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Monday marked the Blessing, Dedication and Official Opening of the New and Refurbished St Coleman's College Building
Canon Francis Brown addressed those present "The Blessing, Dedication and Official Opening of our new and refurbished College buildings this afternoon is a source of joy and pride to parents, staff and students.
Canon Francis Brown said, “Outcomes that I dreamed of when at the planning stages were state-of-the-art facilities for staff and students, designated areas for each subject area within the College, a room that each teacher could call his/her own. We managed the first two of the desired outcomes 100% and with the exception of the Vice-Principals each other member of staff has his/her own room.”
He continued, “There are many ways of defining what we mean by education. For the staff here in St. Colman’s it is enabling the young person to engage with what the College has to offer so that the young person finds his way in life. It is about building relationships, affirming the young person, giving him confidence and belief in himself and what he is doing. It is enabling our students to grasp whatever opportunities come their way and about encouraging them to use all knowledge gained. It is about encouraging them to put roots down in first year, to become bonded to the College and to enjoy the richness of the College community during their formative years so that at the end of seven years they have the confidence and competences necessary to move on to cope with the demands of third level education and / or the world of work.”
“The College community is a vitally important community and those who leave at the end of seven years, in my experience, are deeply appreciative of what they have received and one hopes that what they have received will remain with them for the remainder of their lives. One also hopes that all our young people feel able to return to their school community at any time should there be a need – a need of nourishment in terms of affirmation, advice, support or friendship. I speak in simple terms of the ethos of a school and I can say quite confidently that this is the ethos of St. Colman’s. We wish to inculcate in our students the values we consider important and to enable them as caring, educated Catholic, young men to take their place in society. It is our hope that our example and dedication in the College will enable them to see the merits of making a valuable contribution to society in our own country or abroad.”
“Personally, I regard myself as having been very blessed to have been appointed to the College in 1982. It has been a privilege to work with the young students who came to the College at 11 and to see them develop into confident, competent young men. From my experience, I also believe that our young people teach us how to live. They have not yet got into grooves, or become prisoners of routine, habit and prejudice. They are themselves and that is what makes them so interesting and unique.”
“Speaking as a teacher, I believe it is an honourable profession. In the classroom, the teacher has such a positive influence, an opportunity of building a relationship with each student and setting each young person up for life. Each of us is able to name the teachers who were role models for us.”
“For the past few years we, in the world of education, have faced many changes. Some of those changes are good and necessary; others, in my opinion, have not been adequately thought through and I believe that our policy-makers need to exercise much caution. We live in a very different world in 2009 and I believe it is important that we give all our young people as many opportunities as possible. They deserve the best as they are our present and our future.”
“We, as a College community, have benefited from working closely with St. Mary’s High School, Our Lady’s Grammar School, St. Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint and the Southern Regional College by sharing courses and thus extending opportunities to all our students. This has been and is a very positive and enriching experience for us and for the other three post-primary partners involved.”
“Another extremely important aspect of school life is the range of extra-curricular activities. It happens often enough that a boy’s academic success comes about through his involvement in sport, music or any activity that enables him to build relationships and approach his studies in a more connected manner.”
“This afternoon, I wish to express gratitude, on behalf of governors, staff, parents and students to the Department of Education for providing the funding for our excellent facilities here in Violet Hill. Unfortunately the Minister for Education, Caitríona Ruane, was unable to be with us as planned due to another pressing engagement. We are, however, very pleased to have with us this afternoon Mr Will Haire, Permanent Secretary, who is no stranger to St. Colman’s College. We are delighted that you are with us on this joyous occasion and pleased that you performed the opening ceremony. I am delighted also that Mr Brian McLawrence and Mr Mark McCurdy from the Department of Education, Building Branch are with us. Both gentlemen have been very supportive over the past 3½ years and I am deeply grateful to you for that.”
Canon Brown thanked Bishop McAreavey for performing the Blessing and Dedication ceremony. We at all times appreciate the Bishop’s interest in the College and value his guidance as Chairman of the Board of Governors. We know that he has a special grá for his Alma Mater and a genuine interest in both students and staff. A special word of thanks to all the members of the Board of Governors who work tirelessly and generously to ensure the very best for the College. He thanked Bishop Brooks. “I thank you Bishop for your interest in St. Colman’s and your ongoing support since you retired as Bishop of the Diocese. You have been an inspiration to me and your interest in St. Colman’s is very much appreciated. As each phase of the work finished, Bishop Brooks visited and on each occasion we had a pleasant tour of the completed work.”
Canon Brown thanked the representatives from the student body. It is you boys who make it all worthwhile and it is you who give so much fulfilment and who are our hope for the future. My hope is that the student body will enjoy the facilities provided for them in this College, and that it will further help us as a College to prepare our students for life and pursue excellence in all that we do, mindful at all times of our motto Bonitas, Disciplina, Scientia.
