VTOS Staff and Award Recipients.
The Old Stand Shana-golden was an ideal setting for the VTOS presentation of Education Certificates and Awards evening. Jack Frost was very visable in the outside world but there was a lovely glow of warmth inside. Melanie Casey, VTOS Coordinator welcomed all present especially the students, and their families, and special guest Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training LCETB.
Amanda Murphy, on behalf of the Graduating Class, spoke with great confidence, outlining the benefit she gained from the course, the friendships made and the help and encouragement she received from the tutors and other students. The new skills she gained in speech making and communications have been so helpful to her during a recent presentation she had to make as part of her studies in Applied Biology in LIT.
Paul Patton spoke about the importance of adult education and the opportunities that are now available to people in lifelong learning. He quoted Nelson Mandela, who said: Education is the most important weapon in the world. He changed that quote to the local community and its importance to the people within. Paul Patton presented the QQI Level 5 Major Awards in Information Processing to Pauline Aherne, Amanda Murphy, Ita Dillon, Joan O’Connor, Vanessa Mackey and Rebecca Meehan and in absentia to Denise Neville, Elma Fitzgerald, and Catriona O’Connor
Michael Flatley spoke on behalf of the 2nd year students’ and their journey from day one. He thanked all the tutors and spoke of the various activities they engaged in. A slide show of quotes from the other students was a nice touch and the value of the course shone through from its contents.
Paul Patton presented the QQI Component Certificates Level 5 to the 2nd year students: Kate Cronin, Mary O’Mahony, Michael Flatley, Tony Hourigan, Mike Flynn and in absentia; Clodagh Madigan, Mary Barron, and Mary Curley.
Leesha Foley, who taught the Business Modules for the past 15 years, was present and she was complimented on her recent promotion to VTOS Coordinator in Kilmallock. Melanie spoke warmly of her colleague of 15 years, her dedicated work to VTOS and development of business subjects. Leesha was presented with a bowl of growing flowers and a boxed piece of jewellery.
Leesha in reply was fulsome in her praise for all the staff and students she worked with over that time span. Their progression to the working environment, and meeting up with them in various locations for a chat was especially pleasing to her. Part time work was very valuable, and could be a stepping stone to full time employment, she added.
Melanie, in her address, introduced slide pictures to show some of the activities within and outside the centre that the students took part in during the year. Student life at VTOS though busy academically, also includes extra-curricular activities focusing on personal development and positive mental health.
Melanie promoted the benefits of being a VTOS student, and the supports that are available, and the progression rates of past participants. She listed places where students had completed work placements, and went on to gain employment there.
It was like a Hollywood set with cameras flashing during the 45 minute ceremony as the presentations were made, and for the group photos at the finish. Delicious finger food was available for all afterwards followed by good conversation as the students enjoyed their time in the limelight. It was a night of celebration after their hard year’s work!
VTOS Shanagolden aims to provide adults with the opportunity to access continuous education programmes. Through student support and staff training; adults are provided with a second chance of developing skills thus enabling people to cope with technological change. The school motto is nothing was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
VTOS is a tremendous facility to have in Shanagolden for the people within the catchment area. To avail of the numerous courses on offer, contact the centre- 069 60106
Shanagolden Abu.