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VEC school to open in September on race course site

By next September Co. Dublin VEC intend to have three primary schools operating under its patronage in Dublin 15.

The new multi-faith school model is being piloted in Dublin 15 as part of a concerted attempt by the Department of Education to meet the school places crisis in the area. Following much agitation from parents and school managements the issue was categorically highlighted with the publication of last year’s report “Intercultural Education – Primary challenges in Dublin 15.” This report was commissioned by the Dublin 15 Primary School Principals Network and funded by the Department of Education.

One of the startling findings of the report was that there are almost twice as many 3 year olds as there are 12 years olds in Dublin 15. This has massive implications for the provision of additional schools and school places throughout the area in thee coming few years.

Last September the first of the three new Community National Schools to be piloted by the VEC was opened in Diswellstown and after spending its first year in temporary premises beside Connolly Hospital, Scoil Choilm will move to a new premises in Kellystown this September.

In the last issue of Community Voice details were given of the second new Community National School – Scoil Gráinne – which will be opening in September on a new site in Phibblestown. Now the department has announced details of the third school –Scoil Oisín – which is due to open also in September 2008 in the Phoenix Park Racecourse Development beside Russell Park. Initially, the school will open with one junior infant’s class.

Like its two sister community based schools Scoil Oisín is also a multi-faith school with a policy of “respecting, celebrating and recognising diversity in all areas of human life.”

According to a VEC spokesperson “children attending Scoil Oisín will be taught and encouraged to view diversity as something which reflects the community from which the children are drawn. The school will endeavour to encourage the children committed to its care to have a pride in what makes them different and a belief that difference, when respected and valued, gives strength and vibrancy to the total school community and the wider community in which they live.

“As part of its ethos, Scoil Oisín welcomes children from all faiths and none. In common with the other Community National Schools under VEC patronage, Scoil Oisín will recognise the wishes of parents to have their children receive religious education, or morality based education as an integral part of the school curriculum,” said the spokesperson.

As it grows, Scoil Oisín eventually will cater for the full range of primary classes, from junior infants to sixth class and, when completed, will be a 16 class school.

Registration for the next school year, commencing in September 2008 is now taking place and enrolment forms are available locally from the school secretary in Castleknock Community College.

Forms are also available from Lorraine Thompson at Co. Dublin VEC (tel. 01 452 9600). Enrolment forms can also be sent on request or can be downloaded from www.codubvec.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 4th April.

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