New student arrives just in time to save Galway teacher’s job!

An eight year old girl has become an instant hero on her first day of school in Connemara – simply by turning up!

Because by enrolling in Cleggan National School, the fourth class student managed to save a teaching post – and, effectively, stave off closure of the school, the lifeblood of the community.

The recruitment of the new pupil means the school enrolment reaches the magic number of 20 pupils, the amount needed in order to retain two teachers.

And the student’s arrival at Cleggan NS came just in the nick of time . . . September 30 is the ‘cut-off point’ when enrolments are counted for the purpose of staffing levels.

The girl, from near Moyard, heard a programme on Connemara Community Radio, in which the school board of management appealed for new pupils in order that it could keep its two teachers.

“This girl heard the appeal on radio and decided herself that she wanted to move schools to save the teacher. It is a huge relief to the school,” said Galway West TD Brian Walsh.

“This is great news for Cleggan National School and it means that it will remain a two-teacher school until at least 2016,” he said.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.