HISTORY was made in Laois on Monday last when the very first Educate Together National School opened its doors.
School principal, Donegal native Gerry Breslin, along with teachers Michael Walsh and Sinead Ahern, welcomed their 33 charges to the recently refurbished classrooms at the former vocational school at Railway Street, Portlaoise.
While classes did not begin until 9am, proud parents had their children waiting outside for the gates to open at 8.30am.
Once inside, however, there were none of the usual scenes attributed to first day at school. There wasn’t a tear in sight.
“We had no problems. It’s been a fantastic morning. Everyone has settled in quite well. Teachers and staff are looking forward to getting to know our classes and start learning,” said Mr Breslin.
Mr Breslin will be teaching junior and senior infants, Mr Walsh first and second class, while Ms Ahern is the EAL teacher for non-English speaking pupils.
Naomi Keye, whose son Joshua started in junior infants, said: “Since moving to Portlaoise three years ago, I have campaigned for an Educate Together school to open. I really looked forward to bringing Joshua to school this morning.”
Regional development officer with Educate Together, Amy Mulvihill, said: “Today is a proud and exciting day for the entire Portlaoise community. A new Educate Together school has been established in response to strong local demand from local parents over a number of years.
“I would like to thank them all for the huge amount of hard work and dedication they each put into this project and congratulate them on their plan finally coming to fruition.”