The Fine Gael TD joined a maths class in St Joseph’s Co-Ed School in East Wall where he did group work and reminisced about his own time in primary school in Dublin.
“I got incredible memories of my own primary school coming in here,” Minister Donohoe told the Irish Independent.
“I went to St Brigid’s in Blanchardstown. I’m encouraged to see how our schools have changed, with the warmth and care in them. All the technology changes they’re making is awesome.
“I sat beside Jack [Coffey], the future Minister for Finance. He was very good with his figures, he was able to do the new method of long calculation and long addition really well, he helped us both get our sums right.”
Sixth class pupil Jack Coffey alongside Minister Paschal Donohoe and teacher Mr Keogh
Minister Donohoe was a hit with all the pupils in the school, because he was also able to grant them a ‘no homework day’ for next Monday.
“I’m pretty sure I won’t be getting those cheers in a few weeks. I won’t get a response like I did here,” the minister added.
“The Budget is always demanding and it’s particularly demanding at the moment. There is a lot of money available and there’s lots of really good ideas on how to spend it, but myself and Jack are going to work through it.”
Minister Donohoe visited the school to try out the new 75-inch Clevertouch interactive digital screens that were donated by the Dublin Port Company as part of its ongoing MP2 Project.
The €140,000 refurbishment saw the installation of 17 interactive screens across 11 classrooms, three special education classrooms, sports hall, reception, and staff room.
These screens connect to each other as a network, allowing the principal to issue announcements through instant messaging. Students can interact with the screens through their personal Chromebook laptops, which are already in use as part of day-to-day schoolwork.
Niall Heneghan, Principal of St Joseph’s, said: “It’s wonderful to be in a position to have the funds there to give the children the very best.
“Last week, the kids were learning about 9/11 and with the new technology, they were able to go on a tour of New York City. This technology is the best, but the key element in every classroom is the teacher, they make the difference.”
Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, added: “Dublin Port is a vital hub for international trade, but it has also played a key role in the development of communities.
“We are delighted to continue our longstanding support of St Joseph’s and hope this technological upgrade should open up new opportunities for the next generation of East Wallers to make their own mark.
“East Wall has been synonymous with dock workers throughout the history of Dublin. A lot about shipping may have changed in the last century, but Dublin Port has not forgotten its ties to this wonderful community.”
