22.05.2015
Celebrations in Drumcondra as Extended and Refurbished National School is Opened
“Show generosity to help others become the best that they can be” – that was the message from the Archbishop of Armagh to the children of Drumcondra National School. Archbishop Richard Clarke joined the children and teachers in Drumcondra this afternoon (May 22) to celebrate the reopening of their school after its refurbishment and extension.
The school has been transformed. Less than a year ago the building had sloping floors, classrooms without soundproofing, an office in a converted broom cupboard and resource teaching had to take place in the porch. Now, while the original building retains its character, the interior is bright and modern and the school has been extended to provide state of the art facilities for the 59 pupils.
The official opening was celebrated with a Service of Thanksgiving in the Church of St John the Baptist, Drumcondra which was celebrated by the rector, Canon Roy Byrne with Canon Aisling Shine. Also in attendance were Archbishop Michael Jackson, Bishop Roy Warke, Dean Dermot Dunne, the Revd Willie Black and representatives of Drumcondra Roman Catholic Parish.
Archbishop Clarke spoke about the de Coubertin Medal which is presented to those who demonstrate the true spirit of sportsmanship in the Olympic Games. He explained that often people who had been presented with this medal had sacrificed their own chance of winning a gold medal in order to ensure that others were able to compete to the best of their ability.
He said that for the pupils and teachers of Drumcondra National School, this meant that they should not only think of themselves but see how they could help others to be as good a person as God wants them to be.
“The de Coubertin Medal is about the very deep Christian notion of generosity. It’s not just about me but about how I can help others to do the best that they can do, to be the best person that they can be. It is the greatest Olympic medal of all,” the Archbishop stated.
During the service the children sang their school hymn ‘For the beauty of the earth’. They also sang ‘Jubilate everybody’ accompanied by sixth class pupil, Sarah O’Hora on the organ. The senior class brought forward historic items symbolising life in the old Drumcondra School together with modern items representing the present and future.
After the service, Principal Beryl Healy said that the new school began as a dream 10 years ago. The need became more pressing with the appointment of a third teacher at the school. She thanked everyone who supported the project and helped bring it to fruition. She reserved special praise for the staff, board of management, the parents and pupils.
Canon Byrne led tributes to the Principal for her dedication to the development of Drumcondra School so that it could meet the challenges of education into the future.
Following the service the children processed back to their school singing ‘The School Around the Corner’ and other songs. Archbishop Clarke unveiled a special plaque, cut the ribbon on the new building and blessed it.
Photo captions –
Top: Drumcondra NS Principal, Beryl Healy, with the Archbishop of Armagh and the Archbishop of Dublin and clergy who attended the Service of Thanksgiving.
Bottom: The children of Drumcondra NS singing their school hymn.