It was a big day for Scoil Mhuire Fatima in Timahoe as they officially opened their new Early Intervention preschool on Friday morning, Máscoil Kantara.
The development has seen Scoil Mhuire Fatima incorporate two new mainstream classes which cater for fourth, fifth and sixth class students as well as the construction of pre-school onsite, Naíscoil Kantara which caters for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Present on the day were Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan TD, Bishop for Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Willie Aird, Sean Fleming TD, Brian Stanley TD and local Councillors Paschal McEvoy, Aisling Moran and Padraig Fleming.
Local priests Fr Gerard Breen and Fr Sean Kelly were also on hand as well as senos loraine Fleming Farrell and John Moran, building sub committee Ann Bergin, John Delaney, Martina Mulhall, Kathleen Ramsbottom, Geraldine Daly and Patrick McEvoy, parents and former staff members.
Principal Ann Bergin was delighted to welcome those who supported the project which allows all students and staff to be on one campus, in one building.
She said: “It is with great joy that we are here to open the extension.
“Congratulations and sincere thanks to the building committee, for their time and expertise. Thank you to the village, the parish, the parents, local businesses and organisations on everybody’s behalf for the support.
“Your contribution is valued and appreciated,” she continued.
The development in the school was emotionally welcomed by parent Jean Bergin, whose 4-year-old daughter Molly, was diagnosed with autism in 2017, is able to avail of the new facilities.
“We are blessed to have this facility on our doorstep. It means the world to us that (Molly) can be in the same school as her big brother and sister. Credit to all of you for getting it to this stage,” she expressed.
The crowd were then treated to a beautiful rendition of The Greatest Showman classic, This is Me, sang by third, fourth, fifth and sixth class students.
Fr Gerrard then expressed his gratitude for the “proud and happy moment” of opening the extension Bishop Denis Nulty and Charlie Flanagan TD congratulated all involved in the building and opening of the section.
This vital service welcomes 12 children each day between the ages of three and five and has state of the art facilities and was the culmination of two years of building work on site.
Naíscoil Kantara incorporates a sensory room, occupational therapy room, class room, outside play area and modern equipment.
Minster for Justice Charlie Flanagan said: “It is a special day. What you are doing and have done in recent years has given a great vote of confidence to Timahoe.”
“You have trust and confidence in sending your kids to this school here. Enjoy every opportunity.”
The ribbon was then cut to officially open the extension as a representative from each class participated in a drum-roll to add to the big moment.
The guests were also treated to tea and refreshments provided by Stradbally’s Sylvester Phelan to bring the event to a close.
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