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Stellar Schools Launch --:
After many weeks of preperation the Stellar Schools Ireland project was launched on
, May . 1998. The launch took place simultanesouly between Newtown School
Waterford and a link up with Booth Memorial High School, St. John's
Newfoundland.It was significiant that the launch took place from Newtown School as it is
said that the school was built and set up by businessmen in Waterford, who made their
money through trade with Newfoundland. For many weeks all the schools involved were
putting together displays for the launch.All school werealso invited to make a short video
to last about four to five minutes about the school and its environs. Mr. Pollard assisted
by his class and the technical help of Mr. Frank Heraughty put together an excellent
video about the school . You can view this video by clicking here. Ronan Crowley from
sixth class did an excellent job as narrator.
In our school Mr. Pollard and Mr O'Neachtain were busy with printers, designing banners,
and getting groups organised. Many meetings were held usually by video conference
facilities between Nancy's office in St John's and Waterford, thanks to the generousity of
Waterford Crytstal. A guest list was drawn up and invitations were sent out to all the
schools, local dignitaries and business people by Mary Roche from Flagship Communications
and her dependable team. Hugh Dobbs, a eacher in Newtown was busy with the technical end
of maters. This was no place for the faint hearted.Nancy Parsons-Heath , Director of
Stemnet, Mr. Paul Hatcher and Ms. Tracey Hennessey from Cable Atlantic arrived in
Waterford the previous evening and soon had their sleeves rolled up putting the finishing
touches to the hall, the exhibits and making sure that all was in order for the linkup
with Booth Memorial the following day.
Mr Frank Heraughty and Mr. Ray Scott were also on hand to assist in the smooth running of
the event.
The following morning Nancy and Tracey paid a courtesy call to our school and spoke
with the teachers and the sixth class about their work.They answered many questions about
life "on the rock" and how life is a bit different across the Atlantic.They also
visited CBS Secondary.Soon it was time to go.
By 12.oo noon all was in order. Soon after the various schools began to arrive with
their teachers to put the finishing touches to their displays. From 1.00 o'clock on the
crowds began to arrive and visited all the stands admiring all the work in the various
schools.
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