Junior Education Minister in visit to Stamullen school

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Sean Haughey, paid a rescheduled visit to St Patrick's NS, Stamullen, on Monday. Due to the local elections earlier in the year, the minister had been unable to attend the dedication ceremony by Bishop Michael Smith last June, and his visit was to honour the long-standing invitation. He was welcomed by principal, Michael Fox. In his address to the pupils and staff, he complimented them on the developments at their school campus during the past number of years and especially on the bright new 16-classroom building. The building cost over €4 million to complete and Mr Haughey paid tribute to the work of all involved in providing a excellent facility. He drew their attention to the rich heritage of education and monastic tradition in the area and wished them well in the coming academic year. The minister engaged with the pupils about their water-harvesting system from the rainwater collected from the roof and the interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. After his address, Mr Haughey answered some pupils' questions from the floor of Clonard Hall. These dealt with the nature of his work, English language support and even featured issues arising from the McCarthy report. The choir for the occasion was conducted by Mrs Olive Matthews (deputy principal) and accompanied by Mrs Barbara Bell. The ceremony concluded with a presentation of the school candle by Fr Robert McCabe, after which a number of sixth class pupils brought guests on an extensive tour of the school campus.