The CEO of Kildare VEC together with principals and representatives of Community National Schools will hold an open evening in the Parish Centre in Kildare Town on Monday the 26th of September at 7.30pm to discuss the possibility of a Community National School for the town.
The meeting comes following several representations by local public representatives, parents of young children in the area, and members of the community to have a new model of education which will cater for children of all beliefs and none.
Marianne Henry, Principal of Piper’s Hill Community National School will be one of the speakers on the night and will talk about the model of education offered by Community National Schools while Sean Ashe(Pictured), CEO of Kildare VEC will explain how the schools are operated under the patronage of Kildare VEC.
Speaking in advance of the information evening, Marianne Henry said, “ our school, Piper’s Hill Community National School, Naas opened in September last year and in a single year we have increased the number of our students from 6 – 57 which clearly shows there is a demand for this model of primary level education. Indeed, census figures indicate that our birth rate is increasing and we must plan for the future accordingly by offering inclusive, multi belief, education programmes for our children. Community National Schools are committed to offering a high quality educational experience for each child, which also respects diversity of beliefs, religion and values. ”

Community National Schools are a new model of National Schools and are operated by VEC’s around the country. The first Community National Schools were opened in 2008 in Phibblestown and Porterstown in Co. Dublin. Three further schools in Naas, Co. Kildare, Navan, Co. Meath and Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, opened in September 2010 and additional schools are likely to come on stream in the coming years. The schools operate within the regulations laid down by the Department of Education and Skills and follow the primary curriculum.

CEO of Kildare VEC, Sean Ashe said, “current providers in the catchment area do not provide co-educational, multi denominational belief nurturing within the school day. We have had a number of submissions from parents wishing to have their child educated within their own belief system and we firmly believe that diversity and respect for children of other beliefs allows for greater understanding, equality and respect. That said, if a parent does not wish their child to be part of any belief nurturing programme that too is respected and is an essential part of the Community National School model.

The open evening for Kildare Community National School is free of charge, all are welcome to attend. Application forms and teaching staff will be available to everybody on the night. Log on to www.kildarevec.ie/kildarecns for more details.

Press Release from Kildare VEC

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