Scottish Catholic Observer

In addition to celebrating the life of Scotland’s patron saint, pupils and staff highlighted the wide range of cultures represented amongst the school’s pupils under the banner ‘One Holyrood Many Cultures.’

The Scottish side of the celebrations involved a ‘wear it tartan’ theme, a piper and a very popular Scottish traditional bakery stall.

More than 40 languages are spoken amongst the Holyrood pupils and the many different cultures were represented through various arts and crafts stalls, a selection of foods from various nations and a Henna hand-painting stall amongst many others.

A wall hanging—representing various flags and emblems from some of the nationalities of Holyrood children—made by S1 art pupils was proudly on display throughout the day’s events.

Heather Boyle, principal teacher of English as an additional language at Holyrood, was pleased with the success of the day and the ‘celebration of diversity.’

“Many staff and pupils took part in what was a very successful day and the children organised most of the events themselves,” Ms Boyle said.

All funds raised from the day of celebration will be donated to Mary’s Meals charity and the Holyrood community was delighted to welcome back former senior depute head Tony Begley—who after 20 years at the school left earlier this year to take up a post as Mary’s Meals education co-ordinator—for the day.

Mr Begley visited Malawi with senior Holyrood pupils and Tom McDonald, the school’s headteacher, last year and was happy to share further information with Mary’s Meals work in Malawi with pupils.

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