Staff and management at Oaklands Community College are delighted to have welcomed a large cohort of new First Year students to the school this week. The school corridors of the Edenderry second level school were filled with excitement and anticipation as the incoming cohort of first-year students began the exciting journey of their secondary education. Under the guidance of Year Head, Mr. Liam Courtney, the senior management team of Mr. Kehoe, Principal and Deputy Principals Mr. Murphy and Ms. O’Shea, the students received a warm welcome at the school.
The transition from primary to secondary school can often be a daunting experience, but the first-year students at Oaklands Community College have settled in remarkably well, thanks to the dedicated support of senior student mentors, tutors, teachers, and the school’s management team.
Principal Mr. Kehoe referenced “the importance of a nurturing environment in which students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.” He expressed his pride in the school’s commitment to providing just such an environment, assuring parents and guardians that their children’s education and well-being are in capable hands.
Year Head Mr. Courtney, who plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transition of students into their secondary education journey, stressed the importance of the school’s induction programme in helping the students to settle into second level education. He explained that the first day of school and the activities organised for the students are just the first in a suite of induction activities which will take place across the academic year. Staff are already working on the overnight trip to Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre in Limerick which will take place later this term as part of that induction programme.
The induction day was a whirlwind of fun and activities designed to help students get to know their new classmates and become familiar with their surroundings. Ice-breaking games and team-building exercises were the order of the day, with Teachers and mentors playing an active role in facilitating these activities.
The highlight of the day came when an ice cream van arrived at the school grounds, bringing with a few rays of sunshine and providing the perfect backdrop for students to enjoy a cool treat.
Management and staff wish the new first-year students all the best as they begin this exciting chapter of their education.