Fitting Founder’s Day celebrations at Beneavin
Students in Beneavin De La Salle College celebrated Founder’s Day in fitting style by learning more about St John Baptist de La Salle and also recognising students who display the Lasallian values.
De La Salle Day celebrations
Beneavin De La Salle College celebrated De La Salle Day on Friday May 12th. There were reflections in tutor time in the weeks leading up to the day and on the day itself the morning began with third years doing an empathy walk as part of the Narrative 4 programme they have been doing all year.
Then there was a gathering of all the students who took part in the District Lasallian Awards. They watched the district service and celebrated afterwards with some treats. Throughout the morning students and staff were treated to ice cream from an ice cream van.
Later in the morning students learned all about La Salle and in particular what it means to be Lasallian in a lesson delivered by their class tutor. The lesson was about the Founder’s story as well as their ability to be the change in the world.
Later there was a short celebration when students were awarded the Lasallian Star.
It is a tradition in Beneavin that the star is given to students who display Lasallian qualities in their everyday life at school. One student only from each class was awarded the star. These students should display Lasallian characteristics such as leadership, kindness, caring, respectful and a role-model.
Dawn Hike in aid of Pieta
On Saturday May 6th students and staff in Beneavin De La Salle College took part in a Dawn Hike in aid of Pieta , a suicide prevention organisation. This ran in conjunction with the Darkness into Light events nationwide. Students of Transition Year, 5th and 6th year as well as staff took part in the early morning hike on Scarr Mountain meeting at 2.30am. Unfortunately the foggy conditions on the day meant there was no sunrise however it was a wonderful experience for all involved.
Awards Night
Beneavin De La Salle College had their Annual Awards Night recently with Mr Dempsey and Ms Baird the MCs on the night. The theme for the evening was ‘Be The Change’. There were winners in various categories including endeavour, academic, attendance, sport, music, art, mental health ambassadors, leadership, faith leadership, sports leadership, creative writing and community spirit.
We were delighted to have Brother Tommy with us on the night to present the District Lasallian Award winners, including one Platinum award. We were delighted to invite back students from last year's Leaving Certificate classes who got the best results in their year.
We also welcomed back past pupils for the Pathways to College, Beneavin and Beyond Award. They received the Freedom of Beneavin. Our Hall of Fame winner was past pupil and Chairperson of the Dublin County Board Mick Seavers. Congratulations to all the award recipients.
Visitors
Last month staff and students of Beneavin De La Salle College were delighted to welcome Jo Millea, Director of Formation and Vocation Ministry for the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta to the college.
She, along with Eunan Whyte, Communication Officer for the District, spoke to students about making a difference and being the change. Jo also spoke to staff about the importance of community and Lasallian identity as well as doing an art workshop with the Lasallian Prefects.
Successful Year for TY
On Tuesday 23rd May we held our annual Transition Year Graduation. It was a night of celebration when 72 of our students graduated from the year-long programme. The night itself was full of music and words from the students. The students were presented with many awards from co-operation, excellence, entrepreneurship and leadership. The theme of the night was "The future depends on what we do in the present" .
Students also got to showcase their work for the year and parents and guardians got to hear the great success stories that came out of the year. The students also got to remember their classmate and friend Kian Smyth who passed away earlier in the year. They also laid flowers in the garden which they had created in memory of Kian. The evening finished with a video of pictures and music of all the special moments the group spent together this year.
School Tour to Barcelona
Thank you to the Beneavin Teachers for bring 50 students to Barcelona for a very enjoyable Annual School Tour. The students got to see some fantastic sights such as Parc Guell, Las Rambles and the remarkable La Sagrada Familia. But of course, the students’ favourite part of the tour was the Theme Park, as the students spend the day on the trills of the roller coasters and more.
The footballing fans amongst the students were also impressed with the vastness of the Nou Camp football stadium, the home of Barcelona FC. The students got to learn of the history of the club, sit in the dug-out and climb the steps of their footballing heroes.
Young Entrepreneur National Finalist
Congratulations to Beneavin students; Preston Smith who made it all the way to the NFTE national finals- to become one of the top nine young entrepreneurs in the country. NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) programme is a remarkable programme that fosters the growth and success of young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape. Preston will be showcasing his business “Holirations” to Minister for Education, Norma Foley at the Foróige event in Balbriggan on June 21st.