Wilson's Hospital sestercentennial approaches

People in Westmeath who have a long and happy association with Wilson's Hospital School, Multyfarnham, and past pupils, parents and guardians, are all invited to celebrate the School's 250th Anniversary on Friday, April 8, at the School.Founded in 1761, the co-educational school is the oldest secondary school in the country, which is still operating on the same site where it was founded."We are hoping our invitations will reach everyone and if we miss anyone out, we want them to contact us or to please come on the day - everyone will be most welcome", says Adrian Oughton, Headmaster of Wilson's Hospital."Friday, April 8 will be a special day for the entire School Community, past and present."We are looking forward to meeting everyone and we are planning performances and events throughout the day, for all to enjoy."The weekend celebrations also includes a Gala Ball, hosted by past pupils and Park Hotel, Mullingar on Saturday, April 9."The Anniversary celebrations will start off at 11.30 am and continue until well into the afternoon. Students will re-enact the School's history and remember the Founder, Andrew Wilson.The Front Hall will be dedicated as "The Caird Hall" in the presence of the Emeritus Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Donald Caird and Mrs Caird, as a tribute to Dr Caird's commitment to the School as Trustee and Guardian.Those in attendance at Chapel Service will also include the Archbishops of Armagh and of Dublin and the Bishops of Meath and Kildare, and Kilmore, all of whom are Trustees and Guardians of the School.There will be opportunities to tour the School buildings, and a Celtic Cross will be unveiled and blessed, reflecting the School's Christian heritage and the intention to continue the School into the future in that tradition.Wilson's Hospital School was founded under the terms of the Will of international trader, Andrew Wilson, of Piercefield, Mullingar.The buildings were designed by the renowned architect, John Pentland.All school buildings have been preserved and restored in line with Heritage Council recommendations, while new classrooms and sports hall have been added.Wilson's Hospital School past pupils include Charlie Swan, Champion Jockey and Davina Pratt, Aer Lingus Chief Pilot.Wilson's Hospital School attracts predominately, but not exclusively, Church of Ireland pupils from almost every county and from abroad.250 of the 400 pupils are boarders and the 150 day pupils enjoy the same meals and avail of the supervised evening study that the School offers its boarders.The School attracts pupils from 22 counties and from 14 different countries.The broad based, wide ranging education and the rural setting, right beside Lough Owel and Lough Deravarragh (of Children of Lir fame), contribute to the School's appeal. Thanks to the new motorways, the School is not more than an hour from Dublin.The School's all-round education in a rural setting, free from urban ills, leads to its four hundred pupil capacity being fully subscribed.A policy of keeping fees low and standards high, means that many pupils come to the School as a result of word of mouth recommendation, as do generations of pupils from the same families, who have enjoyed their years at the School.Academic results are excellent, with A1's in 12 Leaving Certificate subjects last year, and a choice of 20 subjects to Leaving Certificate level, in line with the wish to accommodate each individual pupil's talents as much as possible. Pupils receive a broad based education in the ethos of the Church of Ireland.There is a Chaplain and a much loved and much used Chapel.Wilson's Hospital School's seven day boarding fee is €7,767 and includes pastoral care, qualified School nurses, as well as 24 hour supervision, including active night time care, so pupils are safe and minded at all times. Cooking is done in-house by a qualified team of cooks."Most pupils are involved in either team or individual sports and there are lots of sports and other activities for pupils to choose from," Mr. Oughton continued."Pupils compete in the Leinster Soccer competitions and the Leinster Schools' Rugby programme, as well as Hockey competitions such as the Meath and District league and national Badminton and Basketball competitions."Cricket, Canoeing, Athletics, Table-tennis and Tae-kwando also feature, and the School has its own Climbing Wall."Wilson's Hospital School was an early participant in the Co-operation North project. Within the confines of the School children of all faiths blend together, establishing life-long friendships. Prior to 1969, Wilson's Hospital School was an all-boys boarding school.The first girls arrived that year, with the amalgamation of Preston School, Navan, a School under Church of Ireland patronage with a philosophy and ethos that fitted in well with Wilson's Hospital School.Wilson's Hospital will continue to celebrate its Anniversary throughout April and the rest of the year."The year, while reflecting on the past, will also provide an opportunity of re-dedication to ambitious plans for Wilson's Hospital School for the future," Mr. Oughton concluded.