GLENSWILLY National School will celebrate 50 years of providing education on Saturday with an invitation to pupils old and new to come along and catch up with old friends and see the changes which have happened over the past five decades.
Principal Joe Gallinagh issued the call for former class mates to come along and view the collection of memorabilia assembled and enjoy the entertainment and refreshments being laid on for the occasion. Former pupils of Keelogs NS, Leitir Liag and Rashedoge NSs can view the original school rolls from 1963 to 1975 depending on which school they are interested in.
The school first opened in 1973 as Glenswilly National School. It was the amalgamation of five smaller local schools – Rashedoge NS; Keelogs NS; Templedouglas NS; Trankeel NS and Leitir Liag NS. The original roll books for all five schools will be on display on the day. Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Principal Gallinagh explained that there were five teachers initially when the school opened, then, when Leitir Liag NS joined, the number rose to six.
“The first principal was Mr Herrity then Mr Liam McGowan and now me.
“The school added two additional classrooms in the 80s and finally completed its long awaited extension in 2022.
“Additional land was purchased by the school community in 2012 and a car park, astro-turf pitch and running track have also been added in recent years,” Mr Gallinagh said.
The school currently has 260 pupils and has opened a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class this year. There are 16 teachers and six Special Needs Assistants (SNA).
The open day celebration takes place on Saturday from midday until 4 pm.
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