20.05.2015
Temple Carrig Staff and Students Mark End of Historic First School Year
The students and staff of Temple Carrig School in Greystones were joined by Archbishop Michael Jackson this afternoon (May 20) for a special service to mark the end of their first year.
The school, which is under Church of Ireland patronage and caters for students from all local primary schools, opened its doors to over 100 pioneering first years last September. They are now looking forward to moving from temporary accommodation into their brand new building in the next academic year.
School Principal, Mr Alan Cox, got proceedings underway and recalled the service of dedication which took place in St Patrick’s Church, Greystones, at the beginning of the school year last August.
This morning’s service, the theme of which was taken from Psalm 118 [‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.’], was introduced by the school chaplain, Ms Louise Egan. During the service students presented items representing the past year at their school. These included a Bible reminding students of the importance of God in their lives, flowers representing how they had all grown over the past year and a painting with drawings representing the first year of Temple Carrig School. There was also music from the Temple Carrig Shool choir and orchestra.
Addressing the students, Archbishop Jackson said it was wonderful to gather in celebration at the end of the first year and rejoice in how the school had developed.
He observed that they had spent their first year beside a noisy building site but that had not held students back. “It has connected you to the future which is also the day that the Lord has made and as you move into that space you will bring everything you have become there and share it with future generations of students at Temple Carrig School,” he said.
Speaking of the importance of a sense of memory, the Archbishop said that we carry the present into the present of tomorrow. The past is not forgotten, it is woven into the people we become.
He recalled Paul Maxwell who 35 years ago was blown up while working on a small boat in Mullaghmore. He said he had been struck that morning while watching the news by a picture that showed the boy wearing his school uniform – the uniform of Portora School in Enniskillen where the Archbishop was a student. He said that the boy’s father had spoken with no anger, just forgiveness and reconciliation.
“That is what you are called to do. Because the Ireland of today is still a very complicated place where reconciliation is still needed… Next year as we go into 2016 it is people like you who will have a wonderful opportunity to address issues around independence and reconciliation and the shaping of the future Ireland. And you are well placed to do it because you have become a community of respect,” he stated.
Following lunch in the school, the staff and visitors, which included Dr Ken Fennelly, secretary to the Board of Education (RI) and chairman of the board of management, Garrett Fennell, toured the new school building.
Photo captions:
Top – Garrett Fennell, Archbishop Michael Jackson, Tony Goodwin, the Revd Baden Stanley, the Revd David Mungavin, Principal Alan Cox, Dr Ken Fennelly and Deputy Principal Niamh McShane with some Temple Carrig School students in front of their new school building.
Bottom – Temple Carrig School choir and orchestra directed by Ms Louise Egan.