Teachers and volunteers to skydive in novel fundraising venture for Limerick school
IT WON’T be a typical day at the office for a number of primary school teachers on February 10 as they will be jumping out of a plane thousands of feet in the air.
Teachers, volunteers and past-pupils of Bohermore NS are taking on a massive challenge all to raise vital funds for the four-teacher school based in Ballysimon.
Members of the local community, family, friends and staff from the school have all signed up to the skydive which will take place at the Irish Parachute Club in Offaly.
The school opened in 1859 with 53 pupils and while numbers have ebbed and flowed over the years, there are now 61 children attending the school with 91 enrolled for September.
In the last number of years, an ASD room, sensory garden and outdoor classroom have been built and principal Ciara Sheehy has big plans for the ever-growing school.
“We are a small school that is developing quickly and all of the funds raised are used for the development and expansion of our school.
“The biggest thing we are fundraising for is a playground and Astro Turf pitch, we currently have a small yard space and a pitch, unfortunately due to the weather the pitch is not suitable for use in the wetter months.
“The Astro Turf would provide the children with a safe space to play, no matter the weather.”
Mrs Sheehy said the jump has created a fun atmosphere within the school with pupils and parents organising a convoy to travel to Offaly to cheer on the brave volunteers.
“There is a lot of excitement around it but also some nervousness! The whole community has been very supportive and everyone is really looking forward to it.”
When asked if she was taking part herself, Mrs Sheehy said she was trying to get out of it but now that it is in writing she might not escape the 10,000 feet drop to the earth!
The school opened in 1859 in a building known as the “old school” which contained two rooms, one was the classroom and the other the teacher’s residence.
The room had a fireplace at each end with children bringing turf to school to keep them warm throughout the day.
The main school building was built in 1991.
The “old school” is now home to a preschool with early morning and after school services, a long way from its humble beginnings with no central heating or electricity.
You can donate to the fundraiser for Bohermore school here.