Avondale Community College was a hive of literary activities this week, as we celebrated World Book Week. Festivities began with a visit from Irish author Brian Gallaher to our First Year students. The well-known historical fiction author performed a reading from one of his latest titles ‘Friend or Foe’, as well as offering invaluable advice to both novice and seasoned writers. On Wednesday, Wexford playwright and author, Billy Roche, writer of RTE’s ‘Clean Break’ series, visited a group of budding creative minds. Students had the opportunity to share some of their original writing with the author, while he provided feedback and advice on their pieces. The students felt enthused and inspired leaving the workshop. On Thursday, Fifth and Sixth Year students welcomed Frances Rocks as their special guest. The former English teacher and experienced examiner took the students on an exploration of the poets on their course. She offered a unique insight into a selection of poets, as well as practical advice on answering exam questions and managing their time. The students found her talk extremely relevant and engaging. The culmination of Reading Week saw the annual ‘Dress Up Day’ on Friday. Students let their imagination take flight as they brought their favourite fictional characters to life. Second Year students put their literary knowledge to the test in our annual table quiz. Students also got to enjoy some sweet treats as ‘The Harry Potter Fan Club’ held a bake sale to raise funds for the school library. For those of a more artistic nature a ‘Design a Book Mark’ competition was run through the library. World Book Week was a great success and promotes reading in a fun and interesting way.

Well done to our first year girls basketball team who were succesful in their game against St. Marys College, Arklow, winning by a close scoreline of 21-20. We wish them all the best in their future matches.

We are delighted to announce that our 'Healthy Buddies' Sky Sports Living for Sport Project has been shortlisted for the Sky Sports Living for Sports Project of the Year 2015 in Ireland and The United Kingdom. Avondale Community College is the only Irish school to have been shortlisted for this award. The overall winner will be announced in March. Well done to all involved!