Unique clann system at Franciscan College, Gormanston
AS we welcome the new students at the start of the school year it is a good time to highlight and explain the unique Clann System that we have at Franciscan College Gormanston.
To quote from the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone, “Welcome to Hogwarts”, said Professor McGonagall, “Before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses… while you are here your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts”. The four houses referred to are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
Similar to Harry Potter, the college has a long and unique history, reflected in its Clann System. When each student joins the school they are randomly selected as members of one of the four Clanns namely Antoine, Eanna, Froinsias and Padraig (named after Irish Saints). Students remain in their Clann for the duration of their education in Gormanston. If a new student has a family member already attending the school they will automatically join the same Clann.
“The thing that stands out to me the most is the overwhelming sense of community and family and that is the ethos of the college. From day one, you feel as though you belong. You are part of a Clann that takes you under their wing and ensures your well-being”. – Elysha Brennan Past Pupil said during her tenure ship as International Rose of Tralee 2015.
“Being part of a Clann was definitely like being in a family”. – Former pupil and current teacher, Niall Black
The Clann System is about encouragement, both inside and outside the classroom and on developing talents, discovery of new interests and preparation for the world beyond school. There are an enormous range of Clann activities run throughout the school calendar, sporting and non-sporting events and activities specific to the school. Such a wide diversity of Clann activities ensures all students are able to take part, achieve and feel valued.
Clann prefects give tremendous service to their Clanns and are excellent role models for our younger students. The prefects work hard to encourage participation among all Clann members. To quote Michael Briscoe Past Pupil and Head Boy 2015-16 from his leaving speech, ‘ The Clanns… as powerful as any family could be and just as loving, these institutions are the epitome of Gormanston’.
Each Clann has a Caomhnóir (Irish for Guardian) who is a teacher in the school, also looking after a Clann by co-ordinating events and encouraging students to participate. Caomhnóiri are also available on a holistic level for students to meet with and talk about certain areas of school life. This is particularly useful for new students as they adapt to their school.
Time and time again parents, students and past pupils tell us how important the Clann System was to their lives. To quote Michael Briscoe further “For the Clann” was much more than a simple three word sentence, it was an honour, a badge you wore with pride. E Puribus Unum, out of many one.’
Throughout the academic year students are encouraged to gain points for their Clann. Points accumulate as part of the “Clann of the Year” competition. Prizes are awarded to Clanns who lead at Christmas and also at the end of the school year. Points can be achieved by students through positive results, efforts and attitudes in class. Students can also gain points for their Clann through taking part in extra-curricular activities and Clann events.
The beauty of the Clann System is that it encourages vertical integration of the year groups and to support this, locker areas are divided into the four Clanns rather than year groupings.
One of the biggest occasions on the school calendar is Clann Sports Day, with the 2018 event living up to and exceeding expectations. The competitive spirit was alive and well from the very start, when the “Clash of the Clanns” began. The highlight of the day was the 4-way tug of war that allowed the four Clanns to test their strength at the same time. This was followed by a teacher ‘v’ student tug of war.
Sports Day 2018 was won by Clann Froinsias and Caomhnoir Tom Buckley said of its success, “We are fortunate that we have so many students who are always willing to give their best for their Clann”. The motto for Clan Froinsias is Semper Optimum – “Always The Best”.
Ultimately, the Clann System here in Gormanston makes everyone feel valued, involved in their school, a school where it is normal and natural for students to help each other – so benefitting everyone.
‘Education is not a mechanical system, it is a human system’, says College Principal Mr Dermot Lavin. ‘ The Clann System is a scheme that harnesses all the good in students – sees that students form new kinds of connections which enrich school life and enhance the education, every day’.
Mr Lavin went on further to say, ‘ The Clann system is our school community, a community of people, people who matter’.
At the end of the first Harry Potter book as House Gryffindor is awarded the House Cup for the first time, in a long time, it quotes ‘It was the best evening of Harry’s life, better than winning at Quidditch or Christmas or knocking out mountain trolls – he would never forget tonight’. This is a feeling the school emanates with the Clann System…..