This year we are so lucky to have twelve different nationalities represented in our school – Ireland, England, America, Spain, Canada, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Poland, Ukraine, Argentina, Switzerland and the Philippines. We were also delighted to welcome Pablo and José from spain , who were helping out the PE and Art departments for part of the year. They were a wonderful addition to our community here in the Holy Child.
On May 7th we celebrated our 5th annual International Day. This year it was even bigger and better than previous years. International Day is all about celebrating the richness and diversity of culture in our school. Teams of students worked very hard with myself and Ms. Lawlor for several weeks preceding the big day. They did projects on each country, which they displayed beautifully in the library along with flags and maps of their countries. On 7th May we were joined by some very special guests. These included ambassadors, TDs , Councillors, Gardai and a photographer from the Gazette. We also welcomed back Kaire, a past pupil who graduated last summer.
The Theme of this years International Day was national celebrations and festivals. Each group of students made a wonderful presentation, using powerpoint , which they prepared themselves. They told everybody all about their countries. They also taught us some of their language, played a bit of music from their countries.
This year we had some special extras such as food from some of the countries, a film from the Polish contingent and some Piano playing from Sorin.
It was a great success and the students had to do it all over again the following day for the students of St. Kevin's and Holy Family.
Well done and thank you so mush to all involved in International Day. You were all wonderful.
Languages and Intercultural Events
2009 has been a very busy and fun year in the Holy Child for the Language departments. There were several fun and exciting events which took place.
In the first term we had as always a visit from a French theatre group. All students of French attended and it was enjoyable for all. Well done to any students who took part!
Another annual event which we celebrate is at the start of February. This is the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde. It was opened by a prayer from the chaplain Ms. Ní Shuibhne. This year although we missed Mrs. Harkin, who retired last year, she sent her best wishes through Ms. Gannon. Ms. Gannon and her group of very enthusiastic helpers made some St.Brigid’s crosses, which were presented to their teachers at the end of the assembly. We also missed Mrs. Horgan this year who usually along with the band provides the music, but Miss. Masterson very ably took over with some first years. They gave us a beautiful rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ on the tin whistle. Then as always I told the history of St. Brigid and some of the well known myths and legends associated with her.
In March we celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge. This year it was even more fulfilled and interesting. Students took parts in various events such as Poc fada, art competitions, table quizzes, bingo, céilís, pictionary and lots of other activities. Any student throughout the week who made a conscious effort to use Irish around the school, in class, in the corridor, in the canteen or at the office, received a raffle ticket. At the end of the week a raffle was held and many students won prizes!! A prize was also presented to Gemma Williams for her entry to the essay writing competition. You can read this essay below.
St. Patricks Day ( Lá Fhéile Pádraig) marked by our usual parade. Craziness set in as always, as students and teachers dressed in green, with faces painted, wigs and funny hats, were led by Mrs. Horgan , the school band and Mr. Melley’s float.
Transition year students again had a chance to dabble in a few different languages. Of course some students studied French and Irish . But this year some TYs had a chance to do multicultural studies. During this course they had an introduction to Japanese and Spanish language and culture while also learning about other intercultural issues. All TYs also had the opportunity along with Miss. O’Brien and myself to visit the IFI to see a French film. We all enjoyed it immensely.
5AP students as part of their taighde for their LCA exam visited a naíonra. Here they got a chance to see little children playing games and learning all through the medium of Irish
In conclusion
2009 has been an excellent year for Languages and Intercultural in our school. I hope I haven’ forgotten to mention any event or anyone! I’d like to thank all the language teachers- Ms. Gannon, Mrs.Horgan, Miss. Masterson and Miss. O’Brien, for all your hard work in making this year such a success. And thanks also to Ms.Lawlor and Miss Kearney for your help with International Day.
