Embracing the Warmth of Welcome
As I began to realize that the dream of starting my own school could become a reality, I quickly envisioned how I wanted to run the school. My years of working with children, studying curriculum, collaborating with families, and training had all led to this point, and I could see it as clear as day.
But what would I call this school? It seemed like a small thing, but it was a monumental decision—one that I didn't have expertise in. When this question first came to mind, there was a little whisper of an answer immediately there: Fáilte. Fáilte, the Gaelic word for welcome. This word is most commonly heard in the phrase “céad míle fáilte,” meaning “one hundred thousand welcomes” (common among Irish/American Irish families). We even have a sign saying exactly that hanging over the coat rack in our house.
But could it be that easy? A quick Google search for other meanings of the word revealed not only 'Welcome' but also 'Joy' and even 'Dream' (though I haven’t found that definition again and have no clue where I got it from). Fáilte felt right.
Doubts crept in, as they often do.
"It's too weird," I thought.
"People won’t know how to say it.”
“They won’t be able to remember it.”
“And forget about spelling it.”
This prompted an exhaustive search for alternatives—nearly a hundred names, exploring our locale, curriculum-related terms, nature-inspired words. Nothing sounded right.
So I sought the input of others. That is my usual approach—relying on the consensus of others over my gut feeling.
But Fáilte persisted.
Fáilte, to me, brings to mind the warm welcome extended to anyone that enters an Irish gathering. It extends beyond family ties; when the Irish come together, there is a warmth and sense of welcoming that I haven’t felt anywhere else. I have found this to be true in my own Irish family gatherings, when I have traveled through Ireland, and during my months studying there. It's not earned through status, success, appearance, or charisma—it's the warmth of a community coming together.
This is the warmth I aspire to create in my school—a space where children and families feel a genuine sense of welcome. In our microschool, we prioritize holistic care for children, placing emotional well-being above worksheets. Our belief is rooted in nurturing the spirit as much as the mind and body. Fáilte is a place where children bring their entire selves, free from the pressure to conform, be something they aren’t, or maintain a facade. Here, authenticity is celebrated, and the warmth of community is the cornerstone of our educational journey.
So, why Fáilte? Because every child and family deserves the warmth of genuine welcome and joy on their educational path.
Céad míle fáilte
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