Two junior infant classes at Athlone's Gaelscoil this year

Tús maith leath na hoibre – a good start is half the battle – as the saying goes and this was never more true than in Scoil na gCeithre Maistrí (ceithremaistri.ie) last Friday when the school welcomed, not just one, but two junior infant classes! This is of great significance for the school community as it’s the first time since before the pandemic that the school has been able to offer more places to those who wish their children to be educated through our national language.

Múinteoirí Máirín and Onóra gave a céad mile fáilte to both children and parents and there was great excitement and fun throughout the morning as the children settled in to their first day sa Scoil Mór – in Big School!!

The growth of Gaelscoileanna over the past few years has been well documented and this is reflected in the greater number of children who are being enrolled in the school year on year. Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí has one of the most modern school buildings in Athlone and is fortunate to be able to offer a second class at infant levels thus meeting the demand that exists in the town.

With the projected growth of Athlone, and, indeed, the substantial development of the area beside the school encompassing Brawny and the area towards Garrycastle, the numbers applying to the Gaelscoil is seeing a sharp increase and this is likely to continue, leading to two classes at each level in the school. Those interested in sending their children to Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí over the coming years are recommended to contact the school with a view to securing a place.

Every new child in the school is taught using the Tomoideachas/Imersive Education method ensuring the get the greatest benefit of being educated through Irish.

Tomoideachas is the recommended methodology in Gaelscoileanna where infant classes only hear and use Irish throughout the day – they are immersed in it and it becomes second-nature to them and proving no challenge whatsoever.