Different class at Colàiste Eoin

THE 50th anniversary celebrations continued with great gusto at Colàiste Eoin last week when some very special guests from the USA held a special workshop for the young Finglas students.

It was a case of the Young Americans meeting the Young Northsiders in a series of workshops that culminated in an amazing performance in the school last Thursday (February 6).

The Young Americans is a non-profit group formed in Hollywood 50 years ago, around the same time Colàiste Eoin took in its first pupils. The group’s mission is to promote understanding and goodwill around the world through music, dance, performance, academic education and cultural interaction.

Think

‘Glee’ on steroids and you’ve got a picture of the Young American’s contagious energy, but the Finglas youngsters were an able match for them.

And while cynics might think it’s difficult to engage young people with their creativity, Colàiste Eoin, a typical Northside DEIS school, did just that in the workshops and last Thursday’s performance.

The students did their school proud and principal, Paula O’Brien, was delighted that it was such a rewarding experience.

“Students learn though active participation and through real life experiences,

? she said.

“We want to give every child the opportunity to explore their creative and academic strengths in Colàiste Eoin. In the Young Americans show every child performs, every child experiences success and every child explores their own creativity.

“Success builds confidence and self esteem and promotes self belief. The Young Americans is the ultimate holistic learning experience. It’s great fun, it champions and includes all, it’s for every child.

?

During the visit the Young Americans (www.youngamericans.org) ran a series of workshops with the students culminating in last Thursday’s performance in the school.

And it wasn’t just any school performance; it was a major, high octane, high energy show that astounded and delighted both performers and audience.

Back in November The Young American gave a short two hour workshop in the school as a taster to the three day workshops last week and the students couldn’t wait for them to return.

“I thought the Young Americans workshop was an unbelievable experience and it brought a fabulous atmosphere to the school,

? said Orla Kelly.

“We were like

‘Glee’ for two hours, even the teachers danced. Everyone was so excited and high on the energy the Young Americans brought.

?

Last week’s performance was the latest event to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Colàiste Eoin by the CDVEC (now CDETB). Three weeks ago the school welcomed President Michael D Higgins to celebrate the school’s educational service to the Finglas area and more events are planned throughout the year.