19 Mar Sign Language – A Unique Opportunity
In early September the mother of one of our first year students offered to run Sign Language classes in the school. This offered a unique opportunity for Transition Year and 5th Year students to use it as part of the “Gaisce – The President’s Awards”. While 15 students initially enrolled in the class, 7 successfully completed the course in basic Sign Language.
Those who participated found the experience extremely rewarding, we never realised how much fun could happen in “silence” and without exception we hope to continue the classes. The Peace & Justice Group in Coláiste Éanna raised funds for the Holy Family Primary School (for the Deaf) in Cabra, as with a lot of primary schools, extra funds are always welcome. The 7 students visited the Primary School last week so that the pupils there could offer their thanks in their own unique way. The students who completed the course were, Kelvyn Fields, Ciarán O’Reilly, Mati Karski, Patrick Farrington, Rory Duggan, Ryan Sanchez & James Clarke.
On our visit to the school we were entertained to a rendition of “Ireland’s Call” in preparation for the rugby international between Ireland & England. We then had to join in to sing/sign “Molly Malone” and to do some ceilí dancing. Visiting the school for the deaf gave us a further insight into the world of those who cannot hear.
We also got to meet Shirley, the lady who conducts “Deaftones” on Ireland’s Got Talent as a number of the choir’s members are in the Holy Family Post Primary School. Shirley explained that deaf people experience music in a variety of ways including sensing sound through vibrations and lip reading. Shirley asked, if we are watching and voting in IGT to remember “Deaftones”.
Presentation to Principal Liz 
Pupils sign “Ireland’s Call”