Irish Step Dancers Bring Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration to STCPS

Saint Columbkille Partnership School celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with a lively and impressive performance by talented Irish step dancers from the Sullivan School of Irish Dance of Newton. Students and faculty gathered in the gymnasium to watch as the dancers showcased their skill, rhythm, and precision, bringing the joy of Irish tradition to life. Their teacher, Claire Sullivan, is an alumna of Saint Columbkille, and shared with the audience her fond memories of her time at the school as she introduced each dance. 

Several of the dancers were also Saint Columbkille students—Delia, Maeve, Annie, Fiona, and Alannah—who took the stage to perform for their classmates. Fiona, a sixth grader, shared her excitement: "It was really fun because my dance teacher went to Saint Columbkille. I thought it was cool that she got to come back to where she was once a student in elementary and middle school."

Saint Patrick’s Day holds special significance in Catholic schools, honoring the patron saint of Ireland and his role in spreading Christianity. His legacy of faith, perseverance, and service reflects the values that Catholic education strives to instill in students. At Saint Columbkille, the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the school’s faith-based mission while embracing the cultural traditions that make this holiday so meaningful.

The Sullivan School dancers made this year’s celebration especially memorable. At the end of their performance, they invited a few lucky student volunteers on stage to learn some steps. The students eagerly joined in, laughing and cheering as they tried out the moves alongside the professionals.

For Delia, a seventh grader and Irish dancer, performing on Saint Patrick’s Day is a cherished tradition: "My favorite part of Irish dancing is doing it with my friends, sisters, and cousins. It’s a big part of my family. I also love performing on St. Patrick's Day, then piling into the car afterward to get Shamrock Shakes!"

Through music, movement, and tradition, the dancers not only entertained but also reinforced the school’s commitment to faith and community. Events like these remind students of the joy found in shared experiences and the importance of honoring cultural and religious traditions together.