New second-level school"s first day at Laytown hotel

While most children dread going back to school after the summer holidays, it was a day of excitement and celebration for the 78 first years who began school at the newly opened Colaiste na hInse yesterday morning (Tuesday). The new second-level school for the Meath coastal area opened its doors to its first students at its temporary home in the Neptune Hotel in Bettystown. The hotel, which closed down in March, has been adapted to fit the needs of the school and the ballroom with its stunning views over the Irish sea has been partitioned to provide two classrooms. When plans for the temporary school ran into planning difficulties due to objections, County Meath VEC had made arrangements for the school to be accommodated in Ratoath Community College. However, many parents had concerns over the distance to the school and, in recent weeks, arrangements were made with Denis Reddan, the owner of the Neptune Hotel for the school to locate there. County Meath VEC CEO, Peter Kierans, said the opening had gone 'very smoothly and professionally' and that the parents were very pleased with the venue. 'I was surprised by the level of good will and how pleased the parents were. They were universally happy with the location in the Neptune Hotel and I did not meet any adverse comments,' he said. Yesterday"s opening ceremony began with a photo call for the school"s first group of students and then there was a blessing led by Monsignor John Hanley, Laytown Parish Priest. Principal Anne-Marie McCarrick rang the bell for the first time and the large group of parents, students, teachers and local people moved into the ballroom for the speeches. Meath VEC Chairman John Fanning congratulated everybody involved but also called for the 'need for social conscience with regard to all the planning difficulties' and how those involved in the objections to the temporary school plans should have regard to the community needs. Cllr Nick Killian spoke on behalf of Ratoath Community College, where the Colaiste na hInse students were due to attend classes until their temporary school was ready. Local Cllr Pat Boshell congratulated all those involved in getting the school off the ground and Deputy Shane McEntee also welcomed the new school and encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities being given to them. A representative from the Parents" Council said how 'schooling is about students, their parents and the community and that the space where it takes place is not the most important thing'. Mr Kierans spoke about the plans for Coláiste na hInse going forward and how attention would be going towards this time next year and making provisions for the future. He complimented principal Anne-Marie McCarrick and the VEC staff who worked so hard to bring it all together. Ms McCarrick also complimented staff and parents for all the work they did over the last week to prepare the school and said students would be receiving an 'inspiring and quality education' in a happy and inspiring place that would be a focal point for the community. The teachers called the first roll call and the 78 students broke into the four different class groups and went to their classrooms while the Parents" Council put on refreshments. 'There was a huge buzz and it was great to see the number of parents who attended. It was a lovely occasion,' said Mr Kierans. The first day broke up at about 12.30pm but from today (Wednesday) students will be in school when the full timetable comes into force.