Today we celebrated Proclamation Day in our school. The idea behind this special day was to remember our history and in particular the events of 1916, to reflect on our achievements as a Republic over the past century and to re-imagine our future for coming generations. All the children of St. Tolas, the staff, many parents and members of our Board of Management gathered in the halla at 11am.

Our celebrations began with 4th class re-enacting the events of the 1916 Rising. 1st and 2nd classes sang Beidh Aonach Amárach. Junior Infants did an awesome rap called A haon, dó, trí. 5th class informed us on the origins and history of our national flag. 3rd class sang Trasna na dTonnta and Óró sé do Bheatha Bhaile, which was sang by Irish rebels during the Easter Rising. Senior Infants performed an Irish poem called Rólo ar Strae. Finally, 6th class gave us a sequenced summary of the events of 1916 and then they read out their own proclamation which they composed themselves. This proclamation highlighted areas in Irish society that they felt need to be improved in order to help future generations of our proud country.

The entire school then went out to the front yard. 5th class played Amhráin na bhFiann on the tinwhistles as John Quinlivan hoisted the Irish tricolour, with the assistance of Aoibhin, Cian and Kevin our caretaker. To finish off our days events, the entire school sang Amhráin na bhFiann. We really enjoyed preparing for this special day and it makes us really proud of the country in which we live. Well done to all classes for their hard work and for making this day a memorable one in our school’s history.