Back to school like never before

Back to school is generally a time that sees us all shopping for last minute pens and stationary, squeezing the most out of the last few precious days of the summer holidays, and preparing ourselves to face the year with a good sense of what lies ahead. Just like every other school in the country, the Covid-19 pandemic has upended many aspects of the  back to school experience here in Pres. Masks, PPE packs and other necessities make their way from the shopping list to our schoolbags as we attempt to navigate this strange time in our history.

Management and staff worked very hard over the summer to ensure a safe environment for everyone and we were delighted to be able to welcome our students back to real classrooms. While many changes have taken place, such as new entry and exit points, sanitising stations, one way systems, staggered lunchtimes and new classroom layouts, we are still the same people behind the masks.

During the first week back, each year group had an opportunity to ease back into school life during a back to school induction day before lessons kicked off properly. This gave everyone a chance to get back into the swing of school life by participating in some fun activities (in accordance with government guidelines!), along with the usual timetable, locker, and book allocations.

We were all happy to get back into a routine and were particularly excited to be able to welcome our new First Year students, who are so far settling in very well following their two day induction period. We wish them every happiness as they begin their academic journey with us here in Pres Waterford!

First year students with their new lockers during First Year Induction	Some first year students settling in to life in secondary school
Fifth Year Mentors and Mr Murphy preparing for First Year Induction Day

Leaving Cert Class 2020

Congratulations to our new Head Girl, Sophie Griffin, and Deputy Head Girl, Egle Urbonaite who will be wonderful ambassadors for our school

As we welcomed a new group of first years, we were extending congratulations to our Leaving Cert Class of 2020 on their excellent exam results on 7^th September.  We are proud, not only of their academic achievements, but also of the resilience shown by them during their final weeks at school. Wishing them many wonderful adventures in the future.

TY Students

Our transition year students got off to a very active start to the year, taking every opportunity presented by the clement weather conditions to get out of the classroom on Tuesday afternoons, and take a welcome break from the dreaded masks.

Their first adventure took them to Kilbarry Nature Park.  They had a fantastic day here as they took part in a ‘Digital Scavenger Hunt’ and great fun searching for clues.

Being the energetic bunch that they are, a lively group of 33 students from the class enjoyed a lovely day out as they cycled 42km along the Greenway, as part of National Bike Week 2020. They arrived back,  a little bit sore, a little bit wet, more than a little bit tired but all in agreement that it was really worth it.

Thanks to Greenway Waterford Bike Hire for Providing the bikes, to Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford City County Council for helping with funding.

National Bike Week 2020	TY Students who recently took part in a ‘Digital Scavenger Hunt’ in Kilbarry Nature Park, where they had great fun searching for clues!
TY students enjoying a 42km cycle of the Greenway during National Bike Week 2020

Virtual Open Evening

The buzz of a drone outside created a ripple of excitement on Monday last, as footage of our beautiful school was captured for our first ever virtual open evening. Although a bit daunted by the task in hand, both staff and students stepped up to the challenge to ensure that prospective pupils could get a taste of life in the Pres.  Despite take after take, and shot after shot on Wednesday, everyone remained composed and kept smiling for hour after hour until we were able to say ‘It’s a wrap!’

Although we were disappointed not to be able to greet the girls in person this year, we think we have captured a snapshot of life in our wonderful school and we are certain that the 6^th class girls and their parents will enjoy their virtual visit.

Thanks to all who were involved in the production. Please click below to view virtual open day video which was posted to our website on 1^st October. Next stop, Hollywood!