Hi my name is Amy O'Connor and I am the Executive Director at Montessori Children's School in Key West. I am thrilled to announce that Ira Gironet-Paenga, who is a 7th grade student at Montessori Children’s School of Key West and enrolled in NewGate Montessori’s Global Adolescent Program, has been invited to join NewGate’s research trip with his Global Campus classmates and teachers to the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA) in Prince Edward Island, Canada from May 28th-June 4th.

While there he will stay at the university and learn with their on-site professors and artists in residence. Some of the activities include a boat tour to see and collect data re:coastal erosion, tree planting, art experiences with artists in residence, kayak trip with indigenous guides, Ceilidh - a social gathering highlighting tradition music and dance and local stories shared in the evenings about Prince Edward Island.

Ira and the other 18 Global students from three continents attending this event have been invited to share meaningful stories and experiences with other attendees. Ira will be sharing his traditional Māori Haka dance. Although haka is the Māori word for dance, it is not a dance in the sense you might imagine. Usually performed in a group, it involves chanting and actions, such as stamping, hand movements, and facial gestures.

Please help Ira attend this event by making a donation toward his air fare, room and board. Thank you in advance for your consideration.