Celebration of Culture and Inclusion

MCS welcomed the community to the school for the highlight of the language and Culture Week, the annual Celebration of Culture and Inclusion, always a great night showcasing the huge talent, culture and diversity in our school. This year was another gem,with some fantastic contributions from students, parents and guests.

Mr O’Síodhcháin quoted John Hume, with a simple yet powerful message. “Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity." This message was the theme for the night as we sampled song, music, poetry and food from the many cultures represented in the school.

Aoibhe Cullinane Lynch’s song opened the evening, followed by an energetic display from Millstreet Set Dancers. Country interviews introduced all to interesting aspects of many of the twenty six countries represented in the school, including Pakistan, Poland, Ireland, India, Dubai, Georgia, South Africa, and Ukraine.

The entertainment continued with a recitation of “Mise Éire”from Patricia Healy, modern dance from Rock and Roll Acrobatics, Dance Amapiano with Ashlee Ndolovu and Taibba Hassan, poetry with Sofia Mukhammad and Mykhailo Semenchuk, followed by the the school choir, led by Ms Coakley. The Ukrainian students also sang, rounding off an excellent evening.

Catriona Lehane made sure everyone was on cue, and kept the evening moving smoothly with excellent presentation skills.

Keynote speaker Dr Manizha Khan shared her experience of seeking refuge twice in her life, and also shared how the welcome she received in both Pakistan and Ireland transformed the experience. The event then moved to the canteen, where a feast awaited all, with cuisine from many of our twenty six countries. All in all, a wonderful night, another great celebration of our many cultures and well done to all participants, supporters and to organizer Mr Magee, whose steadfast work in MCS embodies Hume’s message of celebration and respect.