This year marks a significant milestone in the history of An Grianán National School, Mount Temple.
Fifty years ago, in 1964, the school opened its doors to welcome children from across the region including Mount Temple, Moyvoughley, Dunegan, Cloneyegan, Rathduff, Ballycloughduff, Ballyboran, Ballydoogan, Williamstown, Monkstown and all the surrounding areas.
“It was an exciting time, a time of new beginnings with a brand new school for enthusiastic scholars in 1964. It must have been the talk of the parish. The new school building marked another important stepping stone in education for the Mount Temple area,” explained Fr Pat Kiernan, chairperson of the board of management at the school.
Fifty years on and a great many changes have taken place both in society and in school but the main ‘raison d’être’ of the school remains. “To quote from our vision statement: ‘The most important person in the school is the child’ - as true today as it was in 1964,” added school principa Ambrose McGowan.
On June 14, as part of the celebrations the school will be launching a special commemorative magazine.
“This commemorative magazine bears testament to the great co-operation that exists between the school and the community. Hours upon hours of diligent work have been invested by parents, teachers, and staff alike to bring this opus to fruition. Comhgairdeas and well done to all involved,” said Mr McGowan.
The jubilee committee, the principal, teachers, staff, pupils, board of management, and the parents association of An Grianán NS, Mount Temple extend an open invitation to all past pupils, parents of past pupils, parishioners, and anyone who has an interest in or a connection to the school to the celebration of Mass on Saturday June 14 in Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple at 3pm, to mark the 50th anniversary of An Grianán National School.
There will be refreshments for everyone in the school afterwards with entertainment for the children. The special commemorative edition of the school magazine will also be launched that day.
