Amazing community unites to help school’s recovery from fire
By Echo Reporter
THE vibrant community of Springfield has united to rebuild St Mark’s SNS, after the progressive senior national school was maliciously set on fire in February.
Since the blaze, which gutted the principal’s office and caused serious smoke damage to all 28 classrooms, the community has rallied behind the school – with Croughs Pub the latest local business to come on board by organising a fundraising night on Friday, April 15.
The school’s 525 pupils were forced out of class for more than two weeks while industrial cleaners decontaminated St Mark’s, making it safe for both children and teachers.
However, the school community returned to class in early March and is looking forward to the last term – while renovation teams continue to work on-site to restore the school to its former glory.
In order to help cover the costs of re-instating and restocking the school, the community is invited to support a Robbie William’s tribute night in Croughs pub on April 15.
Parent Adrian Elliot told The Echo: “The response from the community to help has been unbelievable, we’ve had so many calls offering to help.
“Croughs also came forward and offered to put a fundraising night on for the school free of charge. They’ve given us the space, booked the tribute act and given us raffle prizes – which means that every single penny made at the door and through the raffle will go directly to the school.
“We can’t thank Croughs enough, they are another example of the amazing community spirit and support the school has received in recent months.”
St Mark’s SNS principal Richie Walsh said: “We are all thrilled to be back in school and looking forward to the last term.
“The community has really come on board – sports clubs, residents’ associations, suppliers and more have all reached out.
“This has been very encouraging, and it’s not about money. It’s amazing to know the community is behind the school and that we are not on our own.”
The entire community is invited to attend the Robbie William’s tribute night for St Mark’s SNS on Friday, April 15.
Doors open at 8pm, entry costs €5 and there will some great raffle prizes up for grabs.
The evening is being organised by Crowe’s and St Mark’s SNS’s Parent Teacher Association.
