It is always a pleasure to visit Gardiner Street School and I am delighted to have been invited to open your new extension and playgrounds. Thanks very much for the warm welcome.
I must say that I am very impressed by the two new classrooms and the newly refurbished playgounds. It was very interesting to see the interactive whiteboards in use. Thanks to all concerned for the demonstration.
I have no doubt that these new facilities will be put to excellent use and from the Government's point of view, it was money very well spent. At the end of the day, however, a school is about people. It is about parents, teachers and children, all working together to a common goal. Visiting you on this Open Day, I have a sense that you are very conscious of this and are working hard to build a really vibrant school community. I hear there is talk of a Parents Association and this would be a great step forward if it came to pass.
I was very touched by the words we heard just now from the pupils about Mother Mary Aikenhead. They were well chosen and well expressed. This is the 250th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Sisters of Charity. She was responsible for so many good works during her lifetime and it is only right that we should remember her great heart and willing mind. I am delighted that her memory - and her beliefs and values - live on in this school and more widely. Long may this continue.
I was also very taken by the spirited performance of the Gardiner Street School Marching Band and the skilful display of Irish dancing. I know that the school has also put on a very good art exhibition. There is no shortage of talent and ability in this school. I have every confidence that the teachers - and the parents - fully appreciate this and will do everything they can to bring it out and develop it. And I am sure there is no shortage of fun to be had by all in the process!
As always, many people had a hand in this building project. All are to be commended. I understand, however, that Sr. Monica Byrne, Sr. Marie Carroll's predecessor as Chairperson of the Board of Management, is deserving of particular mention for her work in driving the project forward. And, of course, a special word of thanks is also due to the architect, Sean McHugh.
In closing, I would like to thank your Principal, Eileen O'Doherty, for inviting me to join you here on this happy day and to thank her, on behalf of all of us, for all her work in running this great school. I would also like to thank you all for your attention and to wish you all - parents, teachers and pupils - but especially the pupils - every success and every happiness for the future.
Thank you very much.
ENDS.