The new building housing Monkstown Educate Together National School was officially opened today (Friday June 12th) by Minister Mary Hanafin TD, at Kill Avenue in Dun Laoghaire. The New School Building is welcomed after an 11-year Wait.
The primary school, which spent 11 years in temporary accommodation in portacabins off Monkstown Avenue, moved to the new purpose-built building last November.
The school, which has 250 pupils, will expand to double its size in the coming years, in its new 16-classroom purpose building.
The school is located on the grounds of the IADT in Dun Laoghaire, in a unique arrangement between a primary and third-level institution. The popular multi-denominational school has now begun a new phase in its development, as it looks forward to the development of its new home, with the sharing of soccer pitches with IADT, in a wonderful physical environment for its pupils.
“We are delighted to celebrate this wonderful occasion,” said school principal, Rosario Kealy. “The hard work and commitment of parents and the school community has culminated in this day, and we are so excited to be in our permanent home.”
There are 250 pupills, 16 teachers, 10 special needs assistants and 2 ancillary staff in the school.
Rosario Kealy, and Amy Brooks, Chairperson, BOM acknowledged the contribution of Minister Mary Hanafin, who as Minister for Education, steered the arrangement to enable METNS to build it on the IADT land, two years ago.
Monkstown Educate Together opened its doors for the first time in September 1997 with 54 children and like the Educate Together Movement, the school has grown steadily over the past 12 years. METNS in its ethos respects the 4 principles of Educate Together: Democratically Run, Child centred, Co-educational and Multi Denominational. There is a huge emphasis on Parental Involvement and its inclusivity reaches all cultures and religions.
According to Paul Roe CEO of Educate Together, “Educate Together is now a mainstream alternative to faith-based education in Ireland. This year applications to open new Educate Together primary schools have been lodged for 45 different areas and the organisation is applying to open its first second-level schools. Educate Together schools cost the State the same or less than other types of schools and we look forward to the State recognising this demand from families all over the country.”
The children of Monkstown Educate Together NS are very proud of their new school and already have it decorated with beautiful Artwork. “It is a delightful to finally have a beautiful space to show off all of our creations and for the children to enjoy a positive learning environment with excellent facilities.” said Rosario. “A day to celebrate indeed.”
