31 March 2017
Aidlink Report
By Carla Fusciardi Wallace (5th year student)
On Friday, 24 March the Justice and Peace Committee hosted our World Water Day. We teamed up with a human rights organisation called Aidlink through their Walk For Water Campaign. Aidlink works with developing countries in Africa and focuses in particular on sanitation and access to clean water, especially for women and girls.
On Friday morning we revealed a display in the foyer which comprised of water bottles that had been abandoned at the end of a school day. Many of which were unopened and full of water. In total our school community had wasted over 100 bottles of various sizes; approximately 61 litres of water, enough to keep a child alive for 1 month. This strong visual display provided an introduction for the events to follow through the day.
We were very fortunate to receive a visit from Anne Cleary, Executive Director of Aidlink. Anne spoke to first, second, fourth and fifth year students about her own story and the work Aidlink does. Anne highlighted how difficult it is for young girls in Africa to receive an education and stay in school when factors such as young marriage and having to walk over 6km for water oppose them. These talks were engaging and truly put into context how not every young person receives the respect and education they deserve.
After listening to the talk each year group took part in a ‘Walk For Water’ where every student would carry their school bags in their arms for the duration of a walk around the block. This act was in solidarity with our peers in Africa who must walk long distances with the weight of the water they collected on their shoulders. We hope our World Water Day has made students aware of global water and sanitation issues and has encouraged them to be mindful of their own usage of water.
On Monday, 27 March we featured on South East Radio’s ‘Morning Mix’ and spoke about our ‘Walk For Water’ campaign and upcoming talks with junior students on social media safety. While at the studio we also had the opportunity to speak briefly with Brendan Howlin, TD and Labour Party Leader about the Justice & Peace Committee and the topics we are currently focusing on.
We would like to thank Aidlink and Anne Cleary for facilitating us being a part of their campaign, our school and teachers for their support, and South East Radio for having us on air.
Talks on Online Safety
The school’s Student Support Team is organising talks for 1st and 2nd year students and their parents on the topic of Online Safety, as follows:
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
08.50 to 10.10 1.1 and 1.2 students
11.10 to 12.30 1.3 and 1.4 students
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
08.50 to 10.10 2.1 and 2.2 students
11.10 to 12.30 2.3 and 2.4 students
17.30 to 18.45 1st and 2nd year parents
The venue for all talks will be the school’s Concert Hall.
Our speaker will be an expert in the area of online safety, John Dwyer. John worked as a senior detective in An Garda Síochána where he was tasked with investigating organised criminal gangs. Upon leaving the force in 2013, he began travelling the country addressing young people, parents and teachers through an EU funded project on cyberbullying and online safety.
It is hoped that as many as possible 1st and 2nd year parents will attend the talk on Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.
News round up
- The National Parents’ Council (Post-Primary) seeks the views of parents nationwide on the role of parents in their children’s education. Parents are asked to complete a short survey to express their views. The link to the survey is:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VHLGXH3
- Oral and practical examinations are continuing in the school for 3rd and 6th year students – best wishes to all concerned.
