Press Release – Post Primary Schools Amalgamation

Ballinasloe Post Primary Schools Amalgamation

Steering Committee

Thursday 9^th November 2023

Venue: Gullane’s Hotel Ballinasloe

Planning for the amalgamation of Ballinasloe secondary schools St. Joseph’s College, Garbally, and Ardscoil Mhuire, began last week with the first meeting of the Steering Committee comprising representatives of the Patrons, Staff and parents, under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Frank Smith.

As it is important to develop an identity for the new school as soon as possible, the committee got down to work straight away, planning for immediate work to be completed during school year 23/24, including Mission Statement, name of new School, new school uniform and crest.

Two Task Forces were formed to begin work on School Name, and School Uniform, and these task Forces or sub-committees, will be seeking ideas from the wider school communities in the near future.

Other ongoing work during school years 23 /24/25 will involve planning for the introduction of co-education, Integration of both school staffs, parents’ associations and students’ councils, admissions policy, code of behaviour, curriculum planning, booklists etc.

The Steering Committee will be meeting regularly to ensure its work programme is progressed rapidly.

The photo shows the Ballinasloe Amalgamation Steering Committee which met in Gullane’s Hotel recently.

Front L-R (Gearoid Leen, Lilian Hynes, Frank Smith, Collette Quinn, Michael Garrick)

Back L-R (Grainne Lally, Monsignor Cathal Geraghty, Chiara Lohan, Paul Walsh, Joanne Trappe, Pauric Hanlon, Ann Marie Waters, John McCormack)