New era for Gallen CS

The community spirit in Gallen Community College, Ferbane, is to be greatly commended according to Taoiseach Brian Cowen as he officially launched the new school building project on Monday. 'As we all know, our economy is going through an unprecedented crisis which is affecting tens of thousands of households all over the country. A sense of community, a commitment to helping each other out, simple neighbourliness, are important like never before,' said Mr Cowen speaking to the school staff, students and parents. 'You clearly have that here in Gallen Community School and in the local area. I have no doubt that it will be a source of strength to you in these very difficult times. And remember, this will pass, we will get through it, we will recover, and we will see better times.' The beginning of work on a new school building for Gallen CS marks an important new chapter in the story of the school, which was formed through the amalgamation of St Joseph and St Saran"s Secondary School and Ferbane Community College. Mr Cowen said he was delighted to attend the official launch of the building project, which is one of the first schools to be built under the Public Private Partnership in conjunction with Pierce Contracting. It is due to be completed in 2010. When finished, the state-of-the-art building will hold up to 450 students. Facilities will include a multi-media learning laboratory, library, science labs, woodwork, engineering and construction studies rooms, music and drama rooms and a gymnasium. He praised the teaching staff and said that the enhanced school facilities will be used to very good effect by principal John Irwin, deputy principal Ursula Finnegan and their excellent teaching staff. 'I would like to take the opportunity today to emphasise to the students the critical importance of education in realising their potential, enriching our community and contributing to the progress of our country,' said Mr Cowen. 'You are our future. I would urge all of you here today to make the very most of the educational opportunities available to you. I would particularly encourage you to take an interest in science and maths. We"re working to build a new, "Smart Economy" as the basis for our future prosperity and this is critically dependent on a strong supply of scientists, engineers and technicians.' Mr Cowen also thanked Bernard Quigley, the past principal of Ferbane Community College and Home School Liaison Co-ordinator, the National Development Finance Agency, the Education Department and the Macquarie Consortium on their success in securing this contract.