MY TV WEEK:Luke Morgan (15) of Coláiste Einde, Co Galway

‘CHOOSING TO do transition year was a great decision. So far, we have set up a tag rugby blitz for the first-year students, attended an open day in NUI Galway, and embarked on a tour around Galway’s many historic spots.

“We sold ribbons and roses for the Autism Association of Ireland. Many students are also helping out in their community as part of the Gaisce President’s Award which involves activities such as helping out in nursing homes, cleaning up hospice areas and selling goods for charity.

“We began work on our annual Christmas drama production. It’s exciting: we’re going to be acting in front of our peers. Meanwhile, in our English classes, we’ve paired up with students from a school in Connecticut. We exchange poetry and prose over the internet, and take turns setting assignments and challenges to complete. A writer-in-residence program will take place in the school in the new year.

“Right now, we’re all really excited about a planned outing to Killary Adventure Centre. We have a great challenge: to undertake a kayak journey of around 15 miles as part of the Gaisce Award. To prepare for this, we’ve been taking a few kayaking lessons to develop our stamina as a group.

“What does transition year mean for our class? We want to make this a productive and positive experience. It’s about striving to achieve our goals as a group and as individuals.”