Thursday evening last saw the annual gathering for the Parent Association’s Cuisine Night in Portlaoise Educate Together NS, a Halloween-themed event where parents bring delicious dishes from their heritage and children get to dress-up in their favourite costumes.
Frank McNally, local musician and the school’s resident DJ, Mc’d the memorable night with a disco for the children. This year saw numbers grow on last year’s jam packed event.
Siobhan Mannion chairperson of the PA said, ‘since 2016 the numbers have swelled for these events, parents and children seem to really love coming and mingling in a relaxed environment, there is a great buzz in the school halla!’
Jake Power, 2nd class student said, ‘I love going to the school party, because I get to dress-up and see my friends at night-time!’
The party doesn’t stop there for the children of PETNS as Friday see the school’s Student Council members host a Halloween games day for the entire school.
Games included broomstick racing, pin-the-pumpkin and spaghetti-slime dunking. Luca Cullen 6th Class student and senior member of the Student Council said ‘The aim of the games day is to bring joy, fun and inclusion to all the children in the school, this year has been a huge success and I love being part of it!’
Halloween is an iconic day and is growing in popularity in Ireland, it is safe to say it is celebrated with style at Portlaoise Educate Together NS by staff, students and parents alike, it seems to bring everyone together to celebrate despite the diversity in cultural and religious backgrounds.
It was most definitely a memorable one for the school calendar.
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