Still considered 'new', Blackwater Community School, Lismore will soon celebrate 10 years in existence. It's been a busy, exciting and ultimately very fruitful decade for the secondary school that came into being following the amalgamation of 3 secondary schools.

Being able to offer prospective students access to modern facilities is a big plus - this, allied to a strong team ethic among staff and parents makes for a very attractive educational package. On the strength of these factors and aided by a hard won reputation for excellence, the school has had little difficulty in attracting pupils. Of course the process is ongoing and with plenty of other schools working equally hard, there's no room for complacency.

There was little in the way of complacency at last Monday's open night at B.C.S., as a several hundred strong crowd were welcomed and invited to see up close what the school has to offer. Visitors were divided into groups, before being given guided tours of the facility. There was plenty of useful information dispensed and after the tour, those present were invited to the principal's address which took place in the adjacent gymnasium.

The man who has overseen B.C.S. from day one has been Denis Ring - a Cork man, resident in Fermoy, whose considerable organisational and leadership skills have been instrumental in the school's success. Mr. Ring's focused and well thought out address was well received, however, it was the first hand accounts of students, Fionn Daly, Sarah Coughlan and Jane Murphy that resonated most - those in the front line gave accounts of being taught in a friendly environment, assisted by supportive and conscientious teachers. They spoke openly and frankly about a school that did its utmost to facilitate, assist and encourage every single student.

High achievers when it comes to academia, sport, drama and enterprise, it was good to see the school choir given such a prominent role on the night. Under the baton of conductor and music teacher, Kieran Leahy, the group were very impressive. The parents' association also rowed in by assisting with the serving of refreshments.

In terms of setting a positive tone and providing 'a day in the life' feel, the open night delivered. In the process, it undoubtedly won over new recruits who will further swell the ranks of those attending Blackwater Community School in Lismore.

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