Rathbeggan Lakes !!

As part of a  maths trip all the TYs were taken  to a lake/field where we applied maths literally to practical problems. We measured the height of a pole using a tape measurer and a triangle. This trip was so different to what we would do in school which was why I enjoyed it so much. Unfortunately our group did not win the free family pass but ahh well maybe another time !! There was also a few ducks that shuffled around the lake, one that bit my finger while I was trying to feed it popcorn out of kindness!! and a goose that ran around the place. It was really cold but at least it didn't rain ! it was a great trip and I hope we go again some time this year ! :0

                                                                         

The Evil Duck !!

Marshmallow Squares !!

Due to the terrible typhoon in the Phillipines, all our our TY year decided to take action and raise money for the organisation Trocaire to help deliver aid to those in the Phillipines. I made marshmallow cake sthe night before which were all sold out in the first 10 minutes! There was so many cakes brought in for the cake sale which looked so delicious !!!  and a herd of hungry people charging at the hall doors at lunch time!! It felt amazing to be a part of such an active action. We raised a whopper 1,800 euro which should hopefully make a difference and save some lives in the Phillipines. A cake sale is the best way to raise money because now everyone knows that people will do anything for cake !!

                                                          

Cupcakes!!!!

Cake Pops !!

Circle Of Friends

I have always wanted to read the book Circle Of Friends because I have heard so much feedback about the story which was extremely positive, and the fact that so many stars acted in the movie version, like Minnie Driver and Colin Firth. However I was always put off by the length of the book as it is over 700 pages. I always get a positive boost when I finish a book so I never read it as it would probably take me a month or so. But this was not the case. For the first while I was slightly uneasy as there was not that much going on, but after a few more pages I caught myself slyly reading it when I should be watching TV which I must say was such a surprise. A book that makes me do that should get an award because I must admit I am a TV addict. The pages just kept turning and turning and it was so addictive. Its a real down to earth novel with no zombies or whatever just a circle of friends that could be loyal or untrustworthy with a lot of drama.

Maeve Binchy has a great understanding of friendship and love which are the most relevant themes that are portrayed throughout the novel. We see the amazing friendship between Benny and Eve which darkens and brightens throughout the story. We also see the young love between Benny and Jack, Simon and Nan and many more. But we also see the obstacles that lie between these relationships for example Sean Walsh who  works in the shop that Benny's parents own which Benny’s parents hope will possibly marry due to convenience and not love. Then we see the obstacle between Nan and Simon , who both live in two different worlds divided by wealth and class.

The novel is set in Ireland in the 1960's. It begins with Benny Hogan and Eve Malone, growing up, inseparable, in the village of Knockglen. Benny, the only child, yearning to break free from her adoring parents...Eve, the orphaned offspring of a convent handyman and a rebellious blueblood, abandoned by her mother's wealthy family to be raised by nuns.
 They have always dreamed of attending University together. For Benny it was no problem with a few restrictions but Eve it was a different story it meant asking for money from people she totally despised The Westwards her family who neglected her.They both make it to University in Dublin where their true friendship is tested and as life progresses it brings on it's own complications for both of them.
They become friends with  Nan , beautiful but selfish and always seems to be able to handle any difficult situations that arise. She is excellent at lying and covering up stories She is confident and friendly but very determined . She may be as sly as a fox but can she really cover up heart breaking stories from the whole of her circle of friends or are secrets not meant to be told?
Eve and Benny, they know the sins and secrets behind every villager's lace curtains... but  are they too caught up in the joy of college life that they don't pay attention to the sins and secrets of their circle of friends ?

A character that I found interesting was Benny because she is always positive and extremely determined through tough times. She is the group clown but is very self conscious about her body as she is bigger than the rest in her circle and they often joke about her for a laugh. She is very independent and we can see this when her father dies and she must pull herself together to prove Sean guilty of stealing from the shop so that he will not inherit the business. We also see her strength and kindness when Nan betrays her, yet she still smiles at her showing a sign of forgiveness which she repeats to Jack at the end of the novel. This I found odd but I admired this as very few people would have the strength to forgive such terrible acts.

The book is set in Knockglen and Dublin which is interesting to see the contrast between the two places and how Benny and Eve adapt to their new life. It's very clear to see how the social classes differ. Simon Westward was in a completely different class to Nan who tries to be accepted into this life but fails. I was also intrigued into how Benny was expected to marry Sean Walsh out of convenience rather than true love. We also see the position of women in society in the novel which is different to today. Nans father is very disrespectful to his wife and women's roles are restricted to washing and cooking. He sees no reason her to get employed but she insists this so she works in a hotel. She describes how she has wasted her life marrying a disrespectful and alcoholic man and so she pushes for Nan to have a better legacy. Money also seems a big issue back then. It was a big deal to actually to go to college where as today this would probably be taken for granted. Benny and Eve were grateful for the chance of going to college. Freedom of expression was also put down forcefully in Knockglen and we can see this when two young people wearing extremely bright clothes were refused entry to a bar. I would not like to live in Knockglen because I feel there are too many restrictions but I would not mind  living in Dublin at this time because there would  still be a future which could lead to a good legacy.

I feel that the overall viewpoint of the author is a positive one and that the message portrayed is that you will always have a large circle of friends but there will always be that one person who will always stick with you through the rough and the cold. But which friend will stick by Benny is the question?


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The Cup Song !!

In music I have learnt a song that is really addictive and involves fiddling around with a cup.......it looks extremely easy but is very hard to learn !! I love this song also and I must say I am really enjoying TY music classes because it involves a lot of practical work and not a lot of theory which can be a bore. We are also coming up with a TY Christmas melody which is extremely fun. Its great to try new things ! I hope you enjoy this clip as gaeilge !!!

                                                               The Cup Song !!!

                                                            

                        A Christmas Melody!!                                   

The Launch Of the Musical

The launch for our school musical "Calamity Jane" took place last Friday in the most beautiful hotel I have ever seen the Celbridge Manor Hotel. Over a hundred students took part and sang the song "I Just Blew in From the Windy City. A lot of tickets were sold a and I can not wait for the musical to begin. Rehearsal are going extremely well and I dedicate my time every Saturday morning to help with the production of the musical. Here are some clips that you should expect to here on the night of the show in Celbridge Gaa.

                                                               Deadwood Stage!!!

                   


                                                            Secret Love



                      

Singing Our Hearts Out :)

For the last week I have been singing the same song over and over again that we always sing in music class. Its called " The Winter Song" and reminds me so much of Christmas so I thought I might share it with everyone. Today all of the choir sang it at Castletown House at the annual Christmas fair which was so enjoyable even though it was freezing.......who knew carol singing could be so fun !!!

 

 

The Winter Song

 

Popping Bubbles !!!!

Junk Kouture is a class that I always look forward to every week. Our junk kouture dress is so enjoyable to make and we have made so much progress over the last few weeks.



 Our dress is princess themed and is mostly made of bubble wrap which I must admit is probably half popped!!!! Here is some pictures that we got inspiration from and when we are finished the dress I will pop it up with our gorgeous model Emma. Lady Gaga's fashion really helped us in this project. :)




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