Laois secondary school gets credit union gift for new book scheme

A Laois Offaly secondary school has received a generous kickstart to a new book rental scheme, from the local credit union.

Coláiste Iosagáin in Portarlington is acting on a survey of parents that showed the vast majority want a schoolbook rental scheme.

The cost of setting it up in the 1100 pupil school is expected to run up to €70,000.

Portarlington Credit Union has come on board to help, giving a donation of €20,000.

Principal Justin Brown is delighted to receive the fund, with the remainder to be found through existing school funds and future fundraisers by the Parents Council.

"€20,000 is a nice help towards the initial cost of the book rental scheme," he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"This is our first time doing it so it will cost €60,000 to €70,000. We had surveyed parents and a huge amount, 90% were interested in a scheme," he said.

Below: Coláiste Iosagáin students at the cheque presentation event in Portarlington Credit Union.

The scheme is hoped to be up and running for September's new first years. Parents will pay €100 to receive a full set of books already covered with their child's name on them. It is hoped that the books can last three years before being replaced.

"The cost of books for a first year student can be €200 to €300. Parents can also opt to buy the workbooks and other supplies with the books and collect everything together from the school. It's more convenient.

"We have a new uniform coming in for September too so that is two big changes," Mr Brown said.

The scheme was led by Deputy Principal Brendan McGlynn, and teacher Conor Mitchell.

Portarlington Credit Union share photos of the cheque presentation.

Pictured are: Coláiste Iosagáin Principal Justin Brown, Conor Mitchell (board of management and teacher), Bernard O’Grady CEO of Portarlington Credit Union, Michelle Shortall Assistant Manager, Fiona Dunne Youth Officer, Bridie Keegan board member, Colm Coleman Chairman of Portarlington Credit Union, Shane Murray board member and students of Colaiste Isoagain.

"We were delighted and very proud to welcome Colaiste Isoagain to the office for a cheque presentation for their Book Rental Scheme that is being introduced in the school in September 2023, for their incoming first year students.

"PCU are donating €20,000 towards the setting up of this wonderful new Book Rental Scheme. This scheme will benefit the youth, the education of our youth and it will support families with the cost of sending their child or children to school.

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"We are aware of the rising cost-of-living expenses and we are thrilled to be able to help develop this scheme in order to ease the burden on parents and continue to support our local community.

"Coláiste Iosagáin is the sole provider of post primary education in Portarlington with an enrolment close to 1100 students so this initiative will make a massive difference to the community.

"PCU is a not for profit organization, run by its members for its members. Proudly, we are a huge part of this community and we thrive on supporting local," the credit union stated.