New school for Barefield - Article
NEW SCHOOL FOR BAREFIELD
Mr. John Burns, Principal of Barefield National School has expressed the gratitude and joy experienced by the school and parish community in the run in to the official opening of the magnificent 16 classroom school which is scheduled to take place at 2.p.m. on Sunday May 29th.The current Chairperson of the Board of Management Ronan Connolly has also welcomed the event as the culmination of a committed campaign to provide the best possible facilities. Both he and Mr. Burns expressed their appreciation of everybody who had been involved in bringing the project to fruition especially the Board Of Management, the Parents’ Association and the parents and teachers who had worked so assiduously to provide the best possible facilities for the children in their care. Local and national politicians as well as the Department of Education were also praised for their hard work and dedication in the interests of the school. Mr. Burns praised local Clare contractor Martin Fitzgibbon & Company for the efficient manner in which construction was carried out and for the local employment the project provided. He also complimented the Architects Simon J. Kelly and Partners.
Barefield National School is situated on the outskirts of Ennis on an approximately three acre site, in a peaceful country setting. It is very conveniently located with easy access within one minute from the Limerick-Ennis bypass. The extension and refurbishment projects, have now created a 16 classroom school, and have been the happy outcome of decades of hard work. Most up-to-date facilities are now in situ for a school going population which has grown rapidly in recent years from being a four teacher school in 1984 to currently having a staff of forty, seven of whom are engaged in extra-curricular activities.
• 1950s = refurbishment of old school to 3 classrooms;
• 1993 = 6 classrooms approved and constructed in 1995;
• 1995 = 2 additional classrooms approved and constructed in 1997;
• 1996 = First G.P. Room approved;
• 1997 = Second G.P. Room approved and constructed;
• 2010 =Additional 8 classrooms, halla, etc + refurbishment of 1995 building
Reflecting on the upcoming Official opening ceremony school Principal Mr. John Burns explained that in addition to the initial eight classroom school which was completed in 1997, all of which have been recently modernised and refurbished, the new extension consists of eight new classrooms, six special education teaching rooms, a general purpose/sports hall and multi-purpose rooms, stores, offices, toilets, boiler room, separate external store, a new roadside drop-off zone, as well as new sewage system. John also expressed his satisfaction that the development and modernisation programme is already benefitting the parish and the wider hinterland by providing access to facilities, amenities and opportunities for various sporting, educational, recreational and community organisations.
“Ultimately however this is a gift to the children in our care and so we are absolutely delighted with this news, both for the current and future generations of pupils” he said.
“The parents, teachers and children deserve this opportunity as they have always shown the enthusiasm and goodwill to respond positively regardless of circumstances. Crucially they and the whole local community had already shown their commitment and foresight in having the local contribution for this project at the ready when the time arrived,” concluded Mr. Burns.
A full programme of events are planned for the opening on May 29th and The official Organising Committee, the teachers and children are busy putting the finishing touches to the day’s activities. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA. Mr. Ronan Connolly, Chairperson Board of Management, Mr. Michael Butler, Chairperson, Parents’ Association, Mr. John Burns, Principal and Ms. Lauren Whelan, Chairperson Students ‘Council will address the attendance before the cutting of the ribbon by Fr. Jerry Carey and the official unveiling of the New School Plaque. The official Mass Booklet will contain official school photographs as well as charming social history accounts from past pupils through the decades from the 1920’s onwards. Teachers will display associated class projects for viewing throughout the school and a digital slide show of over 500 school photographs should attract great attention. Traditional musical entertainment will be provided throughout the school by the schoolchildren and the school marching band and the school choir will complement the day’s celebrations. Clowns, balloon artists and a magic show as well as a busy shop will keep the children entertained while sporting events including The Frank Burns Memorial Hurling League Final, a junior football final and a girls. Basketball tournament Final will take place simultaneously with other entertainment. Food and refreshments will be available to the many parents, invited guests and friends of the school. All parents, parishioners and friends of the school are invited. This day promises to be a memorable and historic one for the parents and community of Barefield National School and Parish.