CBS Primary officially open final extension
Friday last marked a milestone in the development of the CBS Primary school in Mitchelstown, as they officially opened their final extension, raised their third green flag, launched their 2013 Ezine and also unveiled a bench dedicated to former teacher Gearoid Ryan, whose eighth anniversary occurs this year.
It was a busy day of bustling excitement and entertainment, as the students entertained people from all walks of life from the community with traditional music, contemporary songs, speeches and performances.
Friday was also a day for the students of 1950 to reconnect and meet people who they haven’t seen since they left the doors of the CBS behind them all those years ago, as the school invited them back as part of The Gathering, as they were among the first students who moved into the original building 63 years ago.
Eight years ago, the CBS Primary staff members tragically said goodbye to much loved friend and colleague Gearoid Ryan and this week, they paid tribute to him and all past pupils and staff members who have passed away with a bench dedicated to him.
This year marks the eighth anniversary of Gearoid’s death and Cathal O’Shea spoke of how he was an excellent teacher and the staff at the school still think of him and miss him each day. The bench was unveiled by Gearoid’s parents, Helen and Jack Ryan, who said that the day was very emotional for them and that their son who loved teaching was exceptionally happy at the school.
As the third green flag for water conservation was raised, Donal O’Regan announced that the school will start working on the next flag in the next two weeks, as they will work on the travel theme for the next two years, with the aim of having many of the boys walking or cycling to school.
Deputy principal, Nigel Griffin, spoke about how the school has changed since the 1950s, when it was surrounded by green and now much of that space has been filled with new classrooms, while the area which was once the bike shed and further on, the lunch room became Donal O’Regan’s room. The boys also endured pre-fabs and then a hall split into two, before the final extension was completed to reveal new classrooms, a sensory room, storage space and top class facilities.
“Mary O’Callaghan is a huge driving force in the school - she made our dream a reality,” Nigel said.
Speaking on behalf of the students of 1950, Miko O’Grady said that the school has changed so much since he was a pupil there and the developments and extensions are something that everyone should be very proud of.
Chairman of the board of management, Martin Kelly, spoke about how a school like CBS Primary is an inspiration to all - “The teachers go above and beyond for the education and development of the boys, I and the board of management appreciate you and there are talents strewn all over this room,” he said at the official opening.
The extension was officially opened by Minister Sean Sherlock, who said that the energy, positivity, determination, talent and skills in the school always inspire him and he said that they are really embracing technology to bring them forward.
A beautiful commemorative cake was also baked by parent Iryna Kotyk, who represented the school, green flags and extension in her fabulous creation, which was ceremoniously cut by the youngest pupil, 7-year-old Diego Arruda, Minister Sean Sherlock and Miko O’Grady, representing the classes of 1950.
The new extension was blessed by Canon Tim O’Leary, Fr Anthony Wickham and Reverend Martha Gray-Stack before the ribbon was cut by Minister Sherlock and refreshments provided by the parents’ council were enjoyed.
Published:
Friday 7th June 10:59am
