TY Online Graduation

The TY graduation took place on Friday 22nd of May. TY Coordinator, Ms. Brosnan, opened proceedings by welcoming students and staff to the first online TY Graduation to be hosted by St. David's.

The criteria for the coveted 'Spirit of TY' Award was shared. The award encompasses all aspects of the TY programme. Each year the recipient of the award has made an outstanding contribution to all elements of TY. They have been enthusiastic on all tasks, they have volunteered, they have pushed themselves outside of their comfort zone, they have been supportive of other members of the school community, and demonstrated leadership qualities. This year a total of eight students were nominated by teachers of Transition Year. The names of the nominees were read out with the winner to be announced at the end of the graduation. 

School Principal, Ms. O'Doherty, made a short speech in which she thanked the TY Coordinator, Ms. Brosnan, and TY Year Head, Mr. Carey, for all their work with the students throughout the year. She also thanked the students for the excellent approach that they took to TY, which was epitomised by their willingness to volunteer. Ms. O'Doherty then shared the lyrics of the John Rutter song 'Look at the World' before wishing all the students well for the Summer. 

School Deputy Principal and TY Year Head, Mr. Carey, then spoke to the students on his memories of TY for this particular group. He complimented them on the way in which they had reacted to unprecedented times and on the way in which they had grown and matured throughout their time in TY. In particular he thanked students for their contribution to open night and commended students on the way in which exchange students were able to integrate seamlessly into the year group. He then proceeded to thank Ms. O'Doherty, Ms. Brosnan and all staff for their engagement with the TY programme before finally wishing the students well for the Summer break. 

Mr. Fernandez was next to talk to the students about the Spanish exchange. Each year the 'Spirit of the Exchange' award is presented to one student who took part in the exchange and embraced Spanish culture as well as being an exemplary role model for St. David's. This year the 'Spirit of the Exchange' award was presented to Michael Martin.  

Michael Martin, winner of the 'Spirit of TY' and 'Spirit of the Exchange' (and goalscorer in the final of the Wicklow-Wexford League)

Ms. Brosnan then took the opportunity to speak to all staff and students present. She explained that in normal years the students choose a theme for the end of year graduation. Due to the unprecedented times we are currently in Ms. Brosnan chose the theme of 'gratitude' for this year based on the spirit shown among the cohort of students throughout the year. Stand out moments mentioned included yoga, forensics, sailing, driving workshops, bowling, and ePortfolio interviews. She complimented students on their kindness, generosity and engagement throughout the year. Ms. Brosnan also thanked the tutors and teachers of TY for their hard work in developing classes and modules, as well as Ms. O'Doherty and Mr. Carey for their ongoing support. 

In typical Ms. Brosnan style a quote was included, this one by Marcel Proust, from 'In Search of Lost Time.'

"The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

The final act for this group of TY students was the presentation of the 'Spirit of TY' award. This year the award was claimed by Michael Martin on account of his exploits throughout the year. 

Well done to all involved in the graduation, in particular the massive amount of work completed by Ms. Brosnan, and the IT support from Mr. Ó Muirgheasa.