Minister Norma Foley’s Visit to Castleisland Community College

Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD pictured with teachers and students during her recent visit to Castleisland Community College. Included are: Kneeling from left: Ann Marie Callaghan, Katelyn Brennan, Ava Fitzmaurice and Leah O’Connell. Standing from left: Julieann Murphy, Principal Teresa Lonergan, John Fitzgerald, teacher; Alannah Butler, Cillian O’Regan, teacher; Siobhán O Donoghue, Donnacha Hickey, teacher; Juanita Lovett, teacher; Minister Norma Foley, Kyle O’Connor, Seán Barrett, Danute Voveryte, Robbie Carroll, Gabrielle Voveryte, Susan O’Halloran, teacher; Aidan Joy teacher; Deputy Principal, Mairéad Corridon.

Minister for Education Norma Foley, TD visited Castleisland Community College recently just as students received their Leaving Certificate results.

The school community was ecstatic to hear that she was visiting, as last May the Department of Education had chosen the school to present to Minister Foley, the Department of Education inspectors and Unicef due to the outstanding work achieved by the school in the area of sustainability.

Previous Meeting Held Virtually

The meeting, unfortunately, was held virtually. On this occasion however, she arrived in person and liaised outdoors with various members of the school community.

She spoke with Leaving Certificate students and acknowledged the difficult year that they had faced.

She congratulated them on rising to the many challenges that they overcame and asked each student individually what they now hoped to pursue.

Poetry on the Court

Minister Foley also spoke with teachers and students. She visited the basketball court where teacher Annette Steinbourne was conducting a poetry lesson with second year students.

The student council, under the guidance of teacher Juanita Lovett, spoke to the minister in the new outdoor seating area, about their plans for the year to eliminate plastic bottles from the school.

She chatted with Mary O’Sullivan of housekeeping and the canteen staff on her way to the astro turf pitch at the back of the school grounds.

Excellent College Facilities

Minister Foley congratulated the Principal Teresa Lonergan on the excellent facilities in the school and then relayed to Ms. Lonergan that she was aware of what a brilliant school Castleisland Community College is.

Ms. Lonergan explained to her how the school numbers are growing and an application has been submitted to the Department of Education for additional accommodation.

Minister Foley concluded that she wished to visit the school again and would venture indoors next time.

Principal Lonergan assured her that ‘A ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ awaits her on her next visit !

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