The college will officially come into existence next year.
PARENTS of the first Salesian girls to attend the soon-to-be Thomond Community College have given the new school their vote of approval a year ahead of its formal establishment.
The new college is an amalgamation of the Salesian Secondary School and St Nessan’s Community College on the city’s north side, and will officially open its doors for the 2016-17 school year.
On Friday last, the first group of girls who would otherwise have attended Salesian Secondary School started their second level education at the Moylish campus that will next year become Thomond Community College.
The modern, new school will have enhanced facilities for the students and, with all subject options at both schools being brought together, a broader curricular experience.
The new first years who arrived into the Moylish campus last week were also the proud, first bearers of the Thomond Community College uniform, which all students at the school will wear from the start of the 2016-17 school year.
As she and her husband John collected their daughter Martina at the end of her first day, Tracy Pembroke from Meelick expressed her satisfaction with the new school.
“We already have three girls in the Salesians; our twins Shannon and Shelby, who are doing their Leaving Cert, and Shania, who is in Year Five. So when it came to where Martina would go, we were happy to send her here.
“Salesians is a great school but this is a really modern facility. Also, teachers at Salesians will be moving over here next so that was reassuring when it came to making the decision. She will essentially have the same as her sisters but in a more modern building with great facilities.”
Salesian Secondary School principal Sr Bridget O’Connell said: “The amalgamation process is underway for some time but the beginning of this new school year brings the reality of Thomond Community College closer.
“To prepare for the amalgamation, First Years were not enrolled in Fernbank and it’s great to see many of the girls who would otherwise have come here choosing what will become Thomond Community College next year.”
St Nessan’s Community College principal Eugene O’Brien said: “Everyone involved in this project, the teachers, the parents, the Salesian Order, the LCETB and the Department of Education is totally committed to this amalgamation. We are determined that Thomond Community College will be an attractive and exciting second level option for students from across the city and beyond.”
