many visitors, who admired students’ culinary creations while learning about nutrition, food science, and practical life skills. Nearby, Business and LCVP students shared their enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and planning future ventures.Â
The Art Department, led by Mr. O’Connell, impressed visitors with colourful displays of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Teachers and students discussed how art allows learners to express creativity and develop technical ability.Â
The Religious Education room offered a calm, reflective space featuring projects on world religions, ethics, and community initiatives. Teachers and students spoke about how RE promotes empathy, open-mindedness, and moral awareness.Â
The Music Department brought great energy to C Block, where senior students performed alongside talented first years in a lively seisiĂşn. The mix of singing and instrumental pieces highlighted the vibrancy and teamwork that define the school’s music community.Â
The Science Department fascinated visitors with live experiments in biology, chemistry, and physics, while Agricultural Science and Horticulture displayed the practical side of sustainability through crop and plant studies. Teachers discussed how these subjects build curiosity and critical thinking.Â
Sport is paramount in St. Nathy’s, and the Physical Education team introduced families to the wide range of opportunities—from football and basketball to athletics and team events—emphasising the importance of health and participation for all students.Â
The Open Evening truly reflected what makes St. Nathy’s College special: dedicated teachers, enthusiastic students, and a community that values learning, creativity, and care. We look forward to welcoming our new First Years for their Taster Day next Friday, and again in September, confident they will thrive in the supportive and vibrant environment that defines our school.Â
A very big and sincere “Thank You” to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.Â
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