Past and present staff and students from Presentation Secondary School, Milltown, along with visiting dignitaries, had every reason to celebrate on Tuesday May 17th as the new school building was officially opened by Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne.
Bishop Ray also celebrated a mass of thanksgiving and blessed the new building before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening.
The new build boasts stunning views of the Slieve Mish Mountains and Inch beach. The bright, modern and airy two-storey building caters for the needs of 600 students and 45 staff and has state of the art facilities, including: general classrooms, practical rooms, social areas, administration rooms, teaching spaces, laboratories, a general purpose hall, a library with ancillary spaces in addition to a PE Hall with fitness suite.
Outdoor areas include ball courts, bus set down, surface car parking and associated site works and landscaping. Ruairi Quinn, the then Minister for Education, officially turned the sod on the new school exactly two years ago this month, on May 9, 2014.
In her speech to mark the special occasion Principal Kerry Harkin (pictured on right) paid tribute to the generosity and vision of the Presentation Sisters and Presentation Brothers.
The South West Province of the Presentation Sisters purchased a site specifically for the new school in 2010, leading the way for work to start on the multi-million euro development.
Ms. Harkin also thanked former staff members whose dedication and commitment has led to the successful expansion of the school, and particularly former Principal, Cormac Bonner, who retired earlier in the school year and whose tireless dedication and devotion ensured that the project went ahead despite many set-backs and challenges.
The Department of Education and Skills appointed the NDFA as project managers and JJ Rhatigan were appointed as contractors for the new build. All those involved in these organisations were thanked for their attention to detail, diligence and professionalism.
Ms. Harkin acknowledged past students, present students and their parents for their participation in school life and their efforts and innovation in organising and supporting school fundraising, events and activities.
The continued support of the school’s trustee body CEIST throughout the building project and beyond, was also acknowledged.
Ms. Harkin closed her remarks by saying, ‘We are truly privileged to have such an amazing building in which to ‘Gather to Continue God’s Work,’’ which was the theme students had chosen for the celebration.
Pictured above at the unveiling of plaque are Bishop Ray Browne, Kerry Harkin and Cormac Bonner.
Deputy Principal, Sean Costello was also one of the speakers on the day and other invited speakers included Sr. Sheila Kelleher, PBVM, Provincial Leader and John Woods, CEIST.
Refreshments were served afterwards and all guests were invited to tour the fantastic new building, which is a credit to all involved on the project.
Pictured above are Presentation Sisters and Presentation Brothers with Principal Kerry Harkin and Bishop Ray Browne.
Sr. Sheila Kelleher, PBVM, Provincial Leader addressing the gathering at the official opening of the new school building in Presentation Secondary School, Milltown, Co. Kerry.