27.09.2013
Carysfort NS Celebrates as New Extension is Officially Opens
A 13 year wait has proved worth while for the pupils and teachers of Carysfort National School in Arklow. The school’s wonderful new extension was officially opened and dedicated today (September 27) by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson.
The children took centre stage at a special service in the school’s new hall raising the roof with their singing and providing information about the building of their new classrooms, office and hall.
Principal, Janet Nuzum, declared it a historic day for the school. Fundraising for the project began in 2000. “It’s been a long wait but we hope you all agree that it’s been well worth it,” she said. “Today is the day when we reap the reward of all the late nights and meetings in the prefab discussing how we could move the project forward.”
She welcomed a host of special guests including Arklow’s rector, the Revd Nigel Sherwood, Archdeacon Ricky Rountree and clergy from the surrounding parishes. Also present was Arklow’s Mayor, past pupil Tommy Annesley, and later Deputy Andrew Doyle. The principal welcomed the builders, electricians, architects, former members of staff including Stephanie McDonald and Maud Marshall who had been principal of Carysfort NS for 30 years.
Ms Nuzum paid tribute to the staff who had worked through two years of building work and whose team spirit created such a happy atmosphere at the school. However, she reserved special mention for the children as they were the reason for everyone being gathered in the school today.
Sixth class pupils, Zoe Armstrong and Richard Murray told of the changes that had taken place in the school in the years since they had started in junior infants. They also spoke of the trials and tribulations of attending school while building work is taking place. But the work has resulted in bright new classrooms with interactive whiteboards and the new staff room and office means that the teachers no longer have any excuses to be cranky, they said.
Archbishop Jackson said he was impressed by the patience of the school body. He also praised those who had the idea for the extension and helped move that idea forward. He said at any school it was important that the children should feel safe, be happy, be stretched and that the school should be God led.
Chairperson of the board of management, Caroline Fanning, thanked all who helped in the planning and construction of the extension. She thanked the principal and deputy principal, Fiona Bradshaw and wished all those associated with Carysfort National School well in the future.
The Revd Nigel Sherwood paid tribute to Caroline Fanning who took over from him as chairperson of the board.
Following the service, the Archbishop with the help of caretaker, John Kelly, planted a tree to mark the occasion.
Photo caption: Archbishop Michael Jackson and the Revd Nigel Sherwood preparing to plant a tree to mark the official opening and dedication of the extension at Carysfort National School in Arklow.