THE Limerick Educate Together primary school in Mungret marked 20 marvellous years moulding young minds.
Parents, staff, and pupils past and present joined together to mark the anniversary with “a vibrant celebration of community, equality, and child-centred education”.
The milestone event, held on a sunny day in Mungret, brought together over 200 people to honour the school’s journey so far.
Reflecting on the past two decades, Principal Mike Quealy remarked that “it feels like only yesterday when we gathered in front of the old school building at Mungret College to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Since then, we’ve moved into a state-of-the-art facility with 16 mainstream classrooms, eight special education rooms, three classrooms for autistic children, and wonderful spaces for curricular activities”.
“Our Educate Together ethos — equality-based, inclusive, and child-centred — guides everything we do. It takes a village to raise a child, and our village is united by this shared purpose.”
The celebration showcased the young pupils’ talents across diverse activities, including basketball, chess, robotics, yoga, forest education, gardening in the polytunnels, music, art, and a Music Generation composition project.
A highlight of the day was a performance by the school choir.
Marek McGann, chairperson of the school board, said that “belonging and encouraging people to belong is at the heart of what we do”.
“It’s fostered among pupils, staff, and parents, and it’s a vital part of our culture.”
The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Senator Maria Byrne, Minister Willie O’Dea, and Norma O’Brien, director of Limerick Education Centre.
