Kilbride NS pupils forge links with Boyne City school students

The latest initiative for Trim Tourism Network's Boyne Valley twinning programme has seen Kilbride National School forging links with an elementary class in Boyne City School in Michigan in the US.

Under the dedicated watchful eye of their teacher Mrs Lynette Mallee, 5th and 6th class pupils of Kilbride National School have been engaging with the twinning programme since October.

Twinned with a elementary level class in Boyne City School, pupils engage in regular activities, communication and “virtual” video meet ups in the classroom.

Thanks to the Twinning Programme, it is bringing a new cultural and educational experience to both sets of pupils and is helping to demonstrate what a twinning is really all about – our pupils and schools forming an alliance with other schools so far away, yet so close historically.

Mrs Mallee spoke of the educational and social benefits the programme is having, not only on her pupils, but also herself professionally.

“Kilbride National School are delighted to have been chosen to be paired with Boyne Middle School, as part of the Boyne Twinning initiative. Personally I have developed a wonderful relationship with the American teacher, Megan Burgess, and together we are continuously sharing ideas with one another.

"So far we have paired our students as penpals, exchanging our third letter this week. The children have been very excited to read and write letters and are delighted to see envelopes, all the way from America, arriving in our post box.

"We also shared our Christmas experiences with one another. We sent and received videos and photographs and we also sent boxes of local treats to one anothers' classes for Christmas, one of these was even a copy of the Meath Chronicle.

"We intend to continue our partnership and look forward to sharing our work and ideas throughout the coming academic year. It has added a new dimension to both of our classrooms and has been a very positive experience for all involved.”

Mícheál Kerr, who is coordinating the Educational element to the Twinning Programme, and member of Trim Tourism Network, complimented Kilbride National School on their efforts and work to date.

“It is heart-warming to see the local kids from Kilbride National School enjoying and engaging with the programme so well as they get to know their Boyne Valley counterparts. Huge credit as well to Mrs Mallee for her continued dedication to the programme. It has become a real success story, pure credit to a fantastic school.”

It is hoped that the programme will be offered and rolled out to other primary schools in the Boyne Valley here in Meath after the summer, using Kilbride National School as a successful working model.