The History of CETNS
In November 1998, parents from Dublin 15 contacted Educate Together about establishing a school.
This school got temporary recognition from the Department of Education in June 1999. It opened that September in Castleknock Community Centre with Principal Dermot P. Higgins and First Assistant Teacher Lucy Keaveney. By the next year demand for places led to a move to St Joseph’s School on the Navan Road.
In January 2002, after much hard work by our Patron, Dublin 15 Educate Together Association, we moved to our permanent site on Beechpark Ave. A purpose built temporary building was officially opened in October 2002 by Paul Rowe, CEO Educate Together. By July 2003, 22 people were employed at the school. In June 2005 the DES approved funding for the construction of a brand new 16 classroom school with a special needs unit for autistic children.
The permanent building was ready in April ’07 and we held a ‘Celebration Parade’ around the local roads which brought a tear to the eyes of many in attendance. In June 2008 Dermot Higgins resigned and Aedín Ní Thuathail started in September 2008. Outreach classes for children with Autism started in November 2008. Since then we have added a sensory garden, some chickens and a pond, 10 Green Flags and numerous other awards. We now have a large school population and strive to always maintain the unique Educate Together atmosphere.
We hope you and your child will enjoy your time in our wonderful school.
Aedín Ní Thuathail
Principal Castleknock Educate Together National School