May 17 2017

Le Chéile hosts Erasmus+ Project Closing Party for European Teachers

Pupils and staff at Le Chéile ETNS welcomed 18 visiting European teachers and representatives from Léargas, Educate Together, Board of Management, parents and friends recently as part of the EU’s Erasmus+ Project. The event which took place at the primary school on the Mornington road marked the final phase of the project.

Since 2015 Le Chéile ETNS, has been actively engaged in the Erasmus+ programme for education. It has since developed partnerships with seven European primary schools across Italy, Turkey, Finland, Spain, Cyprus, Romania and Greece. The two year project titled ‘Magic and Myths Unite Europe’ has proven hugely successful in the local primary school, developing the students’ love of story, music and art.

The programme has enabled and fostered a platform for co-operation and learning exchanges for both students and teachers alike. Over the course of the two years teachers from each country have visited partner countries sharing their experience, knowledge and cultures.

Commenting on the project, principal at Le Chéile ETNS Fiona Rock noted “As well as sharing good practice, one of the main aims of the project is to foster a sense of EU citizenship and develop a greater understanding of each other’s traditional tales and legends through art, music, drama and ict.”

In the weeks leading up to the visit, preparations across the school are evident on every wall and window, with excited pupils immersing themselves in the culture and history of their partner countries.

As part of their welcome and the projects closing party the visiting teachers were treated to a medley of traditional European dances performed by 3^rd and 4^th class pupils which culminated with an Irish song finale.

During their visit, the group had ample time to explore our wondrous locality and see first hand the historic sites and legends they had grown to hear about over the past two years. The teachers were taken on a walking tour of Drogheda and surrounding beaches all made more enjoyable by the fabulous weather. But no visit to the Ancient East is complete without a trip to the legendary Newgrange and Slane Castle.

Fiona added “ The Staff and pupils are proud of their work and the knowledge they have gained through the Erasmus+ Programme and it was an honour to share that with our visitors here at our school on the Mornington Road, Drogheda.”