After years of wishing and waiting (are we there yet, are we there yet) at last you’ve arrived at your immediate destination, your final year in ‘St. Pat’s’.
     Every school year contains 167 school days so as of today (September 1st) you have only another 162 school days before classes end and your Leaving Cert exams begin on Wednesday, June 9th, 2010. (so no pressure)

From today on you will be known as the Class of 2010 and while next June may still seem to be a long way away, now, rather than next December or next March or even worse next May is the time for you to plan for the challenges ahead. Remember – Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail. (the old clichés are always the best)
     Approached in the proper way your Leaving Cert year can actually be a memorable year, a year to enjoy rather than a year to endure – the amount of planning, organisation and hard work you put into it will decide which one it is.   
     Nothing worthwhile is ever easy to achieve. A spectator, having watched golfing legend Gary Player chip in from bunkers twice during his round, suggested to him that he was very lucky. ‘I suppose I am’, he replied, ‘and you know the more I practise the luckier I get.’ The same applies to you.  Take control.  Don’t trust your future to luck.
     You’ll need to work hard to be successful but always remember you are not alone in facing into what we know can be a difficult year.  You have your family, your friends, your classmates and your teachers to support you when the going gets tough so don’t be afraid to voice your concerns or ask for help.
     Brothers Together – None Left Behind – that’s the motto for 2010 - meaning the more you support and help each other the better it will be for everyone.
 

LEAVING CERTIFICATE CLASS TUTORS
 
     The retirement of Mr. Michael Lynch means you have a new Year Head however your six Class Tutors remain the same as in 5th Year and I’m sure you hardly need reminding that you are expected to treat them with COURTESY and RESPECT at all times.

6P – Ms. C. Tuthill
6T – Ms. N. Carroll
6R – Ms. J. Costello
6 I – Ms. N. Fallon
6 C – Ms. S. Ni Fhlatharta
6 K – Mr. J. Kenny

HOMEWORK

This year I am introducing a new approach to your final year, a Leaving Certificate Themes Programme (LCTP) which means there will be a different theme for every month. The theme for September is Homework.
     I appreciate that for some of you Homework is a totally alien concept but if you want to be successful many of you will have to change your attitudes and that change should begin with Homework.
     Contrary to what you might imagine teachers do not spend their time sitting around the staffroom, over lattes and truffles, trying to think up Homework assignments designed specifically to cause you maximum pain (the pain is just an added bonus).
     No, despite what you might think Homework is actually for your benefit and is a valuable aspect of the learning process. In particular Homework contributes to the development of sound study skills, reinforces class work and promotes independent learning and creativity.  It also gives you the opportunity to work at home at your own pace free from the pressures of the classroom or other students.  Homework guidelines are on Page 11 of your Journal.
     A good start is half the battle so make sure that from today on you do or at least attempt to do every single Homework exercise you are given. There is no better feeling than walking into a classroom, head-up Homework done, knowing you don’t have to hide behind the student in front of you or make up lame excuses when Homework is being corrected.  Try it.  You might even get to like it. 

MIND MAPS – THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF THE BRAIN

The October edition of RESPECT will deal in detail with the whole aspect of Study and Study Plans but for those of you interested in training your minds Ms. Fallon and Ms. Ni Fhlatharta are organising a bus to an interactive seminar with Mind Map creator Tony Buzan in Dublin in October. The seminar aims to teach you to get the most out of your brain, increase your creativity and improve your memory skills. Details from Ms. Fallon or Ms. Ni Fhlatharta.

CLASS OF 2010 YEARBOOK

Ms. Collette O’Brien will once again be in charge of the Leaving Certificate Yearbook so if any of you are interested in joining the Yearbook production team contact Ms. O’Brien as soon as possible. Fresh ideas are always welcome.

 IMPORTANT DATES

October Mid-Term – Monday October 26th – Friday October 30th
Christmas Examinations – Mid/Late November
Leaving Cert Parent/Teacher Meeting – Thursday December 3rd
Long weekend – School Closed Monday December 7th and Tuesday December 8th
UCAS Applications for Colleges in Britain/Six Counties – Mid December
Christmas Holidays – School Closes Tuesday December 22nd

Kevin  Mallon – LC Year Head