Portpatrick Primary pupils have recently made some new friends from across the water in N Ireland.
Mr Gary Blair from the Ulster Scots agency, got in touch with the school and asked if they would like to be part of this innovative twinning project. Mrs Baillie (head teacher) jumped at the chance to develop literacy skills and forge a bond with a school, which could almost be seen across the water from Portpatrick.
Once it was established the project would go ahead, both sets of pupils exchange a mini cv, which told each other a little more about themselves. Pupils in Portpatrick p5-7 were matched, by their class teacher Ms Whorlow, to a buddy from Ireland who had similar interests.
On Thursday 24th September 2015, 13 pupils from Kirkistown Primary arrived at Portpatrick Primary. the had an early start, having left school at 5.30am to get the 7.30am boat to Cairnryan. On arrival at Portpatrick Primary they were give a tour of the school and grounds, by their buddy.
Soon, both sets of pupils were off on a bus for a fun filled afternoon of chocolate and socialisation at The Cocoa Bean factory at Twynolm. The children got to know each other and enjoyed a workshop making chocolate goodies and playing outside in the adventure playground.
The Irish visitors spent the night at the Mount Stewart Hotel in Portpatrick, before getting up early again to head off with Portpatrick pupils to Wigtown Book festival. Both schools heard from authors Phil Earl and Cathy Mc Phail, before a final farewell ceremony was held in a marquee at Wigtown.
Mr Gary Blair from the Ulster Scots agency presented both sets of pupils with a certificate for their participation in this twinning project. Mrs Baillie from Portpatrick Primary asked the Portpatrick pupils to hand over a goodie bag of souvenirs, to their new found buddies. The bag contained pencils, sharpeners and a rubber from the RNLI shed at Portpatrick, as well as a pen from the school.
All staff and pupils voted the experience a massive success. It was thoroughly enjoyable and enabled children to link up socially through a literacy project. It is hoped that the links will continue as pupils from Portpatrick have already written thank you letters to their new friends and will aim to keep in touch in the future.
The school would like to express thanks to Mr Blair from the Ulster Scots agency for making this all possible. Have a look at the photographs our Irish friends posted online- http://www.kirkistownps.com/primary-7.html
We had an amazing time. The children really enjoyed themselves and, in fact, so did all the staff.
Many many thanks for being such great hosts.
We hope to return the favour some time in the near future.
I am glad you all enjoyed visiting us, you are all welcome back anytime, it was a pleasure having you all across. The children have been busy writing letters to their friends in Ireland today – hope they reach you safely.
Speak soon!
Mrs Baillie