Schools Across Cork Set to Welcome Minister Naughton as Midleton Extension Is Officially Opened

Five Cork schools are on the Minister for Education and Youth’s itinerary today (Friday), with a new extension at St Colman’s Community College, Midleton, the main event of the day. Students, teachers and school communities will meet Hildegarde Naughton as she visits schools across the county.

At St Colman’s Community College, the Minister will unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the school’s new extension facilities. She will also meet students, staff and members of the wider school community during her visit.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton said of the Midleton project:

“I congratulate the entire school community on this important milestone and thank everyone involved in bringing the project to completion.”

The Minister will also visit St Colman’s College, Fermoy, where she will receive an update on works underway as part of a significant extension project for the school. She will meet representatives of the school community and hear about the positive impact the project will have for students and staff.

On the Fermoy project, she said:

“It is encouraging to see this important project progressing.”

Summercove National School, Kinsale, has been an important part of its local community for more than 60 years. The Minister thanked Principal Louise Hallissey, Deputy Principal Sinéad de Bháill and Board of Management Chairperson Virgil Horgan for facilitating the visit.

Minister Naughton said:

“It is particularly valuable for me to visit schools in person, to see the learning environment, meet the people who work so hard to support our children, and hear directly from school communities about their experiences and ambitions for the future.”

At Gaelscoil Chionn tSáile, the Minister will recognise the school’s contribution to the promotion of the Irish language. She thanked Principal Sinéad Ní Mhurchú, Deputy Principal Michelle Ní Riagáin and Board of Management Chairperson Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh for their invitation.

She said:

“The school community supports children and young people in acquiring Irish naturally through their daily experiences in an Irish-language environment.”

The final stop is Kilbrittain National School, where the Minister will acknowledge the dedication of teachers and staff and the school’s commitment to inclusion. She thanked Principal Karen O’Donovan, Deputy Principal Niall Moynihan, Board of Management Chairperson Imelda Hurley, and all those involved in facilitating the visit.

On the school’s special classes, she said:

“I also want to acknowledge the excellent work taking place in the school’s special classes, ensuring all children have opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.”