Togher N.S.

Togher N.S., Dunmanway has been selected as one of the chosen few to participate in the I.N.T.O./Telecom Eireann Information Age Magnet schools project. A Community Information Age evening and function was held on June 19th in the school to celebrate this marvellous achievement. The school received a substantial grant and computer equipment from Telecom Eireann.
This small rural school with 60 pupils at the foot of the Shehy mountains six miles north of Dunmanway is already acknowledged nation-wide and indeed in international Education fields as one of the most progressive schools in Information Communication Technology. It’s web site at http://www.iol.ie/~togher has received acclaim in National Newspapers and compared favourably with the best sites available at university level. The web site is listed worldwide as a paragon of excellence.
All the children in Togher N.S. have access to computers in their classroom. They are utilised across the curriculum as a learning tool to enhance their learning experiences. During the Information Evening the pupils displayed the use of technology in the primary school. These very computer literate pupils demonstrated software suitable for every class and subject with tremendous skill and competence.
Other technologies displayed included a demonstration of the Internet superhighway, the use of scanners, digital cameras and the latest hi-tech pocket size mini computers. Much interest was shown in the voice type software, which transfers the spoken word into text. The latest in touchscreen technology also generated much interest. Also on display was project work which the pupils participated in as part of their European Awareness project - Comenius which links the school with other primary schools in Goteborg, Sweden, Cecina in Italy, Meadowbrook in England and Carigeen N.S., in Co. Kilkenny.
This community evening was organised by the Board of Management and the Parents Association. The school received many letters and emails congratulating them and wishing them further success in the future, including congratulations from the Department of Education. The Parents Association organised a buffet, which included many culinary delights and a selection of fine wines. This indeed was a credit to all concerned. The relaxed mood of the evening was complemented by the display of cultural art which was created by the children under the tutorship of Penny Hancock who is the school’s "Artist in Residence" This project was sponsored by the Arts Council.
All three teachers in the school have participated in I.C.T. training programmes. Helen O'Connell has been selected by the I.N.T.O. to become a tutor to train other teachers in the area of technology. She was recently one of four Irish teachers chosen to speak on the use of I.C.T. at a conference organised by the I.N.T.O. in Dublin. Kathleen McCarthy has co-ordinated computer courses for teachers, parents and the local community, which were very successful. Mary Keane, Principal stated "On behalf of whole school community, we greatly appreciate the I.N.T.O./Telecom Eireann initiative. I feel certain that it will, along with our other projects, have very positive results. We are honoured to have been selected as a Magnet School."
The future indeed is looking bright for Togher N.S.