We have been looking forward to the Würzburg Exchange ever since it was first mentioned at an information evening in the last year of Primary School. Every info evening and updates that followed only made our excitement bigger: who would come to live with us, what would the common activities be, what would the children gain from this programme and how would we all get along?!
Although we knew that the teachers involved in this great project would be very careful in selecting the children who would be partners (they would consider similar interests and common hobbies) and although Alexandros, our son in 7c, and Patrick, his exchange partner, had already communicated several times via email and WhatsApp, we had never thought it would be such a great match! The two boys became instantly very good friends and by the end of the week we all felt Patrick was part of the family.
Almost all of the other kids said that they too had gained a friend and were thrilled with all the activities that they were able to do together: Cliff Walk, Viking Splash Tour, St. Patrick’s themed disco and on their free day: Jumpzone! The exchange students had a travel itinerary that every ambitious tourist, keen to learn wonderful things about Dublin and Ireland, would envy; I personally have jokingly offered to accompany the teachers just to visit all the amazing places!
At the end of the week we were sad to see Patrick go but as the boys are still in touch and June is around the corner for Alexandros’ turn to visit Patrick in Würzburg, we have something beautiful to look forward to, again.
Finally, a huge Thank You to all the teachers involved in this wonderful project and most especially Ms. O’Donohoe!
by Christina Keramyda-Tritsch
More info about this year’s visit of the Würzburg kids to Dublin
