Special Masses celebrate the end of an era as schools go co-ed
Pupils, teachers, staff and former staff pictured at the celebration Mass in the Holy Family Church, Askea to mark the closure of Askea Girls National School Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
THE ASKEA community came together recently to celebrate almost 50 years of education while also marking the dawn of a brand new primary school.
Special Masses, celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty, were held to mark the closing ceremony of both Holy Family Boys National School and Holy Family Girls National School, which will amalgamate in August to form a new co-educational primary school – Holy Family National School.
The Masses were held over two consecutive Fridays and welcomed pupils, teachers, parents, former staff and the wider community to celebrate the wonderful history of both schools. Bishop Nulty was joined by Fr Tom Little, PP, and Fr Tommy Dillon, PE, from the parish and also Fr Liam Morgan, PP, Naas and former CC in Askea.
Pupils and staff took an active role in both ceremonies and reflected on the wonderful history of both schools, their place in the communities and the schools’ ethos based on the Christian values of love, respect, kindness and consideration.
The end of single-sex education in Askea will happen over a phased basis, with junior and senior infants combining this year, and additional year groups to be added over time.
It is expected that single-sex classrooms will be fully changed to mixed classrooms at Holy Family National School within three years.
Máiréad Mullally is the principal of Holy Family National School, with Mary Kehoe deputy principal.
Staff at both schools are looking forward to working together in what they describe as hugely exciting news for Askea, enabling the bringing together in one school the best traditions, cultures, facilities and expertise of two fantastic schools.
The new Holy Family National School will avail of all the facilities currently available in both schools.
