As the newest pupils adapted to their fresh routines, the initial intimidating steps in their scholastic pursuits incited a blend of emotions among parents nationwide. The realisation that school is now a constant feature in their young lives hit this week.
Darby Flynn was among those little ones adjusting to this novel lifestyle. On the previous Wednesday morning, he energetically entered the gates of Gaelscoil Bhreifne located in Aghnaskerry, Co Cavan. His father, Tom Flynn, heartily claimed that Darby was “gung-ho” and fully equipped to conquer what lay ahead.
Darby and his family describe his shift to this infant level of schooling as a smooth “walk in the park”. Tom Flynn exclaimed, “He simply dived straight into it…absolutely no anxiety involved.” he remarked, “I had zero concern about his adaptation. Actually, I was more anxious about the prospect of him taking charge rather whimsically,” he joked further.
Regarding the early rises for school on weekdays, Darby has been rather cooperative. He even tends to be awake before his parents on most days. “It’s a blessing,” his father commented.
Furthermore, Darby already communicates in English along with Vietnamese, picked up from his mother, Phuong. His agile mind is set to pick up Irish at Gaelscoil Bhreifne shortly, thus making him fluent in three languages at such a young age.
Following his first day at school, Darby arrived home with a minor knee scratch from having a fun time playing with his newfound mates in the schoolyard, yet he showed no concerns. The immaculate green jumper, white shirt, dark trousers and shiny new shoes quickly began showing signs of his energetic exploits.
Experimenting with vibrant play dough has been an absolute thrill for Darby and his peers. Bits of it that managed to stick under his nails on his journey back home from school are a clear indication of a day well spent.
Teachers such as Shane MacDairmada and others never missed a chance to guide the children. The headmistress of Gaelscoil Bhreifne, Niamh Ní Cheallaigh, niece of The Dubliners’ vocalist Luke Kelly and an accomplished violinist herself, enthusiastically welcomed these nascent scholars to their mixed-faith, coeducational school last Wednesday.