Tramore's Ardscoil na Mara welcomes Chicago visitors
A group of Ardscoil na Mara traditional musicians who performed for the American visitors. Photo: John Power
Ardscoil na Mara was delighted to welcome fellow Edmund Rice school leaders, Kristy Kane and Laura Storino, from St. Laurence High School in Chicago, to the school recently. The pair were visiting Ireland as part of a pre-exchange visit ahead of bringing their students here in March.
In October of last year, Ardscoil na Mara Principal Pádraig Cawley, Deputy Principal Aoife Denton, and four students travelled to Chicago for the first leg of the exchange programme. They were warmly welcomed by St. Laurence High School and Brother Rice School. During the visit, the students stayed with local host families and attended school for three days.
The group then travelled to New York, where Brother Kevin Cawley led them on a fascinating tour of the United Nations. The exchange continued in New Jersey at the Action Conference, organised by Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America. This event, attended by Edmund Rice schools from across North America, focused on advocacy projects. Students returned home inspired and motivated to continue their work as Edmund Rice Ambassadors.
The exchange programme has been organised in collaboration with Cormac McArt from the Westcourt Centre Social Justice Desk in Belfast.
The return exchange in March will see students from Brother Rice College, St. Laurence High School (Chicago), and St. Thomas More Collegiate (Canada) travelling to Ireland. The programme will include visits to Edmund Rice schools and outreach projects in Belfast, as well as visits to schools in Kilkenny, Waterford City, and Tramore.
This exciting partnership offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the Edmund Rice ethos on an international level and to develop their leadership and advocacy skills.
