The Hub – a vision to inspire children has become a reality
A NEW combined computer room and library – The Hub – opened in Scoil Aonghusa Senior in Tallaght recently, with a celebratory event featuring an appearance by award-winning children’s author Sarah Webb.
The project has been several years in the making, and while the wall between the two rooms was knocked into one large space, it was not possible for it to be used for its intended purpose until now.
The pandemic meant the space had to be turned into a staff room for two years to allow for social distancing, but it has now been transformed into a modern and colourful space called The Hub.
The Hub houses the school’s computer room, with ten Chromebooks, the library and also a sensory space to complement the school’s existing sensory room.
Michele Hamilton, principal of Scoil Aonghusa Senior, told The Echo: “We had two separate rooms for the computer room and the library, and we thought it’d be a good idea to have them combined.
“We wanted to modernise it for the kids and make it welcoming for them, so they didn’t feel like they were in school.”
The official opening last week marked the highly-anticipated completion of the project and provided an opportunity for the school community to hold a celebration without pandemic restrictions.
“The opening of The Hub was, for us, a way to celebrate after Covid and to come together as a school community,” said Ms Hamilton.
“It was to celebrate the children and what the room has become. It’s nearly become a centre of imagination for them.
“We have the Chess Club, the Coding Club and the Retro Gaming Club in there.”
Ms Hamilton praised the work of the school’s parents’ association and student council for their assistance with the creation of The Hub.
Several days on, The Hub is already a popular part of the school building, and Ms Hamilton said she can see it going on to be an exciting part of Scoil Aonghusa Senior pupils’ education.
“I’m so proud of us, as a school community, that we had this vision and were able to make it a reality,” she explained.
“The Hub is for us, it’s bespoke, and I don’t think you’ll find another one in Dublin or in the country, but it’s a resource every school should have.
“I hope this inspires the children, and that they get a love of reading, and use The Hub as a space to challenge themselves and push themselves and have fun.
“I hope they learn about things that they never could’ve learned before, so they don’t feel limited in what they do.”
