Every year, during the month of October, Dun Karm Psaila Secondary School in Zebbug commemorates both the birth and death anniversary of the National Poet, Dun Karm Psaila, since these occur during the same month.

This year's ceremony was held on October 15. Its aim is to acquaint students with the poet and also to instil appreciation for his work for the Maltese language.

The programme focused on the years between 1910 and 1936, when Dun Karm lived in Valletta in great solitude. During these years however, he also wrote some his best works.

After biographical aspects about this period were read, a student read the poem Lill-Kanarin Tieghi, written in 1915. For the reading of the poem, the stage was set with a desk and a canary, among other props, to create the right atmosphere.

The headmaster, Robert N. Borg, then delivered a short speech where he encouraged the students to feel proud and always use Maltese, especially in writing. In fact it was Dun Karm himself who encouraged other poets to write in Maltese. The Director of Education, Dr Cecilia Borg, inaugurated an Internet site about Dun Karm: http://schoolnet. gov.mt/dunkampsaila/.

The proceedings were brought to a close with the singing of the Maltese anthem, whose lyrics were written by Dun Karm. Following this, an original painting of Dun Karm was unveiled in the foyer of the school. This painting is by Andrew Micallef.

Finally flowers were laid at Dun Karm's monument on Zebbug Square and at his tomb in the village cemetery.