Desperate to increase numbers in order not to lose a teacher, a west Donegal school is offering €2,000 bursaries to families of new pupils.
Keadue NS, Burtonport, decided on the unusual move as they fear for the future of the 122 year-old educational institution.
The only Irish medium school in the area, it lists ex-Ireland international goalkeeper and World Cup hero, Packie Bonner, and All-Ireland winner, Tony Boyle, among its former pupils.
Principal, Anne Marie Uí Icí, is also one of the two teachers at the school. She told Donegal Daily that, if pupil numbers don’t increase from nine to eleven by September, they will lose one of their teachers.
“We currently have nine pupils but, if we don’t increase that number to 11 by September 2nd, we will lose one of our two teachers,” she said.
“As a result, a bursary of €2,000 will be offered to the families of three new junior infant pupils enrolling from outside the school’s catchment area. Parents and teachers raised enough money for three bursaries, however, an anonymous donor pledged €2,000 in order to bring that number to four.”
Ms Uí Icí said the Board of Management recognises that travel costs may be a consideration for families living further afield, and this bursary is intended to help alleviate that burden.
Pupils enrolling in classes other than junior infants may also be considered for a partial bursary, subject to availability and individual circumstances.
“The school opened in 1903 and we are very worried for its future. We also have a Special Education Teacher (SAT), but she’s only here half the week. If we don’t get the numbers up, we’ll lose one of our two full-time teachers.”
The school also offers a morning club from 8:20 a.m. and an after-school service, operated by Comhar Naíonraí, running until 6:00 p.m. daily — supporting working families and enhancing the school experience for pupils.
To apply for a bursary email bursarysaac@gmail.com or telephone 0879664187.
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