Katie Hunter |
On Wednesday 27th January, the English department held a Burns’ Day Breakfast which proved a success. The event was a celebration of the work and life of Robert Burns who is widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet.
The Burns Breakfast began at 10.50am, when we began welcoming special guests such as Wendy McNab (president of the “Burns’ Club”), retired teacher Mrs Douglas and a spokesperson from the Rotary Club. Pupils from both first and second year were also in attendance, including the full class of 2A and 2C, and were seated at the many well-dressed tables around the room, displaying traditional tartans and Scottish flags as well as selection of Scottish favourites including shortbread, digestives, snowballs and not forgetting our ‘Other National Drink” IRN-BRU.
The celebration officially began with a warm welcome from English teacher Miss D’arcy. She introduced to us pupils Brendan and Jimmy, our two comical hosts. They played a vital part in the event and introduced a wide range of acts to us.
After a very humorous introduction, we were asked to stand and join in with our Scottish National Anthem “O Flower Of Scotland”. St Andrew’s and St Bride’s staff and pupils sang with enthusiasm and pride.
A second year group then taught us all about the work and life of Burns by producing a detailed and interesting powerpoint presentation, helping everyone to understand the heritage and importance of Robert Burns in literature. Following which six country dancers from second year gave a flawless performance. Brendan and Jimmy later joked that there should be country dancing in the street at lunchtimes.
There was a special thank you by third year Kieran McGinn to Mrs Nelson, where she was presented with flowers for all the hard work in organising the event and the dedication she continued to give to her classes during this period.
There were then a number of poems read about traditional Scottish favourites such as Tunnocks Teacakes and Irn Bru, often referred to as the national drink of Scotland.
After the great and creative poems, everyone tucked into the tasty treats provided.
Numerous toasts to teachers followed our snacks. This included toasts to Mrs Mullen, our headteacher, one of our deputes, Mr Nelson, and three of our guidance teachers, Miss McLaughlin, Mrs Pearson and Miss Darcy.
All the way from St Leonards Primary School, a fabulous group of primary seven Scottish country dancers gave us a brilliant performance. They were a credit to St Leonard’s!
Many musical performances were to follow this with “Jacobites” sung by Miss Darcy and 3 junior pupils, Emma Duffy playing “Red Red Rose” on the keyboard, which was later sung by Ciara Briody and Eve Gilby and Caledonia sung by the S2 band.
To conclude the exciting celebrations, everyone stood and joined in with singing “Auld Langs Syne”. Teachers and pupils alike sang in unison a Scottish song, often associated with New Year and the bells at midnight.
The celebration was a resounding success and was enjoyed by all who attended. On behalf of all the students, thank you to all who were involved in organising and taking part in the event, making it so enjoyable.
