Thirty years of TY in Kilcullen: 'Educating the whole person'

THE TRANSISITON Year (TY) programme at Kilcullen's Cross and Passion College has evolved into one of the most significant components of the students' experience at the school, current CPC Principal Joe Leonard told a celebration held last week to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of its introduction at the college.

“When TY was first introduced here, it was seen by some as an experiment,” he told the gathering of former principals, TY coordinators, pupils from past TY years, parents, and people from various strands of the Kilcullen community. 

“Thirty years later, we now know beyond any doubt that it has become one of the most important and valuable parts of our students’ educational journey.”

He noted that in an ever-faster-changing world, TY develops qualities in students that they need more than ever before — adaptability, confidence, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work with others. 

“As educators, we often talk about preparing students for examinations, but Transition Year reminds us that our real job is much bigger than that. Our role is to prepare young people for life, and that’s exactly what TY does. Some of the greatest moments in school cannot be measured in grades or points; they’re measured in experiences — friendships formed, memories created, confidence gained.” 

He thanked the staff members who had built and led the programme for their time, ideas, and encouragement, the parents for their trust and support, and the students, past and present, for embracing every opportunity.

Denis Dennehy, the college's first TY coordinator, recalled that from the beginning it was intended to be an integral part of the school. 

He likened its progress over time as similar to the development of St Brendan’s rush boat to a modern QE2, and singled out two teachers who helped drive the idea forward: Margaret Aspell, for her immense energy and commitment to students, and Noel Scullion, for his quiet pace and hugely insightful wisdom. 

He credited current TY coordinator Glenda Groome, now 21 years in the position, with bringing it to its present place in its "incredible journey".

Paul Tyrell, principal at the time of TY introduction, said it is much more than a pause between exams, but a space where students step outside the predictable rhythm of school and encounter the world in a new way. 

“Learning is not confined to textbooks and classrooms. It happens in places, on stages, in communities, in conversations. And sometimes it happens when a student realises, perhaps for the first time, ‘I can do that’.”

He said such an initiative does not last 30 years by accident, but because it matters. 

“It lasts because it changes lives. It lasts because dedicated people have found the energy, the imagination, and the integrity to make it drive and go forward.” 

He also emphasised that it was under the stewardship of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion that TY was instituted, and that without them and the courage of the parents of students at the time, it could never have happened.

Former CPC student Robert Walsh told those present that his TY experience literally changed his life. 

“It’s exactly what it says, it transitions you. It changed me from being timid and not confident. What stood out for me was TY Radio, the musical West Side Story, and work experience. I ended up becoming an entrepreneur, starting my own business.”

Other former CPC students unable to attend sent video messages, including Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD, who described himself as one of the ‘guinea pigs’ in 1996, which he said had been a ‘brilliant year’. 

Sean Donnelly recalled enjoying the break from the standard curriculum, with travel opportunities on which he made lifelong memories. Stephen Clare remembered "having a ball", with the musical as his highlight. Miah Phelan said the experience gave her a platform to "figure out who I wanted to be as opposed to what I wanted to be.”

Katelyn Hegarty Kelly’s message came from the Maldives, where, as a marine biologist, she is helping to regenerate corals affected by climate change. 

“There was so much: the mini companies, the trips, we had opportunities to get involved with the wider community, try new activities and gain new skills.” 

Daire Smyth said she still uses meditation skills learned that year. Aoibheann Smyth said a skiing trip during TY was part of her later decision to move to New Zealand. A video message from former Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, Sean O Fearghaill, noted that the TY programme had been why two of his four children had chosen CPC for their second-level education. 

“It’s a superb programme that has improved year on year, and has really enhanced the reputation of Kilcullen.”

Former principal Catherine Moynihan said TY gave teachers the opportunity to get to know the students who would be moving to senior cycle and becoming leaders within the school. 

Activities and trips away helped deepen relationships between students and teachers.

“Being entrusted to their teachers by their parents was very special, a great honour, and it was a memory that has stood with me.” 

She also noted that when the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment was tasked with a revised statement for ty to guide its future development, they had come to CPC for inspiration.

Representing parents of TY students, Jackie Healy spoke about the effect on her son, John. She described it as "transformative" for his maturity and self-belief, and said it had intensified his political interest, which he is now pursuing as a career. 

“It’s a wonderful gift over 30 years to have touched all these kids … all these adults now out there making their way in the world.”

Glenda Groome said that making the TY programme compulsory from the beginning had made it accessible to every student in the school. She commented on several ‘firsts’ in the Kilcullen programme, including the YSI Speakout and the return of several work experience participants to the school by Air Corps helicopter. 

“We took students to Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Germany, not just as tourists but as young people growing in independence and discovering the world.”

She said that over 30 years ago, the school had made a commitment to "educate the whole person". 

“This evening, we celebrate every person who has kept this curriculum alive. I believe we can all be deeply proud of what we have built together here. It’s a wonderful legacy to look back on, and to build upon and look forward to.”