Wexford school celebrates milestone with time capsule project

In 1994, the schools of CBS and the Presentation amalgamated to form what is now known as St Aidan's, which has flourished under the duty and care of the administration, teachers, and the support of the wider community.

To mark the tremendous milestone they orchestrated a fun day with a wide variety of events to suit all ages, young and old and in between.

To begin, the students had a number of activities planned for them, including a scavanger hunt, before they left school early at 12 p.m. Lunches provided by Fresh Today, included a celebratory treat of popcorn and a chocolate bar.

In preparation for the event, the children let their creative imaginations run wild as they created artwork pieces inspired by the school. In a well-organised and inclusive effort, all 870 children were given a chance to contribute to a large chalk piece traced out in the number thirty by teachers at the back of the school.

To add to the prestige, one of the teachers were able to secure a drone to take some overhead footage of their creation.

"The children were absolutely fascinated by it," said Deputy Principal Carmen Yeates.

In a modern take on the time capsule, the children were filmed answering questions about what going to school at St Aidan's was like in the present time and the footage was transferred to a USB. The footage along with old and current photos will be put and displayed in a cabinet that will be generously built by parents of a student.

"Rather than burying it, since in the future we may have more construction and work going on, the memories will be held in a cabinet in the hallway," she added.

From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. the school was opened for the community where they saw many of their students return with their parents and grandparents in tow to have a look around the school. The staff then led groups on tours throughout the facility and classrooms, highlighting the artwork and assignments completed by the children over the last few weeks since school returned for the new academic year.

Following tha current and past staff members were given the chance to gather and celebrate the continuous achievement of the school. In attendance were some notable figures including Fr Odhran Furlong, Fr Bobby Nolan, Bridget Bolger, Sr Josephine Carroll, and Siobhan O'Donovan who travelled all the way from Skibbereen in Cork for the occasion.

Ms Yeates admitted that there was a bittersweet aspect to the day as Peter Creedon, who was principal of the school from 1994 to 2019, was unable to visit the school since he happened to be out of the country at the time.

Every single member of staff pitched in to make the day the best it could be, including office member Niamh who made a fabulous chocolate biscuit cake with old photographs decorating the top.

When asked about the longevity of the school, Ms Yeates said the students are thriving thanks to the work of every staff member that has passed through their doors.

"The school is thriving, the children are happy, and the building is modern. The current school has absolutely been built on the shoulders of all who have gone before us," she said.

"The school has also been well supported by the community. And around twenty staff members are past pupils, as were their parents and some of their grandparents. It is a great legacy to have and I hope the school will continue to be a happy place," she added.