Historic first school day in Hansfield

IRELAND’S first post-primary school under the direct patronage of Educate Together was formally opened last week in Hansfield, Dublin 15, by Tánaiste Joan Burton.

Hansfield ETSS is housed in a new building in Ongar and is the result of several years of campaigning, research and development from the local community, politicians and Educate Together staff.

Speaking at the opening principal Bernie Judge expressed her delight at leading the teaching team at the country’s first second level Educate Together school

“I feel both privileged and honoured to have been chosen to lead this school, given permission to try something new and above all given a real opportunity to make a difference to young people and how they experience school life,

? she said.

“I hope to take the best of what I have learned from others and look forward immensely to working with an excellent team of teachers, students and parents to create something new in Hansfield.

?

Addressing the 75 first-year students CEO of Educate Together, Paul Rowe, urged them to make the most of their school years at the new school.

“On Educate Together’s behalf, we are absolutely committed that your voice, your rights and your educational needs will be the prime directive of the management of this school and that your voice and opinions will be heard at all levels of decision making,

? he said.

“So seize the day, don’t waste a moment just go out and make your mark.’

?

Tánaiste Burton, who is also a local TD, said she was confident the new venture would prove to be successful for all involved, especially the students.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the parents in the Dublin 15 area who campaigned over the past number of years for an Educate Together Second Level school,

? she added.

“Without their work and determination, it would not have happened. I would like to congratulate Principal Bernie Judge, chairperson Carmel Mulcahy and manager Jarlath Munnelly, who, along with Educate Together National Office, have worked incredibility hard with the various partners to make this day a reality.

?

Educate Together schools are learner-centred and aim to move away from ‘teaching to the test’. Students are encouraged to develop skills in creative and critical thinking, communication, teamwork, research and leadership.

Several more Educate Together Second Level schools are due to open across the country in 2015 and 2016.

The Tánaiste said the Government was placing a

“strong focus

? on providing for diversity of schools.

“Dublin 15 is a very dynamic, growing area with a very young population,

? she added.

“The new second level Educate Together school will be challenging for you, the first students of the school, your teachers, management of your school and of course your parents, whose involvement will be pivotal to the success of the school.

“You will be ambassadors of the school which is a great privilege but something that you must be very conscious of. Educate Together has been a tremendous force for creating the development of education in Ireland and together you are building your community to be progressive and vibrant.

“I wish you success as you begin this journey together, a journey that I know will be extremely exciting for all of you.

?

Meanwhile, students at Le Chéile Secondary School in Tyrrelstown welcomed 100 students this week with an iPad to help with their learning. It’s the first Catholic school to open in Ireland in almost 30 years.