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Some of the students from Knockadea National School, soaking up the fun and sunshine on a school trip to Doneraile Park.

Ahead of the open day for Knockadea National School this Sunday, April 21, parents and teachers spoke to The Avondhu about the benefits of enrolling children in a rural school, which is at the heart of the community.

Located a short distance from Mitchelstown, just before Ballylanders, the school offers a great teacher/student ratio, ensuring that each child gets the care, attention and education they need, while the size of the school also lends itself towards encouraging great friendships between the youngest and eldest children.

Principal Aileen O'Dwyer, added that the enrolment figures are on the increase and will continue to climb over the years, as generations of families flock through the doors and new families settling into the area find their feet, with the school as their base community which they build on.

ONE BIG FAMILY

Speaking about the benefits of the school, parents told The Avondhu that the school is the lifeblood of the community and that because of its rural location and the class sizes, the children come out of the school confident and independent, with one parent describing the network of pupils as being 'like a big family'.

The parents added that with the vast open spaces, green landscape and the hills of Knockadea and the Galtees as the backdrop to the school, there is a great sense of being close to nature, which leads to a very calm and serene atmosphere within the classrooms. One parent said that the benefits of the school in Knockadea simply cannot be replicated. "They say that open spaces lead to creative minds," the principal said.

The school gives students the opportunity to explore football and hurling, as well as drama, art, music and crafts, while there is a strong emphasis on reading, writing and maths.

Principal Aileen O'Dwyer emphasised that they focus is on developing the whole child, with a healthy mix of academic and recreational or extra curricular activities.

Each room is equipped with laptops and interactive whiteboards and the school is really at the heart of the community, as the students and parents take part in sponsored walks, the St Patrick's Day parades in surrounding parishes and carol singing. They also participate in events in TO Park and Knockadea Community and Sports Club, as well as other events and activities throughout the year.

Ms O'Dwyer added that they get great support from the parents and grandparents, whom she would like to thank for their Trojan work down through the years.

OPEN DAY SUNDAY

Over the course of the open day on Sunday, there will be a teddy bears picnic, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, wellie throwing, golf games and penalty shoot outs, while the adults can enjoy some light refreshments and acquaint themselves with the school.

The open day gives parents a great chance to have a relaxing day out, while it also gives people who are new to the area the chance to discover what Knockadea National School has to offer. All are welcome to come along to the school in Knockadea on Sunday from 2pm until 5pm, for what promises to be an informative, relaxed and fun afternoon.

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