MINISTER for Education and Skills Richard Bruton turned the sod on a new state-of-the-art school on the Northside last week.
There was great excitement when Minister Bruton visited Belmayne Educate Together National School for the ceremony.
It is expected that the new school, which will house more than 450 pupils and is being led by ABM Design, will be completed at the end of February 2019. Principal of Belmayne ETNS Sinead O’Meara welcomed Minister Bruton to the school. Robyn McCormack, the School President, addressed the Minister, telling him her hopes and dreams for the students who will move to the new school premises. Minister Bruton formally turned the sod along with the Student Council and returned to be part of the school assembly.
A traditional Irish Cross, made by students during Biodiversity Week and known as Súil Dé, by the Student Council, was presented to the Minister. This symbol was an old Irish tradition found above the door of houses in the hope that it would protect the family and house from harm.
The assembly finished with a rendition of an Irish blessing along with the school choir and children playing violins funded through the DEIS and SCP Programme.
Sinead O’Meara Principal, Gerry McKevitt, Educate Together, Carol Norton, chairperson, Jacinta O’Toole chairperson Parent Council, Melissa McCormack who was involved in the initial set up of BETNS, School President Robyn McCormack and members of the Student Council were among those who attended the event.
