Two of Dublin’s newest Educate Together national schools opened their doors today as Broombridge ETNS in Cabra and Grace Park ETNS in Drumcondra welcomed their first Junior Infants.
Broombridge ETNS opened in its permanent accommodation in a 16 classroom building on Bannow Road while Grace Park ETNS will be based temporarily in the ChildVision premises on Grace Park Road while permanent accommodation is being sourced.
Says Principal Aisling McQuaid of Broombridge ETNS:
“Today is a very significant day for our school and local community. We are looking forward to working with the children and learning more about their individual interests and talents… We are committed to ensuring that the children are at the centre of the learning process and that every child will be empowered to achieve their full academic, social and physical potential at Broombridge ETNS. Input from children, parents, teachers and supporters is embraced to enable the highest level of partnership and participation.”
Says Marcus Wynne, Principal of Grace Park ETNS:
“What an exciting time this is for all our school and community as Grace Park ETNS embarks on its maiden voyage. We have met many obstacles over the Summer months but we have achieved our vision for the school in partnership with the Department of Education and ChildVision. It has been a long road for all the parents, start up committee and supporters who began this journey in 2011. Their hard work and commitment has culminated in this day. I am privileged to have been chosen as principal of Grace Park ETNS and given the opportunity to represent the children, parents and community who will mould our school into the future. The class of 2016 will be our ambassadors and advocates for the Educate Together Ethos and all at Grace Park ETNS.”
Say Sylvia McLoughlin, Grace Park ETNS parent and Educate Together start-up group member:
“I've been part of the campaign for over 4 years and the support from parents and the community has been amazing. We've all worked so hard for an Educate Together School in our area and it wasn't an easy straight forward road. That makes it moreso overwhelming and exciting to be finally opening our doors and welcoming our first Junior Infants in their new school. It's a huge asset to our community and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Both schools open as a result of a process run by the Department of Education and Skills during which parents were consulted on their preferred patron for new primary schools for their area. Educate Together is delighted at the overwhelming support and commitment of parents in both areas and looks forward to watching as both schools thrive under the leadership of Aisling and Marcus.
