Special Edition 10th October, 2015

Open Day

Redsokz

We, the TY Redsokz team, put this Special Edition of our school newsletter together for

you to help you get a feel for our school. The thought of going to secondary school can be

both exciting and daunting, but we can guarantee that at Villiers, it is going to be fun.

We have all just completed our Junior Certificate and are embracing Transition Year and

all the excitement that it offers to us. So far this term, we have been on three outdoor

adventure days, have had auditions for our TY drama, have begun working on our Enter-

prise Projects, which we hope will earn us lots of money, and been involved in the playing

and organising of two hockey blitzes. We are also currently rehearsing for the Annual TY

Fashion Show, which takes place on the 21st of October in the Radisson Hotel. For once,

the girls will be taller than boys, as we teeter on our very high heels, to the shock of some

of our teachers.

Regretfully, the activities of the school are not all about us, and luckily for you and the

other form groups they get to do lots of ‘non-academic’ stuff also. In fact, there’s not a

week goes by that some form group isn't involved in some sort of enjoyable activity. For

example, last week form 3 held a bake sale at break-time for the Donkey Sanctuary and

even yesterday the whole school had a jersey day...including teachers!

We believe that Villiers is the best secondary school to be in. We have the right mix of

academic work and extra-curricular activities. There’s something for everyone, and even

though our Boys’ Rugby and Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey teams are very successful in inter-

schools’ leagues and competitions, there are lots and lots of non-sporting activities for

students to participate in. We are all feeling inspired by the 2015 Leaving Certificate re-

sults and in TY we know we have to make the most of all the experiences on offer before

we start the Leaving Certificate Programme in September 2016.

Please feel free to approach us today to ask us any questions and we’ll do our best to help.

Also, throughout the year, as you make up your mind on your future, follow us on twitter

@VilliersSchool and on our website Villiers-school.com

We hope you enjoy today, and reading this special edition of Redsokz.

The Redsokz TY Team

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Extra Curricular Activities

Villiers Ventures

Upcoming trips 2015/16

Interviews with:

International Student

Sports Student

One Trip—Two Perspec-tives!

ITY

A Typical Day

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

Personality Quiz to help pick choice subjects

Word search

Advice from Villiers Agony Aunt

Villiers Phrases

Follow us @VilliersSchool & www.villiers-school.com

Agony Aunt

Interview With An International Student

Dear Agony Aunt,

I just began first year in Villiers in September and I’m really enjoying myself!

I’ve joined the hockey team, the craft club and have chosen Home Economics and Business as my two choice subjects!

I’ve settled in well and made loads of new friends but there’s one problem.

I’m struggling a lot with the workload. Homework that would take my friends half an hour might take me an hour and a half!

It’s a lot harder than primary school and I didn’t realize the amount of work that is needed to be done in each subject.

Please help!

Yours faithfully,

Struggling Student.

Dear Struggling Student,

I’m glad to hear you’ve settled in well at Villiers! It’s great to join new activities and clubs!

I wonder are there specific subjects you’re struggling with? If so, maybe you could have a quiet word with your teacher at the end of class?

All the teachers at Villiers care about their students and are always here to help. Also, you should talk to your Form Tutor, who will definitely be able to help.

If you’d feel more comfortable talking to a fellow pupil, maybe you could take part in the First year- mentor pro-gram. This is when a Transition Year student sits with you for an hour, twice a week and helps you out with your homework.

I really think you would benefit from this!

Yours faithfully,

Villiers Agony Aunt.

I: WHAT COUNTRY ARE YOU FROM?

S: I am from Germany.

I: HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO STAY IN VILLIERS?

S: I am staying for one year.

I: WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO RECEIVE FROM BEING IN VILLIERS?

S: I hope to improve my English and make lots of new friends.

I: ARE YOU BOARDING?

S: Yes I am and every closed weekend (second weekend) I go to a host family.

I: DID YOU FIND THE SCHOOL AND THE PEOPLE IN IT INVITING?

S: Yes, I thought the students were very nice and wanted to get to know me.

I: DID YOU FIND THE TEACHERS HELPFUL?

S: Yes the teachers always made sure I was okay and that I understood in class.

I: DO YOU USE THE SCHOOL FACILITIES OR PLAY ANY SPORTS?

S: Yes I do, I play hockey and use the gym.

I: DO YOU FIND IT HARD BEING AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILY?

S: Not so much because I have made great friends here who feel like family.

Spain, Poland, Thailand and the USA

Many students, who come for a year end

up staying to finish out their education

here. There are always some students who

initially arrive for one year to improve

their English and learn Irish culture, who

then decide to stay on to complete the Leav-

ing Certificate.

We currently have over 50 International

Students at Villiers, some are boarders

and some have moved to Ireland with

their families.

This means that we are exposed to vari-

ous cultures and learning styles. It also

means that we get a chance to practice

our languages, as currently our fellow

students are here from Vietnam, Germa-

ny, Japan, Nigeria, Luxembourg, South

Korea, Brazil, Lithuania, France, Italy,

During the October midterm, the Villiers Junior and Senior Girls’

hockey teams will travel to Holland on tour. When in Holland the

girls will participate in at least two training sessions per day, and end

each day with a hockey match against the best teams in Holland.

The girls are currently training hard to ensure they are fully prepared

for all that the Dutch teams have to offer!

Next Easter, twenty one TY students will travel to Uganda, assisted

by Mr McNair, Mr Atkinson, Mr. Kearsley and Ms Sexton, to help

impoverished children in hospitals and schools. Throughout the

year, these TY students will participate in many fundraising activi-

ties, including a 24-hour fast, a colours day and bake sales. This is

the first year that Villiers will embark on this trip, but hopefully it

will become an annual TY trip!

On the 18th of September, 44 members of Villiers Rugby teams

travelled to Wales to watch the Ireland vs. Canada game. It was a

great experience for the boys and it should inspire them to pursue

their rugby careers. Not only was the trip a great success because of

Irelands win, but all the boys thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

Something for Everyone—Extra-curricular

Villiers Ventures I

Villiers caters for all students’ interests and isn’t just focussed on academics and sport. There are lots of extra-curricular activities to keep you busy during the school day. Here is a flavour of some of them.

If you want to expand your culinary skills or are curious about cooking there is an after-school chef club where you make savoury dishes and deserts.

There are music lessons available during and after the school day, in piano, guitar, flute, violin, drums, clarinet and singing.

If your are interested in sewing or making garments, get involved in the quilting club where you make quilts and attractive garments.

There is a library club for those who are interested in reading or want develop their reading and literacy skills.

For those who like knitting or threading there is a crochet club.

If you’re interested in metal and arts & crafts there is a craft/metalwork club.

If you’re a singer and are interested in music we have a super choir.

If you want to access your creative side and want to save bit of money you can make homemade cards for Christmas, birthdays, Easter and others events and holidays in card making club.

If you’re interested in current affairs and want to voice your opinions on certain topics in a fair and respecta-ble manner you can join the debating club and the MUN.

If you are interested in Christianity and want to learn how to be a morally good and fair person, people from all religions are welcome to join the Christian union.

There is a computer club available if you want to expand your computer skills or if you are a beginner in com-puters and want to know how to create your own games, apps etc.

If you’re interested in the arts and drama there is a drama club where you learn about acting and how to work the stage and become more confident in a fun and enjoyable way.

If you’re worried about what to do at lunch and you don’t know many people there is a lunch time club where you can meet other students like you and make friends.

Welsh Ruby Trip: Two Perspectives!!!

Late on Sunday night, over forty members of the Villiers rugby teams returned to the school after a once in a lifetime tour to the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff, Wales. The boys departed Villiers early Friday morning togged out in their brand new tour gear. After a short crossing on the ferry our boys finally found them-selves on Welsh soil. After another two hours of travelling the Villiers Boys ar-rived at Llandovery Rugby Club.

Both the Junior and Senior teams found themselves competing against very strong opposition. The Junior Boys won their game while the Senior Boys were unlucky not to get the win just falling short to a very strong Llandovery outfit.

After some dinner at the local rugby club the boys returned to their hotel in Por-talbot for a well deserved rest. The next morning there was an atmosphere of excitement among all the lads. After a hearty breakfast the boys boarded the bus en-route to the Millennium Stadium to watch Ireland’s first game in World Cup 2015. The atmosphere was incredible in Cardiff before the match. The Welsh Capital had been transformed into an Irish stronghold for the day.

The match day experience was surreal. A sea of Irish supporters, eighty-thousand strong, squashed inside the Millennium to cheer on our national side. There was never any doubt on the day about which side would prevail with Ireland convinc-ingly beating the Canadians 50-7. The Villiers Boys were provided with fantastic seats for the game and were within touching distance of Johnny Sexton when he ran in Ireland’s third try. It was a fantastic experience and a nice reward for all the players continued dedication to rugby in Villiers.

Vs.

The Villiers U18 squad on tour took on the gargantuan Welsh side Llandovery. The Villiers boys were at a disadvantage from the off with 12 hours of bus fatigue in their legs. The match began well with a clever one-handed pick up by our elec-tric out-half Dan Connolly. It went downhill from there, with us conceding too many tries to think of. The hot-headed James Deegan found himself being given a GAA style black card. However, there was late consolation when, via a strong mall, Kevin Keane went over for a powerful try.

To add insult to injury the “drover” lads served up fatty sausages and chips. After catching a tantalising glimpse of the England and Fiji game it was back on the bus for a three hour journey to Blanco’s hotel in Portalbot.

The next morning we were escorted by the snappily dressed bus driver into Car-diff city, where after a short walk we arrived at the Millennium Stadium.

Villiers Phrases

Both articles were

written by students

who were on the trip.

As you can see from the

tone of the two articles

we are encouraged to

express our opinions

and to work to our in-

dividual strengths.

Redsokz is a great way

to develop the various

forms of reporting

skills and techniques

that a journalist needs

to have, and it is quite

obvious that we are en-

abled to write for tab-

loids and broad-sheets!

Close the top button

Ok, just this once

Pull up your tie

Where are your black shoes?

Sixth Former coming

through

Good Boy, I mean Girl

Well done

Come on now, everyone get

involved

No, the sausage rolls are gone

Is it Assembly this morning?

Can we have class outside?

We won’t tell Ms. Storey

Do you have a note for that?

Who’s on Prep?

Oh, can’t wait for TY!

Can we watch a video?

Janet Bray will know

U C S O Q A B P Z T P K L I

G C A R Y S D Z K I H R L N

A I Q F E B Y L N S J B A T

N S T Z E I G F P M S G B E

D U H T F T L U S J M Q T R

A M S O P S E L R K J O E N

J X V N M O A R I G V V K A

T B H I Z F Y O I V M H S T

S Z K O S D E R D A Z I A I

U F A S H I O N S H O W B O

R X X R D J H O C K E Y B N

O G N I D R A O B X M A J A

C M V W P I Q T D S N L F L

U N P U T P G N I I K S P S

If You Want To Learn The Perks, Do The Search!

Basketball

Music

Boarding

Redsokz

Cafeteria

Rugby

FashionShow

Skiing

Hockey

Uganda

International

Villiers

I: What sports do you play with the school?

L: I play hockey and soccer for Villiers.

I: Do you find the sports facilities good?

L: There are many facilities for sport that the school provides such as the gym, the sports hall,

rugby pitch and hockey pitch.

I: What is the greatest sports achievement with the school?

L: My greatest sports achievement would be winning the Senior B Cup.

I: Did you find being part of a team help to make friends?

L: Yes it has helped me to make lots of great friends that have many similar interests to me.

I: Do you think being a part of a team helped build your confidence?

L: Yes definitely, it helped me to really build my confidence over the years.

I: Do you play for any team outside of school?

L: I play for two different teams outside of school, I play for Munster and Catholic Institute.

I: Do feel the school supports you in your sporting achievements?

L: Yes, the school is very supportive of all the different achievements for all the students.

I: Would you advise new students to join the different teams?

L: Definitely, I feel it really helps students to make great friends, build confidence and get a

great sense of what it’s like to be a part of a team.

Sports Interview with Lauren Ryan

A Typical Day In The Life of A Villiers Student

8.30—Arrive at school, go to

locker and put phone away. Get

books for first three classes. Chat

with friends.

9.00—Form Tutor Time

9.10—First class

9.45—Second class

10.20– Third Class

10.55—Break-time, go to café,

chat, go to locker and get books for

next three classes

11.15—Fourth class

11.50—Fifth class

12.25—Sixth class

13.00—Lunchtime at café, dining

hall, benches, soft chairs...eat, chat,

hang around, go to club, get books

for last three classes

13.35—Seventh class

14.15—Eight class

14.55—Last class...phew!

15.35—Classes over, go to

hockey, rugby, afterschool clubs,

study, music, home

17.30—Tea and relaxation time

18.45—Prep (study/homework)

21.30—Chill until 22.00 and

then bed!!!

Villiers Take On The World

At some time or another throughout the six years every student has the oppor-

tunity to go on a school trip. There are many different options of trips- some for

luxury and to absorb the culture, some for sport, some for charity and some for

educational purposes. Here are just some of the many trips that are on offer this

school year:

Ski Trip

The ski trip is an annual tradition of Villiers and this February will mark the 25th anni-

versary of Villiers Skiing. The school usually goes to Italy, where skiing is guaranteed

and all levels are catered for. In addition to skiing, each evening is filled with activity

from swimming, tobogganing and going to the cinema. Every year, the skiers return

from the trip with broad smiles and unforgettable memories that’ll last a lifetime.

MUN (Model United Nations)

MUN is a United Nations simulation to engage students in debate and analysis of inter-

national views on politics, economics and society. Students are encouraged to research

and debate pertinent issues and to gain confidence in both their public speaking, diplo-

macy and debating skills. Exclusively for senior students, the teachers organise a mini-

mum of two international trips per academic year and this year are planning to visit

Denmark and Spain.

Spanish Exchange

The Spanish exchange is an annual trip which is organised by Mr. McCrohan to provide

students of Spanish opportunities to practice their oral Spanish and to learn more about the culture of Spain. Each year the sec-

ond formers go to Spain for one week and then later in the year the Spanish students come to Villiers for one week.

Japanese Exchange

Each year, two or three lucky Transition Year students participate in a Japanese exchange. The trip is organised by the school's

Japanese teacher, Ms. O’Sullivan. Currently there are two Japanese students visiting our school and they will participate in clas-

ses and experience Irish culture for the next 3 weeks. In June of next year, two Villiers students will go to Japan for 3 weeks.

The students who go on the exchange get a chance to practice their Japanese and to experience Japanese life, food and culture.

Paris Trip

Each year, a group of students ranging from Form 3 to Form 6 go to Paris for four days. In this short space of time they get the

chance to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, take a boat trip down the river Seine, and visit Disneyland Paris (which is always a

firm favourite!). The students who go on the trip always have an amazing time.

London Trip

The London Trip is yet another annual trip that is organised by the music teacher Ms. O’Sullivan. The trip is open to all stu-

dents in the school, and usually takes place in October. This trip in particular is among the most popular in the school to go on.

Students get the opportunity to visit the London Dungeons, take a ride on the London Eye, and visit Harry Potter World. The

standout event each year that everyone enjoys most is the musical that takes place on the West End.

At Villiers we be-

lieve that exposure

to other cultures is a

vital component of a

broad education. All

trips are subsidised

and students em-

bark on a variety of

fund-raising events

to ensure that the

cost of trips are kept

affordable for all

the student cohort.

Villiers Ventures II

What Choice Subjects Will You Take?

Take our quiz and see overleaf!

Which one of these phrases best describes you? a. Cultural b. Inventive c. The Chief d. Beyoncé e. Practical f. Creative If you were on a desert island, which one of the following items would you bring? a. Book about the island b. Tools c. Pots and Pans d. Megaphone e. Compass f. Photos of your family Out of these people; which one would you admire the most? a. Malala Yousafzai b. Bear Grilles c. Jamie Oliver d. Ed Sheeran e. J.P Mc Manus f. Banksy Where are you most comfortable? a. In a new place b. In a tool shed c. In the kitchen d. At a concert/musical e. In a working environment f. In an art gallery

In a group project, what job would you most likely be doing? a. Communicating b. Making the power point c. Appointing tasks d. Presenting the project to the

class e. Ending up doing all the work f. Designing the project If you could be doing anything now, what would you be doing? a. Making a new friend b. Building something

c. Cooking d. Listening to/playing music e. Playing Monopoly f. Drawing Why? a. It excites me b. It interests me c. It satisfies me d. It relaxes me e. It makes me happy f. It helps me express myself Which one of the following TY shows do you like the best? a. Game of Thrones b. The Walking Dead c. Great British Bake Off d. Catfish e. Dragons Den f. American Horror Story

This year for the first time Villiers School has offered its Transition Year students the opportunity to take part in a program based on the International Baccalaureate. This program, known as ITY or Independent Transition Year, en-courages students to guide their own education and teaches them independent study skills. As a member of this year’s ITY class group I can say that so far ITY is a new and different learning experience. We have new subjects like theory of knowledge (philosophy), and CAS which is our yearlong project similar to the Gaisce. We are also viewing old sub-jects in a new light; in History for example we are becoming familiar with a more academic learning style as well as debating the topics with our class mates and exploring our own views and opinions on the subject.

We are also learning a lot of new skills like research skills for our extended essay on a topic of our choosing and organi-sation skills from the trips we have organised as a class. Learning in ITY is interesting and imaginative, while there is a lot of written and project work there is also a fun and creative element. For example, later this year we will be carrying out research in Dublin Zoo and the Botanical Gardens in conjunction with our Science project.

ITY is very student oriented; in most of our subjects we are given the opportunity to explore areas that we personally are interested in. We are encouraged to come up with our own thoughts and opinions on what we are learning while also beginning to test and understand our own strengths and weaknesses. From what I’ve experienced of ITY so far I believe that it will be a memorable and worthwhile experience, and I can’t wait to see what else the year has in store.

Which one of the following achievement sounds the best to you? a. Getting to go on an exchange

programme b. Fixing up an old car c. Wining a culinary competi-

tion d. Getting the lead in the musi-

cal e. Winning an entrepreneur

award f. A piece of your art being

exhibited in a gallery What would be an ideal gift? a. Plane tickets b. Spare car parts c. Baking kit d. A new cd e. Laptop f. Watercolour paint set Which one of the following charities would you be most inclined to help? a. Unicef b. A local youth club c. St. Vincent de Paul d. Crumlin Hospital e. International Aid f. RSPCA

Villiers Introduces an Independent Style of Learning

SUBJECT CHOICE QUIZ RESULTS *You can get two subjects as an answer.

Mostly As You are more inclined to learn extra languages. You are willing to engage in new opportunities and put yourself out there, longing to see the world. In Villiers you can learn German, Japanese, Chinese or Spanish as well as French! Mostly Bs You are more inclined to learn subjects linked in with Technology, TG or even Construction and DCG. You enjoy using your hands and enjoy all things to do with building and fixing. You can also put your mind to the theoretical side of things and are practical. Mostly Cs You are more inclined to learn Home Economics, you have a keen interest in cooking, food science and all things to do with the home. You are hardworking and ready to learn. We have great facilities in Villiers for cooking and baking. Mostly Ds You are more inclined to learn Music, you love playing, listening and learning about music and are passionate and creative. In Villiers we have a great music course, with lots of trips and opportunities available to music students. Mostly Es You are more inclined to learn Business subjects, you are organized, practical and diligent. Business related subjects are good subjects to have for life. Who doesn’t want to know their rights? Mostly Fs You are more inclined to study Art. You are creative and passionate. You are eager to pick up new skills, to work with your hands and to express yourself. In Villiers there are various genres of art on offer.

Villiers Secondary School Day & Boarding School

North Circular Road Limerick

Phone: 061-451447 Email: info@villiers-school.com

YOUR LOGO HERE

Villiers School

Headmistress: Ms. Jill Storey

Deputy Headmistress: Ms. Mary Quinn

School Secretary: Ms. Janet Bray

Headmistress’ PA: Ms. Michelle Tuite

Bursar: Ms. Siobhan Moriarty

Follow us on twitter @VilliersSchool

Visit our website at http://www.villiers-school.com

Contact us at info@villiers-school.com or 061-451447

With four Business sub-

jects, five Science subjects,

six languages (excluding

English and Irish), three

architecture-related sub-

jects, Art, Music, Home

Economics in addition to

humanities and the com-

pulsory English, Irish and

Maths, there are subject

choices to suit all

strengths.

This publication is the work of the

following students, edited and

guided by Ms. Janet Woods.

Kayla Murtagh

Ciaran Hanly

Jennifer White

Aoife McNulty

Sarah O'Connell

Sophie McGrattan

Niamh O'Doherty

Sarah McKillican

Rebecca O'Flynn

James Deegan

Dan Connolly

Aodhan Keane

Tara Lee

Shawn Neiland

Rachel Hogan

Alanna Fox

Rachel Gurnett

Orla Mulvihill