Nobber teachers on fundraising run for school equipment

Two staff members from Scoil Eoin Báiste, Nobber, will run the Bohermeen half marathon this weekend to raise funds for equipment and resources to kit out the new extension currently under construction at the school.

Special Needs Assistant Drena Halpin and fifth and sixth class teacher Katie Dillon have both signed up to take part in the challenge on Sunday to raise money for the school.

Ms Dillon explained that SNA Drena first came up with the idea of running the half-marathon and put it out to the other staff members to see if they were interested and she thought it was as great idea and also came on board.

"This is a whole school fundraiser. The money raised will go towards teaching resources, IT and new sports equipment and also extra resources for the ASD classes," she outlined.

A new extension to provide two new purpose-built classrooms for the ASD classes is well under way at the school and is on track to be completed for September. Children from third to sixth classes are currently taught in two prefabs on the school yard and when the new extension is completed they will be back in the main school building and the school will have use of the full yard again.

While the Department of Education provides funding for the building project, any extra resources needed and supplies come from the school's own funds.

Drena Halpin, who came up with the idea to run the 21km half-marathon for the school, said: "Over recent years, due to national school budget cuts, we have seen this affect the funds within our school. Over the coming year the Government will be funding an extension within our school, which is fantastic news. However, no budget is included for essential equipment, supplies or the upkeep of this building. Therefore, fundraising is necessary to ensure that this project is a success to ensure the needs of our children are met."

Both Drena and Katie are keen runners and have been training in advance of Sunday's event. They have thanked everyone for their support and all those who have made donations with, over €3,000 raised so far.

Principal Anne-Marie McKenna said the funds raised will make a big difference to the school and that they are so grateful to them for taking it on.

"We'll have the building, we'll have some storage and we already have the tables and chairs from our existing rooms and our sensory room but we don't get anything else. This will help us get extra resources and equipment.

"We will also have a lovely big play area out the back with rubber matting and tar for everybody and there will planters and outdoor seating but that's all. We'd love to get outdoor toys and equipment to make the most of this area."

Ms McKenna paid tribute to Drena and Katie and said it is all being led by them and not by management."This was Drena's baby, she put it out to the staff and everybody is so behind her."

"I think people are also delighted they don't have to do anything themselves. They can support it, but don't have to run it or walk it themselves or bake for it!"