World Book Day
It has become a tradition that in order to celebrate World Book Day here in Clongowes we “Drop Everything And Read” (D.E.A.R.). As in previous years students and all staff members were asked to pick a book or magazine of their choice and read for half an hour. Our experienced cheerleaders acted as town criers and announced the beginning of the event with the sound of hand bells (expected) and siren (unexpected, but uplifting).
At 12.05 pm the unusual silence embraced the whole school. Students, teachers, some members of administrative staff, catering team, housekeeping department and the Jesuit Community sat back in their rooms, offices or classrooms, or in the library and immersed themselves into this fantastic and unique experience – reading.
Thanks to everybody’s involvement and advance preparation we all spent a very enjoyable thirty minutes reading our magazines, graphic novels, newspapers and books – an activity that we miss so often due to our busy and demanding lifestyles. All D.E.A.R. participants got a treat and the event ended with a joyful consumption of creme eggs. Each student was also presented with a book token to spend on reading material of their choice.
The James Joyce Library would like to thank all participants of the event – it would not be possible without your fantastic work and support. A special thank you to all teachers who ran D.E.A.R. with their students during class time and to Mr Nelson and our great team of photographers: Tommy Inglis, David O’Connor, Charlie O’Meara, Daniel Reilly, Matthew Leonard, Sean Monaghan (Rudiments), Darragh Counihan (Poetry). D.E.A.R. couldn’t start smoothly without the signals provided by Rhetoric town criers: Ronan Breslin, Pierce Hickey, Daithi Murphy and Sean McGovern. We look forward to a repeat performance again next year.
Ms Anna Cooper, CWC Librarian
