European Schools Exchange Programme (Comenius Programme)

St. Oliver's National School is engaged in the European Schools Exchange Programme 2010-2013.

This scheme is funded by the European Union and promotes school exchange visits for teachers with the primary aim of sharing best practice and learning of the systems and policies of schools in different European states. The programme also aims to bring pupils to a greater understanding of the cultures and traditions of our European neighbours. Our cluster of schools in the current programme, come from 13 European countries. Storytelling has been identified as the theme of our project work. Each school has created a character and a story and this character travels to each host school in turn carrying its story. St. Oliver's character is Oisin, a small red deer who has lived in Killarney for thousands of years. His travels throughout Europe are mapped on a noticeboard in our halla and we can follow his adventures online at www.jhjgguggui.com We have received characters from England (Paddington Bear), Italy (Stella) and Croatia (Cvita). Our Junior Infants, First and Second classes respectively have welcomed these characters.

From April 4th – 8th 2011 27 teachers from our partner schools in 13 countries came to visit our school. They visited our classrooms, met our pupils, staff, board and parents and sampled life in our school. Pictures of their visit are stored in our Gallery section.

The Comenius Programme Co-Ordinator in our school is Mrs. Mairead Kerrisk