There were crowds queueing down Railway Street in Portlaoise on Monday evening in advance of the Open Evening for Dunamase College.
The school is preparing for its third year of enrolments.
“We were very impressed by the level of goodwill we encountered when myself and the Deputy Principal visited the primary schools in the area, and this was reflected in the huge numbers that turned up at the Open Evening“, according to Aoife Elster, the Principal of Dunamase College Coláiste Dhún Másc.
“We had been expecting a lot of people but we had to organise additional information sessions to deal with everyone who was there on the night.
“Next year we may have to consider splitting the attendance over several evenings, possibly based on primary schools the students are attending to ensure everyone has the best chance of talking to the people they wish to meet.”
The Dunamase College students played an active part on the night, discussing their time in the school with visitors, the Parents Council were also present offering support and advice to parents facing the decision on what school might be best for their child.
“The students and their parents are our best ambassadors,” said Clár Mhic Gearailt , Deputy Principal. “Hearing them so happy and positive about the school is very gratifying for us as a staff.”
“We are very grateful to the primary schools for their support in the promotion of the school amongst their school communities and we look forward to working with them in time to come to make the transition from primary to second level as easy as possible for their students” said the Principal Aoife Elster.
Part of this strategy will be covered within the Digital Excellence Project the school is engaged in with several of its feeder schools across Laois, Kildare & Offaly
Prospective students and their parents had an opportunity to visit the school, chat to teachers and students and learn about the school.
Enrollment forms should be returned to the school by 12 noon October 26.
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