I am delighted to welcome you to Blackrock ETSS, Dublin’s newest post-primary school. As an Educate Together school, we are equality based, child centred, co-educational, and democratically run.
Equality underpins everything we do in Educate Together schools, and Blackrock ETSS is open to everyone. We are an inclusive school community where differences are embraced, and diversity is celebrated. We want every child that attends our school to feel a strong sense of belonging and pride towards Blackrock ETSS.
The multi-denominational nature of our school makes us unique in our catchment area of Dun Laoghaire, Booterstown and Blackrock. Students from different faith or non-faith backgrounds are welcome at Blackrock ETSS where all students learn together in an atmosphere defined by openness, tolerance, and respect. The arrival of Blackrock ETSS to the area also provides parents with a choice to send their children to a co-educational school, and we are committed to creating a school where boys and girls learn together in a vibrant, respectful, and welcoming atmosphere.
A child centred approach to teaching, learning and assessment has been adopted at Blackrock ETSS, and our dynamic teaching team is committed to using interactive methodologies to support student learning and engagement. We will deliver the curriculum in a way that not only supports student attainment of knowledge and information, but also helps students to develop as independent learners and critical thinkers.
As well as nurturing key 21st century skills that will equip our students to face the future challenges of further education and the workplace, we want our students to be active citizens who understand the importance of the role that they can play in their communities and society. We encourage our students to not only value their own individuality but also to recognise that they are part of a vibrant school community where their collective actions can bring about positive change.
Students will have the opportunity to influence change at Blackrock ETSS where they will be part of the decision-making process and student voice will permeate school life. This democratic approach will extend to our parent body whose support and input will be essential in our mission to develop a vibrant, inclusive, and successful school.
Over four decades have passed since the founding members of Educate Together made history when they set up their first primary school thus providing parents with an alternative to the traditional national school model of education that had dominated Ireland for generations. It is now time for our school to make history by providing an excellent alternative choice of post-primary school in our catchment area.
It is a great privilege for me to have been appointed as Principal of Blackrock ETSS and together with Simon Rogers, Deputy Principal, and all of my colleagues, I will work tirelessly to play my part in the development of an inspirational school where all of our students learn, grow and flourish together in an environment that is characterised by inclusiveness, diversity, innovation, creativity, equality, and respect.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir
Donal Evoy
Principal