" Fittin in" at School

Photos, top to bottom:
Summer,Stephen & Paris in their school uniforms
Secondary school,Carna
Stephen,arriving at his school
School's out




Stephen is in sixth grade in the primary school in Ardmore. He taking the following classes: math, spelling, English, Irish, science, geography, reading and physical education. He is with eight other 6th graders, as well as ten other 5th graders. He has not struggled at all. He has tested up to 100% for some end of the year tests already. The classes are mainly taught in Irish, but there is some English spoken as well, especially for him. He is picking up the Irish language the most, amongst our three children. There has been a little Irish dancing taught in PE. He also plays soccer. Recently, he scored a goal from midfield, which his schoolmate told him was a “class goal”. He was proud of that moment. He has had a school friend over to teach him baseball. That was a big hit, so to speak.

He also goes to his friend’s house and plays various games. His friend went to Florida for the October break. He went to the major amusement parks. Many of the people here have relatives in the states. They live mostly in the east, especially the Boston area. Typically, their relatives here have visited them, often frequently. I usually take Justine and Stephen to the local store by his school, on my way to the clinic each morning. Justine soon after drops him off when the school opens, then she walks the mile home. She walks back and gets him each afternoon. She has become quite recognized, walking the road each day. Sometimes, a teacher, or even a complete stranger, will give them a ride. The strangers are local residents. One gave her a big fresh salmon. The girls ride the school bus, we pay 300 euros each, for the year. They stand across the street from our house each morning, often in the cold blowing wind. If one misses the bus, no big deal, as I leave around the same time. The bus really helps with their return, four miles, as I work until 6 or 7 at night, and we have one car. So far Justine is not driving, and I often use it on call up to 4 days per week.

Summer and Paris are in the secondary school. It is also called the National school. There are about 130 kids in the whole school, grade 7 “1st year” thru grade 13 “6th year”. Summer’s classes are: Irish language, maths (yes there is an s) English, social personal health education, business, history, geography, PE, German, science, art, home economics, religion and OSSP (personal rights and responsibilities). She is learning Irish, the teacher helps her individually, speaking to her mostly in English. Most of her classes are taught in Irish, but she follows along and picks up the concepts, as most of her books are in English. Also, some or the subject materials are just review for her. In PE, she played handball, with a net, and her classmates are learning volleyball, something Summer knows quite well, thanks to her coaches in Stanwood. Business has taught her about income and expenses, and tracking this. Religion has taught her about community, eye contact and body language, to date. Summer just got a county wide award for an art poster that she drew, along with forty euros.The whole school starts each day with a prayer in Irish. That is the only secular reference all day. There is a free breakfast, consisting of tea and cereal. The free lunch is a sandwich, with choices of tuna, ham and cheese. Also hot chocolate or tea. Fruit is 5-10 cents.

The only gas station in Carna happens to be across the street, where you see the school kids crossing to get their sugary items. Gas is 1.33 euro ($1.86) for 1 liter unleaded, and 1.26 for diesel (I have to brag that my diesel Renault station wagon gets 65 mpg, thank God-after I fill it up, for 60 euros, it says I can go 755 miles). Gas just went up, government mandated, so now I pay 1.33 euro per liter, about 2 more euros per tank, to help pay for the national debt, incurred by the bankers. The report from the gas station owner is that the girls are “fitting in” well. This is a familiar saying as daily patients ask how are the kids “fitting in” at school. It is nice to have eyes around. She says she sees Paris and Summer surrounded by other kids. They say that there are no clicks, and everyone is real friendly to them.

Paris has most of the same classes as Summer, and is actually in one class together with her. She studied private limited companies in business. She made chicken curry in home economics. Math is algebra. She gets a fly in Irish. Religion is teaching Christianity principles. OSSP teaches Ireland’s government. She is reading a drama play in English. The principle expects about 1.5 hours of homework per night. Geography now has geology subjects. Also, most of her classes are taught in Irish, and may be repeated in English, apparently not just for Paris. Paris says the students prefer to learn in English, claiming that it is easier. PE is currently co ed volleyball. Art is lineal prints. Science is already the subject of physics.

School was the biggest concern for Justine and me, on this adventure. It is a great relief that this component of our worries is not a big worry.