School tours have been an integral part of life in Regina Mundi College for many years. We foster and encourage our students to participate in educational tour programmes. Our tours broaden the educational experience of our students.
During that time students have been fortunate to visit such European destinations as France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
Usually preparation for the school tour begins a year in advance of travel to ensure that families can budget for the cost of the tour. Here is a taster of what our students have experienced on our last two school tours:
Starting in Sirmione, a quaint town that overlooked Lake Garda, the group enjoyed the gelato and souvenir stands while they explored the streets before the boat trip across the lake.
On the second day, we visited Venice. We walked through narrow streets led by a local guide from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Rialto Bridge; to the Murano Glass Factory where we were shown the live process of blowing glass sculptures.
The third day found us on the more spacious streets of fair Verona. We explored Verona Arena and gazed up at Juliet’s balcony, from Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
On the final day, we spent time in the Orio Centre in Milan, which was a labyrinth of a shopping centre. The trip was fantastic, and none of us wanted to leave. Our year group became much closer and bonded over the four days.
This trip was highly anticipated by the girls for the last few months, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. An early departure from Regina Mundi College didn’t halt the girls and they were full of excitement as they arrived at Dublin Airport.
Upon arrival in Paris, we made our way towards the city centre. The tour began with a guided tour of Paris and we were welcomed by our usual guides, Joe and Jose. The history of the city was regaled to the girls by our competent guides. This was followed by a walk back through the Tuileries Garden. The group got to experience the city of Paris from the water with a river cruise on the Seine as well.
The following morning, the girls eagerly waited for the shuttle bus to Disneyland Paris. As the buses approached Disneyland Paris, the excitement was fever pitch. The girls navigated the park with enthusiasm, taking in the wonderful atmosphere around the park. The girls got the opportunity to experience the illumination show before departing the park. Thanks to all the staff who helped to facilitate this trip.
Whatever one’s memories of school, the week spent travelling with classmates always remains a real highlight to be savoured long after the actual event.
Regina Mundi’s longstanding French exchange programme is with Lycée Sacre Cœur du Vœu in Hennebont, Brittany. The Irish and French students spend a week attending each other’s schools, stay at their exchange partner’s home and go on day trips, exploring the local area. It is a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in French culture and the language, to grow in independence and understanding of other cultures.
Each year a Ski Trip is organised for students in 5th year. This trip is organised during the Pre Exams each year. Students ski for 5 or 6 days with 4 hours of ski lessons provided each day. The students don’t require previous experience of skiing but are expected to have a good level of physical fitness as this is a physically demanding tour. A lottery system may take place if the tour is oversubscribed but every effort is made to accommodate all interested students.
In previous years the tour has taken place in Italy, Spain & Austria.
