New era as new school opens in resort

New era as new school opens in resort

29 May 2013

THE long awaited state-of-the-art new home for St Mary’s Primary School in Newcastle was officially opened this week.

Bishop Anthony Farquhar led the ceremony at the school and nursery unit on Wednesday which was attended by the Education Minister, John O’Dowd, former former Education Minister and South Down MLA, Caitriona Ruane, South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, and Jim Clarke, Chief Executive of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).

St Mary’s boys’ and girls’ schools, part of the local community for over a century, amalgamated on two sites in September 2001 and last year came together on one site at a cost of £3.9m. Completed in October 2012, the new building at Elmgrove Park comprises 11 classrooms, with recreational, sporting and library facilities.

Speaking after the ceremony involving pupils, parents, staff, governors and members of the Newcastle community, principal Darina Flanagan said it had marked a new chapter in the life of St. Mary’s.

“Our new school offers state-of-the-art facilities for pupils and staff and it is great to know that future generations will benefit from these wonderful facilities,” she said.

“Having spent 11 years operating on two sites, this year has been a dream come true for the children, the staff and the parents. I would like to thank the parents for their co-operation and support over the years and for their strong commitment to the school.

“I wish to pay a special tribute to the staff of our school who are an exceptional team, totally committed to the children in their care. From our move at the end of June 2012, they have worked tirelessly to shape their new environment and make it a happy and secure place in which the children can thrive and grow.”

Mr. Clarke said the delivery of this new building was a long time in the making.

The leadership of Darina Flanagan has been very significant in bringing all interest to this point today in this new building,” he said. “A new building is clearly about change but it is the DNA of a school that remains. That is what infuses this wonderful new building with the ethos that makes this St. Mary’s Primary School.”

Mr. O’Dowd, described the financial investment in St. Mary’s as “significant” in the light of current financial constraints from Westminster.

“The state-of-the-art learning environment will enhance the school experience for everyone, assisting teachers greatly as they strive to bring the best out of the children,” he said. “With around one-third of the pupils drawn from disadvantaged areas, these new facilities will play a huge role in improving the long-term life chances of children in the local area.

“I will continue to do all I can to secure the funding that is needed so that all our children can benefit from adequate facilities.

“St. Mary’s in Newcastle is now well set to cater for the needs of children in the area. I wish the Board of Governors, principal Darina Flanagan, the whole staff body and all the parents and families connected with the school every success as they look to the future in their new surroundings.”