Roscommon school appeals for new students in a bid to remain open

An East Roscommon primary school needs ten new pupils enrolled across all classes in the coming days, or it will have to close permanently in June.

The Board of Management, staff and pupils are really hoping that Slatta NS can re-open next September. However, to do that the school needs viable enrolment numbers. The school currently has eight students, three of whom are moving on to secondary school, reducing current numbers to five, unless there are new enrolments.

The school has served the community for over 130 years, educating generations of families.

“Parents of school age children - the future of the school is in your hands” is the message from the school.

Pupils were recently asked what they loved about their school: “We have so many facilities: sports equipment, polytunnel, free hot dinners, digital devices - one ipad per child, interactive flat panels, See Saw app, musical instruments, construction games and STEM kits. Music classes, computer classes; Gaelic and soccer training with trainers from Roscommon GAA & Roscommon FAI and swimming lessons. We go on so many trips to the theatre and lots of other fun places. We take part in Stemtacular STEM Fair.

“We take part in many inter-school sport competitions e.g. soccer, Gaelic, basketball and running. We also play rounders and Olympic handball. Juniors have a sports day. We enter the Scríobh Leabhar competition. We take part in charity fundraising e.g. Goal Jersey Day, Shoebox Appeal etc. We have a school play every second year which is great fun and everybody gets a part. We have regular visits from ‘Heritage in Schools’ experts and more, we like learning about local geography and history. We have a really well stocked library. Best of all we get lots of attention and help when we need it, and everybody gets along well,” said the students.

A Whole School Evaluation carried out by the Department of Education in September 2023 found that ‘support for pupils’ wellbeing was of a very high quality. “It was evident that all teachers were committed to the holistic development of each pupil. The pupils presented as confident, motivated and articulate and they experienced a supportive, welcoming, positive and inclusive school culture,” the inspectors stated.

The school is only seven minutes from Roosky and Scramogue (Eircode F42 R796).

To find out more call in or phone 071 9638818; see https://slattans.scoilnet.ie; talk to parents of current pupils or find Slatta School on Facebook. Enrolment deadline is Friday, February 6th.