KILLARNEY SCHOOL IS REAPING THE BENEFITS OF SCHOOL ARTS
FAHA National School is one of four schools in Kerry and 400 nationwide participating in the Creative Schools pilot programme – and it would seem kids in the Killarney school are embracing this opportunity with no little enthusiasm.
Faha – along with Fybough National School, Castlemaine; Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare; and Presentation Primary School, Castle Street, Tralee – successfully applied to participate from September of last year, and Principal Jerry Fitzgerald said his students are reaping the benefits.
The programme is an initiative of Creative Ireland and is led by the Arts Council in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills; and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Among its many aims is to cultivate and develop an interest in the arts and creativity in youngsters, and Jane Hayes is the Creative Associate assigned to do just that in Faha.
“It is a privilege to work with schools in the Kerry region, as Kerry has such a wealth of tradition in creativity and culture,” she said.
“Together we are striving to ensure that the arts and creativity are central to the life of participating schools across the curriculum and are celebrated for their contribution to the learning and development of our children and young people.”
Creative Associates tailor a unique programme for each school based on its needs and priorities, and Mr Fitzgerald seems more than pleased with the plan in place at his school.
“Our students look forward to the work they do with Jane, and the school is developing an even greater understanding of the power of creativity and the arts, [adding] to their learning and personal development,” he said. “We are delighted to be taking part”.