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Pat Cox, President of European Parliament to
Open Wicklow Town’s First Multi-denominational School -
21st April 2004
The Board of Management, Principal, staff, pupils
and parents of Wicklow Educate Together National School enthusiastically
welcome Mr. Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, to
officially open Wicklow Educate Together National School (W.E.T.N.S.)
Date: Monday 26th April at 12 noon.
Where: Marine House, The Murrough, Wicklow Town
The establishment of Educate Together schools relies
on the commitment and voluntary contribution of parents and members
of the community. It is the fastest growing school sector in Ireland.
The sector has doubled over the past 5 years and each year there
are more schools in start up phase.
In October 2002 a group of parents from Wicklow
met for the first time hoping to set up an Educate Together National
School. In late August 2003, the Department of Education &
Science notified W.E.T.N.S. that it had received final recognition
and on 1st September, following a weekend wielding sledgehammers
and paint, the school opened its doors to pupils in temporary
accommodation in the Marine House Hostel in Wicklow Town. This
achievement was all thanks to the hard work of parents, the support
of Wicklow Urban District Councillors and officials, and Brendan
& Carmel O’Connor of Marine House.
Wicklow Educate Together National School operates
under the patronage of Educate Together. The four grounding principles
of Educate Together are to provide schools that are multi-denominational,
co-educational, child-centred and democratic. Since September,
school principal Mary Feerick Byrne and staff have developed a
welcoming, vibrant school for the pupils. This September another
30 new children will be enrolled. However like all new multi-denominational
schools, W.E.T.N.S. faces serious problems with accommodation.
The Board of Management is continuously searching to source permanent
accommodation which would satisfy the future development of the
school, financial and health & safety requirements of the
Department of Education and Science.
For further information please contact:
Jessica Moss or Angela Higgins
Ph:0404 48286 / 087 6687077 or 087 2836179
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