Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 5:15pm

School hosts successful open day

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On Tuesday of last week all 6th class students from primary schools in the catchment area were invited in to view what is on offer in terms of facilities and subjects in Moate Community School. It proved to be a busy and exciting day for all pupils who got the opportunity to partake in science experiments, sample a variety of sports in the gym, investigate the art room and test out the computer facilities on offer; as well as checking out the classrooms and all the other subjects on display.

This will be followed up by the annual Taster Programme (commencing Feb 1st) which is a unique opportunity for incoming 1st years to sample subjects and familiarise themselves with the school in an effort to ease their transition to secondary school next year. All the first year students in MCS for the past number of years have thoroughly enjoyed the taster programmes, many saying it was a wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know their classmates of the future. For parents this can come as relief as the students are generally not one bit anxious when entering the doors of the school in September.

Open Night was an opportunity for parents to visit the school complex and inspect the facilities on offer. The evening was a relaxing occasion where parents could meet and chat to the staff and management of the school. As always, there was a very positive and energetic atmosphere in MCS on the night with a huge turn out.

For many including the staff, the highlight of the night was the launching of the school's new website www.moatecs.com

RTE's Ciaran Muloolly was the guest speaker on the evening. The Midland's correspondent, who recently won a national award as Medical Journalist of the year, spoke of all the school has to offer its young people. The booming voice of this familiar figure captured the imagination of the large audience of over 100 people. Ever the consummate professional, he had done his homework and could recount with a tremendous humorous turn of phrase, all the information he could glean from the magnificent new website.

Ciaran Muloolly said the website's brilliance was in its simplicity. The internet is the way forward and the MCS website is user friendly, with specific pages for parents, students, subject departments and sport, amongst others.

Overall the Open Day and Night for Moate Community School in 2010 was action packed yet relaxed, informative and fun filled. There is a high number of first year students enrolled for September 2010. This is, of course, very encouraging for the future of the school.

Thanks to all involved in the organisation of Open Day and Night especially students and teachers who gave so freely of their time in order to showcase all that our school has to offer. A specific word of thanks goes to Orlaith Ward who has over all responsibility for the organisation of the event and to Carmel McCormack who oversaw the launching of the new website.