St. Charles West High School (St. Louis, Missouri) - Carndonagh CS Exchange

The Board of Management has agreed to develop a pilot project with St. Charles West High School, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. In December the Board met a delegation to discuss the opportunities and advantages of such a venture. It was acknowledged that an opportunity existed for both communities to experience their respective cultures and build links. It is an excellent opportunity to promote Inishowen and explore mutual benefits.

From an educational perspective there will be a chance to observe a different school system with different educational and administrative structures:

As St. Louis has one of the largest Irish communities in the USA there is a real opportunity to establish business / trade links and work prospects for our students:

This initiative will be based on an exchange arrangement –

The US group will be coming in March and will be hosted by the Irish participants. The Irish group will be travelling to St. Louis in October Mid-Term and they will be hosted by the US group. Each group will be responsible for their own air fare costs but all other costs – accommodation, food etc. will be provided by the respective hosts.

To commence the venture initial numbers will be confined – approximately 20 from each participating school. The venture was promoted among the Senior pupils - the 2011/12 Fourth Year and TYO pupils as the US group will be hosted here in a non-exam year for our pupils.
We have had a positive response from pupils – in fact the initial response suggests the venture is oversubscribed. We will be having a further meeting to provide information and to decide on the final participants.

• St. Louis is the city and the School District of St. Charles is the school.

• There will be a group of 5 pupils and two adults arriving on 22nd March, leaving on 2nd April.

• We have organised a schedule for the visitors which includes field trips in the area.

• Any Fourth Year or TYO pupils who are interested in the exchange or in finding out further information should contact Mrs. Mary O'Kane by Thursday, 9th February as the final selection of participating pupils has to be completed by Monday, 13th February.