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Scoil an Ghleanna, Scoil Náisiúnta Phobail, Achieves Gaeltacht School Status as Ireland’s Only Gaeltacht Community National School.
Scoil an Ghleanna, Scoil Náisiúnta Phobail (Scoil an Ghleanna SNP), one of Kerry Education and Training Board’s 4 Community National Schools (CNS) has proudly been awarded Gaeltacht School status, establishing it as the only Gaeltacht Community National School in Ireland. This landmark designation recognises the school’s dedication to fostering the Irish language and culture within the community, advancing national efforts to preserve and promote the language.
Sorcha Ní Chatháin, Priomhoide Scoil an Ghleanna SCP spoke of her excitement about the news:
“Tá na scoláirí agus pobal na scoile, mar aon le pobal An Ghleanna, mórtasach as an stádas oifigiúil a bronnadh ar Scoil an Ghleanna Scoil Náisiúnta Phobail le gairid. Ba é díogras na scoláirí agus foireann na scoile, mar aon le tacaíocht na dtuismitheoirí, ag comhoibriú lena chéile, a chinntigh toradh fónta na scéime faonár ghnóthaigh an scoil an gradam eisceachtúil seo. Gabhaim buíochas go pearsanta le gach éinne a chuidigh linn an próiséas seo a thabhairt chun críche, chun leas na Gaeilge agus chun tairbhe na Gaeltachta. Glacaim buíochas ó chroí chomh maith go pearsanta le mo leathbhádóirí ar fhoireann na scoile, as a ndílseacht agus a dtiomántacht.”
Scoil an Ghleanna Scoil Náisiúnta Phobail, supported by Kerry ETB, has long embraced an immersive, language-rich environment where students experience daily life through the medium of Irish. This Gaeltacht School status will allow the school to expand its commitment to the promotion of the Irish language, providing learners with a vibrant educational experience.
Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, Youth and Music with Kerry ETB, expressed her delight at the school’s achievement: “Achieving Gaeltacht School status is a tremendous milestone for Scoil an Ghleanna. This recognition celebrates the dedication of the school community in creating an environment where the Irish language truly thrives. As the only Gaeltacht Community National School in the country, the school sets a unique and inspiring example, proving how education can be a powerful force in sustaining and celebrating our language and heritage.”
Pádraig Ó Donnabháin, Cathaoirleach of the schools Board of Management added, Cùis bhróid agus áthais do Bhord Bainistǐochta Scoil an Ghleanna Scoil Náisiùnta Phobail go bhfuil aitheantas tugtha don scoil mar Scoil Ghaeltachta faoin Roinn Oideachais. Tâthar buíoch d’fhoireann na scoile as a ndíograis i gcónaí ar son na scoláirí. Moltar na scoláirí dá gcomhoibriú agus dá ndílseacht in imeachtaí uilig na scoile.
With its new Gaeltacht School status, Scoil an Ghleanna SNP will gain access to additional resources designed for Gaeltacht schools, including enhanced language programmes and cultural supports that deepen students’ connection to Irish traditions. This recognition marks a transformative step, reinforcing the school’s role as a cornerstone of language and culture and Kerry ETB’s values of offering a quality, inclusive education.
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Celebrates Official Opening of New Campus by Minister for Education Norma Foley
A momentous occasion unfolded today as Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new campus in Cloon More, Tralee was officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley. The event marked the culmination of years of planning and development, and is a new chapter for Irish-medium education in Tralee.
Minister Foley expressed her pride and excitement in seeing the project come to fruition. “Tá fíor-áthas orm a bheith anseo chun an ócáid speisialta seo, do Ghaelcholáiste Chiarraí, a chomóradh. I am very happy to be here today to celebrate this special occasion for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. Enormous credit is due to the leadership in the school, the absolute determination of the staff, their Board of Management and the great leadership of Kerry ETB and the wider community to deliver this magnificent new Gaelcholáiste.”
Chairperson of Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB), Cllr. Norma Moriarty also spoke at the event, emphasising the significance of this development for the community. “The opening of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí’s new campus is a milestone for education in Kerry. It represents our commitment to fostering the Irish language and providing students with an environment where they can thrive academically and culturally. We are proud to support this institution as it continues to grow and succeed.”
The ceremony was attended by students, staff, local dignitaries, and representatives from the wider community and Kerry ETB. Principal Ruairí Ó Cinnéide, welcomed Minister Foley and the gathered guests. “Today is a proud day for our school. This new campus represents not just a physical move, but a step forward in our mission to provide the best possible education through the medium of Irish. We are immensely grateful to Minister Foley for her ongoing support and for officially opening our new home.”
The new building is equipped with modern facilities, including advanced science, engineering, and computer labs, a spacious sports hall and gymnasium, an indoor and outdoor art room, textile room, spacious library and an outdoor area for students to enjoy. These facilities are designed to enhance the educational experience and provide students with the tools they need to excel in their studies and extracurricular activities.
In her address, Ann O’Dwyer Director of School Youth and Music highlighted the importance of the new campus in supporting the growing demand for Irish-medium education in the region. “Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and this new campus will enable the school to continue its vital role in promoting the Irish language and culture. The investment in this facility is an investment in our future, ensuring that our young people have access to the best possible state of the art resources as they pursue their education.”
The event was also an opportunity to reflect on the history of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, which has been a pillar of the Irish language community in Tralee for over three decades. As the ceremony concluded, there was a sense of optimism and excitement about what the future holds for Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí. The new campus is not just a building, but a symbol of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education through Irish and fostering a strong sense of community among its students and staff.
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Lyreacrompane Community National School Opens Doors Under New Patronage
The dawn of a new era in education was celebrated today as Lyreacrompane Community National School (Lyreacrompane CNS) welcomed pupils for the first time under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB). This is the fourth community national school to open its doors in the county under the patronage of Kerry ETB.
This first day marks the culmination of months of preparation following the school’s transition from its previous Catholic ethos to a multidenominational framework, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of the local community. As Principal Eilish Lyons explained, “Today is a significant milestone for our school. We are proud to have grown from 18 to 28 pupils this new school year, a testament to the community’s trust in our new direction. This growth is more than just numbers, it’s about offering choice in education and children and parents.”
A particularly exciting development is the introduction of a school bus service, which now connects students from surrounding areas to Lyreacrompane. “For the first time, we have a bus that brings our students to school,” Eilish noted. “This not only eases the burden on parents but also creates a sense of unity among the children who travel together each day.”
The transition to a community national school, which makes Lyreacrompane CNS the only school offering this choice in North Kerry, has been met with widespread enthusiasm. Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, expressed her satisfaction with the progress: “The opening day of Lyreacrompane Community National School under our patronage is a momentous occasion. We are thrilled to see the positive impact this change is already having. The increase in student numbers shows that families are eager to embrace this new model of education, which emphasises inclusivity, critical thinking, and community engagement.”
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is further exemplified by the introduction of the Goodness Me, Goodness You! programme, a unique feature of community national schools designed to support the holistic development of each child. “We’re excited about offering this new programme that will encourage our students to think more deeply and critically,” said Eilish Lyons. “This approach will not only enhance their academic skills but also prepare them to be thoughtful and engaged members of society.”
As the first day drew to a close, there was a shared sense of optimism about the future. “This is just the beginning,” Eilish Lyons reflected. “We’re looking forward to building on this foundation, with the support of Kerry ETB, to continue offering a first-class education in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”
Lyreacrompane Community National School is poised to become a at the forefront of educational excellence in North Kerry, where every child is given the opportunity to thrive in a setting that values both their individuality and their place within the community.
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Kerry Education and Training Board Unveils Expanded Facilities in South Kerry Further Education and Training Centre
On a momentous occasion, the ribbon is cut, marking the official opening of Kerry Education and Training Board’s (Kerry ETB) refurbished O’Connell Further Education and Training Centre in Cahersiveen. The event, attended by Kerry ETB management, staff, Board members, dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the local community, highlights an exciting expansion of education and training facilities for the area.
The refurbishment is a testament to the progressive vision of Kerry ETB, which has an array of enhancements designed to elevate accessibility, functionality, availability of new courses, and overall experience for learners. Among the notable features of the revitalised centre is the extension housing a new, fully wheelchair-accessible reception area, emphasising inclusivity from the very threshold.
A significant addition to the centre is the construction of a hairdressing salon facility, introducing the first practical traineeship in hairdressing on the Iveragh Peninsula. This development not only diversifies education and training offerings but also responds to the demands of evolving industries, providing learners with invaluable hands-on experience.
Kerry ETB Chairperson, Jim Finucane, praises this initiative, noting, “The incorporation of vocational training aligns perfectly with our commitment to equipping learners with skills that resonate in the job market, further advancing our vision of being an innovative leader in the design and delivery of quality-assured education and training opportunities in Kerry. This updated rural centre and its new course offerings are pivotal steps towards realising our mission of promoting lifelong and life-wide learning, ensuring equal access to education and training opportunities for all individuals in Kerry.”
Practical improvements extend to the infrastructure, with new flooring installed throughout and an upgraded heating system embracing efficiency and sustainability, as well as safety enhancements. The new roadway entrance facilitates smoother vehicular access, complemented by dedicated pedestrian pathways, a measure aimed at safeguarding all visitors.
In acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the refurbishment, Owen O’Donnell extends sincere appreciation to Kerry ETB Board Member, Cllr Norma Moriarty, for her support and commitment since this project came to light in 2019. “Her dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in translating our collective vision for excellence in learning into reality,” he expresses, underlining the pivotal role Cllr Moriarty plays in promoting positive change.
To explore the range of courses on offer, individuals can visit FETCH courses and search for courses in Cahersiveen. Alternatively, they can reach out to the centre directly by calling 066-9472414.
Lyreacrompane Primary School Embraces New Chapter as Kerry Education and Training Boards Fourth Community National School
In a significant move reflecting the evolving landscape of education in Ireland, Lyreacrompane Primary School has announced its transition to become Kerry Education and Training Board’s (Kerry ETB’s) fourth Community National School (CNS). This decision marks a shift from its previous Catholic ethos to a multidenominational one, aimed at offering greater inclusivity and choice to families within the community and wider area. Lyreacrompane will be the only school offering this choice for parents in the north Kerry area.
Principal Eilish Lyons expressed the motivation behind this transition, stating, “Locally, there was a lot of support for it. Many of our families have different religions, and we wanted to offer choice to everyone. We are a changing Ireland.” The decision was met with overwhelming positivity from the local community, including parents, teachers, and students. Eilish emphasised the collaborative nature of the decision-making process, highlighting the involvement of parents and the board of management as well as the Kerry Diocese.
The transition is not merely a symbolic shift but also carries profound implications for the school’s educational philosophy and values. While the curriculum remains unchanged, the introduction of the Goodness Me Goodness You Programme reflects a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Eilish elaborated on this, noting, “We currently have children that do not take part in our religion classes, they do other work, and now they will be fully included in our school day.”
Eilish emphasised that, “the primary school curriculum is the same as all other schools but the Goodness Me Goodness You which is the 30 minute per day patrons programme enables the holistic development of the child, supporting them to grow and flourish as active participants in their learning and in their communities.” The teaching methodologies will also see a shift towards greater emphasis on philosophy and critical thinking. Ann O’Dwyer, Director of School, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, mentioned the importance of nurturing these skills from an early age. “A community national school aims to facilitate pupils’ thinking and debating skills and to facilitate their understanding of their own ideas and those of others,” she explained. “Philosophy helps children to reflect and think deeply about their place in their community, society, and globally.”
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of this transition, with the school actively involving local stakeholders from the outset. Meetings with parents and community gatherings provided avenues for voicing opinions and concerns.
Regarding staffing and leadership, the transition will involve support and training from Kerry ETB for current staff. While there will be no changes to the school’s facilities, the long-term vision is to develop the school further, potentially extending services such as a bus route from a local town if there are 10 or more pupils who would use the service.
There will be increased choice and new learning opportunities for pupils, both academically and socially. Measures will be in place to support students who have strong ties to the Catholic tradition of the school, including supporting Communion and Confirmation preparation after school.
As Lyreacrompane Primary School embarks on this transformative journey, the overarching goal is clear: to ensure that the school welcomes all while fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. “It is wonderful place to receive a first class primary education, in beautiful quiet surroundings on the banks of the Smearlagh River and its adjoining Woodlands.” Added Ann.
If you would like to enquire about places in the school feel free to contact the Principal Eilish Lyons on (068) 48233 or email lyreschool@gmail.com.
Kerry ETB Student Awards Honouring Leadership, Community Impact and Academic Excellence
The prestigious 2024 Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) Student Awards Ceremony was held in Killarney. This annual event, gives recognition for exceptional student accomplishments, displayed the dedication and talent of Kerry ETB’s young students and learners from across their schools and Youthreach centres.
In a night filled with applause and pride, Kerry ETB presented awards to 64 students and learners, spanning 13 distinct categories. Among these were recognition for outstanding academic excellence, exceptional character, participation in school life, and remarkable sporting achievement. The ceremony, held to honour achievements during the last academic year, illuminated the hard work and commitment of the students and leaners.
One of the Exceptional Leadership Award winners who showed outstanding leadership within the his Youthreach Student Council said, “I am humbled to receive this award, it’s not about the title but the positive impact we make on others. It is important to give when you can, regardless of whether you receive back because then you are facilitating an environment of giving and encouraging. I would also like to take this time to thank the entire Killarney Youthreach staff team for always encouraging me.” Reflected recipient Brendon Bearss.
Aliza Gul, recipient of one of the Transition Year Achievement Award winners, express her thoughts on the achievement. “Receiving this award is not just about recognition, it’s a testament to the power of dedication and the belief that every effort, no matter the size, contributes to something greater,” she remarked.
Gratitude towards the dedicated staff comprising over 1300 individuals across the county was highlighted by the management. From directors to teachers, their unwavering commitment to the students’ success was acknowledged with heartfelt appreciation. The support network extending beyond the school gates was also recognised. Boards of Management, Student and Parents’ Councils, and the Kerry ETB Board were lauded for their tireless efforts in ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational opportunities tailored to meet the diverse needs of Kerry ETB’s students and learners.
Sporting Excellence Award recipient Joseph Lovett who was one of four in this category shared his thoughts about what sport has done or him. “Sports taught me more than just winning, it has taught me the value of teamwork and perseverance. This award motivates me to continue pushing and striving for greatness.”
Receiving the one of the Gold Medal Award for the best overall academic results Lauren O’Sullivan said, “this award is not just a recognition of my academic achievements, but also a reflection of the passion and dedication I have for learning. From an early age, I have been fascinated by math, science, and engineering, and to see my efforts being acknowledged is incredibly rewarding.”
As the evening drew to a close, the resounding message of the night lingered. Success is not just about academic achievements but also about character, leadership, and community engagement. The Kerry ETB Student Awards Ceremony stood as a testament to the remarkable talent and potential nurtured within the ETB’s schools, centres and campuses promising a brighter future for all students and learners.
