GIRLS in a Killaloe primary school have been lauded for producing an “amazing” mural that has completed transformed a wall at the back of the grounds.
Even people walking past Killaloe Convent Primary School are taking a look at the eclectic mix of colour and imagination on what was previously a bland wall.
“It has brought the happiness from the front of the school right to the back,” said teacher, Alison Varley.
“When the kids are out playing during their break, it would give you a pep in your step looking at the bright colours and characters, she added.”
This was a Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP) project, which has been run by the Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis.
The idea is for an artist to partner with a teacher, who has completed TAP training, and work in collaboration with them and their students.
Artist, Nathalie El Baba was delighted to work with students and teachers in Killaloe Convent School and Ruan National School to see what could be achieved.
In addition to completing some instruction sessions on Zoom, she also provided some guidance to the girls in the Killaloe playground where everyone kept a two metre distance in line with Covid-19 regulations.
She told The Clare Champion the whole creative project was designed, drawn and painted by girls from Fifth and Sixth Class.
“The girls have transformed a new grey wall into a vibrant, playful work of art representing the past, present and the future using animated characters like Spongebob.
“Everyone took on a different role and has left a fabulous legacy behind them. The finished mural is amazing and is so striking. I think it is something the children can be really proud of.
“It is so positive people passing the school are now looking at it.”
Using exterior masonry paint, she helped the children produce very striking imagery, as she knew what would and wouldn’t work.
In addition to bringing great joy and fun to the children, she believes anyone looking at this mural will be inspired to bring a splash of colour and new life to their own place.
Eight fifth class and 18 sixth class children started painting the mural on May 24 and finished on Friday, June 11. The hand prints of all the children from juniors up to sixth class were painted on the two centre pillars.
School principal, Fiona Fitzgerald, said the school is delighted with the mural. She recalled the new owner of the old convent came up with the idea of providing a boundary wall behind the school and his property, which replaced a hedge and scrub that was difficult to maintain.
This resulted in the provision of a mutually beneficial wall.
While murals have been completed in other parts of the school such as the shed and hall, Ms Fitzgerald said the latest one is really vibrant and visible from the road.
Fifth and sixth class teacher, Ms Varley, recalled they conducted Zoom meetings with Ms El Baba and had brain storming sessions to come up with ideas from the children.
“We came across a mural that was done in the United States of America. They had a different background using skyscrapers. The girls said why don’t we put in animated characters that children are familiar with. It evolved from that. The concept is the world is your oyster.
“There are four sections in the wall with a book in the middle two sections. They painted some old traditional fairy tale character to depict the past and use space rockets to illustrate the future.
“They painted the wall white first and then put on the rainbow like image. We brought the classroom outside because they had to ensure each ray was placed at the same angle. We divided the class into different groups – some are better at drawing and others at colouring in.
“The girls are very good at organising. A speech and drama teacher who came to the school yesterday thought the mural was amazing. It is so bright and child-friendly and there is a great sense of pride that the kids did this.
“We are thrilled with the finished product. We don’t know the real impact of the lockdown yet. This was a feelgood project. There was a lot of teamwork and coordination and we had a great laugh doing it.
“I was surprised with some of the kids who really shone. We have got great feedback from parents.”
Ruby Lewis, fifth class, said the mural showed how much girls can achieve when they are all working very well as a team together. She is also proud of all the work completed by the participants.
Anna Pederson, sixth class, said she liked drawing the Beauty and the Beast character. “It looks really good,” she said when asked to describe the finished product.
Leah Scanlan, sixth class, painted the background for the mural and interviewed school principal, Fiona Fitzgerald and artist, Ms El Baba for a new video of the whole process.
She loves the mural and believes it gives everyone a lift when they are passing by.

by Dan Danaher