Educate Together schools Continue to Multiply - 29th October 2003

During the year, Educate Together has been approached by groups of parents in areas around Ireland interested in setting up a school. This development is part of a trend of interest in the Educate Together model of school ethos nationwide. At present, there are only denominational schools in many parts of the country. This presents problems for families whose conscience and lawful preference is for an alternative. As a result, local parents have organised public information meetings and new schools hope to open in Limerick City, Wexford Town and Gorey, Tullamore, Mullingar and Ongar. There is also ongoing work in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The current progress of the Educate Together sector is a strong indication of the demand from the general public for inclusive schools that have a modern system of governance.

3rd November 2003-Public Information Meeting in Tullamore
There will be an information meeting on Monday November 3rd at 8pm in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore. Representatives from Educate Together National Office will give a short presentation and will be available to answer questions. Anyone interested in Educate Together schools is most welcome to attend.

4th November 2003-Meeting to discus the Opening of an Educate Together School in Ongar, Dublin 15
Due to many difficulties, the proposed Educate Together National School for the Ongar Road area of Dublin 15 was unable to open in September 2003. This was despite the fact that the Minister for Education and Science had approved the opening of the school. Now disappointed parents are re-grouping in order to ensure that the school opens in the coming year. A meeting has been called for November 4th at 8:00pm in the Castleknock Educate Together National School in Beechpark Avenue, Castleknock Dublin 15.

Successful Launch of Pre-enrolment List for Educate Together School in Mullingar
On Saturday 18th October parents queued at the Newbury Hotel Dominic Street Mullingar to put their children’s names down on the proposed new Educate Together school pre-enrolment list. According to Damien Mc Carthy, PRO of the organising committee, “ We have already been in negotiations with one particular property owner about an extremely suitable premises for the proposed school and hope to have confirmation soon.” The association’s core group have been working intensely to have the school come to fruition and would welcome any one else who would like to come on board to help.

Further meetings will be held in the coming months.
Please feel free to contact the Educate Together National Office for more information.