In an ever-faster-changing world, Transition Year develops qualities in students that they need more than ever before, a gathering on Wednesday night celebrating
30 years of TY in Cross and Passion College was told,
writes Brian Byrne. CPC principal
Joe Leonard listed those qualities as adaptability, confidence, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work with others.
“When TY was first introduced here, I can imagine that it was seen by some as an experiment,” he said. “Thirty years later, we now know beyond any doubt that it has become one of the most important and valuable parts of our students’ educational journey.”
The evening brought together former principals, TY coordinators, pupils from past TY years, parents, and people from various strands of the Kilcullen community. Refreshments were prepared and served by students of the current TY cohort, while others provided music for the occasion.
Principal Leonard said that when TY students move to Fifth Year from TY, they are more self-assured, more responsible, more engaged, and far better prepared for the challenges ahead. “As educators, we often talk about preparing students for examinations, but Transition Year reminds us that our real job is much bigger than that. Our role is to prepare young people for life, and that’s exactly what TY does.” He added that some of the greatest moments in the school cannot be measured in grades or points. “They’re measured in experiences — the friendships formed, the memories created, the confidence gained.”
He thanked the staff members who had built and led the programme for their time, ideas, and encouragement, the parents for their trust and support, and the students, past and present, for embracing every opportunity.
Denis Dennehy, the programme’s first coordinator, admitted that when it was introduced, there was so much happening in such a short time that it was a blur. But he recalled that from the beginning it was intended to be an integral part of the school, and was initially deliberately called Fourth Year to emphasise that.
He likened the progress of the initiative over time from the development of St Brendan’s rush boat to a modern QE2, and singled out two much-loved teachers who helped drive the TY idea forward: Margaret Aspell, for her immense energy and commitment to students, and Noel Scullion for his quiet pace and hugely insightful wisdom. He credited current TY coordinator Glenda Groome, now 21 years in the position, with bringing it to its present place in its ‘incredible journey’.
Paul Tyrell, principal at the introduction of TY, said the programme is much more than a pause between exams, but a space where students step outside the predictable rhythm of school and encounter the world in a new way. “Learning is not confined to textbooks and classrooms. It happens in places, on stages, in communities, in conversations. And sometimes it happens when a student realises, perhaps for the first time, ‘I can do that’.”
He said such an initiative does not last 30 years by accident, but because it matters. “It lasts because it changes lives. It lasts because dedicated people have found the energy, the imagination, and the integrity to make it drive and go forward.” He also emphasised that it was under the stewardship of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion that TY was instituted, and that without them and the courage of the parents of students at the time, it could never have happened. He paid tribute to Denis Dennehy and the team of teachers who had been the ‘architects’ of the programme’s vision, and to Glenda Groome, its ‘driving force’ today, bringing ‘extraordinary life and innovation’. He said the next 30 years of TY in CPC should remain rooted in the same integrity, imagination, and belief in young people.
For former CPC student
Robert Walsh, his TY experience literally changed his life, he told those present. “It’s exactly what it says, it transitions you. It changed me from being timid and not confident. What stood out for me was TY Radio, the musical
West Side Story, and work experience. I ended up becoming an entrepreneur, starting my own business.” He thanked the TY legacy and the teachers for ‘30 years of changing lives’, and encouraged the current students to stay flexible. “A lot is going to happen, but stay open. The path will change, so try a lot of different things.”
Former CPC students unable to attend sent video messages, including Minister for Agriculture
Martin Heydon TD, who described himself as one of the ‘guinea pigs’ in 1996, which he said had been a ‘brilliant year’. “And I know it has gone from strength to strength in the 30 years since.”
Sean Donnelly recalled enjoying the break from the standard curriculum, with travel opportunities on which he made lifelong memories. Stephen Clare remembered ‘having a ball’, with the musical as his highlight. Miah Phelan said the experience gave her a platform to think about herself in a holistic sense, “to figure out who I wanted to be as opposed to what I wanted to be.”
Katelyn Hegarty Kelly’s message came from the Maldives, where, as a marine biologist, she is helping to regenerate corals affected by climate change. “There was so much: the mini companies, the trips, we had opportunities to get involved with the wider community, try new activities and gain new skills.”
Daire Smyth spoke of the memorable TY musical, Killer Queens, and said she still uses meditation skills learned that year. Aoibheann Smyth said a skiing trip during TY was part of her later decision to move to New Zealand. “I think the biggest thing that I learned was the importance of extracurricular activities.”
A video message from local Fianna Fáil TD and former Cathaoirleach of the Dáil, Sean O Fearghaill, noted that the TY programme had been one reason why two of his four children had chosen CPC for their second-level education. “It’s a superb programme that has improved year on year, and has really enhanced the reputation of Kilcullen.”
Former principal
Catherine Moynihan told the event that Transition Year gave teachers the opportunity to get to know the students who would be moving to senior cycle and becoming leaders within the school. Activities and trips away helped deepen relationships and trust between students and teachers.“Being entrusted to their teachers by their parents was very special, a great honour, and it was a memory that has stood with me.” She particularly recalled becoming emotional when she opened the theatre doors to introduce her first TY Musical. “The talent, the colour, and the pure joy that was on the stage, and the engagement of the audience, was something to behold.”
Ms Moynihan also noted that when the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment was tasked with a revised statement for Transition Year to guide its development into the future, they had come to CPC for inspiration.
Representing parents of TY students,
Jackie Healy spoke about the effect on her son, John. She described it as ‘transformative’ for his maturity and self-belief, and said it had intensified his political interest, which he is now pursuing as a career. On behalf of the parents, she expressed appreciation for Glenda Groome and the other teachers for shaping John and many other young people. “I think that it’s a wonderful gift over 30 years to have touched all these kids … all these adults now out there making their way in the world.”
In her concluding comments,
Glenda Groome recalled that making the TY programme compulsory from the beginning had made it accessible to every student in the school. “Regardless of background or ability, every student deserves the experience.”
She commented on several ‘firsts’ in the Kilcullen programme, including the YSI Speakout and the return of several work experience participants to the school by Air Corps helicopter. “We took students to Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Germany, not just as tourists but as young people growing in independence and discovering the world.”
She said that over 30 years ago, the school had made a commitment to ‘educate the whole person’. “This evening, we celebrate every person who has kept this curriculum alive. I believe we can all be deeply proud of what we have built together here. It’s a wonderful legacy to look back on, and to build upon and look forward to.”
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