Monday 7 May 2012
By Fiona Power Kairos Catholic Journal
On Sunday 29 April, official guests joined over 800 members of the St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore community for the official blessing and opening of the new school in Conway street.
The school, previously located in Sutherland Street, Kilmore was rebuilt on a new 12 acre site and has been operational since February 2011.
In opening the school, Archbishop Denis Hart said it was an opportunity to reflect on the gift of St Patrick’s Primary School, its mission and to thank God for all who worked so hard to make it a reality.
“St Patrick’s as a Catholic School has a distinctive ethos and environment,” he said. “Above all, the school in its teaching to families and children looks about the eternal dimension of Christian life.”
Archbishop Hart congratulated parish priest Fr Peter Rankin, principal Mr Keith Hunter, staff, the builders and architects, and all involved in the school building project.
“The next part of the challenge of course lies with you; pupils, teachers, parents and families, to see that all of this provided here will help you to grow and offer hope to a world so sorely in need of it. Thank you for all that you have achieved.”
Read Archbishop Hart's homily
St Patrick's Primary School Kilmore began in 1848. The Sutherland Street site was first opened in 1968 with 95 students.
A significant increase in enrolments and the costs of upgrading the Sutherland Street site prompted the decision to rebuild the school.
Work commenced in October 2009 and was completed in June 2011. Principal Keith Hunter paid tribute to all who worked towards the realisation of the dream.
“The reality of our-state-of-the-art primary school is a tribute to Fr Peter Rankin, who courageously held tight to his dream in spite of untold difficulties and setbacks,” he said.
“Students, staff and parents now enjoy an incredibly resources school that is a benchmark for future Catholic Parish Schools. Staff members are now completed dedicated to implementing a 21st C Personalised Curriculum.”
Flexible spaces are a key feature of the new school complex, and the school also includes ICT, visual arts, performing arts facilities and a stadium for multi-purpose functions and activities. A professional learning centre is also included to facilitate staff development.
St Patrick’s current enrolment is 560, including 355 families, with a staff of 50.
View the St Patrick's Primary School, Kilmore website
Photos by Les Rourke