Visitors from Tarleton State University
At the beginning of June, a cohort of doctoral students and academic staff from Tarleton State University came to visit St. Patrick's Campus, DCU. As part of this visit, a trip to a local DCU Changemaker School was arranged. Conor Doyle, principal of Francis Street School in the Liberties, Dublin, hosted the visiting group to showcase the work that they do with their pupils and community and to demonstrate the essence of Changemaker schools.
The day started with Conor giving an informative overview of the history of the school and the local community. Leading on from this, we were brought on a tour of Francis Street School, while Conor highlighted the many initiatives that their school takes part in as well as the impact they have on their school community. We were lucky to get the opportunity to see 4th class working on their writing - the visitors asked the children about their work and the children asked about school life in Texas.
Group of Students from Francis Street Singing
After the tour, Conor hosted a panel discussion with children from 4th and 5th class. The children spoke confidently and effortlessly about their experiences in school and what ‘being a changemaker’ means to them. They also shared their hopes and aspirations for their futures with the group.
We were then treated to a magical performance, as another group of children sang songs, which brought some of the audience to tears! All of the children were truly incredible and all who were present were so impressed with how eloquently the children shared their ideas and opinions.
It was an absolutely terrific morning in Francis Street School and we are incredibly grateful to principal, Conor Doyle and his staff, for hosting the visitors from Tarleton State University!