31-05-2025
Tríocha bliain ag foghlaim trí Ghaeilge – Gaelscoil Charman marks major milestone
With this school year marking thirty years since the Gaelscoil first opened its doors in Wexford town, the red carpet was rolled out and the community was invited to come and help pupils, staff and management to mark the milestone.
While a sports day at Pairc Charman was supposed to form part of the celebrations, the weather failed to play ball, but things were quickly re-arranged and pupils showed off some of their musical talents as príomhoide Dearbhla Mhic Chaoilte thanked the local community and pupils and parents, past and present, for all their support over the years and cut a special 'birthday cake' with the help of the school's oldest and youngest pupils.
On foot of a local demand, the first tentative steps to establish a Gaelscoil in Wexford town were taken back in 1994. Initially, the school opened with just 37 pupils, under the leadership of príomhoide Áine Uí Ghionnáin, and it didn't receive permanent recognition from the Department of Education until 1997.
Twenty years ago, in 2005, Gaelscoil Charman received its permanent building on Whiterock Hill and it was a momentous day for Áine and her staff. In 2021, Áine retired from her role and was succeeded by Dearbhla Mhic Chaoilte.
From it's humble beginnings, the Gaelscoil has gone from strength to strength and today it has over 200 pupils with eight mainstream classes and one ASD class.
Indeed it was a huge source of pride when Gaelscoil Charman became one of the first Gaelscoileanna in the south east to open an ASD class and to offer education completely trí Ghaeilge.
"Gaelscoil Gharman is proud of its inclusivity and welcomes all families of many different backgrounds,' Príomhoide Mhic Chaoilte said. 'The school community as a whole is united in its love of the Irish language and culture and is very proud to be able to pass on this love to its pupils.'
