Opening of Community National Schools 1/9/08

Statement by Declan Kelleher, INTO President, on Opening of Community National Schools

1st September 2008
 
INTO welcomes opening of new Community National Schools
 
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation today welcomed the opening of two Community National Schools in north Dublin. The union said the opening of a new model of school patronage was an historic event in Irish education.
 
Speaking at Scoil Ghrainne, Phibblestown in Dublin, INTO President Declan Kelleher said he wished every success to the new model of primary school which he said, “recognized changes in Irish society and was a response to those changes”.
 
The two new Community National Schools, Scoil Ghrainne in Phibblestown and Scoil Cholm in Diswellstown will be under the patronage of Co Dublin VEC and will be multi-faith schools. Scoil Cholm opened last year under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and is transferring to VEC patronage.
 
“I wish the principals and staff of both schools every success in these new schools.”
 
Mr Kelleher said, “In a week which once again sees huge focus on over-crowded classes and under-funded primary schools along with thousands of children being educated in inappropriate and unsuitable accommodation, it is good to see that at least a small number of new schools have been planned carefully and opened in time to respond to the needs of their communities."
 
He said the fact that these schools have opened today should not distract from the huge backlog of existing schools needing refurbishment, extensions and permanent accommodation.
 
ENDS.