Ciara Nic Lochlainn, Joline Ni Dhonghaile, Shannon Phair, Angelina Kebeni and Aoife O’Hara
THIS September will see Fermanagh’s only Irish-only speaking school, which is celebrating its ten year anniversary this year, sees its enrolment increase to 40 pupils.
The Lisnaskea school, Bunscoil and Traonaigh, opened in 2004 with one teacher and a board of governors – but continues to expand.
The idea for the school was first muted back in 2002, as Caroline Frawley, chairman of the board of governors, reflected.
“A few interested parties came together to assess the need for an Irish medium primary school in County Fermanagh and it was felt there was a demand in the Lisnaskea area,” she told the Fermanagh Herald.
“Naiscoil an Traonaigh (pre-school) was established at the Emmetts GAA grounds. 12 pupils enrolled and this demonstrated a need.
“Bunscoil an Traonaigh opened then in 2004, supported by one teacher and a board of governors, and due to an increase in numbers moved location to the outskirts of Lisnaskea in Drumbrughas North. Today there are 35 pupils, three teachers, two classroom assistants and administrative staff.”
In September there will be approximately 40 children attending Bunscoil an Traonaigh.
The children are taught completely through Irish in P1 and P2 and English is introduced formally in the third term of P3.
“The children love going to school and there is great interaction between all pupils from P1 to P7, it’s lovely seeing all different age groups playing together in the playground,” Caroline continued.
“Parents really appreciate the opportunity to give their children a bilingual education. There is so much evidence to show how positively bilingualism affects the brain, including providing the child with better literacy, problem solving abilities and a greater ability to learn other languages.”
And, on the subject of the tenth anniversary Caroline said: “To start a new school is a monumental task and has certainly provided us with ups and downs. However we feel that we are now firmly established in the local and wider community and it is such a wonderful achievement to celebrate our 10th year.
“It has really been a team effort between our wonderful teaching staff, hardworking governors and supportive parents.”
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