The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
From Spain to Ardfert for summer students
ARDFERT National School is currently hosting a group of Spanish students from Valencia who are learning English and experiencing the sights and delights that Kerry has to offer.
The students are under the guidance of teacher Joe Barrett, and are spending the majority of their time in north Kerry attending formal classes in Ardfert National School.
Joe is a native of the Spa but now lives in Valencia with his wife Bea and their two children where he runs an English Language School. This is Joe’s first time bringing students on a two-week educational experience to Kerry.
School Principal, Betty Stack, is delighted the group have come to Ardfert NS and is only too happy to open the school doors so students can avail of the excellent facilities. Students will stay with local host families in the area and they are enjoying the best in Irish hospitality.
Joe’s sister Noelle, who is trained in Opera and Music Theatre, and Laura Lee Curtin from the Gaiety School of Acting will work with the students in the afternoons, giving them a chance to work creatively and in a fun way promoting their talents through the medium of English. Sport will also form part of the curriculum where the students will learn about Gaelic football and hurling.
Joe is the son of Anne Barrett who was a teacher in Balloonagh NS and a wonderful pianist, renowned for her outstanding parish work with her choirs and concerts. Joe is also the grandson of the famous Joe Joe Barrett who played Gaelic football with his local club Austin Stacks and was a member of the Kerry team from 1923 until 1933 captaining them to All-Ireland titles in 1929 and 1932.
Joe Barrett and Betty Stack are delighted with this new development and hope this is only the beginning of what will be a wonderful venture, beneficial to all involved.
If anyone is interested in becoming a host family in 2018, contact Ardfert National School to make further inquiries.