International artist launches 'stunning' work at Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar

Friday the 13th was a lucky day for the children of Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar.

The books were forgotten for the day as the school took time to celebrate its many recent achievements.

The main event was the opening of a stunning outdoor learning space. Created by artist Alex Pentek, the folded stainless-steel canopy contains designs based on the pattern of local leaves, which the school children worked with the artist to create.

READ NEXT: Donegal couple celebrate wedding in St Peter’s Basilica

Smooth wooden seating swirls inside to create a wonderful environment for outdoor learning. Artist, Alex Pentek, has been commissioned to create public art all over the world as far afield as Ontario, Brisbane and Washington DC. Scoil Mhuire are thrilled to have such a work of art in its grounds, knowing that it will be a source of wonder and inspiration for generations of children to come.

This project was funded by the Percent for Art programme through the Department of Education and Youth. The project co-ordinator, Teresa McNulty, was supported in bringing this work to completion by Traolach O’Fionnainn, County Arts Officer, Francis P. Quinn, chairperson of the Board of Management and Gregg Smeaton, architect.

Fr. Kieran McAteer was in attendance and blessed the outdoor learning space, which has come to be known as ‘The Den’. The official launch and cutting of the ribbon was carried out by principal Eoghan Roarty, artist Alex Pentek and pupils Siún Alexander (sixth class) and Farida Hamada Bayoumi (junior infants), to the cheers of the five hundred Scoil Mhuire pupils.

The children had more fun in the spring sunshine with the raising of two flags, which can now be seen flying high above the school gates. These flags represent the culmination of two important initiatives which have been ongoing for many months in Scoil Mhuire.

The Green School Flag was raised by Angela Gallinagh. Angela taught in Scoil Mhuire for many years and achieved ten Green Flags before her retirement. The school is now proud to be flying its 11th flag - the Primary Climate Ambassadors flag. This flag was achieved through recycling, reducing food waste, growing vegetables, creating natural spaces for pollinators and hanging bird boxes- work carried out by the pupils under the guidance of Luke Cape.

The Cineáltas flag was raised by Gerard McHugh, who has been a part of the Scoil Mhuire community for many years. Gerard has generously given his time to so many school events and initiatives, from local history talks to school photographs and his kindness captures the spirit of the flag. The Cineáltas flag is awarded in recognition of the school’s work in addressing and preventing bullying, led in Scoil Mhuire by Noelle Moy. The school works to promote caring, kind, brave and respectful behaviour in line with the Bí Cineálta (Be Kind) policy.

This wonderful day of celebration was brought to a close by an afternoon of movies and popcorn organised by the Student Council, which is coordinated by Sinéad Gallen.