Downpatrick pupils enjoy their first Founder’s Day

Year 8s experienced their first Founder’s Day in De La Salle High School, Downpatrick, with celebrations taking place on Friday May 14th.

The influence of St John Baptist de La Salle is prominent in Downpatrick with two Lasallian schools – De La Salle High School and St Patrick’s Grammar School.

As with many events at present, the Covid restrictions had an impact on the celebrations but according to Mr Kevin Murray, Head of Pastoral Care at De La Salle High School, the local students played their part in the global event.

“In normal circumstances, we would be celebrating with a whole school Mass and a fun activity in the afternoon. Due to Covid restrictions we celebrated through form class assemblies. The school bell was sounded at 10:30 and all classes stopped to participate in a celebratory prayer service. It was a small gesture but reassuring to know that every class in the school and Lasallian schools throughout the world are joining with us in this celebration. As, always we had a treat for the pupils and staff at break time.”

Year 8 pupil Oisin Hanna, for whom it was his first Founder’s Day, said, “John Baptist de La Salle is inspirational. He sacrificed so much to provide education for the poor of France and young people today.”