WCFE News
Tourism & Travel Students visit Velocity VR in Waterford City.
As Tourism and Travel students, we recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Velocity VR in Waterford City for an exhilarating hour of virtual reality experiences. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was going to be a unique and thrilling adventure.
The experience began with each of us stepping into individual VR booths, equipped with headsets that transported us into vibrant, immersive worlds. Whether we were exploring alien landscapes, battling virtual foes, or navigating challenging mazes, the experience felt incredibly lifelike. The sense of presence in these virtual worlds was both captivating and exhilarating. It was as though we had left reality behind for a brief yet intense escape.
However, the real fun began when we had the chance to team up and play together. The group dynamics shifted as we worked together, coordinating our actions and enjoying the thrill of shared experiences. Whether we were taking on missions as a team or competing against each other, the laughter and excitement filled the room — so much so that our enthusiastic screams and laughter could be heard echoing down the street.
One of the most memorable moments was the pure joy of seeing each other’s reactions — from the gasps of surprise to the burst of laughter as we faced unexpected virtual challenges. It was an unforgettable experience that not only showcased the incredible potential of VR technology but also reminded us of the power of shared experiences in bringing people closer together.
Overall, our visit to Velocity VR was not only an entertaining break from our studies but also a great opportunity to bond as a group. We left with a renewed appreciation for the emerging trends in the tourism and travel industries, as virtual reality becomes an increasingly popular and immersive form of entertainment. The experience highlighted the importance of technology in shaping the future of travel and leisure, and it was exciting to see how VR could be incorporated into tourist attractions and experiences.
In summary, the trip to Velocity VR was an unforgettable adventure that offered a perfect blend of fun, teamwork, and a glimpse into the future of travel. We are all eager to explore more of what this innovative space has to offer in the future.
WCFE NHA Hairdressing Apprentices Capstone Event 2024
The NHA Capstone event at WCFE marks the pinnacle of a three year journey for our hairdressing apprentices. These graduates will now go on to full employment in the industry, with many hoping to open their own studios.
Capstone 2024 marks the second year WCFE has held such a prestigious event. It was attended by industry professionals, salon owners and family and friends of the apprentices.
The event showcases the work and themes explored by each individual apprentice. Apprentices give a synopsis of their influences, their work and their future plans during the ceremony.
The NHA programme at WCFE continues to go from strength to strength with double the amount of apprentices expected to graduate at WCFE Capstone 2025 next November.
Our Trip to the Willows May 2024
The birds weren’t even singing yet
When off to the Willows in Galway we set
Raingear, boots, Mari-Carmen and Clare
The students from Early Learning and Care
All packed and settled onto our bus
A warm welcome in Galway awaiting us
Sharon greeted us with an offer of coffee or tea
And a tour of the Willows, so much to see
The children were happy to show us their place
To tell us their stories, a smile on each face
The educators were so generous with their time
They explained how an outdoors setting is really sublime
Then it was time for us to head home
Inspiring ideas for practice had been sown
Happy students and teachers back on the bus
A wonderful day had been enjoyed by all of us
So, thanks Mari-Carmen and Noreen, a lovely end to our year
We’ll do it all again in 2025? Don’t forget your raingear!
By Clare Kelly May 2024
An amazing trip to the Willows Early Years Kindergarten and Nursery was a delightful experience for the teachers and students. The trip was filled with joy and discovery. The environment was vibrant, welcoming and buzzed with the laughter of children and their educators as they explored collaboratively various interactive learning stations. From the cozy reading barn filled with colorful books to the creative arts and crafts area, every corner of the preschool was designed to stimulate young minds.
Dr. Sharon Skehill, and her staff, warm and enthusiastic, guided WCFE staff and students through an inspiring pedagogical journey in practice; Regio Emilia, Froebel, the new Aistear were discussed among educators, staff and students.
Also, through job shadowing we observed how every child was guided through playful educational activities, fostering a love for learning based on their emerging interests. This visit not only provided a glimpse into the nurturing atmosphere of the Willows but also left the staff and students inspired and eager to learn more about their amazing journey.
By Mari-Carmen Postigo Alvarez May 2024
Level 5 and Level 6 students testimonials:
Trip to the Willows – Student Testimonial from Orla Kerley
To Mari-carmen and Clare
Thank you so much for taking us to the willows.
Definitely my favourite day of the year and a memory I will cherish forever. So wonderful to see a setting thinking of the child's overall wellbeing and not just focusing on the cognitive.
I'm a big believer in the outdoors for everyone but especially young children. I loved to see them learning through their interests and being so at ease and having freedom. The willows has such a warm and nurturing atmosphere and I would hope to work in an environment like that.
Thank you for showing me what a setting can be like.
Many thanks, Orla
Trip to the Willows – Student Testimonial from Holly Sheehan
My feedback from the trip to Galway was that it was such a wonderful and enjoyable time that I got to experience along with the level 5s and a couple of my classmates.
The second we pulled up outside the willows I had a good feeling this trip was going to be amazing and was I right!! it was amazing. we all had laughs and chats with the practitioners and the setting was so different.
The children were so eager and content with what they were doing. It was all, because they have been outside for so long and that is what it's all about. I saw it with even some children in my setting when they don't go out regularly they can become more challenging.
I did not feel uncomfortable at any point and I felt very relaxed and just happy in the moment. It was worth the drive up!!
I would definitely recommend it for future classes to visit it.
Thank you, Holly!!
WWETB Harmony Show - Showcasing the huge talent throughout all the Schools and Colleges under the WWETB Umbrella. A huge celebration of all talents and abilities of students and staff within the Waterford & Wexford ETB.
WCFE staff who contributed to WWETB Staff Choir. A great night was had by all.
Missing on the night, due to prior commitments where: Noreen Reilly (Principal) and Deirdre Wickman (Teacher)
Our Recent Trip to FOTO Wildlife Park 2023 with Animal Grooming Department.
WCFE had a day out at the IVERK Show 2023 and met the Minister for Further & Higher Education, Mr Simon Harris TD.
Sports Department students graduate from University of Limerick recently.
Our Principal, Noreen Reilly & Sports Department Teacher, Sean Toomey attended University of Limerick Graduation 2023 in support of our students graduating from the NCEF Programme, which our students do here at WCFE.
WCFE Graduation 2023 in the Tower Hotel, Waterford.
What a wonderful day was had by all at our recent graduation in the Tower Hotel. WCFE Graduates, along with their family & friends, gathered early in the morning and shared laughter and stories of their time here in WCFE.
WCFE Hairdressing Apprenticeship News
The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship Stages 1, 2 & 3 all attended a cutting workshop with Sean Taaffe today. Sean Taaffe is a former IHC President, Judge for International Hairdressing Competitions and cutting expert. A great day of education was had by all.