Future of St Mary’s school is secure

THERE was a sense of relief and optimism in the corridors of St Mary’s College, Ballisodare before the school holidays, as it was confirmed the school would remain open for the next five years.

Since early 2019 there has been uncertainty about the school’s viability when CEIST, the school’s trustee announced its decision to close the school because of a decline in enrolment numbers.

Thanks to a faculty, community and student led effort the school remained open, however, this latest news brings more certainty to the school’s future.

Independent councillor and Irish teacher at the school, Marie Casserly told The Sligo Champion said it was great to have a medium term plan for the school.

“It’s great to have that commitment. We can now say to parents that first years can have the five years there. The uncertainty was - parents didn’t want to commit because of that even though they wanted to send them, and parents wanted continuity.”

The funding commitment from CEIST and the Department of Education now means security for staff and students for a five year period and now means that the school can plan ahead.

“I think this will mean our numbers will go up,” said Ms Casserly.

The school’s numbers had a noticeable improvement following a targeted awareness campaign in order to save the school from closure.

“The numbers are positive for next year and we haven’t even done our open evening yet.

It’s very positive, it’s been such a team effort, from the principal Anthony Carty, and the students are all ambassadors for the school, they sell the school for us more than anyone else.”

Ms Casserly said the positive support from the community has been invaluable in achieving the ongoing security for the school.

“We always did stuff in the community but I think we upped that. And the goodwill in the community has been great. It has struck a chord with people, and past pupils.”

Ms Casserly paid tribute to the new CEO Ciara Ryan of CEIST who worked on the school’s behalf in securing funding.

In relation to Covid-19 and school operations, St Mary’s has operated well given the current lower number of students and buildings they have at their disposal.

Ms Casserly said after the year that was it is great to end the year on a high.

“We have managed really well, everyone is pulling together, at the end of a tough year it’s good news for the school and good news for the community. “