Dunamase College is holding its open evening on Wednesday, February 21, for students wishing to view the Aonad Lán Gaeilge and Thursday, February 22, for those wishing to take a tour of the English stream.
The open evening takes place from 6-8pm on both days.
The Principal Dympna Kelly said, due to expansion works taking place last October, the school had to postpone their Open Evening.
“We are very proud of our school and all the fantastic work that is done here, so we wanted to give students and parents the opportunity to view the facilities and find out what we have to offer here in Dunamase College.
“Dunamase College has an Aonad Lán Ghaeilge, where subjects are offered through the medium of Irish.”
Many of these students have previously attended Gaelscoileanna in the area, but the Aonad is open to students from the English medium primary schools also, with additional Irish language supports in place should they be required.
The Aonad classes take place in the Railway Street building.
Ms Kelly said that “We play a pivotal role in keeping the Irish language alive in our community”.
Digital technology is central to learning in Dunamase College and the school has embraced the opportunities offered by subjects such as Computer Science, Coding and Digital Media Literacy.
Being a digital school there is a consciousness around the present and future role technology will play in the lives of their students.
They are proud recipients of the European Digital Schools award. Two TY students, along with teachers Tomás Ó Murchú and Colin Waters, collaborated with LOETB schools in developing an action plan that focused on improving digital assessment.
Deputy Principal Claire Fitzgerald said: “By being a digital school the emphasis on collaboration and self-directed learning will be of great benefit to our students when they move on to third level and indeed the world of employment, as they will be ahead of their peers.”
Dunamase College is constantly developing and adding to what is being offered to the students.
Dympna pointed out that: “In a smaller school like ours, we know our students well and we believe in fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing.”
Dunamase College is the first school in Laois to be awarded the status of Champion School of Sanctuary.
There is a strong sense of community within the school, and this is helped by the fact that the students are fortunate to have easy access to the facilities in the town.
They often visit the Library, the Centre of Excellence and they have daily access to the Leisure Centre and the Astro pitch. This allows the school to offer an impressive array of sports, football, soccer, basketball, camogie, hurling and hockey.
In her role as Principal, Dympna is mindful of the ethos of “care, respect, equality, community and excellence in education” that is very important in the school, as it provides a holistic education for all who attend Dunamase College.
A planning application for a new 1,000-pupil school for Coláiste Dhún Másc/Dunamase College in Portlaoise is due to be lodged in the coming weeks.
SEE ALSO – Check out the Dunamase College website here
