Minister in Laois to visit a huge investment in Portlaoise schools

The multi-million euro ongoing investment of public money in Laois education is set to be reviewed by the Minister for Education Portlaoise, where she will also engage with children from across Laois and Offaly at an event to gauge their views on Ireland's education system.

The visit by the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, to some of Portlaoise's schools coincides with an event in Portlaoise that is part of a series of school community engagement initiatives being held as part of the National Conversation on Education.

In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the Department said Minister Naughton's school visits will see her witness first-hand the work being undertaken by staff and students in classrooms and beyond.

Minister Naughton is visiting Portlaoise College today to celebrate the official opening of the new modular building. The LOETB-run school was the first of many major school developments to be completed in Portlaoise in 2007.

Since then millions have been spent on new schools includinging the Holy Family Schools, Gaelscoil Phortlaoise, Portloise Educate Together, Maryborough NS, St Francis NS, Scoil Bhride NS, St Mary's CBS / Scoil Chríost Rí secondary school campus.  The Kolbe Centre Special School is under construction while work is advancing on plans for the new Dunamaise College.

The Department says that between 2020 and 2025, €144.77 million in public money was provided in capital funding for Laois schools.

Minister Naughton spoke about Portlaoise College in advance of her arrival in Laois.

“It is twenty years since the school was first established. It has grown to a school with over 1,000 students and that has to be a testament to the great work being done here.

“My department works very hard to ensure that every young person has access to quality education, and that our schools cater for all learning styles and provide support for any obstacles which may hamper your learning progress. Portlaoise College is a great example of how this can be done. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“Portlaoise College has a proud reputation for inclusion, innovation, and student engagement, and that is something you should all be very proud of. Schools thrive when there is strong partnership between students, families, educators, and the wider community and that partnership is clearly alive and well here,” she said.

The Minister extended her thanks to the principal, Noel Daly, the deputy principals, the board members, the LOETB and everyone involved in making the visit possible.

Staff and pupils at Portlaoise Educate Together National School, which opened in 2010, are looking forward to its first every official visit from an Education Minister.

“Portlaoise Educate Together NS is a wonderful example of what it is to provide inclusive education," said Minister Naughton. "The special classes provide additional support for some, and this means siblings and friends get to attend the same school.

“The school has grown considerably since it was first established in 2010. It moved from Railway Street in 2013 to its permanent home here. In 2016, an extension was built to accommodate two special classes, and this year’s addition to the school buildings shows just how popular your school is. The numbers of pupils enrolling is increasing steadily and that is no surprise. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“I look forward to hearing about their future successes, and wish them well for the rest of the school year. I hope that the children in Portlaoise Education Together continue to enjoy learning and working in the new modular building," she said.

The Minister extended her thanks to principal, Darach Kennedy, deputy principal, Padraic Bourke and the chairperson of the board of management, Jane Heffernan, for welcoming her.

Minister Naughton also looked also paid tribute to teachers, dedicated SNAs, ancillary staff and the wider school community at Maryborough National School.

“Education improves our society, boosts our children’s potential and is integral to our economic success. Our approach to education is about giving every child an equal opportunity in life. Inclusive buildings like this one give practical substance to these ambitions,” she said.

The Minister extended her thanks to School Principal Brid Ann Buggie, Acting Deputy Principal Suzie Barry and to Hazel Conroy, the Chairperson of the Board of Management, for the opportunity to be there, as well as the current and previous Boards of Management for their ongoing support and their dedication and commitment to the smooth running of the school. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The Galway West TD is also paying a visit to Gaelscoil Phortlaoise to see how it is keepting the Irish language alive and well in Laois. She said she was delighted to meet everyone involved with the school, including the wonderful students.

Minister Naughton will also be paying a visit to Kolbe Special School where she will meet with dedicated staff and witness the work going on within the school community.

While in Portlaoise, the Minister will visit the Laois Education Support Centre, where children, students and school staff, and members of school communities from across Laois and Offaly, are anticipated to give their views on education.

“As part of the National Conversation on Education, a series of school community events is taking place across the country, with today’s event held in Portlaoise," she said.

"These gatherings give children, young people and the wider school community an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives on what is working well in our education system and what we can improve.

READ ALSO: Amazing compositions by Laois students performed at National Concert Hall

“Most importantly, they place the child and young person at the heart of the discussion, ensuring that their needs, hopes and potential guide our thinking about the future of education in Ireland. The themes emerging from these events, together with the National Conversation on Education Survey and regional forums, will shape the agenda for the upcoming Convention on Education. The outcomes of this work will inform the long-term strategy, Our Schools Our Future, helping to ensure that every child, and future generations, are given the strongest possible start in life," concluded the Minister.

The Department says the conversation events invite pupils, teachers, parents and the wider school community to come together to share their experience of education and what their hopes for the future of education are. It adds that the themes and ideas that emerged will be discussed at regional events to inform the agenda for the Convention on Education.