It has been another busy term with class trips , events and many extracurricular activities . This term we had Science Week , Teaching & Learning Week , the TY tour , International Day , Parent Teacher meetings , Christmas exams and our annual Christmas concert to namecheck just a few . Thanks to our tireless staff and energetic students for your endless enthusiasm this term .

As part of Science Week our TY ’ s took part in our build a bridge competition for science week . Each class had to build a bridge from 100 straws to see which one would hold the most weights . In a fiercely competitive round of judging class 4I thought they had it won with 15 weights ( 1.5kg ), however our last class group to go were 4J and they pipped the title with 16weights ( 1.6g ).

This term we have rolled out our revised student reporting at MEC . Our learners now receive a detailed report with a focus on highlighting learner ’ s strengths and weakness in their subjects after exams . Pictured are 3rd year students who took part in a focus group as part of the Forbairt initiative on reporting in MEC . Students have given teachers feedback on their recent exam reports which were written using the targeted detailed format . Assessment at junior cycle now places the student at the centre of the learning process allowing for new ways of learning and a broader range of reporting comments .

‘ Teaching and Learning ’ week took place across MEC from 18th – 22nd of November . Our teachers opened their doors to their colleagues to observe their dynamic lessons and pick up new ideas & resources . Our students all took part in a class workshop to figure out their preferred learning styles using the VARK New Zealand learning questionnaire . Teachers also took part in the founding ‘ Teach Meet ’ to swap methodologies and resource ideas . Next term , MEC will roll out an innovative feedback stamp for all year groups . This unique stamp will label a variety of assessment for learning ( AfL ) methods such as peer assessment , self-assessment , teacher oral feedback etc . This will help our students record feedback to improve their learning .

Shoe Box Appeal

We are very proud of all our students and their families who have contributed to this wonderful cause . All in all , we have a whopping 170 🎁shiny shoebox gifts to go to deserved children across Africa and Eastern Europe .

The shoeboxes are given based on need alone and will bring joy and excitement to children living in very difficult situations this Christmas season .

Some heartfelt thanks for your kindness and generosity in contributing to our Team Hope charity appeal .

‘ Unexpected kindness is the most powerful , least costly , and most underrated agent of human change ’

- Bob Kerrey 💞