Department of Education (DE) Permanent Secretary Mark Browne joined representatives from the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) at the official opening of Holy Evangelists' Primary School in Belfast.
The new 21 room build has a double nursery and was formed following the amalgamation of Saint Luke’s Primary School and Saint Mark’s Primary School and Nursery Unit, Twinbrook.
Speaking at the opening ceremony DE Permanent Secretary Mark Browne said:
“This is a great day for everyone at Holy Evangelists' Primary School and the wider community in Belfast. The investment of £8.6m from the Department of Education has created a fantastic new school equipped with modern and high-quality facilities which, I know, will be enjoyed by pupils for many generations to come. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in the delivery of the new build, including the school staff, Governors, consultants, contractors, and officials. I want to wish everyone associated with the school every success for the future.”
Gerry Campbell Chief Executive of CCMS commented:
“Today is a momentous occasion for Holy Evangelists' Primary School. The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools firmly believes that no child should be left behind, and we are proud of the steps the school has taken to welcome newcomers and serve the community culminating in accreditation as a School of Sanctuary. We firmly support the school’s vision to enable all young people to meet their full potential through access to a high-quality education. The new facilities will provide a wonderful environment for all students to flourish. I am sure it will positively impact the wider community for many generations.”
Holy Evangelists' Primary School Principal Claire Robinson added:
“Today is a very special day in the history of our school. We are immensely proud of our beautiful new school build. At Holy Evangelists' Primary School, we are committed to inspiring a love of learning through stimulating and engaging opportunities in an inclusive environment. Today sees the fruition of the vision of many who worked towards the opening of this new school. We are grateful to everyone that embraced this challenge with such a willing heart. It will serve this community for many years to come and to all who helped make this happen, we are truly grateful.”
Pictured at the opening are Department of Education (DE) Permanent Secretary Mark Browne; CCMS Senior Education Adviser, Mairead Harvey, Principal Claire Robinson and pupils from Holy Evangelists' Primary School