About Our Department

The German Department of CBC Monkstown is a committed and vibrant department, facilitating learners of all abilities to achieve their full potential as speakers of the EU's most spoken mother tongue. Over the years we have built on excellent classroom practice to enrich the learning experience of our students with a highly successful exchange program, language assistants, pen-pals and the use of ICT and interactive digital media projects.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

As I wrote in my letter on Monday, which some students received, it was unclear until Wednesday exactly what was happening regarding the rescheduling of flights. This was beyond our control.
Although several other options were pursued vigorously, the following decision was taken yesterday, April 21st 2010:

The German students have been booked onto a flight for 11.10 am Tuesday morning. They are to meet at 8.45 at Dublin Airport for check-in. 

This was the earliest (and only) flight Ryanair was willing to take the group as a whole, at no additional cost. Ryanair took a ‘take it or leave it’ approach. It was also the option deemed best under these extraordinary circumstances, bearing in mind the best interests and welfare of the students, and the view of the school authorities at the Lichtenberg Gymnasium in Kassel, which is supported by the CBC authorities.
In this regard, may we thank the many parents who showed a generosity we hope we would be shown if anything were to happen to our students whilst in Kassel.

Parents are also reminded that anyone who is unable or unwilling to keep their son’s exchange beyond today, please contact us, and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. Many people have offered to accommodate students in this event.

Mr. Morgan will be happy to coordinate this with the students and parents, e.g. meeting students in Monkstown to take the Patton Flyer together. I will make any necessary phone calls etc.

Some parents may have already made plans, and may require a contingency for their son’s exchange. Below is an updated itinerary, so you can know what, where and when your son’s exchange should be.

Thursday, Friday and Monday daytime: school all day. This is compulsory.

Activities will be planned for Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday daytime. Other events may be arranged, and details of those events will be communicated as soon as they are set in place.

Friday: School all day until lunchtime. Leave school and proceed to Trinity College for 2pm, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch tour to follow. Tour to end well before 6pm. Note: Any students intending to go to Rugby match or have other plans arranged by you, please let us know.

Saturday and Sunday: whole day activities will be arranged for any student who wishes to take part.
Most likely, this will include a “Hop On - Hop Off” tour of Dublin. In particular, Kilmainham Gaol will be given focus on this tour. If possible, a day trip to Wicklow will also be arranged.

All information will be posted on the German Department blog, which can be accessed from the school’s website, http://www.cbcmonkstown.ie .
Posted by at