Grace Ní Ghallchóir, technology co-ordinator of the Gaelscoil said: "This is an exciting and really relevant project which sees children from different parts of the country interact together and learn more about each others lives". The programme, which is managed by the University of Maynooth and University of Ulster, aims to develop the principles of good citizenship through collaborative project work.

"Our partner school Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Inchicore, is very different from our school. It is situated in Dublin and is a large English language primary school while we are a smaller rural and Gaelic-Medium school. These differences create great opportunities to exchange ideas and perspectives and learn about each other."

Through online projects the two schools have learned much about each other. For example, pupils initially got to know each other through pupil profiles which had information such as eye and hair colour to likes and dislikes. These profiles were put onto the website with photos for both schools to view. Both sides shared information about their schools on the website and the children got to know each other better by sending messages on the fora which are a protected area that only the two schools can access.

Grace continued: "This year we decided to research logainmneacha (local place names) as the basis of our online project and this information was put on the shared website.

"The two schools had a face-to-face meeting in Dundalk on the 11th March. The children took part in ice-breaker activities, played collaborative games together and had great fun bowling with their partner groups. Everyone really enjoyed the day and were sad to leave their new friends

"Next year we will be working on a whole new range of ideas including Acrostic poems about the summer where the schools will take it in turns to write a line.

"I feel it is really important if not essential that children get the opportunity to reach out to others and this innovative programme means that our children also get a wonderful opportunity to use technology in a novel and innovative way. The project develops ICT skills and enriches literacy while being an enjoyable experience for the children. The project also fulfils many core objectives of the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding area of the curriculum."
Gaelscoil an Chaistil can be contacted on 02820768883.