My name is Jennifer Gallivan, and I am an elementary education student from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A. I have completed my first week as a visitor to Coolderry Central, and I am very impressed with what I have seen thus far.
The building itself is a nice size with five classrooms, and there is ample room for the children to enjoy themselves outside as well. The staff is wonderful, and they are very warm and welcoming each day. In a rural area such as this, I am pleasantly surprised by the amount of computer technology which is available for the students' use. Coolderry Central provides the children with an excellent learning environment!
There are many differences between Coolderry and the U.S. Schools in which I have observed, and I am slowly (but surely) adjusting to these differences! Seeing as much of the day's conversation is spoken in Irish, there are times when I feel like a true outsider! I am finding that the children here are much more independent, academically and socially, than those in America. Unlike most classrooms in the States, four out of five of the classrooms in this school contain two different class levels. I commend Coolderry's staff on their great ability in dealing with this situation so well, as I would certainly find it difficult to divide my time as they are able to do! It is also quite interesting to witness the true religious immersion which encompasses Irish education. I am very easily adjusting to the tea breaks during the school day, and I am slowly converting from being a coffee-drinker to a tea-lover!
I only hope to enjoy my next six weeks here as much as I have enjoyed my first. The children are a joy to be around everyday. I am very thankful for Coolderry's staff for so kindly granting me this incredible opportunity!
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