LAST Tuesday at St Joseph’s Primary School was about all things Irish as the school celebrated St Patrick’s Day.

Teacher Janice Divola said St Patrick’s Day was a favourite among students and provided a good conceptual basis for children to understand aspects of spirituality.

“St Patrick is an easy saint for the children to access because he’s well-known,” she said.

“He chose the Shamrock as a way of teaching about the Trinity (the father, the son and the Holy Spirit) and it’s easy for children to relate to that.”

Students devised and ran a variety of Irish-themed and traditional stalls for their peers, as well as having a sausage sizzle and casual clothes day.

“Each class runs a couple of activities and the teachers negotiate with their classes what they’re going to do,” Ms Divola said.

“The children get some practice handling money and giving change, so it’s a good maths activity as well.”

The school celebrates St Patrick’s Day every year, but this year students used the occasion to raise funds for towards Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, which helps disadvantaged communities in Australia and internationally.

“It’s good for the children to realise that there are other people in the world who benefit so greatly from just a small amount of money,” Ms Divola said.

“Five dollars can make a huge difference – it can mean a whole lot of medical kits in some countries."