A SMALL North Clare national school is celebrating the power of hope, as the festive season approaches and pupils look ahead to the future.
The rescue of a wounded bird inspired six-year-old Adam Wall to write a poem called ‘Hope’. The poem then became a video and the message began to spread.
The bird flew into the classroom, one summer afternoon, and hurt its wing. A little boy, Cian Vaughan, cupped the frightened bird in his hands until it recovered and was able to fly away. When Adam got home that evening, he wrote the poem. That went on to inspire teacher Miss Dilleen, SNA Mary Lou Moylan and principal Patricia Vaughan to devote a whole school project to the theme of ‘Hope’. All pupils got involved in making an art project and filmed the results. What came as a pleasant surprise was the incredibly positive reaction of the wider community. Pupils had really captured the hearts of parents and friends, who all responded to the message.
 “Adam’s poem has inspired me so much. It oozes positivity and expectation,” said school principal, Miss Vaughan. “His creativity and ambition have given me greater belief in myself. He has inspired me to be a better leader. I am so proud of him.”
Deputy Principal Monica Dilleen was also inspired by the poem and the children’s reaction. “From the moment I heard Adam reading out his poem ‘Hope’, it beautifully captured the school atmosphere we have here at Furglan NS,” she said. “I am truly blessed to be part of this fantastic community. I get to see and teach these amazing children every day. I am inspired by all the wonderful children.”
SNA, Mary Lou said hope is an important element in children’s mental health and well-being.
“Children who hope are happier and more positive in their day-to-day lives both at home and at school,” she said. “We guide children to always have hope and believe they can be the best they can be.”
Parents have described themselves as delighted with the approach taken at the school and the fact that the team supports each pupil’s talents and interests.
“I’m so happy to have chosen a school where children’s creativity is encouraged,” Adam’s dad, musician Steo Wall said. “I thought all the children in the video were absolutely amazing and have filled our little community with hope this Christmas.”
The film features Adam reading his poem, and his classmates talking about their hopes for the future. It was made by Alex Gill from Cracking Light Productions in Ennistymon.