New schools open their doors in Portlaoise

The last week has been momentous for thousands of junior infants and their parents, but history was made in Portlaoise where three new schools opened their doors for the first time.

Parents and children from Portlaoise Educate Together NS and Gaelscoil Phortlaoise were extremely excited last Thursday to finally get into their new state of the art buildings. The pupils of Maryborough NS saw their school for the first time yesterday.

All three buildings on the campus are spacious and fully equipped with all mod cons, including PE halls, libraries and outdoor shared green space.

Educate Together pupils Ciara, Owen and Shannon Scanlon couldn’t wait to get inside the doors, with Ciara saying she had nott sleep the night before. Their mother Benita said that the building was gorgeous, and she was happy they have a playground.

Parent Brian O’ Malley was also delighted with the new place.

“All the space they have is brilliant compared to what they used to have.” However his daughter Mia said: “My new school is a funny shape.”

“It is absolutely beautiful, and is a lot bigger than where they were. Our son Scott going into first class was very excited to come back,” said parents Gavin and Anne-Claire Duffy.

Rory Keane who is going into senior infants was up at half five in the morning and couldn’t wait to go to school. His mother Annette said that it was a lovely size and had great facilities.

A group of Gaelscoil pupils said: “tá sé cúintach - it’s really good.”

Aine Stack said the Gaelscoil was “very impressive”. She has three boys in the school and said that is was a very child friendly, modern facility.

Jo Connolly who has two children in the Gaelscoil said that it was brilliant for the children to have a hall. She was echoed by parent John McCabe who said it was great that the children wouldn’t be missing out on PE.

Parent of two, Ciara Drennan was another smiling face. “Táimid ag tsnúth le blian iontach in ár scoil alainn nua.”

more back to school

photos next week