On Tuesday 15th March, on a beautiful Spring morning, Arles N.S. celebrated Proclamation Day. The Principal, Mrs.Fitzpatrick, welcomed all the people who had gathered outside the school: pupils, staff, parents, grandparents, and members of the local community. A special welcome was given to Sgt. Major Paul Maher from the Irish Navy and to Corporal Mary Bambrick from the Irish Defence Forces. To begin the ceremony, the oldest and youngest pupils of Arles N.S. raised the Irish Flag. As it flew high in the gentle breeze, all present stood and sang Amhrán na bhFiann. The Senior Room of 5th and 6th class played the National Anthem on their tin-whistles, violins and keyboards to accompany them. Following this, some pupils from 5th and 6th class read their Proclamation for a New Generation, which was written by all pupils in the Senior Room. It began with “Men, Women and Children of Ireland, We the pupils from Arles National School, in the beautiful county of Laois, are proud citizens of Ireland and are very happy to have Ireland as our country and home”. Themes included in this Proclamation were: Equality, Education, Irish Heritage & Culture, Irish Language, Peace, Homelessness, Health, Sport and Music. Next, the pupils from Junior Infants to 2nd Class performed an Irish Dance for all to enjoy. 3rd and 4th class also did some wonderful Irish dancing for the crowd. The Senior Room danced next and this finished the Irish dancing display. Well done to all the pupils, who displayed their great foot work, especially to those who danced individually. Thank you to our Irish Dancing teacher Rachel too. To conclude the ceremony, the Senior Room Pupils played some Irish Marches and Polkas on their various instruments. Mrs. Fitzpatrick thanked everybody for coming and invited everyone into the school for some refreshments.
