St Aidan's Spelling Competition
On 29th November Transition year 2 held a Spelling Competition for all the first year students. This fun activity was part of the Y.S.I. (Young Social Innovator) project on raising awareness of the importance of literacy and reading within the school. The week before the Competition the students were given a list of some of the words to learn in preparation for the Spellaton....more
St. Aidan's Got Talent
St. Aidan’s Got Talent is the latest show to have been produced from the 
talented students in St. Aidan’s Comprehensive.
Last Wednesday 23rd November, saw 13 acts including solo singers, Irish dancers, hip-hop dancers, duets, a comedy act and a pianist take to the stage of St. Aidan’s. For the first time in a school show, the MC’s for the night were two students. Rory Traynor and Jason Taylor, both 6th year students took the role. This show came after weeks of hard preparations by all the acts, by the organising members and of course the show would never have happened without Ms Siobhán Maguire, the school’s music teacher, who put a lot of her time these past few weeks into helping each act individually and to organise the night also...more
Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Students from St Aidan's Comprehensive School, Cootehill participated in the annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal. The Shoeboxes were presented to Mrs. Ann Bradley on Thursday 17th November. These colourful boxes which are filled with gifts will be shipped off in time for Christmas to young people in some of the poorest Countries of the world.....more
Ty2 Y.S.I. project on “Reading”
Transition year students visted the local library in Cootehill on 24th October as 
part of their Young Social Innovators project which is on “Raising awareness of the importance of reading to improve our literacy skills”. The librarians, Margaret and Jim showed the students the many facilities that are provided by the Local Library and then the students spent some time reading some of the books. ...more
Maths week 2011
Maths week in St.Aidan’s is always a high point in the school calendar with 
students participating in many fun, exciting and challenging mathematical activities.
The rationale behind the special week devoted to mathematics is to raise the subject profile, increase and broaden understanding of the subject and to dispel the myth that working with numbers is boring or difficult. More
St. Aidan's Interprovincial Soccer Representatives
The schools interprovincial soccer matches between the provinces are held every year and are a great chance for up and coming young footballers to test
their skills against the best school soccer players in the country.
St Aidan's students’ John Carney and Caolan Reilly began their attempts to be selected by travelling to Monaghan’s Gortekeegan with many other young hopefuls from the Cavan/Monaghan region...... more
TY on tour
The seventy or so Transition year students at St.Aidan’s in Cootehill must be among the luckiest boys and girls in the country thanks to the action packed educational programme on offer in the school. Two days are seldom the same 
for this year group, thanks in the main to programme Co-ordinator Ms. Sweeney and the hard working Tutor team of Mr. Mayne, Mr. Watters and Ms. Ni Bhaoill. Frequent seminars, workshops, guest speakers and educational trips, support a TY curriculum that is diverse, thought provoking and thoroughly engaging......more
Protestant RI Retreat
The annual retreat for students of Prodestant faith took place on Thursday 
13th October 2011. First stop was to Cootehill Presbyterian Church Hall where they were accompanied by their teachers Ms. Vogan, Rev. Rushton, Mrs. Rushton and Mr. Mills. A group called “Logos Ministries” worked with the students. A missionary from Mongolia who works in a remote area in India came to tell his story. Students learned about the country of India, Indian culture, Customs and traditions etc..........more
Championship success
Teachers and students of St.Aidan’s Comprehensive School have experienced championship football success with their individual clubs in both Cavan and Monaghan in 2011.
David Harpur, (a sixth year student) despite his tender years, played a key role for Shercock in winning the Cavan Junior Championship this year and also in leading his minor team to the division one championship. An inspirational student and sports person, David was instrumental in St. Aidan’s senior county vocational success last year and as current team captain, is hopeful the school can regain its title in 2012........more
Opening Year Service
The Opening School service in St. Aidan’s took place on Friday 30th September 2011. Students participated in the service by singing in the choir and by reading prayers and lessons. Many local clergy attended the service including Rev. Billy Stafford, Rev. John Rushton, Pastor Colin Craighton.
A family atmosphere at St. Aidan's
The transition from primary to secondary education can be a daunting time for both students and their parents and it is only natural that they feel anxious and even a little fearful at the thought of leaving the comfort and safety of National school. The management and staff of St.Aidan’s are mindful of these concerns
and have devoted much time, thought and effort into managing the transition process by developing a pastoral care programme that eases the stress and worry of those initial weeks and months.
A key feature of the programme is the school’s participation in the Big Brother/Big Sister scheme which involves pairing new first year students with individual senior students who can empathise with their younger counterparts and have the skills and compassion to provide support and guidance where required........more
The Creative Engagement Project
The Creative Engagement Project is running in St Aidan’s again this year. Funded by the association of Principals and Deputy Principals this project aims to make great use of our newly installed kiln which is a great addition to the work of our students and will allow them to develop exciting creative skills in pottery. The art teacher applied for the funding which included payment for a visiting professional artist, which in this case is Joe Mallon, a potter from Monaghan. Mr Mallon has an innovative approach to pattern and colour and has shown the student examples of his own work which will hopefully inspire their own creations. The students were amazed when they saw this work! This project is part of a new endeavour on the part of the art teacher to raise the profile of the arts in St Aidan’s and to make art accessible to more students in the school. It is hoped that this impetus will continue over the coming years with the development of an arts policy and a 3-5 year plan and will create many more exciting and artistic work for all students to become involved in!
Fundraising
The school is currently raising money for sport to purchase two new sets of football jerseys. The money will be used to buy two new sets of jerseys for the senior and junior teams. We are running a table quiz in the school on the 14th April and everyone in the community is most welcome to help support the cause. There will be spot prizes on the night and a good night’s craic is in store. Earlier this year our senior and under 16 boys and girls ran a draw to raise money to buy sports hoodies for both teams. Well done to Nooleen Smith who was the winner of the top prize of two All-Ireland football final tickets. Also, well done to Simon Dawson who won second prize of a meal for two sponsored by the Fiddlers Elbow in Carrickmacross, to Francis Mc Cormack who won 3rd prize of a 50 Euro voucher sponsored by Mullins Pub and to Aidan Mc Avoy who won 4th prize of a 50 Euro voucher sponsored by Lennon’s drapery. I’d like to thank all our local businesses for their kind sponsorships of prizes.
2nd year Science Projects
7 teams of second year students recently partook in a science exhibition whereby they they investigated and carried out research and experiments into a range of topics from the effects of sugar on our moods to a dogs favourite type of food! The standard of work was exceptional and all the projects involved were completed to a very high standard. The overall winners of the competition were Kerri McQuillan and Katie Fitzpatrick who investigated the effects of humidity on our bodies and even developed some homemade remedies to cure the ‘frizziness’ caused by humidity on our hair.
A big congratulations goes out to all those involved.The Samaritans
The Samaritans will deliver a workshop to the TY students on the 14th March to demonstrate the support available for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Public Speaking
The St. Aidan’s Public Speaking Team recently took part in the Cavan final of the Mental Health National Public Speaking Competition in The Bailie Hotel, Bailieborough. The team comprising of Catherine Clarke McGinn, David Harpur and Rory Traynor, with substitute Jennifer Lackey, spoke confidently for five minutes on a wide range of mental health issues from stress and addiction to the very serious topic of suicide. Well done to all of the finalists involved
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Transition year students are busy preparing activities for the upcoming seachtain na Gaeilge. These activities include : Puc fada competition, Gaelic football blitz, poster competition, Irish night , table quiz and much more. During this week we encourage all students to try and speak the cúpla focail as often as they can no matter how broken your Irish may be! Ty students would love to see all students taking part in the many activities and competitions being organized
and they promise great prizes which will be given out at a special awards ceremony at the end of the week. Some Ty students are organising ‘story time’ in cootehill library and they will spend time reading Irish stories to local primary school children. We wish them good luck with this. A group of Ty students are also designing a float for the Cootehill St Patrick’s day parade and again we wish them well with their entry. Leaving certificate students will also attend a talk in the local library given by the poet Áine ni Ghlinn who has her poem Gealt? On the leaving certificate. We look forward to this and it should prove very useful for the upcoming Irish Leaving Certificate exam. Students are asked to watch out for posters in the school advertising all the events organised for Seachtain na Gaeilge. Ty students hope to invite the general public to their quiz and to their Irish night which will be an entertaining night of music, dancing, story telling and craic. We wish TY students all the best with their planning and preparation for what will be a fun filled and entertaining Seachtain na gaeilge.
MABS – Money Advice and Budgeting Services
Mr. Karl Cronin from Cavan Branch of Money Advice and Budgeting Services visited St. Aidan’s on Monday 7th February and gave a very interesting, informative and educational talk to all 5th year Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme students. This is part of the Link Modules programme and each student must complete a summary report of approximately 600 words on this talk as part of the portfolio which is sent to the Examinations Commission in Leaving Certificate year.
St. Aidan’s Comprehensive find inspiration at Dromantine.
St. Aidan’s Cootehill sixth year class recently spent an enjoyable two days on retreat in the tranquil and amazing setting of Dromantine outside Newry, Co. Down.Dromantine is the mother house of the Society of African Missions order who bought the Neo-classical style house in 1926 and turned it into a Seminary for the training of its priests, 600 of which were ordained from there to work all over the Continent of Africa. In 1996 it was renovated into a Retreat and Conference Centre. The retreat was organised and presented by the Chaplain Fr. Kevin Donohoe and the year’s religion teachers Ms. Angela Flanagan and Ms. Briege Kiernan. It was a great opportunity for the group in this their final year at St. Aidan’s to reflect on what direction their life is going, the place God has in it and the career path they wish to travel in the future. The retreat proved very successful evident by their positive feedback and gave the students an opportunity to look at issues like “our image of God”, “the expectations we have of each other”, “the tags/labels we place on others” as well as an appreciation through prayer of those who have gone before us but who have had a part to play in moulding us into the people we now are.
The retreat was presented through the medium of music, PowerPoint’s, prayer, reflections, liturgies, role-plays and sacred spaces.
While a different experience for many, the two days were touching for all with a genuine request to repeat the event at some other time proving that our young people do have a sense of God and a belief that there is a purpose to our lives.
Opening of the Calendar Year Liturgy
During the first week back to school after the Christmas holiday’s Fr. Kevin held a prayer liturgy for each year group to ask God’s blessing on our student’s, our staff and our work as we begin the year of 2011. Teachers read the readings while prayers and reflections were recited by Fr. Kevin to help us focus on what lies ahead and our need for God’s guidance throughout it all. Fr. Kevin arranged a display with symbols to help us focus on our school environment and their importance to us. The theme of all the prayers and reflections was a desire for success and health ahead as we open the year 2011. February – “The Month of Saints”: On February 3rd Fr. Kevin gathered all catholic students in their different year groups for a liturgy explaining the significance of well known saints that are celebrated during the month of February. He explained briefly the famous lives of saints like St. Brigid, who set up many monasteries around Ireland and beyond, also St. Valentine and his life and how he became so well known and then the chair of St. Peter who is recognised as the first Pope. Finally he explained the feast day of St. Blaise and how he is venerated around the world as patron saint of sick animals and the curing of a young boys choking in the 4th century. He then blessed each student’s throat as well as staff members asking St. Blaise intercession to keep away illness from all in the school community. As February 3rd was also International Grandparents day a special prayer was said for all our Grandparents who were or are so generous to us all. February 9th marked the beginning of the pre exams for the junior and leaving cert classes and Fr. Kevin held a short prayer service just before the exams asking God to guide the students with wisdom, recall, understanding and progress throughout the duration of their exams.
St. Aidan's Got Talent 2010
St Aidan’s Got Talent, the latest show to have been produced from the talented students in St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School.
Last Thursday 25th November, saw 13 acts including solo singers, Irish dancers, rappers, duets and pianist’s take to the stage of St. Aidan’s. The MC’s for the night were Ms Angela Flanagan, and Ms Louise Benton who both proved to be very comical! This show came after weeks of hard preparations by all the acts, The show was organised by the Parents Association to help raise funds for the school and of course the show would never have happened without Ms Siobhán Maguire, the school’s music teacher, who put a lot of her time these past few weeks into helping each act individually and to organise the night also! ..... more
Halloween 2010
As part of their CSPE Action Project, Rang Iarla (Third Year) organised a “Fancy Dress” themed non-uniform day this Halloween. The costumes were wierd, wacky, outrageous, and very, very creative. Click here for the photos from the day
Leaving Cert Results 
The anxious wait for results finally came to an end for the Leaving Certificate class of 2010 in St Aidan's. From early morning the school was filled with sighs of relief and shrieks of joy as the students opened their results. Their joy was echoed by their parents and teachers....more
Leaving Cert Graduation 2010
The Leaving Certificate Class of 2010 marked the end of their five or six years education on the 26th of May 2010 with a formal graduation and awards ceremony. This took place in the school. The theme for the night was “The Circle of Life”. The ceremony afforded students and their parents to reflect on their journey thus far in life. Reflections were given by the students in the class of 2010.....more
2nd Year CSPE trip to Zoo
On Monday the 24th of May the four Second Year tutor groups departed for Dublin Zoo. The classes are studying Animal Rights as part of their CSPE course. They decided they would like to learn more about the subject of wildlife conservation. The Education Department of Dublin Zoo kindly facilitated the students with an interactive talk on the changing role of the Zoo and the part it plays in animal welfare and conservation....more
Italian Exchange 
On February 7th nine 5th year students along with their teachers made a return trip to Collegio Barbarigo, Padua, Italy. The trip was part of an exchange programme initiated
by Fr. Kevin Donohoe and Ms. Angela Flanagan last year and where it is hoped will become an annual event.....more
Green Schools
St. Aidan’s Green Schools committee are currently working on their Green Flag for energy. They are raising awareness among teachers and students on energy conservation by encouraging a ‘Switch off Campaign’ on all lights and electrical appliances. Four students have linked up with Abbott Ireland Cootehill to carry out a project on energy conservation sponsored by ESB. Other upcoming events include ‘A Flick the Switch Week / Anti – Litter Week and the National Spring Clean’
2nd Year Trip to Mosque
On Tuesday 9th March all 2nd year students accompanied by their religion teachers Ms Hetherton, Ms Duignan, Ms Kiernan and Mr McDermott made a trip to Dublin to visit the Islamic mosque in Clonskeagh. The purpose of the trip was research for the students Junior Certificate Religion Project. .....more
Sci-Fest
SciFest is a one-day local science fair held in third level colleges for second level students. The day includes a competition and exhibition of projects, a selection of science talks, science demonstrations in college laboratories and a prize giving ceremony. First and transition year students from St. Aidan’s will enter their science projects into this competition.St. Aidan’s have had some success in the past few years. In 2009- Best Communicators award. In 2008 - Best Communicators award. In 2007 - second prize in the junior biology category and first prize in the junior physics category. Well done to all the students involved.
In St.Aidan’s we aim to encourage a love of science through encouraging investigative project work and allowing students to display their scientific discoveries.
Trip to Concert Hall
First, Second, Third and Fifth Year music students went to see the RTE Symphony Orchestra in The National Concert Hall on Monday 1st March. The Orchestra opened the concert by playing The theme to Star Wars by John Williams. Special Guest was the Tenor singer- Emmanuel Lawlor who performed Nessun Dorma by Puccini.....more
Haiti Appeal
1st and 2nd year students in Saint Aidan’s held a table quiz and raffle on Friday 29th January in aid of the Haiti Appeal. The total money raised was €1,000.The winning team were first year students Keith McComish, Dara McCann, Enda Shalvey and Niall Duffy.
Seachtain na Gaeilge I Scoil Aodáin Naofa
Transition Year students are busy organising activities for Seachtain na Gaeilge which is running in the school from Monday 8th March – Friday 12th March.
Seachtain na Gaeilge helps to promote the Irish language and culture both at home and abroad within a two week festival held in March every year. Croí na Teanga - It's You! (Heart of the Language - It's You!) Is the motto of the festival, meaning that everyone, no matter what age they are or what country they live in, is central to the renewal of the Irish language.
During Seachtain na Gaeilge in St Aidan’s all students and teachers are encouraged to speak the language and get involved in the many activities planned. These include: A Table Quiz , Treasure hunt, Poem writing & song writing competition, Poster competition and Traditional Irish music session all through the medium of Irish. Many great prizes will be up for grabs including a prize for ‘Gaeilgeoir na seachtaine’ (Irish speaker of the week). The TY Radio station in school will be on board playing music from Irish artistes as well as making announcements through Irish and the school will be turned into a mini-Gaeltacht as the corridors are decorated with posters containing symbols of Ireland, Old Irish proverbs, useful daily Phrases and Famous Irish names.
This week provides an excellent opportunity to practice spoken Irish especially our Leaving Certificate students who are preparing for their Oral Irish examination.
It is an opportunity to promote the language as one which is fully alive and active in our school.
Mar a deir an seanfhocal “ Beatha teanga í a labhairt”
Halloween Fancy Dress Day
Halloween fever hit St. Aidan's on the last day before mid-term. Some of our students had the great idea of having a Halloween fancy-dress day in order to raise some much needed funds in order to buy sports equipment. A lot of the students got right into the spirit of things by designing various types of costumes. Below you can see a selection of the costumes...... more
Opening of Multicultural Garden
On Thursday 22 October 2009 St Aidan's Comprehensive School community gathered with invited guests to open our multi cultural garden.
This garden was the brainchild of the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) class of 2008 and their teacher Ms Joanne Corbett and the present LCA class have helped to complete it.. more
Italian exchange
On Friday October 2nd St. Aidan’s welcomed eight students on their first ever exchange to
Ireland. They travelled from Collegio Vescovile Barbarigo located in the town of Padua near Venice which would be better known to us as the birthplace and burial site of the famous St. Anthony. They were accompanied by their school Principal Fr. Giancarlo Battistuzzi and Sr. Angela Gheda who is their English teacher. The exchange is organised by Fr. Kevin Donohoe St. Aidan’s chaplain who visited the school in Padua some years ago and kept contact which has now resulted in what is hoped to be an annual exchange. He is assisted by Angela Flanagan and together they have planned an extensive programme for the week which will incorporate educational, cultural, social and sporting activities which will give our Italian visitors a holistic flavour of Ireland..... more
The Eva Halton Benefit Fund
This fund was recently set up in Cootehill and we have a committee working hard within St.Aidan’s to fundraise for Eva and her family. Eva was seriously injured in a car crash last June and continues to receive treatment in Dublin.
The committee members are D. Marren, P. McMorrow, P.Lynch, J. Corbett and S. Maguire.
To date the students raised €1300 by holding a non-uniform day. This was predominantly organised by the Students’ Council and Mrs. McMorrow. Well done to all the students who also had a great laugh at certain teachers revisiting their youth by wearing the uniform that day!
On April 4th a race night was held in Mullen’s pub. A large amount of money was raised for the fund (over €5000) and many thanks go to staff, sponsors and those who sent in donations.
After Easter we hope to possibly run a prize draw and look forward to your support. I would like to thank students, their families, staff and the wider community for the great support they have shown this cause to date. Finally, we would like to thank the committee members involved for their enthusiasm and support.
Student Enterprise
The annual Cavan “Student Enterprise Awards” were held on Wednesday 5th March 2009. These awards offer students the opportunity to take a business from the idea stage right through to completion. Thirty five business projects from seven schools in County Cavan
were showcased in the Slieve Russell Hotel with over 230 students from the age of thirteen to sixteen involved, all vying to win one of the fifteen awards available on the day.
The judging panel had to critique three different groups, Junior, Intermediate & Senior with five categories in each group, best display, award for innovation, two runner-up awards and the overall winner......more
St. Aidans Carol Service 2008
St Aidan’s carol service by candlelight was held on Dec 15th 2008.
The many students involved in the service from 1st to 6th year, ensured that a peaceful and joyful occasion was marked in our school.
The atmosphere was one of peace and tranquillity as candles lit the hall and the crib complete with life size figures, was there to remind us of the true meaning of this wonderful season.
The service began with a candle procession when students carried candles and placed them around the crib. The Christmas tree was adorned with 1000 lights to welcome the light of Christ into our hearts.
Many students read readings from the Bible which told the story of the birth of Jesus; others read reflections offering a time to think about the importance of Jesus’ birth. Prayers of intercession remembered the vulnerable, poor, homeless and less fortunate in our society this Christmas season. The school choir, accompanied by the school orchestra, sang and performed both traditional and modern carols. Before the conclusion of the service representatives from St Vincent de Paul were presented with over twenty hampers filled with Christmas luxuries donated by our generous students, parents and staff, a task coordinated by Ms Meehan and her team of students. A cheque to the value of €2500 collected by our students in the local community was also presented to St Vincent De Paul on the night.
Fr Kevin Donohoe our school Chaplain invited the congregation to join in the closing prayer in welcoming Jesus into our lives this Christmas. The evening ended with festive refreshments in the school canteen and was an evening enjoyed by students, teachers, parents and the local community.
Alwynne McGeever: Short Story Winner
In October, Mr. Mayne, my English teacher, asked our class to write a short story in response to a competition advert that had been sent to the school. The competition was being run by Eason’s and O’Brien’s Publishing to promote the launch of their latest book, ‘The Poison Throne’ by Celine Kiernan.
The story could be about pretty much anything, as long as it had a fantasy theme. It was open to any Second-level school student who wanted to enter. So I wrote a fantasy story complete with elves, werewolves and a desperate queen preparing for war.
On Friday, the 12th of December, Eason’s called me to tell me I had won first prize! I went to the prize ceremony in Eason’s, Cavan on Sunday evening. There I met the author, Celine Kiernan, who presented me with the prize of a hamper of books and an Eason’s voucher.
The author does her own illustrations for her book, and therefore as part of the prize, gave me an original copy of one of her drawings.
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is an initiative run by the International Relief Agency called Samaritan’s Purse . This is a very worthwhile project and is 10 years in existence. It involves the filling of shoe boxes with toys and other gifts. These gift filled shoe boxes are given to needy children at Christmas time in countries like Armenia, Belarus, Lesotho, Romania and Croatia.
Students from St. Aidan’s take part in this project each year.
A total of 58 Shoe Boxes were completed this Christmas and were collected by the area co-ordinator Liza McMeekin.
A sincere thank you to everyone for your generosity.
St. Vincent De Paul Hampers
After studying voluntary organisations as part of LCVP, the fifth year tutor group B1 decided that they would like to do some work with St Vincent De Paul. As a result of this they undertook to plan, organise and collect food items from all the students and staff in the school and to prepare luxury hampers for the local St Vincent De Paul society in the local community. The generosity of all the students in each tutor group throughout the school as well as the staff was overwhelming and very much appreciated. These large hampers were presented to St Vincent De Paul at the annual carol service in the school on the 15th of December 2008. The students in B1 would like to thank very sincerely everyone who contributed to these hampers.
Young Scientist Update
A total of six projects have been successfully selected for the competition. 
Two fifth year students, Andrew Smith and Dwayne Watson, are examing the radiation levels from mobile phones with their project 'Mobile Phone Radiation: Put to the Test'. Also from fifth year are Liam Gaffney and Ciaran Person who are investigating 'Young Adults attitudes and knowledge of contraception'.
The following students, all from second year, entered the following projects:
Elaine Brady, Lorna McMenamin and Laura Brady are investigating 'Does lung capacity vary with age?'
Kate Smith, Carol Greenan and Amy McGorman are working on the project; 'The Stroop Effect - the influence of age and sex'.
Lauren Pilkington and Aisling Greenan are 'testing the antioxidant properties of various foods'.
And finally, Jennifer Lackey and Christine Brady are investigating 'Free Range or battery hen eggs - which have the larger mass?'
MS Readathon
The English department in conjunction with the School Library encourage students to take part in the Readathon each year. Over the space of one month, students read books and obtain sponsorship for all the books read. This initiative encourages students to read and all the sponsorship funds that are raised go towards Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. read more
School Library
The School library is available to students at lunch time and may be used by individual classes if it is required. The Library requires a quiet study and reading area, the use of computers for research and project work and books can be borrowed for up to two weeks.
The Library is run on a rota basis by a group of students who form the Library Committee. This Committee will provide a very valuable service to all students throughout the year and the full co-operation of everyone using the Library is essential.
Readathon:
The English department in conjunction with the Library are encouraging students to take part in this years “Readathon”, which will take place from 17th October to 17th November. During this month students read books and obtain sponsorship for all books read. This initiative encourages students to read and all the sponsorship funds that are raised go towards Multiple Sclerosis Ireland.
Musical- Calamity Jane
Rehearsals have begun for the school musical Calamity Jane, which will take place from Tuesday 25th to Thursday 28th of January. Students are putting in a huge effort in the early stages of rehearsals. The fun has started with students practicing dance moves, rehearsing songs and getting into character.
A special word of thanks to all the teachers for their support. We look forward to the coming weeks, although they will be busy, they will be very rewarding. Best wishes to all involved.
LCVP
LCVP (Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme) in St Aidan’s is designed to expand and strengthen the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate by giving senior students the opportunity to participate in ‘Preparation for the World of Work’ and ‘Enterprise Education’ modules. These link modules are designed to help students make connections between school, community, future careers and enterprise.
On the 13th Novemeber, fifth year students actively engaged in planning and organising a guest speaker from FAS to come and speak to the LCVP students about its aims and operations locally and nationally. This planned activity was a great success and generated a variety of material for both the portfolio of coursework and the written exam.
Fifth Year students will be participating in a visitor to Belleek Pottery on 17th November to investigate a successful enterprise in Ireland.
Junior Certificate Results
Wednesday September 10th heralded the arrival of the Junior Certificate results for our school. This year parents accompanied their son/daughter to St. Aidans when they collected their results.
Our students were delighted with their results and their shouts of delight could be heard by us all! Students felt that their efforts had paid off and that they achieved the goals they had set for themselves.
It was particularly delightful to see how in the midst of their success the students were keen to acknowledge the work done by their teachers and the support of their parents. As Principal and on behalf of all the staff, I want to congratulate each and every student on their success. Be proud of your achievement and build on this for your Leaving Certificate.
A sincere thanks to all the staff in St. Aidans who worked so hard with the students and to you their parents for the support given to them and indeed to us as a school.
Congratulations again – well done!
Ms Smith
Principal
3rd Year Geography Trip
The third year students recently went on a Geography field-trip to Clonmacnoise and the Bog of Allen. The students began their day with a train journey on the 
Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway, where they were brought on a journey through the largest raised bog in Ireland- the Bog of Allen. They learnt how peat is formed, how it is harvested and transported and how it fuels the power station at Shannonbridge. The St.Aidan’s students didn’t mind getting thrown in at the deep end, armed with colourful wellies, the students jumped at the chance to wade through the bog. Some students even got the chance to cut and stack some sods of turf. Later the students were given a guided tour of the unique flora and fauna that grows in the bog......read more
Stars in Yer Eyes Winners
Pauric Carney, Patrick O’ Reilly Des Brodie and Eoin Clerkin performed in the grand final of Stars in Yer Eyes in the Millennium Forum in Derry on June 16th
After successfully winning the midland final in Dundalk on April 24th the boys were delighted to have the opportunity to represent their region in the grand final.
In the Millennium Forum they were up against 18 acts all hoping to win the title and scoop the grand prize. The standard was phenomenal. The boys performed Fantasy by the Blizzards and were ecstatic when they were awarded first place and the 2008 Stars in Yer Eyes Title
Congratulations to Pauric, Patrick, Des and Eoin on their success. It was an unforgettable night and they overwhelmed the celebrity judges and the audience with an outstanding performance. They did themselves, their families and their school proud. Well-done lads.
Junior Awards 08
The annual prize giving took place in St. Aidan’s on Fri 23rd May 2008
. During this ceremony students are recognised for their efforts and achievements. They are also recognised for their contribution to school life and their achievements over the past year. The categories included in the awards ceremony are membership of committees, attendance, endeavour awards, individual subject awards, project awards, sports awards and academic awards. A sincere thank you ..........read more
Graduation Night 2008
This years graduation occurred on the 22nd of May 2008, in the school assembly hall
.The theme of this years graduation was gratitude/appreciation/thanks. Both students, staff and parents were involved in the reading of poems and reflections which reminded them of the five years they spent here at St Aidan’s. Kevin Mc Cabe a member of this years class gave a memorable account of his time here as a student. A very moving ceremony of light took place which involved the passing on of a lit candle by the Principal, the Chaplain, a Parent, a First Year Pupil and a ........ read more
Sports Day 2008
Sports day was a great success this year in St. Aidan's. 
The events started after the small break at 11.20. There were many events for the students to participate in, such as the long jump, high jump, various track events,soccer and the many novelty races. An enjoyable day was had by all. A big thank you to all the staff and students who made the day a big success. Special thanks to.... read more
TY Fashion Show
A wave of glamour and glitz descended on Cootehill on Thursday May 1st as the 
Transition Year students in St. Aidan’s Comprehensive hosted a Fashion show in the school to a packed hall. Preparations started in January and 46 students were involved in total building the stage, planning the clothes, hair and make-up and preparing the music to be played at the show. Twenty one students....... read more
SONG SCHOOL WORKSHOP
Transition Year and Fifth Year music students took part in a one 
day workshop on Monday 14th April.The workshop offered a first hand insight into life as a professional musician and song writer. Students worked in small groups and composed songs. To end the day all students performed their new compositions in a concert.The day was very educational and fun for all the students
Trocaire
Students from St Aidan’s Comprehensive School present a cheque for €2360 to Aoife McTernan ( School programme officer with Trocaire) This money was the sponsorship received for the Schools 24 hour fast. This donation to Trocaire will have a real and lasting effect on the lives of poor communities throughout the developing world.
European School Tour 2008.
During the Easter holidays a group of 5th year students travelled to Berlin and Germany 
with 6 of their teachers: Ms Flanagan, Ms Mc Donald, Ms Sweeney, Ms Corbett, Mr Ross and Mr Mc Caul. The trip began with a guided tour of Berlin which provided knowledge of war time Germany. This was followed by a visit to a concentration camp in Berlin where students gained an insight into life in Nazi Germany and life behind the walls ...... read more
Oireachtas Education Project
On Monday 21 April, the school played host to an education facilitator appointed by 
Ceann Comhairle, John O’Donoghue. Aoife Ruane was here to work through a pilot CSPE project with a select group of junior cycle students. Nine classes from first to third year were.....read more
March '08
As the school website has just been redesigned the news section of the site has no current news as of yet. However, below is a selection of general news articles relating to school activities which have taken place since the start of the school year.
Debating and Public Speaking.
Congratulations to the public speaking team of Alison Harpur, Saoirse Curran and Andrew Smith, who reached the Cavan Final of the Mental Health Public Speaking Competition. The team’s speeches were well written and delivered. So well done to all involved. Also congratulations are due to the school’s debating team of Clair Murray, Claire O’Brien, Gemma Lynch and Calantha Forde who took part in the Concern Debates this year. The team worked very hard and argued their positions well over such developing world issues as poverty, dropping the debt and celebrities as fund raisers, whilst increasing their knowledge of global issues.
Opening of St. Aidan’s New Science Laboratories.
On November 19th the new science laboratories were officially opened. The dignitaries present were Mr Brendan Smith T.D, Senator Joe O’Reilly and representatives
of the local churches. These state of the art laboratories complement the new science syllabi for all students studying junior and senior science. Past teachers joined present staff and students for this historic occasion which also marked St. Aidan’s 40th year anniversary. The school’s 40th commemorative magazine was also launched formally on the same day.
LCA Girls engage in Make-Up Demonstrations:
The girls from Leaving Certificate Applied Years 1 and 2 were given make-up demonstrations by a local beautician from Final Touch Beauticians in Cootehill as part of their hair and beauty classes with Ms. Maguire and Mrs. Vogan. The students then put their skills into practice during their class. Well done to all involved!
Parent’s Association Present Cheque To School After Fundraiser
The parent’s association presented a cheque to the school for €32,500. This money was raised at the Monster Auction which was held at Errigal House Hotel. 
The night was a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The bidding was most entertaining at times. The money will be used in the school to introduce an eportal system to the school and to upgrade the sports courts. A huge thank you is due to the parent’s association for their support to St. Aidan’s.
Leaving Certificate students getting ready to fly the Comp!
Leaving Certificate students are preparing for their future this month with many applying to UCAS/CAO and Colleges of Further Studies. Many students were getting their CV’s ready to apply for apprenticeship and job applications. We wish all the students the best of luck with their future plans and hope their dreams come true
Stars in Yer Eyes
The students of St. Aidan’s put on a spectacular performance of Stars in Yer Eyes on 12th December 2007. 12 acts performed in this concert. It was a most enjoyable evening from the opening act to the grand finale. The students took on the personae of many of their favourite musicians and pop stars. The.....read more
FAS Opportunities
Many students from the senior cycle particularly the LCA students will attend the FAS Opportunity Exhibition in Croke Park in February in order to help them make career decisions.
Yoghurt Factory Visit
A group of 5th year Social & Scientific Home Economics students and their 
teacher Ms.Hetherton visited the Mona Plant at Monaghan Co-op as part of the investigative work for their Leaving Certificate practical assessment. Ms.Aine Watters from the yoghurt production plant kindly gave us a tour of the factory and explained in detail all the stages involved in the production of yoghurt. It was a very informative and interesting visit.
Guest Speakers in St. Aidans
Many guest speakers have attended the comprehensive this year to both 5th and 6th year students. Those that have attended include NUI Maynooth, Dundalk IT. Athlone IT. Sligo IT, DIT. Harper Adams and Glanmorgan College Wales. Cavan Institute. MIFET, Armagh College ,FAS Apprenticeship as well as speakers on Drama, Engineering, Computers and Nursing will also visit the school.
CAROL SERVICE:
This years Carol Service was held in the Assembly hall at 8pm on Monday December 17th and was attended by over 150 people who included members of staff, students and their parents and people from the community. The hall was suitably decorated for the festive season with a crib, a large Christmas tree which hosted 800 lights and an Advent Wreath and the service took place under candlelight.
The evening was directed by Fr. Kevin Donohoe and Ms. Angela Flanagan but was conducted entirely by both senior Students. Ms. Siobhan Maguire took care of the music.
The ceremony was narrated by Darragh McMenamin and Kathleen Smith, both Senior Students. It began after a short with students carrying Symbols which represented the Advent and Christmas Season and a brief explanation as to why these symbols are used was described. The ceremony continued with appropriate readings from scripture, Christmas reflections and the History of the most famous Carols used around the world. Prayers of intercession using words from these carols were prayed by all year groups as well as students who are part of our community from other European Nations.
Those attending were also shown a short PowerPoint Presentation on the theme of the importance of giving.
At the end of the service a very impressive €3000 collected by our senior students in the area was presented to a representative from our local St. Vincent de Paul Society along with 20 large hampers which were put together by all our students and staff members.
The evening was very successful and thanks to all who participated in any way and to all our parents and members of our local community who supported us.
3rd Year DATS Test
On Wednesday the 6th of February all 3rd year students will sit the DATS test (Differential Aptitude Test). These tests are used by the school to help student’s identify their natural ability. These prove extremely useful for students in making career choices as well as subject choices.
Open Day at St. Aidan’s Comprehensive 2008
Open Day at St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School took place on Saturday 2nd February 2008. The day was successful with all subjects departments represented in style. The 
various and diverse faculties of the school demonstrated a wide range of disciplines and activities. These included live performances staged by the music students, exciting practical demonstrations in Physics, Chemistry, Woodwork, Physical Education and Home Economics. There were also numerous walk through displays in the other subject areas in classrooms including visual displays, videos and competitions. Numerous students from the present student body were present on the day to give tours, show off their knowledge and work etc. Thank you to all involved in this enjoyable day.
Mock Interviews
As part of the Guidance module of the Transition year programme all transition year students took part in mock interviews on Wednesday the 23rd of January. Professionals form the areas of Nursing, Education, Engineering, Computers, Business and Agriculture interviewed the students. All had a very worthwhile and valuable learning experience.
Study Skills for 5th Year.
Student Enrichment Services delivered a Study Skills programme to the majority of 5th year students. Students learned the skills of note taking and time management. They hope to put these skills to use as they study for their up and coming exams and will have them perfected for their Leaving Certificate. Third year students will also have the opportunity to develop these skills when they get the second installment of study skills and exam technique later this month.
MS Readathon
A group of mainly first and second year students took part in
a Readathon. This initiative was organised through the school library and the English department. Students read books over a one month period and collected sponsorship for each book read. A total of €580 was raised and these funds were sent to Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. Well done to everyone involved.
Drugs Awareness workshop for all students in St. Aidans
All students partook in a drug awareness workshop in November. A drug addiction counselor form Co. Clare and a recovering Addict (19) delivered the programme. It was a very powerful, memorable and worthwhile programme. A programme that students themselves found to be the best ever given to them. Parents also had the opportunity to partake in the workshop and they too found it to be informative, powerful and essential. A real education.
Operation Christmas Child:
A big thank you goes to all students who were involved in bringing in shoeboxes 
wrapped and filled with presents for the school’s annual Operation Christmas Child. A total of 113 boxes were collected this year, this exceeded previous years. These shoe boxes were sent to some of the world’s poorest countries where children receive the gifts before Christmas. Well done to all involved! Photographed here are the students involced, the shoe boxes before collection and the school co-ordinator Mrs. Vogan.
Samba Drumming
Second Year rang Daire learned how to play the Samba drums in November as part of their Multicultural Class. Transition Years and Music students from all years joined them. Artscope a Dublin based company that specializes in the arts hosted the workshop. All had a great fun day.
Bt Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2008
Once again St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill was well represented at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition. This year the school entered four projects. One student group was made up of three Transition Year students, Alison Harpur, Catherina Mullen and Tanya Smith. They were....... read more
Brownie Sale for Cancer Awareness
This year saw the introduction of the brownie to St. Aidans’s 5th year students Kathleen Smith and Lorna Lavery along with Ms Drury’s recipe made a whopping 200-euro for cancer awareness. The brownies sold out in 2 minutes flat. So well done to the girls!