Students explore creative talents to share Lasallian ethos
The Finals of the Lasallian Competition took place on Tuesday March 11 in Castletown and once again highlighted the strength of the mission in our schools.
Once again students from across Ireland gathered for an event that is among the most popular on the District calendar as it provides an opportunity to explore what the Lasallian values mean to them and to use their talents and creativity to share with others.
It is also a chance to celebrate the principle of Inclusive Community by mixing with fellow students from across the country as they took part in workshops with the retreat team.
This year’s theme of ‘Bridges of Compassion: Connecting Communities of Justice’ allowed students to explore our Lasallian Values, creating a more inclusive community. This allowed student to think about the needs of others, including those who are on marginalised or the peripheries. It encouraged students to think about their role in building a future rooted in compassion, inclusion and equality.
The variety of projects along with the imagination of the students made it a wonderful spectacle for all involved, while also making it a challenging day for judges, Yvonne Joye and Pat Walsh, who had the difficult task of selecting the winners.
After much deliberation, first prize was award to Faye, Alannah, Aleigha and Ian from De La Salle College Churchtown for their rap ‘We Got This’. The rap captured the essence of the theme and included lines such as, “getting through this as a community; building bridges not walls and turn a heart of stone into a team.”
Second place went to Cillian and Jack from Beneavin De La Salle College for their wonderful painting that reflected the theme of community. The artists took their inspiration from Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” and the images represent people from all backgrounds as an inclusive community, joining as one.
Meanwhile, Eoin, Harry and Oliver from St. Benildus College displayed their talents by creating a bridge that effectively captured the theme. It captured the kindness and welcome shown by Irish people to refugees from Ukraine. The bridge is a metaphor for aid, peace and community, bringing all people together.
Once again, the standard was very high. There were commendations for:
De La Salle Waterford's Games Club. Keelan presented about the lunchtime club which breaks down social barriers, fosters friendship and create connections for all concerned.
De La Salle Waterford Culturemania Website. Cathal and Kareen presented about this website, created by the students themselves, unites all cultures as an interactive tool to learn about the different countries and cultures of the world.
De La Salle College Macroom: Presented a website which links all Lasallian Schools and Centres in the District. It uses the District map where anyone can click on a pin to bring the user to the particular place. It was created to unite and educate us all.
Beneavin De La Salle College: Raul, Shane and Eoin created a poster reflecting unity and equality between countries, yet respecting the personal nature of each flag. The poem, included on the poster was inspired by the call for peace in Ukraine and Palestine.
The annual competition is organised by the MEL Committee Ireland with Secretary Anna Baird co-ordinating events on the day. Thanks to Anna for the huge amount of work in making this event such a success.
