Welcome to Donabate/Portrane Educate Together National School (DPETNS). Educate Together remains the fastest growing sector in primary education in Ireland. Our model of child centered, democratically run, co-educational and equality based education is becoming increasingly popular. We were the 29th Educate Together school when we opened in 2002 and now there are 81 primary and 9 post primary schools running under Educate Together patronage with more schools opening every year. Staff members, parents and students all have a part to play in ensuring that the ethos of inclusivity and equality is not only theoretical but a real and practical ethos. We all need to work together to ensure that ‘no child is an outsider’. We strive to create a school climate where each child is valued and cherished – this is a goal which we have to constantly work to achieve. The relationship between school and home plays a very important part in delivering on the school’s ethos. We hope our school is a welcoming place and we ask parents/guardians to communicate directly with us if they have any concerns or worries that need to be addressed. As a staff, we feel hugely supported by our parent body, who constantly work in partnership with us.
There are constant changes to school policies and procedures and this year has brought about a lot of changes in terms of child safeguarding. It is now necessary for parents/guardians to sign in at the front door if they are entering the school building for any reason. We ask for your full co-operation in relation to this new (but necessary) procedure. Child safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility – our school policy is available on the school website and in pigeon holes outside each classroom.
I would like to take the opportunity to wish each of our students the very best for the year ahead – there will inevitably be some bumps along the way but hopefully, with support, each child will overcome any challenges and have a happy and successful year in school.
Best wishes,
Susan