by Kathy Masterson
EDUCATION Minister Jan O’Sullivan says that Limerick’s newest school will be “a platform to a bright future” as she officially launched Thomond Community College this week.
The co-educational school, created from the amalgamation of St Nessan’s Community College and Salesian’s Secondary School, will cater for up to 750 students at the existing St Nessan’s Campus at Moylish Park, Old Cratloe Road.
The new facility will open its doors for the 2016/2017 school year.
Bernadette Cullen, education officer at the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said that the school’s patron, trustees and steering group are “committed to the school being a key player in the educational landscape of Limerick”.
She continued: “Thomond Community College will be much more than the sum of the two individual schools. Staff, students and parents are very committed to the process. Right from the off we have taken this collective approach, with the name of the school itself emerging from a significant consultation process involving students, parents and staff in both existing schools.
“A new uniform and logo for the school have also been designed, again following consultation and significant work by the task groups with all stakeholders.”
The logo was designed by a St. Nessan’s student Sabina Tomé, who was presented with an award for her creation, and encompasses elements from both of the existing school crests, evoking an image of a young person reaching for the stars.
Minister O’Sullivan said: “In coming together to create Thomond Community College, Salesian’s and St Nessan’s are combining their collective strengths to create a vibrant and dynamic new second level entity for Limerick. The sum of all parts of both these two schools will create a real platform for students who attend here to go one to great things”.
Sr Mary Doran, Provincial Salesians Order, said that the new school represents the coming together of traditions from both schools in consultation with all stakeholders.
“This coming together will establish a new entity which, as reflected in its mission statement, will aim to create a welcoming, caring, positive and supportive learning environment for all based on respect as a key guiding principle,” Sr Doran added.
The school’s facilities include science laboratories, metalwork, woodwork and technology workshops, an arts, craft and design workshop, and a fitness studio.
