Mr. Traynor, Mr. McKenna and a group of our P5 pupils had a very enjoyable and memorable experience at the Creative Connections Celebration Day, held in the stunning Guildhall in Derry.

From the outset, it was clear this was a very special occasion. We were warmly welcomed and treated to a delicious breakfast, alongside pupils and staff from schools right across Ireland. With over 40 schools and more than 160 pupils present, the atmosphere was vibrant, celebratory and full of creativity.

The day was packed with exciting opportunities for our pupils to explore and express their creativity. They took on the fun challenge of designing and making their own ducks in under a minute, explored the Guildhall on a guided tour capturing unique patterns and architectural details through photography, and enjoyed an exclusive visit to the Derry Girls exhibition.  A standout moment was the lively and interactive Human Orchestra, which brought great energy and excitement to the group, before the day concluded. 

In the lead-up to the event, Mr McKenna’s Year 5 class took part in a Creative Connections filming project, where a professional crew captured the pupils sharing their artwork and drama and reflecting on their creative journey. They spoke confidently about their experiences, and we were very proud to see them featured in the official Celebration Day video.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Kelly, Alanna and all those involved in organising such an inspiring and memorable event. It was a wonderful day that celebrated creativity, collaboration and confidence—leaving our pupils with experiences they will treasure for years to come.

Well done, Year 5—you should be incredibly proud of your creativity!