Simon Says David’s Rocks

Harris at St David’s FRI24FEB23

atest press release from Minister Simon Harris, issued on Friday, February 24th 2023…

Today, Wicklow Fine Gael Minister Simon Harris visited St. David’s Secondary School in Greystones for a tour of his old school, to see the refurbishment works nearing completion and speak with students.

The 13-year-old St David’s playwright

Speaking after his visit, Minister Harris said, “I want to thank St. David’s Secondary School’s principal, Simon Carey, for inviting me back to visit my old Secondary School. It is super to see the amount of work that has been during the school’s refurbishment which is finally nearing completion. The schools new four-storey building will be a fantastic resource for staff and students, providing them with the space and facilities to further develop the school’s high standard of education.”

“Along with this, after working closely with Principal Carey and Minister Josepha Madigan, we have successfully managed to obtain an extra SNA allocation for St. David’s to support its students, and I am looking forward to seeing this new position filled as soon as possible.”

“This year I was delighted to hear that the level of co-operation between the three secondary schools in Greystones had been raised to a new height, as the schools began to work on a co-ordinated school admissions plan, to reduce waiting lists and reassure parents.”

Minister Harris spoke to Leaving Certificate Cycle Students regarding the many opportunities available to them after the Leaving Certificate. Minister Harris said, “I want every student in St. David’s, across County Wicklow, and across the country, that there are options out there for them in third level education. I do not want a single student to feel intimidated or discouraged by the idea of furthering their education, and developing their skills and talents. My Department and I have worked tirelessly to create new avenues and paths for students to take which can help them to learn and grow.

“Recently we launched a number of Further Education and Training [FET] Colleges of the Future across the country, and one right here in County Wicklow. Since 2016, we have created a total of forty-one new apprenticeships, and even more are in the works. Each of these courses where the focus is on work-based learning will give you the same qualifications as you would have graduating college.

“I am glad to say, and I am sure that many students here will have noticed, that now the CAO’s website displays apprenticeships too, so that every student can see that an apprenticeship can be a viable pathway towards the future.

“I want encourage every student here, to research the wide range of opportunities available, as I know that there is a course out there to suit every student,” Minister Harris concluded.