{"id":20964,"date":"2026-07-04T23:02:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T22:02:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/?page_id=20964"},"modified":"2026-09-21T09:34:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T08:34:22","slug":"german-exchange-programme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/german-exchange-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"German Exchange Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"20964\" class=\"elementor elementor-20964\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aac8cfb e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"aac8cfb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5d6594 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d5d6594\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88b1e3e elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-absolute elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"88b1e3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_position&quot;:&quot;absolute&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" src=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-1536x864.jpg\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536 wp-image-20967\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-24x14.jpg 24w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-36x20.jpg 36w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags-48x27.jpg 48w, https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/irelandgermanyflags.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 data-interaction-id=\"550e7a7\" class=\"e-550e7a7-b68a506 e-heading-base\">German Exchange Programme<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a5b955 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0a5b955\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ef1725 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"5ef1725\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- GERMAN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME: SISTER SCHOOL & HISTORY -->\n<div class=\"exchange-intro-bleed\">\n  <div class=\"exchange-intro-wrapper\">\n    \n    <!-- Main Hero Intro Banner -->\n    <div class=\"exchange-hero-card\">\n      <div class=\"exchange-hero-header\">\n        <h2 class=\"exchange-hero-title\">A Quarter Century of Partnership<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"exchange-hero-divider\"><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <p class=\"exchange-hero-text\">\n        For a quarter of a century, our landmark partnership with Realschule H\u00f6chstadt has offered Davitt College students an unparalleled immersive language experience.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Two-Column Content Grid -->\n    <div class=\"exchange-grid\">\n      \n      <!-- Left Box: Our Sister School -->\n      <div class=\"exchange-card\">\n        <h3 class=\"exchange-card-title\">Our Sister School: Realschule H\u00f6chstadt<\/h3>\n        <p class=\"exchange-card-desc\">\n          The German Department at Davitt College is a vibrant, energetic department that is immensely proud of its deep-rooted partnership with our German sister school, <strong>The Realschule H\u00f6chstadt<\/strong>.\n        <\/p>\n        <p class=\"exchange-card-desc\" style=\"margin-top: 16px;\">\n          Situated in the beautiful town of H\u00f6chstadt an der Aisch in Bavaria, Southern Germany, the school is a thriving, mixed secondary campus with over 1,000 pupils. Crucially, H\u00f6chstadt is also the official twin town of Castlebar, cementing a profound civic and cultural bond that extends far beyond the classroom walls.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <!-- Right Box: Where It All Began -->\n      <div class=\"exchange-card exchange-card-highlight\">\n        <h3 class=\"exchange-card-title\">Where It All Began<\/h3>\n        <p class=\"exchange-card-desc\">\n          This trusted partnership officially began in <strong>2002<\/strong> when Mr. Ulrich Langer, then Deputy Principal of the Realschule H\u00f6chstadt, visited Mayo to pave a path of international friendship. Supported warmly by former Davitt College Principal Mr. Patsy Noone and German Teacher Mrs. Maria Carey, the foundations were laid for an exchange framework that remains vibrant and alive today.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  \/* --- EXCHANGE PROGRAMME STYLES --- *\/\n  .exchange-intro-bleed {\n    width: 100vw;\n    position: relative;\n    left: 50%;\n    right: 50%;\n    margin-left: -50vw;\n    margin-right: -50vw;\n    background-color: #ffffff;\n    border: none !important;\n    padding: 60px 0;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-intro-wrapper {\n    width: 100%;\n    max-width: 1600px;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    padding: 0 20px;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    gap: 40px;\n    border: none !important;\n  }\n\n  \/* Hero Intro Banner *\/\n  .exchange-hero-card {\n    background-color: #254B2E;\n    border-radius: 16px;\n    padding: 50px 40px;\n    text-align: center;\n    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px -10px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.1);\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-hero-header {\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    align-items: center;\n    width: 100%;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-hero-title {\n    font-size: 36px !important;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    margin: 0 0 12px 0 !important;\n    letter-spacing: -0.5px !important;\n    line-height: 1.2 !important;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-hero-divider {\n    width: 60px;\n    height: 4px;\n    background-color: #cad244;\n    border-radius: 2px;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-hero-text {\n    font-size: 17px;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    color: #e2e8f0;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    max-width: 950px;\n  }\n\n  \/* Two-Column Grid *\/\n  .exchange-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n    gap: 30px;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-card {\n    background-color: #ffffff;\n    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n    border-radius: 16px;\n    padding: 36px;\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px -2px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.03);\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    justify-content: flex-start;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-card-highlight {\n    background-color: #f0f4f1;\n    border-color: #d1dbd3;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-card-title {\n    font-size: 22px !important;\n    color: #0f2015 !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    margin: 0 0 16px 0 !important;\n    letter-spacing: -0.5px !important;\n    line-height: 1.3 !important;\n  }\n\n  .exchange-card-desc {\n    font-size: 15.5px;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    color: #334155;\n    margin: 0;\n  }\n\n  \/* --- RESPONSIVE BREAKPOINTS --- *\/\n  @media (max-width: 992px) {\n    .exchange-grid {\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n    }\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 640px) {\n    .exchange-intro-bleed {\n      padding: 40px 0;\n    }\n\n    .exchange-hero-card {\n      padding: 30px 20px;\n    }\n\n    .exchange-hero-title {\n      font-size: 28px !important;\n    }\n\n    .exchange-card {\n      padding: 24px;\n    }\n\n    .exchange-card-title {\n      font-size: 20px !important;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a12b51e e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a12b51e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd0a3a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"cd0a3a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ========================================================================== -->\n<!-- GERMAN EXCHANGE: LEADERSHIP COMPONENT -->\n<!-- ========================================================================== -->\n<div style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; padding: 40px 20px; background-color: #ffffff;\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 1140px; margin: 0 auto;\">\n\n    <!-- SECTION HEADER -->\n    <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; margin-bottom: 50px;\">\n      <span style=\"color: #5a6d54; font-weight: 800; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 3px; font-size: 11px; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px;\">Davitt College International<\/span>\n      <h2 style=\"font-size: 40px !important; color: #0A2240; font-weight: 800; margin: 0 0 15px 0; text-align: center;\">Meet the Team<\/h2>\n      <div style=\"width: 50px; height: 3px; background: #5a6d54; border-radius: 2px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><\/div>\n      <p style=\"font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.8; color: #475569; max-width: 750px; margin: 0 auto; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;\">\n        Fostering international friendships, linguistic immersion, and cultural exchange with our partner schools in Germany.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- LEAD TEACHERS SECTION (BALANCED 2 COLS) -->\n    <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 24px;\" class=\"german-exchange-grid\">\n\n      <!-- 1. Maria Carey -->\n      <div class=\"team-profile-card\">\n        <div class=\"profile-glow head-glow\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"profile-icon-box head-icon\">\n          <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z\"\/><\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"text-align: left; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;\">\n          <span class=\"profile-label head-label\">Lead Teacher<\/span>\n          <span class=\"profile-name\">Ms. Carey<\/span>\n          <div style=\"display: flex; gap: 6px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 4px;\">\n            <span class=\"profile-subject-tag head-tag\">German<\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <!-- 2. Geraldine Clinton -->\n      <div class=\"team-profile-card\">\n        <div class=\"profile-glow head-glow\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"profile-icon-box head-icon\">\n          <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z\"\/><\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        <div style=\"text-align: left; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;\">\n          <span class=\"profile-label head-label\">Lead Teacher<\/span>\n          <span class=\"profile-name\">Ms. Newall<\/span>\n          <div style=\"display: flex; gap: 6px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 4px;\">\n            <span class=\"profile-subject-tag head-tag\">German &amp; French<\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  \/* Enhanced Premium Profile Card Styles *\/\n  .team-profile-card {\n    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f8fafc 100%);\n    padding: 28px 30px;\n    border-radius: 24px;\n    border: 1.5px solid #e2e8f0;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 20px;\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 35px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.06);\n    transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\n    position: relative;\n    overflow: hidden;\n  }\n\n  .team-profile-card:hover {\n    transform: translateY(-5px);\n    border-color: #137333;\n    box-shadow: 0 20px 45px rgba(19, 115, 51, 0.12);\n  }\n\n  \/* Subtle background ambient glow effect on hover *\/\n  .profile-glow {\n    position: absolute;\n    top: -50%;\n    right: -50%;\n    width: 150px;\n    height: 150px;\n    border-radius: 50%;\n    opacity: 0;\n    transition: opacity 0.4s ease;\n    z-index: 0;\n  }\n\n  .head-glow { background: rgba(19, 115, 51, 0.08); }\n\n  .team-profile-card:hover .profile-glow {\n    opacity: 1;\n  }\n\n  .profile-icon-box {\n    width: 54px;\n    height: 54px;\n    border-radius: 18px;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n    z-index: 1;\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);\n  }\n\n  .head-icon {\n    background: rgba(19, 115, 51, 0.1);\n    color: #137333;\n    border: 1px solid rgba(19, 115, 51, 0.2);\n  }\n\n  .profile-label {\n    display: block;\n    font-size: 10.5px;\n    font-weight: 800;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n    margin-bottom: 3px;\n  }\n\n  .head-label { color: #137333; }\n\n  .profile-name {\n    display: block;\n    font-size: 17px;\n    font-weight: 800;\n    color: #0f2015;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    text-overflow: ellipsis;\n    letter-spacing: -0.3px;\n    margin-bottom: 4px;\n  }\n\n  .profile-subject-tag {\n    display: inline-block;\n    font-size: 11px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    padding: 3px 10px;\n    border-radius: 50px;\n  }\n\n  .head-tag {\n    background: rgba(19, 115, 51, 0.08);\n    color: #137333;\n    border: 1px solid rgba(19, 115, 51, 0.15);\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 1024px) {\n    .german-exchange-grid {\n      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;\n    }\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .german-exchange-grid {\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\n      gap: 16px !important;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2846c8 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c2846c8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6b5206 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"b6b5206\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- GERMAN EXCHANGE: TIMELINE & INTERACTIVE GALLERY -->\n<div class=\"gaisce-timeline-section\" style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; width: 100vw; position: relative; left: 50%; right: 50%; margin-left: -50vw; margin-right: -50vw; background-color: #f4f7f5; padding: 80px 20px; box-sizing: border-box; border-top: 1px solid #dce5df; border-bottom: 1px solid #dce5df;\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 1600px; margin: 0 auto; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n\n    <!-- Section Heading -->\n    <div class=\"gaisce-section-header\" style=\"margin-bottom: 30px;\">\n      <h2 class=\"gaisce-section-title\" style=\"font-size: 32px !important; color: #0f2015; font-weight: 800; margin: 0 0 10px 0; letter-spacing: -0.5px !important; line-height: 1.2 !important;\">Celebrating a Shared History<\/h2>\n      <div style=\"width: 60px; height: 4px; background-color: #234e32; border-radius: 2px;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      \n    <div class=\"gaisce-timeline-container\" style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 55% 45%; gap: 60px; align-items: start; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 50px; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n      \n      <!-- Left Column: The History Line -->\n      <div class=\"gaisce-history-flow\" style=\"position: relative; padding-left: 32px; border-left: 2px solid #cbd5e1;\">\n        \n        <div class=\"timeline-item\" style=\"position: relative; margin-bottom: 40px;\">\n          <div class=\"timeline-marker\" style=\"position: absolute; left: -41px; top: 4px; width: 16px; height: 16px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #e6f4ea; border: 2px solid #137333;\"><\/div>\n          <div class=\"timeline-meta\" style=\"font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #137333; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px;\">Official Welcome<\/div>\n          <h4 class=\"timeline-title\" style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #0f2015; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-weight: 700;\">5th Year German Classes<\/h4>\n          <p class=\"timeline-desc\" style=\"font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; color: #475569; margin: 0;\">Students met their German partners at the official welcoming ceremony in Davitt College, wearing their school uniform alongside visiting students in new exchange hoodies.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"timeline-item\" style=\"position: relative; margin-bottom: 40px;\">\n          <div class=\"timeline-marker\" style=\"position: absolute; left: -41px; top: 4px; width: 16px; height: 16px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #e6f4ea; border: 2px solid #137333;\"><\/div>\n          <div class=\"timeline-meta\" style=\"font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #137333; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px;\">Student Leadership<\/div>\n          <h4 class=\"timeline-title\" style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #0f2015; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-weight: 700;\">Student Representation<\/h4>\n          <p class=\"timeline-desc\" style=\"font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; color: #475569; margin: 0;\">Jade Ralph addressing German partner delegations and highlighting the strength of student voice across cultures.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"timeline-item\" style=\"position: relative; margin-bottom: 0;\">\n          <div class=\"timeline-marker\" style=\"position: absolute; left: -41px; top: 4px; width: 16px; height: 16px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #e6f4ea; border: 2px solid #137333;\"><\/div>\n          <div class=\"timeline-meta\" style=\"font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #137333; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px;\">Lasting Connections<\/div>\n          <h4 class=\"timeline-title\" style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #0f2015; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-weight: 700;\">Realschule H\u00f6chstadt Link<\/h4>\n          <p class=\"timeline-desc\" style=\"font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; color: #475569; margin: 0;\">Building international friendships and educational pathways that span across generations of learners.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <!-- Right Column: Featured Spotlight Box -->\n      <div class=\"gaisce-spotlight-wrapper\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\">\n        <div class=\"gaisce-spotlight-card\" style=\"position: relative !important; top: -16px !important; background-image: linear-gradient(135deg, #0f2015 0%, #1c3b27 100%); padding: 40px; border-radius: 16px; color: #ffffff; box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -15px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.25); box-sizing: border-box;\">\n          <div class=\"spotlight-badge\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15); padding: 4px 12px; border-radius: 50px; margin-bottom: 16px;\">\u2b50 Historic Milestone<\/div>\n          <span class=\"spotlight-date\" style=\"display: block; font-size: 14px; color: #CAD244; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 8px;\">24 Years Strong<\/span>\n          <h3 class=\"spotlight-heading\" style=\"font-size: 26px; font-weight: 700; color: #fde047 !important; margin: 0 0 16px 0; letter-spacing: -0.5px;\">A Historic Milestone<\/h3>\n          <p class=\"spotlight-body\" style=\"font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; color: #f1f5f9; margin: 0 0 16px 0;\">\n            Principal <strong>Conor O\u2019Reilly<\/strong> welcomed Principal <strong>Markus Ott<\/strong> of Realschule H\u00f6chstadt to Davitt College. \n          <\/p>\n          <p class=\"spotlight-body\" style=\"font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.6; color: #f1f5f9; margin: 0 0 16px 0;\">\n            Mr. Ott presented Mr. O\u2019Reilly with one of the new hoodies, celebrating the shared history and continued connection between both schools. This enduring partnership has now successfully spanned <strong>24 years<\/strong>.\n          <\/p>\n          <div class=\"spotlight-guest\" style=\"display: flex; gap: 12px; background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); padding: 16px; border-radius: 8px; margin-top: 24px; align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n            <span class=\"guest-icon\" style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/span>\n            <p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: #e2e8f0;\">Fostering cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange year after year.<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Interactive Image Accordion Gallery -->\n    <div class=\"gaisce-accordion-container\" style=\"display: flex; width: 100%; height: 460px; gap: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n      \n      <!-- Story 1: H\u00f6chstadt Visit 2026 -->\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7582-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"accordion-panel active-panel\" style=\"position: relative; flex: 2; height: 100%; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 12px; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); display: block;\">\n        <div class=\"panel-bg\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background-size: cover; background-position: center; transition: transform 0.5s ease; z-index: 1; background-image: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.95) 0%, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.2) 60%), url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7582-scaled.jpg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-collapsed-title\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 30px; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%); white-space: nowrap; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform-origin: center; z-index: 3; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85); font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\">\n          <span>\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea H\u00f6chstadt Visit<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-content\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; padding: 32px; box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 4;\">\n          <span class=\"panel-date\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgba(230, 244, 234, 0.2); color: #e6f4ea; padding: 4px 12px; border-radius: 50px; margin-bottom: 8px;\">Exchange 2026<\/span>\n          <h3 class=\"panel-heading\" style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 800; color: #ffffff; margin: 0 0 8px 0;\">H\u00f6chstadt Visit 2026<\/h3>\n          <p class=\"panel-body\" style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: #f1f5f9; margin: 0 0 12px 0; max-width: 90%;\">Students in uniform and partner hoodies at the official welcoming ceremony.<\/p>\n          <span class=\"panel-link-hint\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #e6f4ea; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\">View Full Image \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n\n      <!-- Story 2: Jade Ralph Addressing Partners -->\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7461-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"accordion-panel\" style=\"position: relative; flex: 1; height: 100%; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 12px; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); display: block;\">\n        <div class=\"panel-bg\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background-size: cover; background-position: center; transition: transform 0.5s ease; z-index: 1; background-image: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.95) 0%, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.2) 60%), url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7461-scaled.jpg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-collapsed-title\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 30px; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%); white-space: nowrap; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform-origin: center; z-index: 3; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85); font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\">\n          <span>\ud83d\udcac Student Voice<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-content\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; padding: 32px; box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 4;\">\n          <span class=\"panel-date\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgba(230, 244, 234, 0.2); color: #e6f4ea; padding: 4px 12px; border-radius: 50px; margin-bottom: 8px;\">Student Leadership<\/span>\n          <h3 class=\"panel-heading\" style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 800; color: #ffffff; margin: 0 0 8px 0;\">Jade Ralph Addressing Partners<\/h3>\n          <p class=\"panel-body\" style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: #f1f5f9; margin: 0 0 12px 0; max-width: 90%;\">Representing student leadership and speaking at the official German delegation reception.<\/p>\n          <span class=\"panel-link-hint\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #e6f4ea; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\">View Full Image \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n\n      <!-- Story 3: Principal O'Reilly's Address -->\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_7441-scaled.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"accordion-panel\" style=\"position: relative; flex: 1; height: 100%; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 12px; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); display: block;\">\n        <div class=\"panel-bg\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background-size: cover; background-position: center; transition: transform 0.5s ease; z-index: 1; background-image: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.95) 0%, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.2) 60%), url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_7441-scaled.jpg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-collapsed-title\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 30px; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%); white-space: nowrap; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform-origin: center; z-index: 3; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85); font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\">\n          <span>\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Principal Address<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-content\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; padding: 32px; box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 4;\">\n          <span class=\"panel-date\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgba(230, 244, 234, 0.2); color: #e6f4ea; padding: 4px 12px; border-radius: 50px; margin-bottom: 8px;\">School Leadership<\/span>\n          <h3 class=\"panel-heading\" style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 800; color: #ffffff; margin: 0 0 8px 0;\">Principal O'Reilly's Address<\/h3>\n          <p class=\"panel-body\" style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: #f1f5f9; margin: 0 0 12px 0; max-width: 90%;\">Welcoming guests and celebrating 24 years of collaborative history.<\/p>\n          <span class=\"panel-link-hint\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #e6f4ea; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\">View Full Image \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n\n      <!-- Story 4: Principals O'Reilly & Ott -->\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-10-at-11.44.18-2-scaled.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"accordion-panel featured-panel\" style=\"position: relative; flex: 1; height: 100%; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 12px; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); display: block;\">\n        <div class=\"panel-bg\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background-size: cover; background-position: center; transition: transform 0.5s ease; z-index: 1; background-image: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.95) 0%, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.2) 60%), url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-10-at-11.44.18-2-scaled.jpeg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-collapsed-title\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 30px; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%); white-space: nowrap; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform-origin: center; z-index: 3; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85); font-weight: 700; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\">\n          <span>\ud83e\udd1d 24-Year Milestone<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"panel-content\" style=\"position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; padding: 32px; box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 4;\">\n          <span class=\"panel-date-gold\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgba(254, 240, 138, 0.15); color: #fde047; padding: 4px 12px; border-radius: 50px; margin-bottom: 8px;\">Partnership Milestone<\/span>\n          <h3 class=\"panel-heading highlight-gold\" style=\"font-size: 22px; font-weight: 800; color: #fde047; margin: 0 0 8px 0;\">Principals O\u2019Reilly & Ott<\/h3>\n          <p class=\"panel-body\" style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: #f1f5f9; margin: 0 0 12px 0; max-width: 90%;\">Mr. Ott presenting the new partnership hoodie to mark over two decades of exchange.<\/p>\n          <span class=\"panel-link-hint\" style=\"display: inline-block; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; color: #fde047; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\">View Full Image \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  \/* Desktop Accordion Default States *\/\n  .accordion-panel .panel-content {\n    opacity: 0;\n    transform: translateY(12px);\n    transition: opacity 0.3s ease, transform 0.3s ease;\n    pointer-events: none;\n  }\n  .accordion-panel.active-panel .panel-content {\n    opacity: 1;\n    transform: translateY(0);\n    pointer-events: auto;\n  }\n  .accordion-panel .panel-collapsed-title {\n    opacity: 1;\n    transition: opacity 0.3s ease;\n  }\n  .accordion-panel.active-panel .panel-collapsed-title {\n    opacity: 0;\n    pointer-events: none;\n  }\n\n  \/* Desktop Hover Interactions *\/\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel {\n    flex: 1;\n  }\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:hover {\n    flex: 3.5 !important;\n    box-shadow: 0 20px 35px -10px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.2);\n  }\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:hover .panel-bg {\n    transform: scale(1.03);\n  }\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:hover .panel-collapsed-title {\n    opacity: 0 !important;\n  }\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:hover .panel-content {\n    opacity: 1 !important;\n    transform: translateY(0) !important;\n    pointer-events: auto !important;\n  }\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:not(:hover) .panel-content {\n    opacity: 0 !important;\n    transform: translateY(12px) !important;\n    pointer-events: none !important;\n  }\n  .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:not(:hover) .panel-collapsed-title {\n    opacity: 1 !important;\n  }\n\n  \/* Mobile Layout: Fully stacked list where every card behaves completely independently *\/\n  @media (max-width: 992px) {\n    .gaisce-spotlight-card {\n      top: 0 !important;\n    }\n    .gaisce-timeline-container {\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\n      gap: 40px !important;\n    }\n    .gaisce-accordion-container {\n      flex-direction: column !important;\n      height: auto !important;\n      gap: 20px !important;\n    }\n    .accordion-panel {\n      flex: none !important;\n      width: 100% !important;\n      height: 320px !important;\n      box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.1) !important;\n    }\n    .panel-collapsed-title {\n      display: none !important;\n    }\n    .accordion-panel .panel-content {\n      opacity: 1 !important;\n      transform: none !important;\n      padding: 28px !important;\n      background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.95) 0%, rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.35) 100%) !important;\n      pointer-events: auto !important;\n    }\n    .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel,\n    .gaisce-accordion-container:hover .accordion-panel:hover {\n      flex: none !important;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n<script>\n  \/\/ Mobile Touch Fix: Explicitly loop through all panels to give images 3 and 4 \n  \/\/ the exact same isolated click behavior as 1 and 2, preventing any cross-panel jumps.\n  document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {\n    const container = document.querySelector('.gaisce-accordion-container');\n    if (!container) return;\n    const panels = container.querySelectorAll('.accordion-panel');\n    \n    panels.forEach(panel => {\n      panel.addEventListener('click', function (e) {\n        if (window.innerWidth <= 992) {\n          \/\/ If the panel isn't already the active focus on mobile, consume the first tap to focus it\n          if (!this.classList.contains('mobile-tapped')) {\n            e.preventDefault();\n            panels.forEach(p => p.classList.remove('mobile-tapped', 'active-panel'));\n            this.classList.add('mobile-tapped', 'active-panel');\n          }\n          \/\/ On the second tap, it naturally follows the href link without resetting position\n        }\n      });\n    });\n  });\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c41fded e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c41fded\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffaac48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"ffaac48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- CIVIC RECOGNITION & TWINNING RENEWAL SECTION -->\n<div class=\"civic-renewal-wrapper\">\n  \n  <!-- Section Header -->\n  <div class=\"civic-header\">\n    <h2 class=\"civic-title\">Civic Recognition &amp; Twinning Renewal<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"civic-divider\"><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Content Split Grid -->\n  <div class=\"civic-grid\">\n    \n    <!-- Left Column: Bullet Points \/ Narrative Card -->\n    <div class=\"civic-content-card\">\n      \n      <div class=\"civic-bullet-item\">\n        <div class=\"civic-bullet-icon\">\ud83d\udccd<\/div>\n        <div class=\"civic-bullet-text\">\n          <strong>September 2023 Civic Visit:<\/strong> Davitt College was highly privileged to host the Mayor of H\u00f6chstadt, Mr. Gerald Brehm, alongside members of the Freundekreis (Town Twinning Committee) and the H\u00f6chstadt Town Council. Our 5th-year students steered the entire welcoming ceremony beautifully <em>auf Deutsch<\/em>, showcasing the real-world impact of their language studies.\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"civic-bullet-item\">\n        <div class=\"civic-bullet-icon\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/div>\n        <div class=\"civic-bullet-text\">\n          <strong>\u201cRealschule H\u00f6chstadt Day\u201d Proclamation:<\/strong> In May 2025, our German visitors received a full civic address at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village hosted by the Castlebar Municipal District. To honor the 23-year partnership, May 7th was officially proclaimed <em>Realschule H\u00f6chstadt Day<\/em> in Castlebar!\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Right Column: Premium Video Trigger Card -->\n    <div class=\"civic-video-card\" onclick=\"openCivicVideoModal()\">\n      <div\n        class=\"civic-video-thumb\"\n        style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-27-at-23.21.50-scaled.jpeg');\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"civic-video-overlay\">\n          <div class=\"civic-play-button\">\n            <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n              <path d=\"M8 5v14l11-7z\"\/>\n            <\/svg>\n          <\/div>\n          <span class=\"civic-video-label\">Watch Anniversary Feature<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!-- VIDEO LIGHTBOX MODAL -->\n<div id=\"civicVideoModal\" class=\"civic-modal\" onclick=\"closeCivicVideoModal(event)\">\n  <div class=\"civic-modal-content\">\n\n    <button\n      class=\"civic-modal-close\"\n      onclick=\"closeCivicVideoModalDirect()\"\n      type=\"button\"\n      aria-label=\"Close video\"\n    >\n      &times;\n    <\/button>\n\n    <div class=\"civic-video-container\">\n      <iframe\n        id=\"civicYoutubeIframe\"\n        src=\"\"\n        title=\"Realschule H\u00f6chstadt Partnership Video\"\n        frameborder=\"0\"\n        allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\"\n        allowfullscreen\n      ><\/iframe>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n  \/* --- CIVIC RECOGNITION SECTION STYLES --- *\/\n  .civic-renewal-wrapper {\n    max-width: 1600px;\n    margin: 20px auto;\n    padding: 0 20px;\n    font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n\n  .civic-header {\n    text-align: center;\n    margin-bottom: 40px;\n  }\n\n  .civic-title {\n    font-size: 32px !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    color: #0f2015 !important;\n    margin: 0 0 10px 0 !important;\n    letter-spacing: -0.5px !important;\n  }\n\n  .civic-divider {\n    width: 60px;\n    height: 4px;\n    background-color: #254b2e;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    border-radius: 2px;\n  }\n\n  .civic-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 0.9fr;\n    gap: 30px;\n    align-items: stretch;\n  }\n\n  \/* Left Content Card *\/\n  .civic-content-card {\n    background: #ffffff;\n    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n    border-radius: 16px;\n    padding: 36px;\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px -2px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.04);\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    justify-content: center;\n    gap: 28px;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n\n  .civic-bullet-item {\n    display: flex;\n    gap: 18px;\n    align-items: flex-start;\n  }\n\n  .civic-bullet-icon {\n    width: 40px;\n    height: 40px;\n    background-color: #e6f4ea;\n    color: #254b2e;\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    font-size: 18px;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n    margin-top: 2px;\n  }\n\n  .civic-bullet-text {\n    font-size: 15.5px;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    color: #334155;\n  }\n\n  .civic-bullet-text strong {\n    color: #0f2015;\n  }\n\n  \/* Right Video Card *\/\n  .civic-video-card {\n    border-radius: 16px;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    position: relative;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px -5px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.1);\n    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n    background-color: #0f2015;\n    min-height: 320px;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-thumb {\n    width: 100%;\n    height: 100%;\n    flex-grow: 1;\n    background-size: cover;\n    background-position: center;\n    transition: transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-card:hover .civic-video-thumb {\n    transform: scale(1.04);\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-overlay {\n    position: absolute;\n    top: 0;\n    left: 0;\n    width: 100%;\n    height: 100%;\n    background: linear-gradient(\n      to top,\n      rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.75) 0%,\n      rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.25) 100%\n    );\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    transition: background 0.3s ease;\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-card:hover .civic-video-overlay {\n    background: linear-gradient(\n      to top,\n      rgba(37, 75, 46, 0.85) 0%,\n      rgba(37, 75, 46, 0.4) 100%\n    );\n  }\n\n  .civic-play-button {\n    width: 72px;\n    height: 72px;\n    background-color: #254B2E;\n    color: #ffffff;\n    border-radius: 50%;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);\n    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);\n    margin-bottom: 14px;\n    border: 3px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.2);\n  }\n\n  .civic-play-button svg {\n    width: 32px;\n    height: 32px;\n    margin-left: 3px;\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-card:hover .civic-play-button {\n    background-color: #CAD244;\n    color: #0f2015;\n    transform: scale(1.1);\n    border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.4);\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-label {\n    color: #ffffff;\n    font-size: 15px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    letter-spacing: -0.2px;\n    text-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);\n  }\n\n  \/* --- MODAL LIGHTBOX STYLES --- *\/\n  .civic-modal {\n    display: none;\n    position: fixed;\n    z-index: 99999;\n    top: 0;\n    left: 0;\n    width: 100%;\n    height: 100%;\n    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.92);\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    padding: 20px;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    backdrop-filter: blur(5px);\n  }\n\n  .civic-modal-content {\n    position: relative;\n    width: 100%;\n    max-width: 1000px;\n    background: #000000;\n    border-radius: 12px;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    box-shadow: 0 25px 50px -12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7);\n    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-container {\n    position: relative;\n    width: 100%;\n    padding-bottom: 56.25%;\n    height: 0;\n  }\n\n  .civic-video-container iframe {\n    position: absolute;\n    top: 0;\n    left: 0;\n    width: 100%;\n    height: 100%;\n    border: none;\n  }\n\n  \/* CLOSE BUTTON - FIXED INSIDE VIDEO *\/\n  .civic-modal-close {\n    position: absolute !important;\n    top: 14px !important;\n    right: 14px !important;\n    width: 44px !important;\n    height: 44px !important;\n    padding: 0 !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.72) !important;\n    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important;\n    border-radius: 50% !important;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    font-size: 30px !important;\n    font-weight: 300 !important;\n    line-height: 1 !important;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    z-index: 100001 !important;\n    display: flex !important;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    transition: all 0.2s ease;\n  }\n\n  .civic-modal-close:hover {\n    color: #0f2015 !important;\n    background: #CAD244 !important;\n    border-color: #CAD244 !important;\n    transform: scale(1.05);\n  }\n\n  \/* --- RESPONSIVE BREAKPOINTS --- *\/\n  @media (max-width: 900px) {\n    .civic-grid {\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n    }\n\n    .civic-video-card {\n      min-height: 260px;\n    }\n\n    .civic-modal-close {\n      top: 10px !important;\n      right: 10px !important;\n      width: 40px !important;\n      height: 40px !important;\n      font-size: 28px !important;\n    }\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 640px) {\n    .civic-content-card {\n      padding: 24px 20px;\n      gap: 20px;\n    }\n\n    .civic-bullet-item {\n      gap: 14px;\n    }\n\n    .civic-bullet-icon {\n      width: 34px;\n      height: 34px;\n      font-size: 15px;\n    }\n\n    .civic-bullet-text {\n      font-size: 14.5px;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n\n<script>\n  function openCivicVideoModal() {\n    const modal = document.getElementById('civicVideoModal');\n    const iframe = document.getElementById('civicYoutubeIframe');\n\n    iframe.src = 'https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D7_bVxCKxI8?autoplay=1';\n    modal.style.display = 'flex';\n    document.body.style.overflow = 'hidden';\n  }\n\n  function closeCivicVideoModal(event) {\n    if (event.target.id === 'civicVideoModal') {\n      closeCivicVideoModalDirect();\n    }\n  }\n\n  function closeCivicVideoModalDirect() {\n    const modal = document.getElementById('civicVideoModal');\n    const iframe = document.getElementById('civicYoutubeIframe');\n\n    iframe.src = '';\n    modal.style.display = 'none';\n    document.body.style.overflow = 'auto';\n  }\n\n  document.addEventListener('keydown', function(event) {\n    if (event.key === 'Escape') {\n      const modal = document.getElementById('civicVideoModal');\n\n      if (modal && modal.style.display === 'flex') {\n        closeCivicVideoModalDirect();\n      }\n    }\n  });\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9cabcda e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9cabcda\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c676e67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"c676e67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- GERMAN EXCHANGE DIARIES SECTION -->\n<div class=\"diaries-portal-wrapper\">\n  \n  <!-- Section Header -->\n  <div class=\"diaries-section-header\">\n    <h2 class=\"diaries-section-title\">German Exchange Diaries<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"diaries-section-divider\"><\/div>\n    <p class=\"diaries-section-subtitle\">Explore student stories, travel archives, and cultural hosting events from our longstanding partnership with the Realschule H\u00f6chstadt.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Cards Grid -->\n  <div class=\"diaries-grid\">\n    \n    <!-- Spring Hosting Experience Card -->\n    <div class=\"diary-card\">\n      <div class=\"diary-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"diary-badge\">Spring Term<\/div>\n        <h3 class=\"diary-card-title\">The Spring Hosting Experience<\/h3>\n        <p class=\"diary-card-desc\">\n          Every spring, Davitt College extends a warm <em>C\u00e9ad M\u00edle F\u00e1ilte<\/em> to German student groups. Partners shadow Irish classrooms, take introductory lessons in Gaeilge, explore Famine history, and participate in practical wood workshops and traditional soda bread making sessions.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"diary-card-footer\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/category\/global-programmes-initiatives\/german-exchange\/\" class=\"diary-action-btn\">\n          Explore Spring Exchanges\n          <span class=\"btn-arrow\">\u2192<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Magic of Christmas in Bavaria Card -->\n    <div class=\"diary-card\">\n      <div class=\"diary-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"diary-badge\">Winter Term<\/div>\n        <h3 class=\"diary-card-title\">The Magic of Christmas in Bavaria<\/h3>\n        <p class=\"diary-card-desc\">\n          Our senior language learners experience total linguistic immersion during their winter trips to Germany. Alongside attending native lessons and exploring festive Christmas markets in Bamberg, students undertake vital Mock Oral Examination preparation with native German educators ahead of their Leaving Certificate.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"diary-card-footer\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/category\/global-programmes-initiatives\/erasmus\/\" class=\"diary-action-btn\">\n          Explore Winter Travel Diaries\n          <span class=\"btn-arrow\">\u2192<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  \/* --- DIARIES PORTAL STYLES --- *\/\n  .diaries-portal-wrapper {\n    max-width: 1600px;\n    margin: 20px auto;\n    padding: 0 20px;\n    font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n\n  .diaries-section-header {\n    text-align: center;\n    margin-bottom: 40px;\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    align-items: center;\n  }\n\n  .diaries-section-title {\n    font-size: 32px !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    color: #0f2015 !important;\n    margin: 0 0 10px 0 !important;\n    letter-spacing: -0.5px !important;\n  }\n\n  .diaries-section-divider {\n    width: 60px;\n    height: 4px;\n    background-color: #254b2e;\n    border-radius: 2px;\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n  }\n\n  .diaries-section-subtitle {\n    font-size: 16px;\n    color: #475569;\n    max-width: 800px;\n    margin: 0;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n  }\n\n  .diaries-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n    gap: 30px;\n    align-items: stretch;\n  }\n\n  .diary-card {\n    background: #ffffff;\n    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;\n    border-radius: 16px;\n    padding: 40px;\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px -2px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.04);\n    display: flex;\n    flex-direction: column;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n\n  .diary-card:hover {\n    border-color: #cbd5e1;\n    box-shadow: 0 12px 30px -4px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.08);\n    transform: translateY(-2px);\n  }\n\n  .diary-badge {\n    display: inline-block;\n    background-color: #e6f4ea;\n    color: #254b2e;\n    font-size: 12px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    padding: 6px 14px;\n    border-radius: 50px;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    letter-spacing: 0.5px;\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\n  }\n\n  .diary-card-title {\n    font-size: 24px !important;\n    color: #0f2015 !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    margin: 0 0 16px 0 !important;\n    letter-spacing: -0.5px !important;\n    line-height: 1.3 !important;\n  }\n\n  .diary-card-desc {\n    font-size: 15.5px;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    color: #334155;\n    margin: 0 0 32px 0;\n  }\n\n  .diary-card-footer {\n    border-top: 1px solid #f1f5f9;\n    padding-top: 24px;\n    margin-top: auto;\n  }\n\n  .diary-action-btn {\n    display: inline-flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    background-color: #0f2015;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 12px 24px;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    font-size: 14px;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    transition: all 0.25s ease;\n  }\n\n  .diary-action-btn:hover {\n    background-color: #254b2e;\n    transform: translateX(4px);\n  }\n\n  .btn-arrow {\n    margin-left: 8px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n    transition: transform 0.2s ease;\n  }\n\n  \/* --- RESPONSIVE BREAKPOINTS --- *\/\n  @media (max-width: 900px) {\n    .diaries-grid {\n      grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n    }\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 640px) {\n    .diary-card {\n      padding: 24px 20px;\n    }\n    .diary-card-title {\n      font-size: 20px !important;\n    }\n    .diaries-section-title {\n      font-size: 26px !important;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4253e79 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4253e79\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec6a03b elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"ec6a03b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- GERMAN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME EDITORIAL NEWS SECTION -->\n<div class=\"german-news-wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"german-news-section\">\n    \n    <!-- SECTION HEADER -->\n    <div class=\"news-section-header\">\n      <h2 class=\"news-section-title\">Exchange Programme News<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"news-section-divider\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- EDITORIAL GRID -->\n    <div class=\"editorial-news-grid\">\n      \n      <!-- Story 1: Large Hero (German Exchange Week Begins) -->\n      <a href=\"#\" class=\"news-story-card large\">\n        <div class=\"news-img\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7582-scaled.jpg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"news-content\">\n          <span class=\"news-tag\">Exchange Programme<\/span>\n          <h3>German Exchange Week Begins With Official Welcome at Davitt College<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n\n      <!-- Story 2: Welcoming European Partners -->\n      <a href=\"#\" class=\"news-story-card\">\n        <div class=\"news-img\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-Davitt-College-Erasmus-committee-pictured-alongside-our-visiting-French-colleagues-Mrs.-Kristiana-Glinke-and-Mrs.-Carolina-De-Bleeckere.jpg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"news-content\">\n          <span class=\"news-tag\">Erasmus+<\/span>\n          <h3>Welcoming European Partners: Erasmus+ Job Shadowing with Lyc\u00e9e G\u00e9n\u00e9ral Saint Odile<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n\n      <!-- Story 3: Brussels Adventure -->\n      <a href=\"#\" class=\"news-story-card\">\n        <div class=\"news-img\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_6235-scaled.jpg');\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"news-content\">\n          <span class=\"news-tag\">European Trip<\/span>\n          <h3>Davitt College Students Embark on Erasmus Adventure in Brussels<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- ACTION BUTTON -->\n    <div class=\"news-cta-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"\/german-exchange-news\/\" class=\"news-action-btn\">\n        View All Exchange News&nbsp;\n        <span class=\"btn-arrow\">&rarr;<\/span>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  \/* Full-Width Background Breakout Container *\/\n  .german-news-wrapper {\n    width: 100vw !important;\n    position: relative !important;\n    left: 50% !important;\n    right: 50% !important;\n    margin-left: -50vw !important;\n    margin-right: -50vw !important;\n    max-width: 100vw !important;\n    background-color: #ffffff !important;\n    box-sizing: border-box !important;\n    overflow-x: hidden !important;\n  }\n\n  .german-news-section { \n    padding: 40px 20px 80px 20px !important; \n    font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif !important; \n    max-width: 100% !important;\n    box-sizing: border-box !important;\n  }\n  \n  .news-section-header { margin-bottom: 30px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; text-align: center; }\n  .news-section-title { font-size: 32px !important; color: #0f2015 !important; font-weight: 800 !important; margin: 0 0 10px 0 !important; letter-spacing: -0.5px !important; }\n  .news-section-divider { width: 80px; height: 4px; background-color: #254b2e; border-radius: 2px; }\n\n  .editorial-news-grid {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr;\n    gap: 20px;\n    max-width: 1140px;\n    margin: 0 auto 40px auto;\n    padding: 0 15px;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n  \n  .news-story-card {\n    position: relative; border-radius: 12px; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;\n    background: #0A2240; display: block; min-height: 320px;\n  }\n  \n  .news-story-card.large { grid-row: span 2; }\n  \n  .news-img {\n    position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\n    background-size: cover; background-position: center;\n    transition: transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1); opacity: 0.85;\n  }\n  \n  .news-story-card:hover .news-img { transform: scale(1.08); }\n  \n  .news-content {\n    position: absolute; bottom: 0; width: 100%; padding: 35px;\n    background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(10, 34, 64, 0.95), rgba(10, 34, 64, 0.6) 60%, transparent);\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n  \n  .news-tag {\n    background: rgba(202, 210, 68, 0.15); color: #CAD244;\n    border: 1px solid rgba(202, 210, 68, 0.3); padding: 4px 14px;\n    font-size: 11px; font-weight: 800; text-transform: uppercase;\n    border-radius: 50px; letter-spacing: 1px; display: inline-block;\n    margin-bottom: 8px;\n  }\n  \n  .news-content h3 { font-size: 22px; margin: 0; line-height: 1.35; color: #fff; font-weight: 800; }\n\n  \/* Upgraded Pill CTA Button Style *\/\n  .news-cta-wrapper { text-align: center; }\n  \n  .news-action-btn {\n    display: inline-flex !important;\n    align-items: center !important;\n    justify-content: center !important;\n    background-color: #0A2240 !important;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 15px 34px !important;\n    border-radius: 50px !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    font-size: 14px !important;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    text-transform: uppercase !important;\n    letter-spacing: 1px !important;\n    transition: all 0.3s ease !important;\n    font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif !important;\n    box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(10, 34, 64, 0.25) !important;\n  }\n  \n  .news-action-btn:hover { \n    background-color: #254b2e !important; \n    color: #ffffff !important; \n    transform: translateY(-3px) !important; \n    box-shadow: 0 15px 30px rgba(37, 75, 46, 0.35) !important;\n  }\n  \n  .btn-arrow { \n    margin-left: 8px; \n    font-size: 16px; \n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .editorial-news-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n    .news-story-card.large { grid-row: auto; }\n  }\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-621516d e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"621516d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d73a29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"8d73a29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- MILESTONE ERA: ERASMUS+ SECTION -->\n<div class=\"milestone-bleed\">\n  <div class=\"milestone-wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"milestone-card\">\n      <div class=\"milestone-header\">\n        <h2 class=\"milestone-title\">A Milestone Era: Approaching 25 Years of Friendship<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"milestone-divider\"><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      \n      <p class=\"milestone-text\">\n        While we continually forge new paths across Europe, our relationship with Germany remains a foundational pillar of international learning at Davitt College. For a quarter of a century, we have maintained an unbroken, deeply cherished exchange link with Realschule H\u00f6chstadt in Bavaria, grounding our language studies in real-world connection and community.\n      <\/p>\n      \n      <p class=\"milestone-text\" style=\"margin-top: 16px;\">\n        As we look to the future, our newly awarded <strong>Erasmus+ Accredited Status<\/strong> provides the prestigious funding and support needed to completely reawaken and expand this historic partnership. Moving forward, this synergy will continue to provide our Senior German language learners with unparalleled, immersive pathways to build fluency, experience vibrant European cultures, and maintain the deep bonds of friendship that tie Castlebar and H\u00f6chstadt together.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"milestone-cta-wrapper\">\n        <a href=\"\/dev\/erasmus\" class=\"milestone-action-btn\">\n          Explore Erasmus+\n          <span class=\"btn-arrow\">\u2192<\/span>\n        <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  \/* --- MILESTONE ERA STYLES WITH FOOTER OVERLAP FIX --- *\/\n  .milestone-bleed {\n    width: 100vw !important;\n    position: relative !important;\n    left: 50% !important;\n    right: 50% !important;\n    margin-left: -50vw !important;\n    margin-right: -50vw !important;\n    max-width: 100vw !important;\n    background-color: #f0f4f1 !important;\n    border: none !important;\n    outline: none !important;\n    overflow: hidden !important;\n    \n    \/* Extended bottom padding combined with negative bottom margin to seamlessly meet the footer *\/\n    padding: 60px 0 100px 0 !important;\n    margin-bottom: -40px !important;\n    z-index: 5 !important;\n    box-sizing: border-box !important;\n    font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif !important;\n  }\n\n  \/* Force Elementor Parent Containers to strip internal padding\/margins *\/\n  .elementor-element:has(.milestone-bleed),\n  .elementor-widget-html:has(.milestone-bleed),\n  .elementor-widget-container:has(.milestone-bleed) {\n    margin-top: 0 !important;\n    margin-bottom: 0 !important;\n    padding-top: 0 !important;\n    padding-bottom: 0 !important;\n  }\n\n  \/* Target Astra \/ Elementor Footer to eliminate gaps and borders *\/\n  footer, \n  #footer,\n  .site-footer, \n  #colophon, \n  .elementor-location-footer,\n  .davitt-custom-footer,\n  .ast-footer-builder-layout {\n    margin-top: -20px !important;\n    border-top: none !important;\n    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#254b2e;\n    border-radius: 2px;\n  }\n\n  .milestone-text {\n    font-size: 16px;\n    line-height: 1.75;\n    color: #334155;\n    margin: 0;\n    text-align: left;\n  }\n\n  .milestone-text strong {\n    color: #0f2015;\n  }\n\n  .milestone-cta-wrapper {\n    margin-top: 36px;\n    text-align: center;\n  }\n\n  .milestone-action-btn {\n    display: inline-flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    background-color: #0f2015;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 14px 32px;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    font-size: 15px;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    transition: all 0.25s ease;\n  }\n\n  .milestone-action-btn:hover {\n    background-color: #254b2e;\n    transform: translateY(-2px);\n    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(37, 75, 46, 0.15);\n  }\n\n  .btn-arrow {\n    margin-left: 8px;\n    font-size: 18px;\n    transition: transform 0.2s ease;\n  }\n\n  .milestone-action-btn:hover .btn-arrow {\n    transform: translateX(4px);\n  }\n\n  \/* --- RESPONSIVE BREAKPOINTS --- *\/\n  @media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .milestone-bleed {\n      padding: 40px 0 80px 0 !important;\n    }\n    .milestone-card {\n      padding: 30px 20px;\n    }\n    .milestone-title {\n      font-size: 26px !important;\n    }\n    .milestone-text {\n      font-size: 15px;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c66041e e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c66041e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d1d943 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"0d1d943\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ========================================================================== -->\n<!-- GERMAN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME: INSTAGRAM REEL FEATURE -->\n<!-- ========================================================================== -->\n<div class=\"exchange-reel-section\" style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; margin: 40px 0; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n  \n  <div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 0%, #f8fafc 100%); border: 1.5px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 24px; padding: 40px; box-shadow: 0 12px 35px rgba(15, 32, 21, 0.06); position: relative; overflow: hidden;\">\n    \n    <!-- Top Accent Badge -->\n    <div style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n      <span style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.15); color: #b45309; font-weight: 800; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-size: 11px; padding: 6px 16px; border-radius: 50px; border: 1px solid rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.3);\">\n        \ud83d\udc9a\u2764\ufe0f Best of luck, Mayo! \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udc9a\n      <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h3 style=\"font-size: 24px; font-weight: 800; color: #0f2015; margin: 0 0 20px 0; letter-spacing: -0.5px;\">\n      International Support from Realschule H\u00f6chstadt\n    <\/h3>\n\n    <!-- Content Paragraphs -->\n    <div style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #334155; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 25px;\">\n      <p style=\"margin: 0 0 16px 0; font-weight: 600; color: #0f2015;\">\n        The spirit of Mayo reaches far beyond our shores! \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea\n      <\/p>\n      <p style=\"margin: 0 0 16px 0;\">\n        Our friends at Realschule H\u00f6chstadt, Davitt College\u2019s sister school in Germany, have sent a fantastic video wishing the Mayo team the very best of luck.\n      <\/p>\n      <p style=\"margin: 0;\">\n        Featuring students who took part in the German Exchange visit to Davitt College in March 2026, alongside accompanying staff <strong>Tanya Fisher-Lehmann<\/strong>, <strong>Barbara Stebani<\/strong>, and Principal <strong>Markus Ott<\/strong>, this special message is a wonderful reminder of the strong friendship and partnership between our two schools.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Call to Action Box for Instagram Reel -->\n    <div style=\"background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 16px; padding: 24px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 20px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 25px; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.02);\" class=\"reel-cta-box\">\n      <div>\n        <span style=\"display: block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 800; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.2px; color: #137333; margin-bottom: 4px;\">Exclusive Video Message<\/span>\n        <span style=\"font-size: 14.5px; font-weight: 700; color: #0f2015;\">Watch the good luck message on Instagram<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reels\/DbMFWdyuqRW\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; background: linear-gradient(45deg, #f09433 0%, #e6683c 25%, #dc2743 50%, #cc2366 75%, #bc1888 100%); color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 50px; font-weight: 800; font-size: 13.5px; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 8px 16px rgba(220, 39, 67, 0.2); transition: transform 0.2s ease; white-space: nowrap;\">\n        <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><rect x=\"2\" y=\"2\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" rx=\"5\" ry=\"5\"><\/rect><path d=\"M16 11.37A4 4 0 1 1 12.63 8 4 4 0 0 1 16 11.37z\"><\/path><line x1=\"17.5\" y1=\"6.5\" x2=\"17.51\" y2=\"6.5\"><\/line><\/svg>\n        Watch Instagram Reel \u2192\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <p style=\"font-size: 15.5px; color: #475569; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0; font-weight: 500; font-style: italic;\">\n      \u201cThank you to everyone at Realschule H\u00f6chstadt for your incredible support. Your hearts are in Mayo with us!\u201d\n    <\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n  @media (max-width: 640px) {\n    .reel-cta-box {\n      flex-direction: column;\n      align-items: stretch !important;\n      text-align: center;\n    }\n    .reel-cta-box a {\n      justify-content: center !important;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>German Exchange Programme A Quarter Century of Partnership For a quarter of a century, our landmark partnership with Realschule H\u00f6chstadt has offered Davitt College students an unparalleled immersive language experience. Our Sister School: Realschule H\u00f6chstadt The German Department at Davitt College is a vibrant, energetic department that is immensely proud of its deep-rooted partnership with our German sister school, The Realschule H\u00f6chstadt. Situated in the beautiful town of H\u00f6chstadt an der Aisch in Bavaria, Southern Germany, the school is a thriving, mixed secondary campus with over 1,000 pupils. Crucially, H\u00f6chstadt is also the official twin town of Castlebar, cementing a profound civic and cultural bond that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Where It All Began This trusted partnership officially began in 2002 when Mr. Ulrich Langer, then Deputy Principal of the Realschule H\u00f6chstadt, visited Mayo to pave a path of international friendship. Supported warmly by former Davitt College Principal Mr. Patsy Noone and German Teacher Mrs. Maria Carey, the foundations were laid for an exchange framework that remains vibrant and alive today. Davitt College International Meet the Team Fostering international friendships, linguistic immersion, and cultural exchange with our partner schools in Germany. Lead Teacher Ms. Carey German Lead Teacher Ms. Newall German &amp; French Celebrating a Shared History Official Welcome 5th Year German Classes Students met their German partners at the official welcoming ceremony in Davitt College, wearing their school uniform alongside visiting students in new exchange hoodies. Student Leadership Student Representation Jade Ralph addressing German partner delegations and highlighting the strength of student voice across cultures. Lasting Connections Realschule H\u00f6chstadt Link Building international friendships and educational pathways that span across generations of learners. &#x2b50; Historic Milestone 24 Years Strong A Historic Milestone Principal Conor O\u2019Reilly welcomed Principal Markus Ott of Realschule H\u00f6chstadt to Davitt College. Mr. Ott presented Mr. O\u2019Reilly with one of the new hoodies, celebrating the shared history and continued connection between both schools. This enduring partnership has now successfully spanned 24 years. &#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; Fostering cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange year after year. &#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; H\u00f6chstadt Visit Exchange 2026 H\u00f6chstadt Visit 2026 Students in uniform and partner hoodies at the official welcoming ceremony. View Full Image \u2192 &#x1f4ac; Student Voice Student Leadership Jade Ralph Addressing Partners Representing student leadership and speaking at the official German delegation reception. View Full Image \u2192 &#x1f399;&#xfe0f; Principal Address School Leadership Principal O&#8217;Reilly&#8217;s Address Welcoming guests and celebrating 24 years of collaborative history. View Full Image \u2192 &#x1f91d; 24-Year Milestone Partnership Milestone Principals O\u2019Reilly &#038; Ott Mr. Ott presenting the new partnership hoodie to mark over two decades of exchange. View Full Image \u2192 Civic Recognition &amp; Twinning Renewal &#x1f4cd; September 2023 Civic Visit: Davitt College was highly privileged to host the Mayor of H\u00f6chstadt, Mr. Gerald Brehm, alongside members of the Freundekreis (Town Twinning Committee) and the H\u00f6chstadt Town Council. Our 5th-year students steered the entire welcoming ceremony beautifully auf Deutsch, showcasing the real-world impact of their language studies. &#x1f4dc; \u201cRealschule H\u00f6chstadt Day\u201d Proclamation: In May 2025, our German visitors received a full civic address at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village hosted by the Castlebar Municipal District. To honor the 23-year partnership, May 7th was officially proclaimed Realschule H\u00f6chstadt Day in Castlebar! Watch Anniversary Feature &times; German Exchange Diaries Explore student stories, travel archives, and cultural hosting events from our longstanding partnership with the Realschule H\u00f6chstadt. Spring Term The Spring Hosting Experience Every spring, Davitt College extends a warm C\u00e9ad M\u00edle F\u00e1ilte to German student groups. Partners shadow Irish classrooms, take introductory lessons in Gaeilge, explore Famine history, and participate in practical wood workshops and traditional soda bread making sessions. Explore Spring Exchanges \u2192 Winter Term The Magic of Christmas in Bavaria Our senior language learners experience total linguistic immersion during their winter trips to Germany. Alongside attending native lessons and exploring festive Christmas markets in Bamberg, students undertake vital Mock Oral Examination preparation with native German educators ahead of their Leaving Certificate. Explore Winter Travel Diaries \u2192 Exchange Programme News Exchange Programme German Exchange Week Begins With Official Welcome at Davitt College Erasmus+ Welcoming European Partners: Erasmus+ Job Shadowing with Lyc\u00e9e G\u00e9n\u00e9ral Saint Odile European Trip Davitt College Students Embark on Erasmus Adventure in Brussels View All Exchange News&nbsp; &rarr; A Milestone Era: Approaching 25 Years of Friendship While we continually forge new paths across Europe, our relationship with Germany remains a foundational pillar of international learning at Davitt College. For a quarter of a century, we have maintained an unbroken, deeply cherished exchange link with Realschule H\u00f6chstadt in Bavaria, grounding our language studies in real-world connection and community. As we look to the future, our newly awarded Erasmus+ Accredited Status provides the prestigious funding and support needed to completely reawaken and expand this historic partnership. Moving forward, this synergy will continue to provide our Senior German language learners with unparalleled, immersive pathways to build fluency, experience vibrant European cultures, and maintain the deep bonds of friendship that tie Castlebar and H\u00f6chstadt together. Explore Erasmus+ \u2192 &#x1f49a;&#x2764;&#xfe0f; Best of luck, Mayo! &#x2764;&#xfe0f;&#x1f49a; International Support from Realschule H\u00f6chstadt The spirit of Mayo reaches far beyond our shores! &#x1f1ee;&#x1f1ea;&#x1f1e9;&#x1f1ea; Our friends at Realschule H\u00f6chstadt, Davitt College\u2019s sister school in Germany, have sent a fantastic video wishing the Mayo team the very best of luck. Featuring students who took part in the German Exchange visit to Davitt College in March 2026, alongside accompanying staff Tanya Fisher-Lehmann, Barbara Stebani, and Principal Markus Ott, this special message is a wonderful reminder of the strong friendship and partnership between our two schools. Exclusive Video Message Watch the good luck message on Instagram Watch Instagram Reel \u2192 \u201cThank you to everyone at Realschule H\u00f6chstadt for your incredible support. Your hearts are in Mayo with us!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-20964","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Damien Gallagher","author_link":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/author\/dgallagher\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":null,"rttpg_excerpt":"German Exchange Programme A Quarter Century of Partnership For a quarter of a century, our landmark partnership with Realschule H\u00f6chstadt has offered Davitt College students an unparalleled immersive language experience. Our Sister School: Realschule H\u00f6chstadt The German Department at Davitt College is a vibrant, energetic department that is immensely proud of its deep-rooted partnership with&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20964"}],"version-history":[{"count":172,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34718,"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20964\/revisions\/34718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davittcollege.ie\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}