Welcome to our May 2015 Newsletter. This year's TY students have all but finished the year and are looking forward to the summer, while while next year's TY students are preparing for their Junior Cert exams.

The TY baton soon will be passed on.....

JUNIOR CERT RESULTS; RELEASE DATE

We learned from the State Examinations Commission that Junior Cert Results will be released during the week of 07 September 2015. The exact date is yet to be confirmed but traditionally the results have been made available on a Wednesday, so keep an eye on Wednesday 09 September 2015.

TRANSITION YEAR EXPO 2015 GAINS MOMENTUM

Most exhibitors have their stands booked and ready for TY EXPO 2015, with some exhibitors putting up a custom designed stand. The 2 day "open- day" type fair will run from 16 - 17 September 2015 at The HUB in Kilkenny.

Bookings for schools are streaming in from all round the country and some time- slots are already booked up. Schools will be travelling to Kilkenny from all over Ireland for this exciting event (See some of the regions where the schools are travelling from below).

Schools wanting to go to TY EXPO 2015 but who've not yet booked are advised to do so urgently. Only 160 schools can be accommodated this year.

The EXPO gets TY Students and Teachers up close with the most exciting offerings in TY, and face- to- face with the people behind them. For more information go to tyireland.com/#!tyexpo2015/cl2d, follow the link from tyireland.com or click the link below.

BANK OF IRELAND MAIN SPONSOR; TY EXPO 2015

Henry Shefflin (BOI ), Edwin Landzaad (TYI), John Hurley (Kilkenny Chamber) and Harry McCann (TY student) pictured above at the launch of TY EXPO 2015 in Kilkenny in April.

Bank of Ireland have announced that they will be the main sponsor for TY EXPO 2015. With BOI’s backing, support and expertise we can ensure that the event will exceed expectations; of students, teachers and exhibitors alike. DEIS schools should liaise with their SCP officer for funding to attend the event.

Bank of Ireland are also sponsoring great prizes for teachers and students in the period leading up to the event (see details below)

TEACHERS; WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOUR BEST TY TIPS

We're looking for the best tips to share with next year's TY students. We're also looking for the best tips to share with the parents of TY students. And who better to give this advice than you, the teacher? We're giving away a fantastic prize for your tips, the details of which can be found in the image above.

We're also giving away SIX "All4One" vouchers to students to help us increase our reach so we can offer our free services to more students next year. All that's required is for students to like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter and they'll be in line to win one of these vouchers, generously sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

A MONTH OF AWARDS

The last month we've witnessed a multitude of exhibitions and award ceremonies as many great programmes involving TY students come to a close for another year. To all the students, winners AND participants, well done. Your hard work gives everyone confidence in the country's future.

To all those involved in planning, organising and running these great events and competitions; CONGRATULATIONS! Your input and passion lends excitement and meaning to Transition Year.

TYI's INCREASED INTERNET REACH

Our internet and social media reach has increased dramatically over the last weeks, with increases in views, likes, followers and other interactions. TYI's Facebook reach has expanding exponentially and the user profile has shifted slightly toward women aged 35-54. This reflects the increasing numbers of teachers who like and follow our page and with whom we have regular interaction. The bulk of our likes still remains the 13-17 age group, with girls still outnumbering boys 2:1.

Twitter followers have also increased significantly, with a healthy mix of students, schools, teachers and parents following us.

Our website tyireland.com is also getting good traction, with a marked increase in visitors from Western Europe. There is a growing interest in these countries about the TY programme offered at Irish schools and we receive many enquiries from parents  looking for information about sending their children to Ireland for the year.

THANK YOU HARRY

TY students across Ireland are saying their goodbyes to Transition Year, no doubt with mixed emotions. To all TY students we would like to say "well done" and we hope that the things they learned this year will have a lasting positive effect on them for the rest of their lives.

A special thank you to Harry McCann; TY student, entrepreneur, TYI ambassador and all round inspiration. Thank you Harry for your insight, your energy and your enthusiasm. We wish you all the best in your Leaving Cert and you career beyond that.

You can meet Harry at the TY EXPO 2015, where he can help inspire a fresh new batch of TY students.

HELP US HELP MORE STUDENTS IN MORE WAYS

Our website, social media and newsletters are shared for free to ensure that there is no barrier between the student and the great opportunities that are available to them. Please help us reach more students by;

• Informing TY students and their parents about us
• Adding a link to tyireland.com from your website
• Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For details about the above and more, go to....

• tyireland.com
• facebook.com/tyeire
• twitter.com/tyyearireland
• instagram.com/transition_year_ireland