THERE WERE many happy faces last Monday as two new schools opened in Greystones. The eagerly awaited Educate Together School and Gael Scoil opened their doors to a new term for Greystones students for the first time.

The two national schools are a welcome addition to the town and their opening has been praised by many local politicians and residents. There are 44 Educate Together Schools in Ireland with 12 new schools, including Greystones, opening this September.

The school holds a human rights and equality approach to religion and cultural issues and its open minded approach is a favourite with many Greystones parents. Currently there are 45 students enrolled with four teachers.

‘We have worked very hard for the past year to get where we are and it is a very satisfying feeling to see the doors open today and all the happy young faces coming into the school,’ said Jessica Bird School Manager for Greystones.

At the Gael Scoil that is situated just next door, there was just as much excitement. This is a slightly smaller school with just 26 students currently enrolled with two teachers.

‘This event which marks another stage in the development of the town of Greystones is very historic as I doubt that any other town in Ireland would see two new schools opening on the one day,’ said Mayor Councillor George Jones.

He paid a warm tribute to the parents and voluntary committee members who came together only last year to lobby for additional choices in the educational options in Greystones.

Mayor Jones said, ‘These two new schools will augment the primary sector of the area who up to now have been very well served by the management and staff of St. Laurence’s, St Kevin’s, St Patrick’s, St Brigid’s and Delgany NS and he wished all seven primary schools success in the years ahead.’