School plan on recreational amenity for the community

FUTURE generations of students are at the forefront of a school’s thoughts, with it hoping to develop a new building and “recreational amenity for the whole community” following a visit from Minister Norma Foley.

Championing students concerns, Minister for Education Norma Foley TD paid a visit to St Aidan’s Community School and a new facility was one of the talking points.

“For a long time, we have been in communication with the department about the future of the school,” Kevin Shortall tells The Echo.

“We are thinking about what the school, the building and the campus holds for the next generation of people as we are coming up on 40 years.

“We are in need of upgrades and development of the site, a new school building would be a priority.

“We have 15 acres there, we’re thinking of the need to use that space wisely and developing a new school building, sporting, recreational amenity for the whole community.

“The school is a valuable community resource.

“Minister Foley did say that she would make it a priority to support us in our endeavours.

“We are working very constructively with both the minister and the department moving forward.”

There is “meaningful student participation” in the Brookfield school, according to Principal Kevin Shortall, with learners working with teachers on effective practice through a spotlight programme.

Students work with staff on the implementation of school policy, and there active participation in the school’s operations was something highlighted with Minister Foley.

Minister Foley visited St Aidan’s and also popped into Old Bawn CS last Wednesday, April 26.

“Minister Norma Foley was very keen to talk to students and hear them, she concentrated on connection and finding out what mattered the most to students,” Mr Shortall tells The Echo.

“It was a very nice visit and she had a very genuine interest.

“The Minister spoke about the welcoming culture of the school and described St Aidan’s here as ‘full of heart’, saying it was obvious.

“She spoke about the different cultures, faiths, nationalities in the school and that’s the case, we are a real community school, we are all the one family and there is no disadvantage here in that sense.”

Deputy Foley took to Twitter afterwards and described it as “a truly memorable visit”.

“Thanks for the reception, the drumming and for the brilliant tips on nail care,” Norma Foley said.

“It was a pleasure to hear of your literacy successes and see your innovative podcast series.

“Thanks also to the student council for the tour of the facilities and for showcasing the heart and soul of your school.”

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