News
Gaelscoil celebrates International Day
INTERNATIONAL DAY: Children in Gaelscoil Faithleann, pictured with Wilson da Silva, celebrated International Day in school on Friday last.
By Michelle Crean
Cultures from 19 different countries were celebrated in one local school on Friday as part of their first ever International Day.
Organised by the Parents Council of Gaelscoil Faithleann, the idea was to recognise and celebrate the many cultures represented in the school.
There was a wonderful African drumming display for the pupils, food from countries from all over the world and stories from many of the parents present, Chair of the Parents Council, Mary Carroll, explained.
“Often in Gaelscoileanna we might not realise there is a large diversity of cultures represented,” Mary said.
“We have counted 19 different countries amongst our parent community, from Mauritius to Zimbabwe to Portugal and Chile. Our inaugural International Day was full of colour, fun and learning, with flags, food, music and Brazilian martial art! Parents came in to each class to talk about their culture - we had parents from Nigeria, Latvia, New Zealand, USA, Chile, India, Portugal, Poland and the Philippines. The children loved to hear facts about these countries and to realise all the diversity in the school.”
There was a wonderful African drumming display for the pupils and a big thank you to Wilson da Silva of Killarney Movement and Fitness Club for his fabulous display of the Brazilian martial art, Capoeira - which left the children enthralled, she added.
“Food from Pakistan, Iraq, the Philippines, amongst others was on display for tasting. We are very grateful to KASI, the Killarney Immigrant Support Network, for their support with our day. We plan to have this as an annual event from now on and its importance in recognising other cultures and making children aware of the value of diversity is significant. It is a fabulous opportunity for children to meet directly with people from other countries and to hear first-hand what it is like to live there.”