Donabate locals get school around the corner

SECONDARY school
students making their way to Donabate Train Station every morning to attend
schools in other areas has been a common aspect of the village’s community life
for many years.

However, that
will no longer be the case following the opening of Donabate Community College,
which will cater for the post-primary education needs of 1,000 pupils.

County Dublin
VEC and the staff and students of Donabate Community College received a very
special escort from the band of An Garda Síochána as they received the keys of
their brand new school, located on Portrane Road.

The students,
along with parents and staff, walked in celebration to the new school from
Donabate Train Station, symbolising that they will no longer have to take the
train out of the Donabate Peninsula to get to their post-primary school.

The new school
boasts the most modern facilities including five science laboratories where education
in science, maths and technology is seen as a priority area for national skills
development in the future.

The college will
provide the full post-primary curriculum for Junior and Leaving Certificate
students.

Environment

It is built
around a central courtyard with an entrance hall rising up two stories and
provides a very pleasant learning environment for pupils.

Along with
teachers’ and resource rooms, it also has facilities for students with special
needs.

Extracurricular
activities are also very well catered for including large external play areas
for the students to enjoy.

Fingal County
Council enhanced facilities around the school to include a state-of-the-art
all-weather pitch to international standards.

The school will
also be using the sports hall in the Donabate Portrane Community Centre on the
same site.

Additionally,
there is a cricket practice range and a small garden for horticulture studies
reflecting some of the well-known traditions of the area.

Vibrant

The college has
a very vibrant student council with its own meeting room and activities also
provide a grounding in arts, culture and social justice themes. The development
of the school and every aspect of its running is strongly supported by a very
dedicated Parent’s Council.

Dr Marie
Griffin, chief executive of County Dublin VEC, said:

“We are truly pleased to
bring this fine new school into the community of Donabate.

“Our schools are
community based, inclusive, co-educational and multi-denominational, offering
an educational experience that reflects modern day needs and changes in
society.

“Most
importantly, our schools are designed to equip our young people with the
personal skills and education that they will need for life and living in the
future.

?

Principal Olive
Laffoy expressed her delight as a ceremonial key to the door of the new school
was handed over.

“This is an
excellent new school for the entire community,

? said Ms Laffoy.

“We have a
growing team of professional staff who are dedicated to the most modern methods
of education and the encouragement of student participation and creativity in
all aspects of school life.

“Donabate
Community College will provide the highest standards of education and personal
support to ensure that our students will receive the education and skills that
they will need to prosper for the future.

?

The college’s
board of management is drawn from the local community including parents, staff,
community interests and democratically elected local councillors.