Bishop opens new learning spaces during visit to school in Offaly

OXMANTOWN National School, Birr celebrated Multicultural Day recently. The Principal, Ms Violet Barnwell, explained the idea behind the special occasion,

“Inclusion, tolerance, acceptance and kindness are central to the ethos of Oxmantown school. It is very important to us that all communities within the school feel a sense of belonging. There are fourteen nationalities represented at the school. This day is a chance for the children to proudly share aspects of their own cultural background. However, as a famous peace maker once said,

“The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border? And so, Multicultural Day is also about honouring and celebrating the similarities and differences between cultures at our school.”

Prior to the event, families collaborated with each other in order to decide on ways in which the school could celebrate the day. A stall space was set up in the school hall for every nationality. Traditional dishes were prepared with love and information/picture boards were assembled in the days coming up to the event. The day itself was one filled with the sound of traditional music, the colour of folk costume and the aromas of delicious foods. Ms Barnwell explained.

“Of course an entire country’s culture cannot be captured by a single display, however, it was so nice to get a glimpse of aspects of culture that are important to families in our school.”

The principal went on to explain that Multicultural Day is “not just an event to celebrate once a year, it is part of a larger effort to promote an appreciation for diversity in our school and our world. Students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life. This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others.”

Bishop Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, and Birr Rector, Reverend Arthur Minion, were there to share in the celebrations. The children sang traditional songs, played instruments and danced. A project, If the World were a Village of 100 People, was presented as part of Global Citizenship Education by the senior classes.

The school also took the opportunity to remember Archdeacon Wayne Carney who passed away in 2020. He served as Chairperson of Oxmantown School for many years. Ms Barnwell remarked, “Archdeacon Carney loved days like this at the school, the celebration of difference was very important to him. He believed strongly in the importance of ecumenical services amongst the local parishes”.

Archdeacon Carney’s wife, Reverend Jean Carney, was invited to plant a maple tree (a tribute to Archdeacon Carney’s Canadian roots), in memory of a man greatly missed by the school.

Some new learning spaces were also opened by Bishop Burrows at the school on the day. A beautiful outdoor classroom, built recently by Mick Danagher, Birr, provides a wonderful outdoor learning area. Ms Barnwell thanked him saying,

“We are truly grateful for Mick’s skill and the heart he put into making this for our children. We plan to use the space for science lessons, art lessons, workshops or simply just as a place to have classes outside the walls of the classroom.”

A new library was also formally opened at the school. This project was part funded by the proceeds of the school’s Easter Lenten Sale which was co-ordinated by the sixth class pupils. Ms Barnwell explained that the creativity and entrepreneurial skills of those children made the sale a great success. She told the children that the stunning library was their wonderful gift to the school. The library, also fitted with digital learning equipment, was crafted by Ciaran Darcy Kitchens, Daingean.

Ms Barnwell left the school community with the words of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the U.S.

“We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”