While the cry from across the Atlantic has been for every vote in the US election to be counted, there is another poll that is captivating residents of one Co. Wexford town just as much.
Just three weeks ago – to the great relief of many in the town and surrounding area – the Department of Education and Skills announced that Gorey would be getting a new, state of the art secondary school, in 2021.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this development is that the Department of Education has handed the decision as to who would run this school to parents; the parents in the area – and hinterland – who have children in 2nd to 6th class in local primary schools.
Clare Ryan CEO of one of the educational trusts (CEIST) hoping to run the new school said: “This is an awesome responsibility that these parents have been given; because their decision will have a deep impact not only on their own children’s lives but on the lives of future generations of children living in the town and surrounding areas.
“It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really impact on the educational landscape of the town, so we’d really encourage parents to choose really carefully; it’s huge,” she said.
CEIST – Catholic Education an Irish Schools Trust – held a virtual open evening for parents in Gorey on November 5.
{{It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really impact on the educational landscape of the town, so we’d really encourage parents to choose really carefully; it’s huge”
Ms Ryan said that they “were completely blown away by the level of interest in the kind of high quality, state of the art Catholic secondary school we’re seeking to offer to the town.
“The support has come through the local primary schools obviously and we’re really grateful to the principals and teachers, parents and young people who’ve gotten behind our efforts.
“The local clergy have also been really marvellous. Parents want the kind of superb school our trust is offering and they’re taking their role as arbitors of this decision for the town extremely seriously. It was incredibly heartening to be part of it,” she said.
CEIST is patron of 107 Catholic post-primary schools and co-patron of 34 community schools and community colleges.
Ferns Diocesan Secretary Fr John Carroll, said: “What we want parents to do now is simply exercise their vote; every vote counts and every vote will matter.
“From our perspective here in the diocese the worst thing would be if parents said – after the fact – that they hadn’t heard about it, or didn’t realise they had the choice in this; that would be a terrible tragedy really and unworthy of the current Department of Education’s patronage process. So, I’d be encouraging every eligible parent to get out and vote; do your research, go to the various websites of the various patrons and see what resonates with you and your family.
“Think also what’s best for the town into the future,” Fr Carroll said.
Ms Ryan and Fr Carroll are encouraging parents to back the CEIST option. Ms Ryan said that “Excellence in terms of our care of students and excellence in terms of our results for students is the hallmark of all we do.
“Gorey doesn’t have a Catholic school in the town and the people of Gorey deserve to have one,” she said.
For more information on the CEIST bid, go to www.ceist.ie where you’ll also find a link to vote. Parents will need their Eircode and child’s PPS number.