Phibblestown Community Campus officially opened

TWO Government ministers, who also happen to be local TDs, were guests of honour at the recent official opening of the impressive Phibblestown Community Campus.

The campus is home to primary school Scoil Gráinne CNS, secondary school Pobalscoil Setanta and a shared community facility that includes an all-weather pitch.

Scoil Ghráinne was one of the first community national schools in the country and the official opening of the campus came almost four years after it first opened its doors.

The primary school started off in temporary accommodation with 66 junior infants in September 2008. Last year, the school moved its 330 pupils into a brand new customised building beside the 1,000 pupil Coláiste Phobail Setanta, the secondary school on the same campus that first opened its doors back in August 2008 with just 44 pupils.

To mark last week’s official opening of the campus not one but two Government ministers were invited to join in the celebrations along with a host of local politicians. Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar were treated to a guard of honour by the pupils of first class, while the Garda Band provided a rousing welcome for all the guests.

Minister Burton cut the red ribbon as she entered the school, and said she was delighted to be able to see what she described as

“a unique community project

? at first hand.

“This facility is the fruits of the combined efforts of so many local people, and is supported by my department,

? said Minister Burton.

Pupils from second class performed several songs for the political delegation, while children from all primary class levels were joined by secondary school pupils for a rendition of Beatles classic

‘In My Life’.

Representatives of different religions took part in a blessing on the day, to reflect the inclusive ethos of the school. Scoil Ghráinne CNS represents an innovative development in the field of primary education where all children, regardless of creed, nationality or ability are educated in an environment that respects and caters for their individual needs.

There is significant demand for the 90 school places that will be available from September 2012.