Every student, every parent and every staff member is part of our story.
Jan 2001.
From an Idea…
Our story began in January 2001 when local mother Jacinta Cassidy launched the initiative for an Educate Together primary school in the Drogheda East Meath area.
The location of premises at the Drogheda Grammar School was significant in the success of this initiative and the support of principal, Richard Schmidt (pictured) and the Board of the Grammar School has and continues to be much appreciated.
…to first enrolments.
Our school was born over 15 years ago, out of the desire for choice of school ethos in the area.
Some 200 people from the area attended the first public launch meeting on January 13th 2001 in the Europa Hotel in Drogheda resulting in over 120 children pre-enrolled for September of the same year.
Paul Roe, ET Chairperson - Europa Hotel
120 children pre-enrolled for September.
Pre Sept 2001
Countdown to September Opening
March 2nd First fundraising event held in the Europa Hotel, Drogheda.
July 14th Deadline set for new Principal applications.
July 15th Fundraising Craft Fair & Art competition at Drogheda Grammar School.
July 22nd Family Beach Day for families of students starting in September.
School opens in dormitories on site at the Drogheda Grammar School in September 2001.
Junior Infants & Principal Maurice Hurley
Cutting the tape at open day.
2001-2007
Outgrowing our Modest Beginnings.
Between 2001 and 2009 enrolments reached in excess of 350 students and the current facilities was unsustainable. Circumstances were very basic but there was huge enthusiasm and energy to develop this new school.
The following year two prefabs were installed a phenomenon that was to continue until we had a total of seventeen and we were under serious pressure for space and comfort.
2003-2007
Expanding Teaching Staff
Between 2003 and 2007 during our rapid expansion, the teaching staff grew to 10 permanent staff and 3 part time teachers under Principal Michael Garvey.
2007
New principal appointed.
In 2007, Deputy Principal, Fiona Rock was appointed Principal of Le Chéile.
May 2007
Le Cheile land issue resolved.
The legal difficulties over the title to the land for Le Cheile’s new 16 classroom school beside the Grammar School are finally resolved.
In the years that followed Fiona led the charge in both securing the site and building where the current school sits.
2008
New School Building Plans.
Groaning and bubbling under that pressure. In the autumn of 2008 we finally convinced the then government to build us our new school and quickly!
“We are receiving a fast track building … as soon as a builder is in place we will be well on the way to getting our new school.” Fiona Rock
Mar 2009.
Work started on our new school building.
It is only one of a number of schools delivered under the government 2009 Programme.
