Simon Learns How To Whittle While You Work

Simon at The Outdoor Primary School FRI7NOV25

iven the way the economy seems to be heading, it’s probably a good time to start mastering a few survival skills for life out in the wild.

Perhaps that’s what attracted Tánaiste Simon Harris to The Outdoor Primary School up on Windgates Hill this morning.

First announced back in November 2024, TOPS became a reality during the summer as primary school teacher Louise Nelson found the perfect home for an outdoor school.

Namely, the 53 acres up at SEK International School, who also happened to have some indoor classrooms for the young students.

Just in case, you know, we ever get a rainy day around here.

“It was great to have Simon swing by,” says founder Louise. “It was just a flying visit but he showed a genuine interest in the school, and how the kids were learning in this new environment.

“That our Tánaiste learnt how to whittle while he was here made his visit all the more worthwhile…”

You can find out more about The Outdoor Primary School here, check out our 2025 interview here, follow on Instagram here, register for September 2026 here, and get in touch directly on email here.