*Photograph: Joe Buckley
A ONCE-EMPTY corner in the school yard of St Tola’s National School has been transformed into a new playground.
An official opening of the school’s playground took place last Wednesday morning in an occasion which was filled with smiles and laughter.
Funded by Ei Electronics, the new playground has lit up play time for pupils in the Shannon primary school. The facility was installed over the summer months and has been used daily by students.
Michael Guinee, Gerry Murphy, Peter Murphy and Derek Barrett represented Ei at Wednesday’s official opening as they visited the school. Guinee cut the ribbon to officially open the playground.
All classes of St Tola’s NS assembled in the school half to show their appreciation to Ei for their donation.
Principal, Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald stated in her speech, “Through your forward thinking, generosity and care for our wonderful local community in Shannon; EI Electronics has made a significant investment in the wellbeing of all the pupils of St Tola’s N.S and we do appreciate this”.
One member of staff noted, “in the short time that the playground has been used, it has already brought so much joy and delight to our pupils and will no doubt will continue to do so for many years to come”.
As part of the celebrations, pupils from every class in the school gathered together to showcase their talents for the visitors through music, song and dance.
Sixth class student, Kayla Olubaka who is also part of the Student Council said, “On behalf of the Student Council and all of the pupils here at St Tolas, we would like to thank EI Electronics for our wonderful new playground”. Fellow student council member, Halle Walsh from fourth class added “Our breaktimes are way more fun and interesting now. Every child, even fifth and sixth class pupils love to spend time in the playground. It is a safe place for us to just play”.
