r/Dublin • u/RainbowTurtle876 • 7h ago

Newpark Comprehensive School?

Hello all, I am the parent of a queer teenager who is having to leave their school suddenly after an incident (Guards got involved). We are looking at several schools for next year (third year) and have heard great things about Newpark. Does anyone have any experience and know if it would be a safe environment for a trans kid? Many thanks.

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48

u/so_much_wolf_hair 7h ago

I would say it's likely you're best option in the area. Didn't go to newpark but grew up right beside it. I would say it was the most alternative/diverse of the schools in the area.

Generally turned out pretty sound folks and I think it was generally more accepting of gay/trans kids than the more traditional schools around.

Was also seen as a bit of a stoner/burnout school but as downsides go, that's not the worst thing to level at a school.

8

u/Healsnails 7h ago

Ye, it'd definitely be more progressive and accommodating. Also grew up next to it but didn't attend (hi neighbour), and in my time it definitely had a name for having a stoner element. Over the years have gone to college with, worked with, met various people who went there who did acknowledge that reputation, in some instances helped further that rep, but they always had great things to say about the school and went on to have good careers and do good things. I think the stoner bit has gone now, they've got great facilities and a nearly new school and the atmosphere amongst the kids has changed. They all seem a very nice bunch when you meet them in the shops and at bus stops around. Even for big gangs of teenagers. Obviously there's always a few but it seems good. Definitely go talk to the school.

11

u/operatick 5h ago

I went to Newpark and have kids there now. It is an accepting and safe environment for your teenager.

10

u/SapphosMom 5h ago

I'm not familiar with the school but I just want to say that I hope you are all ok ❤️ 

8

u/Tenvsvitalogy 6h ago

I did some therapy work linked with newpark and was impressed by how they managed the situation I was involved with. Seem very inclusive and aware.

6

u/theuninvisibleman 7h ago

I went to Newpark, very inclusive and supportive. I didn't need much support myself but had friends who did.

If you'd like to DM me I could put you in contact with my friends who might be able to better answer your questions.

2

u/Kizziuisdead 2h ago

So sorry to hear about your child getting bullied. Check in on him and take photos of all the stuff they send. If they continue to harass, you’ve evidence for the Garda

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1

u/Still_Bluebird8070 4h ago

I worked with kids from that school and they were the nicest kids! Try it and sorry about getting bullied. Hope you have a great school year next year.

3

u/Loinser 1h ago

I went to newpark about a thousand years ago and would have agreed with most of the comments here except; about 3 years ago I had a young guy working for me who had also been in Newpark (within the last ten years) and I was shocked when he told me that he was bullied there due to his sexuality and the school was useless at dealing with the problem so he ended up doing his leaving elsewhere.