St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush
Europe's first CFES School of Distinction

Aidlink For Turkana & Ray D'Arcy Show

Members of the St Joseph's Music Group represented the school and Aidlink Ireland on the Ray D'Arcy Show and in a huge concert in the National Boxing Stadium over the midterm break.
25-November-19
Aidlink For Turkana & Ray D'Arcy Show

Aidlink For Turkana

The objective; to raise voices, hope and funds for the people of Turkana.
For the second year in a row St Joseph's Music Group successfully helped Aidlink Ireland achieve this goal.

Last year we were the first secondary school choir to participate in Songs For Turkana and were paired with no other than Mundy. It was a huge learning curve for us. Songs For Turkana is a concert concept that sees Irish musicians paired with community based choirs culminating in a concert where all proceeds go back into the extraordinary work of Aidlink and the Girl Child Network.

We were already familiar with the work of Aidlink, as a school we have such strong connections with the organisation. To learn of the ongoing drought in Turkana and implications this has for the people there was eye opening. We connected with and had our own worries and concerns for the people of Turkana especially after Peris Mootian spoke to the music group giving us a first hand account of the challenges in Turkana but also of the powerful work Aidlink and the Girl Child Network are doing over there to counteract some of these issues.

The stories Peris shared really touched the students of the music group. Within the stark differences they realised the similarities they shared with their Kenyan peers. So when Anne of Aidlink asked us would we like to get involved again this year it was a resounding YES from all of us here in St Joseph's.

This year we found out early on that as a choir we were paired with The Pale. Most well known for "Butterfly" released just over 25 years ago. Matthew and Shane were a delight to work with, they were also super impressed with our students and their musical prowess. Together we prepared and practiced "Pure Science Fiction" off the lads most recent album "Merciful Hour".

A small number of the Music Group Students represented St Joseph's on the Ray D'Arcy Show the first Saturday night of their midterm break. A four part version of Hey Day by Mic Christopher was showcased. This was a beautiful arrangement by Maria Stanley. This was to be the finale song at Aidlink For Turkana where all the participating choirs would come together with all the artists to close the show. The Ray D'Arcy appearance was to help promote the concert and give viewers an idea of the talent and quality to be expected on the night.

Aidlink For Turkana took place the following week on Saturday the 2nd of November to a full house. The students got to see many different Irish artists perform with different choirs. They heard Peris and Anne speak about the importance of community and connection. They got up on stage and performed with such vigor, focus and professionalism they impressed all present. They emanated the message of connection and community and with their time, gifts, skills and talent took the opportunity to give back. We were all so proud of the commitment the students gave both in their rehearsals and for both events. They did themselves, St Joseph's and Aidlink very proud.

Songs For Turkana 1.jpg

Songs For Turkana 2.jpg

I wonder who we will be singing with next year?

Mar 25
2024
Easter Holidays
Apr 19
2024
LIFT Mentoring 6 (1 hr)
Apr 22
2024
Prosper Fingal Show
May 01
2024
Sixth Year Mentoring 4
25-Mar-2024
TY students volunteered in Rush Community Centre, students and staff wore yellow to support this wonderful organisation.
25-Mar-2024
Our school of sanctuary team co ordinated a bake sale, music and face painting in the hall at lunch time with a prize for the student wearing the most Red. All donations went to the immigrant council of Ireland.
18-Mar-2024
After months of hard work and preparation, it’s almost time for our TYs, 5th Years & teachers to return to Archbishop Kiwanuka Secondary School in Uganda with Anne from Aidlink Ireland . An immersive & unforgettable time awaits them .Best of Luck to
Convent Lane, Rush, Co. Dublin
01 843 7534
FUSE
Digital Technology Awards
One Good School Award 2022-2023
© 2024 St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush