A trip to Spain and an Embassy visit for Our Lady's Bower duo
News from the Schools - Our Lady's Bower
Congratulations to sixth year Our Lady's Bower, Athlone, students Ceara Dwyer and Sammy Okodugha, who picked up second place in a prestigious Spanish language video competition, sponsored by the Spanish Embassy to Ireland and Post Primary Languages Ireland.
Their prize included an all-expenses-paid trip to Spain for themselves and their teacher, where they attended a week-long intensive Spanish Language and Culture Programme in Salamanca.
The competition required the girls to produce a short film in Spanish, based on the history and culture of Castilla y León, a community in the Northeast of Spain.
On May 14, the girls, accompanied by school principal Anne Beades, travelled to the Spanish Embassy where they were presented with their winners’ certificates by Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, Ion de la Riva.
Ambassador de la Riva commended the girls on their impressive command of the Spanish language, their profound understanding of Spain’s history and the overall quality and creativity of their short film.
Following their visit to the Spanish Embassy, in June, Ceara and Sammy, accompanied by their Spanish teacher Ms Rebecca Mooney, headed off to Spain to enjoy their prize.
Upon arrival, they became acquainted with other winners of the competition from all around the globe including Italy, France, Poland Germany and the USA.
The girls attended Spanish language lessons at the prestigious Pontificia University of Salamanca every morning.
In the evenings, they enjoyed a jam-packed itinerary of cultural activities including a guided city tour of Salamanca with its beautiful churches and castles, a salsa dancing lesson, Spanish cookery lesson, tapas tour, churros with chocolate, and of course, some retail therapy!
It was a truly wonderful experience in which Ceara and Sammy formed new international friendships and also gained valuable Spanish language experience that will be of great benefit as they continue with their Leaving Certificate preparations.
Congratulation to Ceara and Sammy and many thanks to Languages Connect and The Spanish Embassy in Ireland for sponsoring this wonderful opportunity for the students.
Athlone to Douai Walking Challenge – 140 years of Our Lady’s Bower
To commemorate the 140 year anniversary of Our Lady's Bower Secondary School, Transition Year students are taking part in a step challenge in which the students of each TY class group will attempt to walk 913km between them during the month of September.
The 913km represents the distance from Athlone to Douai, France, which is the birthplace La Sainte Union, the school’s trustees.
Our Lady’s Bower wishes the TY students the very best of luck with the challenge, which marks the beginning of an array of activities and events that will take place over the next month to celebrate 140 years of Our Lady’s Bower Secondary School.