School also raises 4th Green Flag
The first school in Killyon was a mud walled building without even the basic amenities – toilets or heating, local Fine Gael T.D. and Junior Education Minster Damien English told the large gathering of dignitaries and locals at the official blessing and opening of the extension of St. Finian’s National School in Killyon on Friday 12th June 2015. “But the pupils kept coming and this makes us think of the value people in this area placed on education, and still place on education” stated Minister English.
“But times change, and we must change with them. That’s why I am delighted to join the Bishop of Meath Michael Smith and Chairman of the BOM Rev. Fr. Patrick Kearney in the official opening and blessing of this new school extension. I hope it is a place of joy, friendships and learning for the whole community for many years to come” Minister English told the crowd of pupils, staff team led by Principal Jane Burke, parents and local politicians.
Minister English, who is Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, also highlighted the environmental innovation of students and staff in raising their 4th Green Flag at the official opening. The theme for this flag was ‘transport’ and for this pupils carried out a number of surveys about the means of transport used by pupils in Killyon NS and in other schools around the country. They also carried out projects on road and cycling safety, and show cased the results of their research to the local community.
The total grant-aid for the extension at St. Finian’s N.S. Killyon was €303,290. This grant facilitated the provision of 2 mainstream classrooms, en-suite toilets, WC for assisted users, furniture, ICT equipment, fencing, heating works and re-surfacing play areas.
The school were also awarded a grant of €137,831 under Summer Works Scheme 2014 for roof repairs. These works have now been completed.
DAMIEN ENGLISH T.D. 