PUPILS at Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar set their books aside on Friday to celebrate their many recent achievements, with the highlight of the event being the unveiling of a beautiful new outdoor learning space.
Designed by artist Alex Pentek, the striking folded stainless-steel canopy features intricate patterns inspired by local leaves, designs the school children helped to develop in collaboration with the artist.
Inside, smooth wooden seating swirls complete the space, creating a wonderful environment for outdoor learning.
Artist, Alex Pentek, has been commissioned to create public art all over the world as far afield as Ontario, Brisbane and Washington DC.
The stunning outdoor learning space known as ‘The Den’ at Scoil Mhuire Stranorlar created by artist Alex Pentek. Photo: Gerard McHugh
Scoil Mhuire are thrilled to have such a work of art in their grounds knowing that it will be a source of wonder and inspiration for generations of children to come.
This project was funded by the Percent for Art programme through the Department of Education and Youth.
The project co-ordinator, Teresa Mc Nulty, was supported in bringing this work to completion by Traolach O’Fionnainn, County Arts Officer, Francis P Quinn, chairperson of the Board of Management and Gregg Smeaton, architect.
Fr Kieran Mc Ateer was in attendance and blessed the outdoor learning space which has come to be known as ‘The Den’.
Fr Kieran McAteer blesses the outdoor learning space which has come to be known as ‘The Den’ at Scoil Mhuire on Friday last. Photo: Gerard McHugh
The official launch and ribbon-cutting were carried out by Principal Eoghan Roarty, artist Alex Pentek, and pupils Siún Alexander (6th Class) and Farida Hamada Bayoumi (Junior Infants), to the cheers of Scoil Mhuire’s 500 pupils.
The children had more fun in the spring sunshine with the raising of two flags which can now be seen flying high above the school gates.
These flags represent the culmination of two important initiatives which have been ongoing for many months in Scoil Mhuire.
The Green School Flag was raised by Angela Gallinagh, who taught in Scoil Mhuire for many years and achieved ten Green Flags before her retirement.
Pictured at the official launch of the outdoor learning space at Scoil Mhuire Stranorlar are Celine McGlynn; Principal Eoghan Roarty; Siún Alexander (6th Class); Farida Hamada Bayoumi (Junior Infants); artist Alex Pentek; and Fr Kieran McAteer. Back row (l–r): Jolie McMullin (Board of Management); Traolach O’Fionnainn (County Arts Officer); Sinead Gallen (Student Council Co-ordinator); Francis P. Quinn (Chairperson, Board of Management); John McHugh (McHugh Brod Builders); Teresa McNulty (Project Co-ordinator); and Noelle Moy (Teacher, Scoil Mhuire). Photo: Gerard McHugh
The school is now proud to be flying its eleventh flag – the Primary Climate Ambassadors flag.
This flag was achieved through recycling, reducing food waste, growing vegetables, creating natural spaces for pollinators and hanging bird boxes- work carried out by the pupils under the guidance of Luke Cape.
The Cineáltas flag was raised by Gerard Mc Hugh, who has been a part of the Scoil Mhuire community for many years.
Eoghan Roarty, Principal of Scoil Mhuire Stranorlar, pictured speaking at the school’s event last Friday. Photo: Gerard McHugh
Gerard has generously given his time to so many school events and initiatives from local history talks to school photographs and his kindness captures the spirit of the flag.
The Cineáltas flag is awarded in recognition of the school’s work in addressing and preventing bullying, led in Scoil Mhuire by Noelle Moy.
The school works to promote caring, kind, brave and respectful behaviour in line with the Bí Cineálta (Be Kind) policy.
This wonderful day of celebration was brought to a close by an afternoon of movies and popcorn organised by the Student Council, which is coordinated by Sinéad Gallen.
