Trevor Quinn
THERE was a strong sense of shock in the Charlestown area over the weekend as it was announced that the Marist Sisters are to withdraw their patronage of St Joseph’s Secondary School over the next three years.
Deputy Principal Austin Egan confirmed that letters were sent to parents over the weekend notifying them of the developments following correspondence and dialogue with the trustees of the school. Mr Egan told The Mayo News (yesterday): “We immediately sent a letter to parents emphasising that a new structure will be put in place to ensure the long term viability of the school.”
Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony said he is meeting staff and parents and exploratory discussions are taking place. Deputy O’Mahony says the Marist Sisters have invested a huge amount in the school over the years. The school currently has 211 students.
In November, a €1 million refurbishment of St Joseph’s was completed with major plumbing, heating and renovation works positively transforming the school building.
Mr Egan went on to say he wants to reassure children and parents that everybody associated with the school is working extremely hard to ensure that a new patronage model which will serve the educational requirements of the school and the local community is found, before adding that there has been a ‘fierce groundswell of goodwill’ from everyone in the community.
Local Sinn Fein Councillor and former member of the board of management Gerry Murray says there is a ‘total cross party consensus’ to explore the various patronage options and find the best possible solution so that the future of the school is secure.
“The parents themselves are now leading the charge,” he said. “Over the next two days we will be meeting with the government in waiting and the current government. I’m more than confident the school in Charlestown is secure.”
Cllr Murray said he believes it is likely that the school will follow the community school model but all avenues will be investigated.
“The school has a fantastic record in achieving academic results. It’s a relatively small school and the kids get personal attention. The student to staff ratio is smaller which is reflected in the impressive results.”
Minister of State Dara Calleary TD said he wished to to state quite clearly his commitment to assisting the management of the school ‘in their quest to maintain the high standards of education that have prevailed in Charlestown for the last number of decades and I believe we can achieve this goal’.
Students of St Josephs have also excelled in Gaelic football, soccer and basketball in recent years, taking on much larger schools and contesting and winning All-Ireland finals
Former St Joseph’s student, Dr Michael Ryan is a Director of Alert and Response Actions at the World Health Organisation in Geneva and he was the prestigious guest of honour at the celebratory event to mark the refurbishment works.
