School Mhuire

If you are wondering how to pronounce that, we've been told the mh- consonants together make a wh- sound in Irish, so it's something like "School Whuora", when you hear people saying it. We just try, and most times people understand where it is we are doing our prácticas :) 

School Mhuire is very proud of its strong music tradition. And no wonder! I am definetly taking their idea of using music for all different occasions and/or purposes in teaching at school. It would be great if we could do something like this in the schools back home.  They have a great band (they've even travelled to New York representing the school!). Sister Anna is the nun that has been leading it for some 25 years. She also was the principal until two years ago. Everyone we have met just loves and looks up to her and what she does. We do too.

The school is also really artistic. All the walls seem to have original and colourful drawings, projects and posters hanging on them as part of what the girls prepare or do in their classes. We've discovered they make great backgrounds for pictures too! Here are some photos of the hall, staff room and some girls in art class (oh yeah, I LOVE the wall-to-wall windows in each class. No matter how old the school is, this was the greatest of ideas. As you can probably notice, the sun, when it shines, brings in so much light and warmth - really important, warmth!) and the big "Bienvenidos" poster they've made with all of our names and pictures on it. I know it's kind of tiny, but you might be able to find someone you know in it.

Then there's the choir.  We were in for a lovely treat on our first day at the school. The girls from 4th, 5th and 6th class were praciticing a few songs. The occasion was a little sad this time; two girls in school had just lost their daddy. The teachers and girls got together and practiced for the funeral. For some reason I was very moved during the practice, and then during the service. They all did a fantastic job. The lyrics and music sang by these little girls was so beautiful. I actually recorded many songs, my favourite is based on the scripture in Ecclesiastes: "To everything there is a season". I recorded all and now I can't post them, but I wanted to share that experience anyway. So, for now, I'll just post the words of this farewell song they sang, it has such a nice harmony to it...

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be at your side

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May the rain fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again

May you keep safe in the gentle, loving arms of God

For everything there is a season,

A time for living

A time for going home, 

In all things God is near always guiding your way.