Seafield National School visited by RTE

Seafield National School in Bunmahon, Co. Waterford was recently visited by RTE as they showcased their recent investment in ICT (Information and Communications Technology). RTE’s South Eastern correspondent Damien Tiernan talked with the pupils and teachers to find out how ICT has impacted on their day to day learning.

The two classroom school has benefited greatly from shared resource computing with the aid of the Government’s technology grant.

According to Ann Coffey, Principal of Seafield NS “Since we installed the system the children have enjoyed a more enhanced learning experience. We now have six workstations running on one computer in our classroom which just take the space of one small desk. Computer learning and access to the internet is now part of daily student activities.”

The shared resource computing was installed by local company Waterford Computer Repair Centre, which has packaged a suite of products such as Microsoft software, shared computing devices, a PC and up to eleven LCD screens. This package has been specifically designed for primary and secondary schools to offer a low cost, minimal maintenance and green I.T. solution which allows pupils to share the computing resources of one single PC.

Sean Hegarty, Director of WCRC, said “Recent focus in schools has been on teaching aides like interactive whiteboards, visualisers and teaching computers. Shared resource computing is a great way of getting computer workstations into classrooms for pupils to use.”

“Recent studies indicate that not only does shared computing enable greater involvement and interaction from the student at a much lower cost, it’s green, it marries technology and learning like never before and it utilises classroom space better.”

“If pupils have access to computers and to the internet for daily learning this will go a long way towards preparing our young people in a smart economy.”

For further information about the advantages of shared resource computing from WCRC log onto www.wcrc.ie or call 051 592015

Is your bed a good place to sleep?

Sleep deprivation is at serious levels in today’s society and the effects are very apparent. The cause could be a sleep disorder and may be due to erratic work hours, lack of time to devote to sleep or ones sleeping environment. Stress, worry or purposely skipping sleep may also be to blame. Whatever the reason, many of us are clearly missing out on the sleep we need to function properly.

Research has shown that the loss of just one and a half to two hours of sleep a night causes a marked decline in alertness, attention span and the ability to process information. This seemly small amount of sleep deprivation affects our reflexes and memory. It can also lead to depression and irrational decision making. The greater the amount and duration of sleep deprivation the more potent the results.

According to a recent survey conducted by The National Sleep Council, nearly half of us are getting just six hours sleep or less a night. And an alarming four out of five people complain of disturbed or inadequate sleep. This can often be caused by sleeping on worn out or unsuitable beds. According to industry standards, 7 – 10 years is the average lifespan of a mattress. Do you ever have a better night’s sleep when you are away than when you are at home in your own bed?

According to the same survey by The National Sleep Council almost 25% of people prefer the bed they sleep in when they go away to the ones they have at home. 67% of people said they wake up with back or neck ache. This is a classic symptom that one’s bed at home no longer offers the right level of support.

Did you know that King Koil, one of Ireland’s leading bed manufacturers supply beds to many of the leading hotels in the country? These beds are available to you today at discounted prices at the Sienna Home Furnishings Spring Promotion.

Sienna Home Furnishings has a dedicated Sleep Room, away from the rest of the store, to allow people the time, comfort and privacy that they need to try out a selection of quality beds. When choosing a new bed, Sienna advises that people are prepared to spend up to 30 minutes or more making this important choice.

80% of bed shoppers spend less than 2 minutes trying out beds which they are likely to be spending several hours in just 1 year. Up to 3,000 hours is the average person likely to spend in bed in just 1 year?

For more information unhappy sleepers can check out the Sleep Council website on www.sleepcouncil.org.uk or call into the Sleep Room at Sienna Home Furnishings at the Tramore Road Business Park in Waterford city.

CELEBRATING SWEENEY

An evening of music in Christ Church Cathedral will celebrate Eric Sweeney’s contribution to music in Waterford. Over 100 singers and musicians will perform in a huge thank you to the composer and educator.

Eric Sweeney recently retired from WIT having led the BA (Hons) Music for over twenty years. Eric compositional works have been performed internationally and he is a member of Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland. Eric is organist and choirmaster in Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford city.

The concert will include work written by current WIT Music students; by composer, Aosdána member and one time WIT Music student Gráinne Mulvey and by composer, choral director and educator Br. Ben Hanlon who is currently doing a PhD in composition under the guidance of Eric Sweeney. The highlight of the evening will be a performance of Hymn to Gaia by Eric Sweeney, performed by the cathedral choir and WIT Chamber Choir with quartet, organ and soloists.

Tickets are €10 and €5 concession and will be available on the door on Thursday 7^th April. For more information go to www.christchurchwaterford.com or find us on Facebook at ‘Celebrating Sweeney’.

HCS Business Solutions expands national portfolio

Waterford based IT company, HCS Business Solutions has recently secured the IT contract for the provision of managed services for Connolly’s RED MILLS, manufacturers and worldwide suppliers of premium and high performance feed in the equine, pet and agri sectors. Connolly’s RED MILLS has an international remit and exports to over 30 countries.

HCS Business Solutions was successful in its bid to supply IT management and support systems to the company which has its Head Office in Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny, following a competitive tendering process.

According to Dan Hegarty, Director, HCS Business Solutions is pleased to be working with such a high profile international client. “We are delighted to forge this partnership with such a well respected market leader as Connolly’s RED MILLS.”

“Since its establishment in the early 1900’s Connolly’s RED MILLS has been manufacturing and supplying award winning equine feed and horse nutrition. As the company expanded so did their IT requirements. What was needed was a co-ordinated approach to IT issues, such as monitoring, security, reliability and development.”

“The introduction of TechWatch, TechAssure and TechSolve is a new departure in IT solutions, specifically geared towards the SMB market and it fitted the Connolly’s RED MILLS brief to perfection.”

TechWatch ensures early detection and prevention of network problems, TechAssure provides companies with a suite of maintenance and monitoring services and TechSolve delivers technology solutions that can save money and provide companies with a competitive edge.

Gareth Connolly, Head of Sales, Connolly’s RED MILLS added “As our company is continually developing so too was the need to partner with an IT support company that could remotely manage and develop our IT systems, optimise efficiency and consequently give Connolly’s RED MILLS invaluable peace of mind.”

“HCS now manages over 130 users spanning four sites in Ireland and across Europe and since providing our company with remote managed services it allows us get on with the day to day management and development of our core businesses.”

Today, HCS is accredited with a unique set of partnerships and accreditations that offers customers complete business solutions. With some of the highest certification in the industry HCS Business Solutions has plans to continue to grow and offer more and more exciting software innovations to customers in the South East.

For further information about HCS Business Solutions and the latest suite of managed services log onto www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200.

Home Instead Senior Care and Denny Corcoran – a real winning team!

Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland’s trusted source of home care for seniors, has won the Irish Franchise of the Year Award in this year's prestigious Irish Franchise Association Awards.

It was a cause for a double celebration as Denny Corcoran, a Home Instead Senior Care client received the accolade of Waterford’s Person of the year, and was the Grand Marshall for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Waterford.

Retiring in 2000 Denny was a key player of the Waterford Pantomime society and during the heyday of variety in Waterford when The Tops of the Town were a golden age of community entertainment.

An ambassador of theatre in Waterford, Denny was a key instigator in the development of the Waterford Pantomime Society and was a significant contributor to the ‘golden age’ of theatre in the city.

Denny Corcoran, 75 year old widower, stoke survivor started using the services of Home Instead Senior Care last year. Following a second stroke he lost a lot of his mobility. He was getting support from the HSE but had long periods of the day he had no company while his family were working. The local Home Instead Office went about matching a suitable CAREGiver. Danette Connolly, the Director of Care explains “matching the right person with the right skills is the most important part of the service."

“Someone told us about Home Instead Senior Care, and we started using their services, which has literally transformed Dad’s life and ours too,” says his daughter Ann.

“We explained to Home Instead Senior Care that Dad really wanted to get out and about during the week while we were working. They matched us with the most amazing carer, Charlie, who is like a family member. Two afternoons a week Charlie brings Dad into town or on an outing for two hours. Other afternoons, they spend an hour doing exercises and activities at home. At the weekends another lovely carer comes in for grooming and bathing, and gets Dad ready for mass. With the advice and support from their office and nurse, Home Instead Senior Care has changed all our lives, and we couldn’t recommend them enough,” adds Ann.

Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland’s trusted source of home care for seniors, has won the Irish Franchise of the Year Award in this year's prestigious Irish Franchise Association Awards. This award reassures both seniors who use home care services and their families that the highest standards of care are being delivered.

Speaking about the award win, Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of Home Instead Senior Care said: "It is so rewarding to see that Home Instead Senior Care and the home care service we provide to Ireland's seniors has been so strongly recognised by the Irish Franchise Association. As Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care I am very passionate about not only providing the highest quality home care service, but also a truly caring service that makes a real difference in the lives of seniors. It is a terrific accolade for such efforts to be acknowledged".

Enterprising Mercy Girls showcase Charity Fashions

The Mercy Secondary School will hold a fashion show with a difference on Thursday, March 24^th.

The fashion show will feature outfits from a host of the city’s retailers and will also include a “charity shop” section showcasing the selection of clothes available from Waterford’s charity shops.

24 transition year students purchased outfits from the charity shops and will model them on the evening. According to student Emma Carroll, the idea behind the charity feature came from the students themselves.

“We wanted to put on a fashion show with a difference. We received fantastic support from all the retailers we approached to supply clothes, shoes and to do hair and make-up, but we also felt it would be a great idea if we could model the clothes that are on offer in charity shops.”

“Six groups of us had a set budget to buy an outfit from a charity shop of our choice and these will be modelled on the night. My friends and I couldn’t believe the selection of clothes that was available and the quality was really good.”

“The beauty of clothes from charity shops is that they are unique and have a story behind them. Also by recycling we can reduce our carbon footprint to have a beneficial effect on the environment.”

The first year students will also model their own clothes and accessories and these will then be donated to the Simon Community.

Teacher Tania O’ Shea said that the girls were really enthusiastic about the project. “It was great to see all the students get so involved in the project. Not only is the fashion show a chance to model some fantastic outfits on the night, the charity shop feature made the girls more conscious of shopping on a budget and looking for the best value and quality.”

A range of charity shops will feature on the evening alongside fashion from Benneton, Monsoon, Tommy Hilfiger, Sabella, Slic Chic, Next, Black Tie and many more.

The Mercy Secondary School Fashion show will take place in the Mercy School Gym, Ozanam Street on Thursday, March 24^th at 8pm. Tickets cost €5 and are available from the Mercy Secondary School or on the door on the evening.

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE IS ALL IRELAND FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR

Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland’s trusted source of home care for seniors, has won the Irish Franchise of the Year in this year's prestigious Irish Franchise Association Awards. This award reassures both seniors who use home care services and their families that the highest standards of care are being delivered.

Speaking about the award win, Danette Connolly, Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care Waterford said: "It is so rewarding to see that Home Instead Senior Care and the home care service we provide to Waterford seniors has been so strongly recognised by the Irish Franchise Association.”

Danette continued “As Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care I am very passionate about not only providing the highest quality home care service, but also a truly caring service that makes a real difference in the lives of seniors. It is a terrific accolade for such efforts to be acknowledged".

Home Instead Senior Care was established in Waterford in January 2009 and now has 18 offices throughout the country. The organisation enables seniors to maintain their independence and live at home for longer than otherwise possible. Home care services include help with day-to-day activities such as personal hygiene care, meal preparation, housekeeping, transport as well as specialist Alzheimer and arthritis care in the home.

Home Instead Senior Care is no stranger to award wins and was a finalist in the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. It was also named 2008 'Irish Franchise Business of the Year' and 2007 Irish Small Business of the Year.

For further information on Home Instead Senior Care log on to www.homeinstead.ie or call 051 333966.