School News 25 April 25

Nineteen boys and girls from Arklow CBS and St Mary's College exchanged with students from St Ursula Schüle in Würzburg, Germany. The away leg of the exchange took place from 6th to 12th of April, and Arklow will host the return leg from 27th April to 4th May.

Schwester Katharina, along with the teachers and students of St Ursula Schüle, welcomed their Irish exchanges with warm hospitality. During the exchange, the Irish students were honoured by the Deputy Oberburghermeister, Martin Heilig, who invited them to sign a 'Goldenes Büch für Kinder', or 'gold book for young people', in the Rathaus reception hall. They enjoyed a city tour of Wurzburg encompassing the Alte Brücke; a UNESCO world heritage site, the Bishop-Prince's Residenz; 3D mini-golf; a day trip to Bamberg, a mediaeval town with a famous Romanesque cathedral; and an Easter service in the eponymous St Kilian's Dom in Würzburg.

Special thanks to Herr Björn Bayer and Frau Lisa for all their endeavours to host a delightful, cultural, linguistic and educational exchange. The families hosting these students each year extend a 'céad míle fáilte' to all their guests. Support from Arklow Municipal District has made this exchange possible, as the exchange goes from strength to strength, marking its fifth year this year. Mr Cíarán Deay, from St Mary's College and alumnus of Arklow CBS, was a 'hit' yet again with all the exchangers and was invited to read in the Dom for the Easter service and answer questions of an advanced English class.

The families of the fifteen Arklow CBS students and four St Mary's students can be proud of their exemplary ambassadors representing Arklow and its' environs.

Cathaoirleach Pat Kennedy and Arklow Municipal District will host a small reception on Monday 28th April in the Council Chamber for our visiting guests.

Last week students from TY and 5th year enjoyed an international school tour to the beautiful Barcelona!

Students enjoyed sight seeing around the city of Barcelona as well as well as Portaventura World, The Ferreres Aqueduct Tarragona & Montjuïc. A fantastic time was had by all and a huge thank you to the teachers who accompanied the students on this fantastic trip.

Well done to 6th Year student Zack Waldron on being awarded a special merit award for his fantastic entry in the prestigious Texaco Children’s Art Competition!

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition attracted a huge number of entries from schools across the country. A special awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 15th at the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin, where prizewinners, their families, and teachers gathered to celebrate.

We are delighted that Zach has had his impressive work and talent recognised on a national stage.