There were great celebrations in Crettyard yesterday as a Laois primary school celebrated 75 years since it first opened its doors.
Newtown National School basked in glorious sunshine as students, past and present, parents, teachers and special guests were all present.
Previous to Newtown NS, there was a national school in Fairymount, Crettyard. The school in its current location opened in 1948, the body of which is still in situ.
The day got underway with a 75th Anniversary mass with Fr Dan Dunne, Fr Jimmy O’Reilly and Bishop Denis Nulty, incorporating graduation mass for the four 6th class pupils.
Fr O’Reilly has a special connection to Newtown NS as he started school there in 1949 – one year after it first opened.
While among the congregation were John Kealy and PJ Nolan – two of the very first students who started back in 1948.
After mass, Bishop McNulty planted the Fr Denis Murphy memorial oak tree while students then raised the Amber Flag/Travel Flag.
Newtown NS have also received brand new jerseys and they were kindly sponsored by Sammy Kelly.
Laois senior footballers, Crettyard’s Evan O’Carroll and Paul Kingston of Arles-Killeen, were also present.
They have a big game in Croke Park on Sunday in the Tailteann Cup semi final against Down but gave up their time to present medals and certificates to all of the children.
This was followed by the burial of a time capsule that is to be opened in 75 years time and the release of 75 balloons.
Newtown NS is a small co-educational DEIS rural school, with multi-grade classes from infants to sixth class.
They have five teachers, two SNAs and 51 children but will grow next year to six teachers, four SNAs and 60 children.
Principal Kevin Gorman said: “As we gather here today, we reflect on the rich history and traditions that have shaped our school into the institution it is today.
“Seventy-five years ago, our school was founded with a vision to provide quality education to the children of our community. Over the years, our school has grown and evolved, but our commitment to excellence has remained steadfast.
“Our school underwent an extension to the existing school building in 2006 which added two classrooms and an all-purpose hall and gives the school a more modern feel.
“One of our classrooms is scheduled to be reconfigured in the very near future as we are opening an Autism class on 28th August of this year.
“This is a hugely significant development for the school and for the entire area, and we are very excited to welcome our first intake of four pupils.”
Kevin Gorman is the principal teacher and teaches 4th-6th classes, and Claire Walshe is the Deputy Principal and special education teacher.
Siobhan Nash is from the locality and is the infant teacher. Martin Murray teaches 1st-3rd classes and the other special education teacher is Sharon Laffan.
Kevin said: “We wouldn’t be able to do without our SNAs Jo Ayres and Claire Butler, and our greatly appreciated ancillary staff Maire, Vinny and Phyllis. Also Anne who does our hot meals daily.”
As they look to the future, Kevin says all are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
He said: “We are committed to changing with the times, while acknowledging all of our traditions.
“An indicator of this is the fact that we changed our school crest this year in consultation with our community, with the new one reflecting what we stand for today as well as commemorating our coal-mining heritage.
“We will continue to provide our students with the best possible education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
“We hope that in 75 years’ time all of our current pupils, along with a new generation, will open the time capsule we are burying here today and reflect with pride on the history our pupils, school and community will no doubt create between today and then.”
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