Scoil Santain showcase all that their school has to offer
By Mary Dennehy
AN INTERGENERATIONAL collaboration in one Tallaght community has hit the right note, and will air to the nation on TG4 this spring.
Scoil Santain was selected to feature on TG4’s Cleas Act, which sees presenters Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile and Stiofán Ó Fearail meet a different school from around the country in each show.
Members of DAMS with Scoil Santain students
The production crew visited the Tallaght Gaelscoil to learn about life in Scoil Santain, meeting the pupils and staff, who together showcased all their school has to offer.
As part of the show, TG4 asked the school choir to reach out into its community and partner with a local group on a song.
Scoil Santain teamed up with DAMS Vocal Emsemble, a choir, based in Dominics Community Centre, which grew out of DAMS (Dominics Active Mens Social).
The DAMS choir, which is led by musical director Cara Davey, rehearsed with the Scoil Santain choir and Muinteoir Laoise for a number of weeks – before being recorded in the Cleas Act studio in RTÉ last week.
The intergenerational choir was given the challenge of performing Jailhouse Rock by Elvis, as Gaelige.
Speaking with The Echo, Róisín Ní Chearúil, Scoil Santain Principal, said: “We were delighted to be selected.
“The production company [Tyrone Productions] visited the school and met with the children in the classrooms and also saw different activities like art and music.
DAMS musical director Cara Davey
“They gave us the song Jailhouse Rock to learn, as Gaeilge, which was a challenge for everyone but a great bit of fun.
“We recorded the song last week in the studio, and some of the children were also interviewed on the couch.”
On the collaboration with DAMS, Ms Ní Chearúil said: “It was just an amazing connection for the children, it was great for the whole community.
“It really has been so positive and a lovely bond for the children.”
Dermot Halligan, PRO of DAMS, also stressed the positive outcomes of the choir collaboration.
“When we first went into the classroom, there was a great response from the kids”, Dermot said.
“We all got off on the right foot straight away.
It really was a great experience for the whole group.”
The Cleas Act show featuring Scoil Santain is expected to air in March or April of this year.
Enrolment at Scoil Santain is currently taking place, with applications for junior infants open until January 31.
Places are also available in the school’s Naíonra.
Call 4597613/4528827 for further details or fill out an expression of interest form on the school’s website, Scoil Santain
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