In Pictures: Laois school celebrates 75 years a growing

The pulpils, teachers, staff and wider Newtown National School in Crettyard community celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday, June 21 with a progamme of events to mark its 75th Anniversary.

To read more about the school and the day SEE below this picture. To read more pictures taken on the day for the Leinster Express / Laois Live by Alf Harvey - tap NEXT or ARROW.

Newtown NS is a small co-educational DEIS rural school, with multi-grade classes from infants to sixth class situated in Doonane Parish close to the Kilkenny border.

Previous to Newtown NS, there was a national school in Fairmount, Crettyard. The school in its current location opened in 1948, the body of which is still in situ.

The school was founded with a vision to provide quality education to the children of the community. Over the years, the school has grown and evolved, but the commitment to excellence has remained steadfast.

The school underwent an extension in 2006 which added two classrooms. One classroom is scheduled to be reconfigured with an Autism class opening on August 28. This is a hugely significant development for the school and for the entire area.

This new departure will increase staff from 5 teachers and 2 SNAs to 6 teachers and 4 SNAs, while our total enrolment will now increase from 51 to 60.

Kevin Gorman is the principal teacher and teaches 4th-6th classes, and Claire Walshe is the Deputy Principal and special education teacher. Siobhan Nash is from the locality and is the infant teacher. Martin Murray teaches 1st-3rd classes and the other special education teacher is Sharon Laffan.

The SNAs are Jo Ayres and Claire Butler, and the greatly appreciated ancillary staff Maire, Vinny and Phyllis. Anne is on site to prepare hot meals for the children each day.

The school takes part in as many events and competitions as we can, and always compete in Cumann na mBunscol football and hurling. It also competes in soccer, basketball, rounders, athletics, rugby and quiz competitions.

They fundraise for various charities and participate in initiatives such as the Readathon and Someone Like Me.

June 28 was a day of celebration of the dedication and hard work of teachers and staff, who have nurtured and guided generations of students.

It began with an Anniversary mass celebrated by Fr Dan Dunne and Bishop Denis Nulty, that incorporated a graduation mass for our four 6th class pupils.

This was followed by the planting of a memorial oak tree to remember beloved former Parish Priest, chaplain and Chairperson Fr Denis Murphy, on what would have been his 86th birthday.

Many former pupils and staff gathered in the school to celebrate its history and the countless achievements of our past pupils, who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields.

Among them were past pupils and Laois footballers Paul Kingston and Evan O’Carroll. They presented sports day medals/swim certs. Jerseys sponsored by Sammy Kelly were also presented.

Newtown NS has active committees for various flags. The Green School Committee was busy ensuring students travelled to school in an active manner in the last two years.

Congratulations to our students on receiving the Green School Travel Flag which was raised today. The Amber Flag Committee creates a healthy, inclusive environment that supports mental well-being. They also raised money for PIETA House and LOFFA during the year.

They were successful in gaining the Amber Flag which will be raised on June 28. The Student Council and Active School Flag Committees continue to ensure our student voices are heard and all students are ensuring our school is an active school.

Looking to the future the school is committed to changing with the times, while acknowledging all of our traditions. An indicator of this is the fact that they changed the school crest this year in consultation with the community, with the new one reflecting what it stands for today while marking the coal-mining heritage.

The scool hopes that in 75 years’ time all of the current pupils, along with a new generation, will open the time capsule buried on June 28 and reflect with pride on the history pupils, school and community will no doubt create between today and then.
The day celebration concluded with the release of 75 balloons and refreshments.