Teconnaught school’s new era

Teconnaught school’s new era

12 October 2016

THE Bishop of Down and Connor, the Most Rev Noel Treanor, has officially launched a new extension at Holy Family Primary School in Teconnaught.

The £354,000 extension, which includes a new school hall and reception area, was opened on Friday as part of a wider series of celebrations at the school, which this year marks its 50th anniversary.

The school’s former principal, Mr Denis Cahill, returned to the fold to launch a new booklet ‘A Short History of Education in Teconnaught,’, while retired teacher Mrs Pauline Beattie, who taught at Holy Family for 35 years, was officially thanked for her contribution to the school.

Mr Christopher Curran, the school’s current principal, said he was delighted with the day and said the opening of the extension was very welcomed at the growing school, which now caters for 199 children.

He said staff and children were excited by the opening of the bright and modern school hall, which offers lighting, staging and a sound system for future productions and performances.

He said the new reception area, which is at the front of the school, had also made a huge difference.

“We were delighted that the Bishop visited to do the official launch,” he said.

“We were also happy to welcome back former pupil, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, at the opening, with Dennis Cahill and Pauline Beattie. It was a busy, good day, with a lot of celebration for the school.”

Mr Curran said visitors who had not previously seen the new extension were shocked by the difference it had made.

“We looked forward to this for a long time and the children can’t believe it,” he said.

“The school has been growing and we began to have problems getting all the children and parents and carers into the hall for shows. We will particularly look forward to our Christmas productions this year.”

Miss Ritchie was delighted to attend the official opening of the new school hall, which, she said, was the first stage in many planned developments for the school to accommodate ever increasing numbers.

“The popularity of the school is no doubt testimonial to the first class teaching staff and the welcoming community in Teconnaught,” she said.

“It was a pleasure today to stroll back to the hallowed corridors where I spent so many happy years, and where future generations of children from the parish of Teconnaught and neighbouring parishes will continue their education.”