COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF TRANSITION YEAR. FOR THE STUDENTS WHO DO “GAISCE”, THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS A REQUIREMENT. APART FROM THIS, HOWEVER, THE TRANSITION YEARS GET INVOLVED WITH DIFFERENT COMMUNITY GROUPS AND DO A LOT OF FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL AND NATIONAL CHARITIES.
FUNDRAISING FOR CONCERN
On Monday 20th January TY students met representatives of the charity Concern to present a cheque for €553.50 The TYs raised this money last term by going on a 24 hour fast. Fundraising is central to the TY philosophy in SGS. The class raises funds for many good causes, targeting both local and National charities. The bulk of the monies raised will be presented to the various charities in May at the TY Awards Night.
CHARITY SEA SWIM
On Wednesday 16th October TY students plunged into the Atlantic Ocean for their annual Sponsored Swim. The class dressed up in all sorts of fancy dress and went out to Rosses Point beach where they threw themselves into the waves! Luckily the day was particularly fine and sunny. Over €1,000 was collected and the funds raised by the swim are earmarked for local charities and will be presented to the chosen charities later in the school year. Well done to all the students and many thanks to their teachers Mrs O’Donnell, Mr. Lynch and Mr Cradock for all the organisation.
In the past TY Sustainable Living group spent the morning on Strandhill beach picking up litter as part of the Clean Coasts programme. This is a national drive operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. It aims to get local communities involved in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life. The local group organised a clean-up in Strandhill and our TY students eagerly volunteered their services!
In Sligo Grammar School TY students are encouraged to get involved in the community in a variety of ways. As well as volunteering to help with community projects, working with people with special needs and participating in flag days the students run special fundraising events within the school. One such annual event is Jersey Day for GOAL. The TYs also organise a Christmas Jumper Day and a “Lá Glas” during Seachtain na Gaeilge. The staff and students enthusiastically get involved and contribute €2 each for the chance to get into silly clothes!
A host of different projects are taken on during the year which encourage TY students to think about the world outside their own experience.Below are a few examples of TY in the community.