Mayo school renews German school twinning programme this week
THE German Department in Davitt College, Castlebar, is extremely busy this week as it welcomes teachers and students today (Tuesday) from its sister school, the Realschule Höchstadt.
Davitt College is very proud of its strong links with the Realschule Höchstadt in Höchstadt, which is Castlebar's twin town.
This partnership is now over 20 years in existence and began in 2002 when Ulrich Langer, who was deputy principal of the Realschule Höchstadt, visited Davitt College and spoke to former principal Patsy Noone about setting up links between the schools. Mr. Noone and Maria Carey (German teacher) supported the concept and so, the foundation was laid for this very special path of friendship.
Many exchange visits have occurred in the intervening years between Davitt College German language learners and English language learners from the Realschule.
The twinning programme at the Realschule was taken over by Tanya Fisher Lehman (English/IT teacher), whose belief, energy, diligence and enthusiasm has ensured this special partnership has remained vibrant.
This week, Davitt College is privileged to welcome a group of 25 students and two teachers from the Realschule Höchstadt. The Realschule Höchstadt, which is an Erasmus plus accredited school, is a mixed secondary school in the town of Höchstadt in Bavaria, with over 800 students.
The group will be welcomed officially to Davitt College by principal Conor O’Reilly. Visiting students will partner up with fifth year students of German in Davitt College and the group will engage in project work which will be of huge benefit to both.
There is a programme of events organised for the German students who will shadow their Irish partners throughout the school day, getting a feel for the Irish school system.
They will attend introductory classes to the Irish language, history class on Famine times in Mayo, as well as German language classes where they can introduce their school and everyday lives to the Mayo learners.
They will get a taste of all things Irish, including Irish music and Irish dance, and will enjoy a selection of workshops, from jewellery making to an Irish musical instrument workshop.
Afternoons will be spent shopping local in Castlebar and exploring the surrounding areas, including the Museum of Country Life in Turlough, Famine Memorial at Murrisk, the Céide Fields, Mullet Peninsula in Belmullet and Achill Island.
The German group will be welcomed officially to Castlebar by Castlebar Municipal District this evening (Tuesday, April 9) at the Scouts Den building.
Die Schulleitung, die Lehrkräfte, die Schüler und Schülerinnen von Davitt College heißen unsere deutschen Partner herzlich willkommen! Senior management, staff and students at Davitt College look forward to welcoming their German partners!
Davitt College acknowledges the importance of its strong links with its sister school in Germany and is confident that this partnership will continue to grow and flourish over the coming years.