Learn valuable lessons to carry into later life

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

Transition year is the year after Junior Cert and before the beginning of the Leaving Cert cycle. It is different from typical school years in that it is not examined and therefore aims to develop a student’s maturity and to promote personal growth rather than purely focusing on academics. Transition year is not compulsory in most schools, but it is becoming more and more popular and in demand with many schools starting to offer TY programmes to its students.

Cúirt swings into gear

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

Writers from near and far and literature devotees are celebrating another exciting line-up at the Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

Speaking at Tuesday’s launch in the Meyrick Hotel, Cúirt director Dani Gill, said: “Cúirt has made Galway a literary destination every spring. When we look around this city and see the arts practitioners and the companies who operate out of the west, it reminds us of our continuing love affair with this amazing place, its artistic achievements that continue to mount and encourage new ambitions, and new dreams.

Dogs and pups looking for new homes at MADRA Dog Adoption Day

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

A dog adoption day will take place at Trusty Pet Pals dog day care centre in Briarhill Business Park on Saturday, April 12, from 12 to 4pm.

The adoption day, organised by local dog charity MADRA, will offer those interested in adopting a dog the opportunity to talk to the MADRA team and to meet some of the dogs and pups that are currently looking for their new homes.

New lifeboat berth for Aran completes major building project for RNLI

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

Volunteer lifeboat crews with Aran Islands RNLI will now be able to launch their all weather Severn Class lifeboat faster following the installation of a 24 metre pontoon.

EU Commissioner to open annual science teachers’ conference

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

NUI Galway will host the 52nd annual Irish Science Teachers’ Association Conference on Friday and Saturday.

Aviation licence extention at Galway Airport ‘buys more time ‘

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

The Irish Aviation Authority has confirmed the aviation licence for Galway Airport has been extended for a further month, according to Fianna Fáil city councillor Peter Keane.

Is your child having difficulties in school?

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

When a student is struggling in school, parents may wonder what can be done. Edward Joyce, an educational psychologist who holds masters degrees in psychology and education, has worked with students at primary, post-primary, and third level, and students who have severe difficulties in reading and mathematics.

Mr Joyce was principal of St Anne’s School, Taylor’s Hill, which is an integral part of CAMHS West. He did in-depth assessments of children and adolescents with psychiatric, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, and developed programmes tailored to their learning styles and educational needs. He then joined the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), and worked in Galway city and county: his work on the Aran Islands and in north Galway was done through Irish. He now works with children, adolescents, and adults who have ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, speech and language disorders; and Leaving Certificate students seeking eligibility for the DARE programme; and with third level students seeking access to the student disability services.

Jes pupils talk the talk to scoop four debating awards

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

In the space of one week, Coláiste Iognáid students demonstrated their prowess in schools debating by winning four prestigious debating prizes.

Burke warns of ‘financial gridlock’ for Galway SMEs

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

“Financial gridlock” awaits small and medium business across Galway if the local banks do not start “providing proper support for business”.

Cheevers calls for footpath to Galway Clinic

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

A new footpath from the Roscam/Doughiska junction to the Galway Clinic needs to be constructed as a matter of urgency, according to one local election candidate.

World’s top squash players contest West of Ireland Open

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

The best of national and international squash players return to Galway next week for the ‘Paddy Whack Walsh’ West of Ireland Open Squash Championships.

For generations, the river acted as some form of suicide magnet

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

Helicopters and Galway have always had a strange relationship. For a decade or so, the chopper was the preferred mode of transport for the moneyed classes who made their way to and from Ballybrit - the air above the city becoming almost as congested as the traffic lanes below.

However in recent years, the sound of a helicopter has taken on a more sombre resonance for the people of the city. Locals have become attuned to the sound and sight of the Sikorsky with its distinctive nose as it hovers above the city. In an era when news becomes instant, the sound of the helicopter, its beamlights focussed down on the city makes our social media light up with comments from people assuming that 'some poor person must in the water’.

New suicide watch group to launch river patrols

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

Plans are under way to develop a suicide watch service along the River Corrib following a number of deaths in the river in recent weeks.

Galway Suicide Watch is the brainchild of Dillon O’Malley, who set up the initiative in response to the river and coastal searches which have become an all-too-regular occurrence in Galway. Mr O’Malley aims to set up patrols along the Corrib with volunteers who will intervene if they see someone attempting to enter the river, and help with search and rescue operations.

President hails new friendship between Ireland and Britain

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

The relationship between Ireland and Britain is “a friendly, co-operative partnership based on mutual respect, reciprocal benefit, and deep and indelible personal links”.

Ryder Cup star helping Console

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

A round of golf with Christy O’Connor jr will be the top prize at a fundraising draw being held in Oranmore tomorrow (Friday) in aid of the Lucky 60 Foundation for Console.

The international golf champion was approached last year by Declan McEntee, founder of The Lucky 60 Foundation for Console, and asked to help raise funds for the charity. He immediately offered any assistance that he could give.

Grassroots

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

As readers of this page are well aware, there are two elections due on May 23, the Local Elections, and the election to that most useless of institutions, the so- called European Parliament.

A world-class education for your child

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

At your local Galway City West Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes which are tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for more than 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work.

Leaving and Junior Cert preparation courses for Spanish

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

The Spanish Institute will be offering specialised Leaving and Junior Certificate exam preparation courses beginning on May 1. The five week course provides five hours of intensive study with a qualified, native Spanish teacher for just €50. Group sizes are limited to 10 students per class in order to ensure one-to-one attention for each student.

The Spanish Institute study centre is equipped with state of the art teaching technology and is situated on Dominick Street in the centre of the city. Leaving Certificate classes are scheduled to take place on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, and Junior Certificate classes will take place at the same times on Thursdays.

Grow and learn in Westside

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

Everyone is welcome to Rahoon Family Centre’s open day on Thursday April 17. Drop in and see the work of the pre- schoolers right through to the youth groups — on the day the centre will showcase their art and craft, cookery skills, project work, computer skills, and much more.

Upskill with a qualification in payroll

Thu, Apr 10, 2014

In today’s economic climate many businesses require additional office skills from prospective employees. A working knowledge of the Irish payroll system is an excellent skill to acquire.

Learnerswho successfully complete this coursewillhavea thorough knowledge of basic PAYE computations to include the cumulative, week 1, and emergency tax basis. Students will learn and understand PRSIandUSC computations, how to deal with starters and leavers, file Revenue forms, and year end procedures.

E-paper

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