Kinsale Community School Celebrates Europe Day 2025 with Sport, Solidarity, and Global Citizenship
On May 9, 2025, Kinsale Community School (KCS) transformed into a vibrant hub of European celebration, blending sport, culture, and global awareness to mark Europe Day. The festivities showcased the school's commitment to fostering European identity and global citizenship among its students.
Mini Euros Tournament Champions: 1A5
A mini Euros football tournament for 1st year students was launched by TY earlier in the week. The teams were drawn live in assembly, tutor groups were split into two teams, each representing a country from the European Union. TY students used the assembly to explain how the EU and Erasmus opportunities impact our school and provide opportunities beyond the classroom.
On Europe Day, TY students prepared an excellent Mini Euros football tournament for first year students. The students competed with enthusiasm and sportsmanship, representing various European nations. After a series of thrilling matches, class 1A5, representing Cyprus, emerged victorious, clinching the title and celebrating their win with pride.
This year's tournament held special significance as it served as a fundraiser for the Teretta Foundation, a charity that out TY students have worked closely with throughout the year. The foundation aims to build a safe house for primary children in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, providing education and support to those in need. The event successfully raised funds and awareness for this cause, linking the local community with global initiatives. The tournament was student lead by a fantastic group of MUN students and those who have travelled to Tanzania. They are specifically working towards raising funds to provide sports facilities for the students of Teretta, extending those European values beyond borders to support global solidarity and equal opportunities.
European-Themed Orienteering Adventure
Second-year students also participated in celebrations through a European-themed orienteering challenge, combining physical activity with cultural education. Navigating through various stations, students engaged with European geography and history, enhancing their knowledge in an interactive manner. Again the activity was lead by a wonderful group of TY MUN students which demonstrated great leadership and agency by those involved.
Staff Celebration and Erasmus BEAG Project
Staff members joined in the celebrations, reflecting on the school's Erasmus+ BEAG (Being European, Acting Globally) project. This initiative encourages students to explore their European identity and engage with global issues critically. The staff's involvement underscored the school's holistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of both local and global perspectives. Staff were challenged to dress in the colours of a European flag and celebrated local businesses West Cork Coffee and Ballea Boards whilst enjoying European delicacies at lunchtime.
A Day of Unity and Learning
Kinsale Community School's Europe Day celebrations exemplified the spirit of unity and learning. Through sports, cultural activities, and charitable efforts, students and staff alike embraced the values of European citizenship and global responsibility. The day's events not only fostered school spirit but also highlighted the importance of connecting local actions to global impacts. Finally to round out a day full of fun our talented students Martha France and Grainne Crowley performed Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’.. In 1985, this theme was adopted by EU leaders as the official anthem of the European Union.
