Erasmus+ Grand Finale
Erasmus+ Project Grand Finale
The air of excitement and anticipation was palpable in our school in anticipation of the arrival of eighteen teachers from six European countries for the Grand Finale of the Erasmus + last week. Songs and dances and assemblies were being practised while all hands were on deck to demonstrate the vast knowledge gained of the guests’ culture and stories though the written word and art.
The school put on a tremendous display of work, colourful and varied. Each class group demonstrated their knowledge and art of one of the countries on their walls; Italy, Cyprus, Romania, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Ireland. A truly impressive display.
Our guests arrived at the school on Thursday morning. They were welcomed by some staff and the student council and given some representative gifts of Ireland. Then, on to the hall, where the welcome was more formal and they were treated to an Irish dance display by some of our budding dancers, trained by Aidan. And then an unforgettable dance with the professionals! Emma and Aidan had all in awe of their dancing skill. After coffee the visitors went visiting classrooms and then 6th class demonstrated Gaelic football in the field. After lunch the group were taken on the “Walking tour” of Drogheda.
On Friday, by request, a trip was taken to Bettystown beach. Then, at school, an assembly was held with the 3rd and 4th class children dramatizing popular myths and legends from all countries. A slideshow showing the highlights of the two year project was next and after lunch the visitors were taken to Newgrange and Slane Castle. On Saturday they saw the sites of Dublin complete with the Viking Splash Tour.
The visiting teachers were gushing in their praise and enthusiasm for all aspects of their visit. They loved the school and the children, they loved the sites and most of all, its people. We were truly proud. Huge thanks are due to Heather and Kim who were instrumental in the success of this project. Special thanks are also due to Aidan, Sorcha and Monica who supported them. Finally, none of it would have been possible without the enormous effort of all the staff and children who were all one hundred percent involved.
Fiona Rock