Official opening of new Educate Together School

MINISTER Simon Harris officially opened Wicklow Educate Together’s new building on Friday.

On Monday, September 1, 2003, Wicklow Educate Together N.S. opened its doors to 20 pupils and two teachers. Now the school boasts some 380 pupils.

The school had been located at Marine House, the Murrough, but in September 2016, the school moved to a new, purpose built school on Hawkstown Road, set on an imposing site overlooking the town of Wicklow and the sea.

The new building comprises of 16 classrooms in two storeys, a one storey Special Needs Unit and a General-Purpose Hall. There are also two ball courts.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Harris, said: ‘Wicklow Educate Together NS has a really great story; it is a story of community, volunteerism and vision. The school opened with just 25 pupils back in 2003 and grew from strength to strength very quickly thanks to the fantastic team here and of course the many people who have contributed to the school community over the years. I’m sure the 380 students currently coming here every day love their new school very much.

‘ Today we also marked the opening of a wonderful new sensory room. Clearly inclusion is at the heart of Wicklow ETNS and I am delighted to see such important facilities available to children. On this very happy day for the Wicklow School community I want to take this opportunity to thank the board of management, staff, parents, Educate Together, and the whole Wicklow community who have supported this wonderful school.’

By early 2004, it was already obvious that the school was expanding and needed more space so Brendan O’Connor, the late owner of Marine House, allowed for the use of another room. In 2007 an extension to Marine House was built to free up more room for the school. Land was also leased by Wicklow Town Council to provide a play area.

In 2011 the school acquired the use of rooms in the neighbouring Railway House. The school’s continued growth meant needed a new home, with the new school opening for the first time in September of 2016.

Rob Greene from the Board of Managment, Minister for Health Simon Harris, Fathima Ashrafali Kazi, Daniel Monaghan, Sam Christy and Principal Sinead Wasson unveil a plaque at the offical opening of Wicklow Educate Together.

Principal Sinead Wasson, Roisin Daly, Caoimhe and Aoibhinn O’Brien Daly and Billy Rafter plant a tree in memory of Arthur O’Brien.

Ahmed Hussain and some of the other pupils in Kate’s junior infants class meeting Minister of Health Simon Harris.

Sammy, Emily Darragh and Ewan Harpur plant a tree in memory of Breda Harpur.

Catherine Sadlier and Mary Dee.

Liz Byrne and Liz Dee.