September 24th marked the celebration of Mercy Day, 199 years after Catherine McAuley opened her first House of Mercy in Dublin. In Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan, Student Council members organised and led a Kindness Café for First Year students. This celebration linked with celebrations around the country as other Mercy Schools, under CEIST, marked the day.
The day consisted of the various First Year classes coming to the canteen where the Student Council had a Kindness Café set up for them. First Year students had the opportunity to sit, drink some tea, enjoy some sweet treats, and have a chat with their classmates. The First Years, many of whom are still getting to know each other, enjoyed time out of class talking with their new friends and classmates.
Students enjoyed some other treats throughout the day. Ms Carroll conducted students as they played traditional tunes. Emma King (6th Year) sang “Circle of Mercy”, a special Mercy song, accompanied by Louise Maxwell (5th Year) on piano. Students also engaged in a game led by Josh from the Student Council.
The Kindness Café, however, was not all Mercy Kilbeggan did to celebrate the day. Earlier in the day, 6th Year students from the Student Council read reflections on what it means to be a Mercy School over the intercom. The Art Department unveiled a special painting as tribute to 200 years of the House of Mercy.
The day was an overall success and a great way to celebrate Mercy Day and show the values of the Mercy Order.
Thank you to all involved.
- Teachers – Ms Glynn, Ms Kelly, Ms Carroll and Ms McElearney.
- Student Council members – Josh, Ciara, Adam, Saoirse, Anna Loughman, Anna Kinnarney, Nokwanda, Alex, Taylor, Caoimhe and Nathan.
- All students involved in providing music for the day.
- First Year students for participating.
