Students, staff and the entire community of Davis College in Mallow had a spring in their step last Thursday morning, welcoming Ms. Norma Foley, T.D., Minister for Education, to officially open the school’s new state-of-the-art extension. The co-educational, multi-denominational post-primary school, which is under the auspices of Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), is a community of learning excellence.
The stand-alone extension is approximately 5,000m2, part-single storey and part-three storey in height, accommodating class-rooms, laboratories, social areas, administration rooms and a special education needs unit. The site works included ballcourts, outdoor play areas, landscaping and a covered walkway to the existing school. The works included alterations to the existing school building to facilitate access to the extension. MMD Construction was the main Contractor for the works, with Wilson Architecture undertaking Design Team lead.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Norma Foley stated that it was a joy to be present in Davis College for this very special occasion. She said that parents are incredibly important partners in education and acknow-ledged their positive and pro-active contribution to the school which makes it the school it is today. She thanked the entire school community for opening and providing opportunities for the students before her on the day, and those to come in the future. On closing, Ms. Foley wished all the staff and students well and, in particular, the Leaving Certificate students who will be undertaking their examinations shortly. She reminded them that they will always be part of the Davis College family.
Mr. Pat McKelvey, Director of Schools, Cork ETB, thanked Minister Foley and her Department for the support, substantial investment and their commitment to the improvement of educational institutions. He said he was delighted to see this long-waited extension finally come to fruition. “Davis College serves the post primary education needs of the greater Mallow area and we wish all the students and staff the very best as they continue their wonderful work in such a modern and progressive facility. This extension reflects the high standard of learning and teaching that takes place daily,” he said.
Principal Mr. Stephen Gilbert welcomed the Minister on behalf of the school community, saying it was an honour and privilege to have her visit the school. He went on to say the extension has transformed the quality of life in the school and one really had to have experienced life in the original building to fully appreciate the transfor-mation that had occurred. He noted that the fantastic facilities would benefit students for generations to come. Finally, Stephen acknowledged the significant contributions previous Principals and Deputies had played in bringing the extension to fruition.