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Schull school unveils its state-of-the-art extension

April 11th, 2017 11:55 AM

By Southern Star Team

Ted Owens of Cork ETB speaking at the opening. (Photo: Jim Coughlan)

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It was a proud day for the students and staff at Schull Community College last week as the school celebrated the officially opening of their new extension and state-of-the-art therapy room.

By Brian Moore

IT was a proud day for the students and staff at Schull Community College last week as the school celebrated the officially opening of their new extension and state-of-the-art therapy room.

Deputy Jim Daly TD (FG) was on hand to unveil the plaque and officially open the new facilities, which cost over €400,000 and include two new classrooms equipped with short-throw projectors, laptops and of course full wi-fi connectivity. 

‘I am delighted to be here today in Schull, I had a connection with the school going back some time as I was a school teacher in another life,’ Deputy Daly said. ‘I used to be an outreach officer before I was elected to the Dáil, and I remember coming here to speak with the students about the workings of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I remember how impressed I was, and still am, with the school and the pupils here. I want to congratulate the members of the board, the Cork ETB, both churches for their support, and the staff and students here at the college for their hard work.’   

The two new classrooms are partitioned by a folding wall,  which can be opened to make the space available for other activities or external community events. The new building has universal access toilets making the school now fully accessible, with all external doors able to accommodate wheelchairs. 

A huge perk of the extension is the school’s new therapy room. This investment will give students a dedicated space to concentrate on developing and improving their mental health and well-being.

Ted Owens, CEO of Cork ETB, said he has very fond memories of Schull Community College as he was present when the school – the first of its kind – was at the planning stage.

‘It was evident from the start that this new school was going to be something special,’ Mr Owens said. 

‘I have a particular affinity with the school, and I remember its “birth”, so to speak. It is also very important today to remember the Local Action Group who, in 1983, made this all possible. Today this school, which was originally designed for 180 pupils, provides 406 students of all abilities, and of all faiths and none, with a level of education, which is second to none.’

‘Today is a very special day in the history of Schull Community College,’ said principal Brendan Drinan. ‘The college has gone from strength to strength over the last 34 years since it opened in 1983.’

‘Over 90% of our students go on to third level colleges and Further Education. This extension enables us to better service our existing students and accept further enrolments over the coming years, offering all pupils a bright, airy, spacious building with flexible, adaptable learning spaces making it very conducive to an excellent learning environment,’ Mr Drinan added.

He said that everyone involved was very proud of the school  and the ‘progressive and inclusive’ education provided to the students down through the years. 

‘This extension stands as another vote of confidence in our students and our college, and its continued success, from the Department of Education and Cork ETB.’

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