Minister unveils €20m refurb on Newbridge school
Minister Norma Foley cuts the ribbon alongside Aisling Romano (Principal St Conleth and Mary's Primary School) and Annemarie O'Connor (Principal St Conleth's Infant School) and students representing the two schools
Last Thursday (12 September) was a red letter day in the 70 year history of St Conleth and Mary’s National School in Newbridge when Minister for Education Norma Foley officially opened a €20m refurb that was 11 years in the planning.
Established by the Holy Family Sisters, the schools have a shared history and campus, so it was fitting that their state-of-the-art new schools should be formally opened by Minister Foley in a joint event.
“It was a total refurb that took over four years,” said principal Aisling Romano.
“It’s practically a whole new school, no, two new schools,” she said.
Over the last four years, the two schools had been utilising up to 14 prefabs, and had to juggle swopping in and out between the pre-fabs and the newly finished buildings.
“Sure, we hardly noticed,” said the Head.
And what a day it was for the almost 700 pupils, 80 staff, former staff, members of the parent associations and current and former members of the boards of management.
Earlier in the day, the weather threatened what was planned as an outdoor event, but as the time for Minister Foley’s arrival approached, the clouds dispersed, and the sun shone as it were to spotlight the celebrations.
“For almost four years, the schools had to operate in trying circumstance, in the middle of a building site, with all classes at one time or another having to relocate to prefabs,” she explained.
On Thursday, the troubles of the construction project were forgotten and everyone took pride in the new buildings, furnishings, technologies and playgrounds that are a new beginning for two schools with a history of providing top class primary education to Newbridge families nearly three-quarters of a century.
In welcoming the Minister and guests, Aisling Romano (principal of St Conleth and Mary’s) and Anne-Marie O’Connor (Principal of St Conleth’s Infant School) highlighted the enduring links with the Holy Family Order and acknowledged the attendance of Sr Colette, a former principal.
They also complimented the resilience and dedication of all staff in ensuring that the care and education of the pupils were not adversely affected by the construction project.
