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Launch of the Magnet Schools

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Soon after the announcement from the Department of Education & Science on Schools IT 2000, Telecom Eireann announced their involvement with the money they were going to invest in the scheme.  The INTO came up with the idea of 'Magnet Schools'as one of the ways to address the need for teacher training in ICT.  "The concept is based on the notion of attracting other schools in a particular catchment area to a school that is using ICT on a daily basis as a tool for for teaching and learning".

Our school sent in an application in December to be included as a Magnet School.   We were very pleased when we were successful.  A short while later, we were honoured to be asked to host the official Launch of this initiative by INTO and Telecom, who are investing £70,000 in the scheme.

The launch was held in the Community Centre on Thursday 2nd April.  The INTO had sent out invitations to selected guests and other Magnet Schools.  We had invited a number of local representatives and the Board of ROUND, who funded our room, along with children form both schools.  The INTO and Telecom supplied backdrops for the platform, while the schools displayed the childrens' work on display stands around the hall.

Catherine Byrne welcomes everybody to this important occassion.

From left: Tony Bates, President INTO, Kathryn Crowley, IT official INTO, Fintan Keating, Des Mc Loughlin, Telecom.

Catherine Byrne was M.C. for the occassion.  Our Chairperson, Fr. P. Greene gave the opening welcoming address, followed by two of our children, S Baker and B Ward.  Mrs. Catherine O' Meara spoke on behalf of the parents.  Representing Telecom, we were delighted to have Gerry O' Sullivan, Head of Group Corporate Relations, and of course, Joe O' Toole for the INTO.  Refreshments were available for all, supplied by local Fás employees.

Mr. Gerry O' Sullivan, Telecom Eireann (on right), presents the cheque for £1,000 to Fr. P. Greene, chairperson and Mr. K. O' Meara, Principal.