Tánaiste opens new school building in Attymon National School, Athenry [education.ie]
- Published: 13 December 2010
The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, today opened a new school building in Attymon National School, Athenry, Co. Galway.
The new school building, which was built at a cost of €538,000 consists two new state of the art mainstream classrooms, office,library,staffroom and learning support room.
The school has an enrolment of 41 pupils and two staff.
Speaking at the school, the Tánaiste said "Parents and the local community had worked tirelessly to progress the project."
"Today marks the culmination of a lot of planning and hard work and represents hope and confidence in the future."
"I'd like to congratulate Attymon National School on taking part in Cumann na mBunscoil Hurling. Indeed Tony Keady, All Ireland Hurling Medal winner is a past pupil of the school as is Professor Paul Keane who received the honour of an OBE from Queen Elizabeth in this year's New Year's honour list."
Full Story: www.education.ie
Tánaiste opens newly extended Esker National School, Athenry [education.ie]
- Published: 13 December 2010
Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, visited Esker National School, Athenry, Co. Galway today to open the newly extended school.
Esker National School, which has an enrolment of 110 pupils and 7 staff, has been extended and totally modernised.
Four new classrooms have been added to the school's accommodation and the existing building was completely refurbished at a total cost of €484,000.
Speaking at the opening the Tánaiste said that there is a proud history of education in Esker and "this community deserves great praise for providing and supporting a quality education to many generations of families during all of those years.
"Esker's ethos nurtures and enriches each child's experience at school by being praised by the teachers each day."
Highlighting the school's interest in sports, the Tánaiste went on to say "You can also be proud of your successes in sport."
"With a huge interest in Hurling and Gaelic it is great to learn that Esker won the Cumann na mBunscoil final in Gaelic Football.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Tánaiste raises Green Flag at St. Brendan's National School, Loughrea [education.ie]
- Published: 13 December 2010
During her visit to Galway the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, today raised the Green Flag at St. Brendan's National School, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Speaking at the school, the Tánaiste praised the school's commitment to the Green Schools Programme.
"The programme is an international education initiative involving a whole-school environmental management approach."
"In participating, students learn the importance of environmental issues and, more importantly, how to take practical steps in tackling green issues in their school and home lives."
"Achieving the standards necessary to be awarded a green flag is a significant undertaking by any school."
'It's great to see the young people here at St. Brendan's School carrying out such a very important job in helping to secure the future of the environment."
Full Story: www.education.ie
Tánaiste opens new outdoor sports complex at St. Joseph's National School, Kinvara [education.ie]
- Published: 13 December 2010
Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD today visited St. Joseph's National School, Kinvara, Co. Galway to open the new outdoor sports complex.
The new sports complex was developed in partnership with Galway County Council at a cost of €410,000 and consists of a state of the art Astro turf and Tennis courts for both school and community use.
This Government continues to make substantial investment in education with more than €70 million having been directed into school capital projects in Galway since 2007.
St. Joseph's National School has an enrolment of 242 pupils.
Speaking at the opening the Tánaiste said that there is a great history of education in St. Joseph's and that "this community deserves great praise for providing and supporting a quality education to many generations of families during all of those years."
Commenting on the new state of the art facilities being opened today, the Tanaiste said "Physical exercise and sport are vital elements of a balanced lifestyle and develop character, teamwork and leadership."
"Participation in sport is a central part of the education of all pupils and the positive attitudes to physical well-being nurtured in schools can continue to flourish through regular participation all during life."
Full Story: www.education.ie
Traveller decision 'will affect schools' [Independent.ie]
- Published: 12 December 2010
A TEACHERS' union has said schools across the country are likely to be affected by a decision of the Equality Tribunal, ordering a school to enrol a Traveller who had been refused admission.
The boy's family had been told the number of applicants exceeded the available places.
The child could not meet one of the school's three criteria, which gave priority to those with a brother or father who had attended the school.
Sheila Nunan, general secretary of the INTO, said the decision would have implications well beyond the Traveller community.
"Enrolment polices at primary level often use older siblings in the school as a criterion for enrolment. The thinking behind it is not to exclude children but to ensure that parents with more than one child don't end up with children in different schools, with different drop-off places."
Full Story: www.independent.ie
