Scoil Áine celebrates 50 great years
By William O'Connor
SCOIL Áine on New Road in Clondalkin is celebrating its 50 years of education.
As part of the celebrations, the school is holding a birthday fun day on Saturday, March 23 for all pupils past and present.
The Fun Day that's happening on Saturday, March 23 promises to be great fun for adults and children alike.
The school was officially opened in 1969 under the trusteeship of the Presentation Sisters.
The school caters for girls from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and boys from Junior Infants to First Class. Scoil Áine and the adjoining Scoil Íde were built to cope with the demand for school places when many housing estates were built during the 50s and 60s in Clondalkin.
Such was the demand that the school began life in a room beside Scoil Mhuire until the building was complete. Originally the school had eight classrooms and boasted space for “elocution, physical culture and instrumental music classes”, and a “fully fitted domestic science room with all facilities needed for home management”.
Scoil Áine has had three principals in total over its 50 years – Sr Pius, Ms Carmel Bolger and Mrs Marie Beattie – and the school has grown and expanded over the years.
Pupils on the first day of the school opening in 1969. (Photo: Clondalkin Historical Society)
A new building was built in the early 2000s and the school now has space for 12 classrooms and six Teaching Support classrooms.
There are 260 pupils in the school, 17 teachers, 5 Special Needs Assistants and ancilliary staff. There are a range of after-school activities such as Art, GAA football, Camogie, Irish dancing and Homework Club.
The Fun Day on March 23 promises to be day of fun for children and adults alike.
For the children: a bouncy castle, face painting, Irish Dancing performances, games and treats. For the adults: a chance to reminisce on years past, view old roll-books and school photos, trophies and memorabilia, see projects about the school and Clondalkin over the years compiled by the current pupils, and catch up with former classmates and teachers.
Tea and cake and a raffle too with fantastic prizes!
Speaking to The Echo, Marie Beattie, Principal of Scoil Áine said, “We are thrilled to be able to invite everyone to our great school. We’re so proud of the school and all that we achieve, and we’re delighted to be able to show it off.
“Our school has grown and changed in many ways over the past 50 years and we hope that this will be an opportunity for past pupils to come and see how the school looks today.”
There will be a special mural unveiled on the fun day at 12.30pm, dedicated to the Presentation Sisters. The children of the school have all worked hard to paint it in time for the grand unveiling.
Scoil Áine’s Birthday Fun Day takes place on Saturday, March 23 from 12 noon to 3pm in the grounds of the school.
Entry is free.
