Principal annoyed at lack of decision on school
NAAS: 28 May 2001: by Trish Whelan. The principal of St Patrick’s Community College in Naas has told Co Kildare VEC that a decision on the future of the school has been 'dragging on for too long'.
Principal Tom Keegan (left) also asked the parents of the school’s students to convey their feelings to him either in writing or by personal meetings concerning a proposed move of the school.
Speaking at the annual students’ awards ceremonies last week, Mr Keegan said that the Dept of Education had decided that the existing building will be replaced by a new school. “If it will be on this site or another site has not yet been decided,” he said. “I am somewhat annoyed the decision has dragged on and on and I put it very clearly to the VEC that I want it finalised by the coming September.”
The movement of the school to a new greenfield site at Oldtown Demesne on the Sallins Road has been suggested by the VEC and a local developer. However, The KNN understands that the Department of Education has so far been unhappy at the value of the package offered in return for the existing 6-acre school site on the Newbridge Road.
It is also understood that Co Kildare VEC will invite tenders for the site (opposite the new fire station) in the near future.
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Recipients of the Gaisce President's Award who were presented with their certificates on Thursday last in St Patrick's Community College were Mary Cullen (Silver Medal), Julie Coe (Bronze Medal) and Stacey Shine (Bronze Medal).
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Meanwhile, Mr Keegan commended the awards winners for their 'dedication and commitment to their studies'. He added that the achievements of the students ‘are second to none’ with past pupils prominent in the teaching profession, the financial sector, in industry and commerce, in the trades and in the medical field.
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Students of the Year in the Repeat Leaving Class 2001, Brian Lynch and William Barrett.
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“It is important to say 'well done' to the students in a public fashion, in the presence of their parents, to acknowledge their hard work and talents,” he said.
Past pupils Barry Fitzsimons (financial consultant, Fitzsimons Mortgage & Insurance Brokers who graduated in 1985) and Noel O’Brien (chief handicapper with the Turf Club who graduated in 1977) told of their experiences while at school and later in the workplace. A Student’s Reflections was given by 6th Year student Elizabeth Daly.
Speaking of the various programmes run by the school, the principal said the school’s Junior Certificate Programme has been recognised nationally for its high standard. The College has also provided a successful Leaving Cert Applied Course for the past three years and has made links with NUI Maynooth through its Access Programme. “And we are developing a learning support centre to provide facilities for students to study in the evenings which will be well resourced and will be done to a quality standard,” he added.
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past pupil Barry Fitzsimons, (Mortgage & Insurance Brokers, Newbridge), 6th Year student Elizabeth Daly and past pupil Noel O'Brien, (chief handicapper Irish Turf Club). All three addressed the students at the Annual Awards Ceremony of St Patrick's Community College
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Among the special awards, Historians of the Year were Kim Feely and Zara Glennon. The award was donated by Naas Local History Group which started its life in the school some 15 years ago. The winning project was on the Tone Family background.
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©2001trishwhelan/knn