The Robertson School, Stranorlar gathered to officially open its latest school extension on Thursday last.
The honour of cutting the ribbon was given to Mrs Bonnie Oliver and Joe McHugh T.D. Mrs Bonnie Oliver has had a long association with the school serving as chairperson for 18 years until she stepped aside in 2019.
It was an acknowledgement of her contribution to the school that she was asked to perform the official opening alongside Joe McHugh T.D.
The school also wanted to acknowledge Joe McHugh’s involvement in the granting of another school extension, when he visited the school as Minister for Education in June 2019.
The new extension comprising of one mainstream classroom, two special education rooms and two offices were completed in August 2022 by John McHugh, contractor from Knock, Ballybofey.
The extension was designed by local architect Anita McDermott who works for McCabe architects.
The very reverend Andrew Forster, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and school patron provided the blessing of the new extension.
This is the second school extension in recent years, another was completed in 2017
Pupil numbers have doubled since then and the school now has 90 pupils
Despite the new extension two classes remain in a prefab at the back of the school, therefore the Board submitted another application for further accommodation in December 2022 to the Department of Education
The school has 12 staff employed with 6 teachers and 6 support staff.
The 90 pupils joined invited guests, the Board of Management and staff for a ceremony where the pupils sang a very uplifting song ‘Happy’
As part of the celebrations this week, there was a fun day for pupils with a morning of art and an opportunity to hold some animals which included rabbits, chickens, snakes and even a bearded dragon!
In the afternoon an inflatable obstacle course helped pupils burn off their lunch! Brian Bovaird, principal commented that ‘Despite all that fun pupils were much happier that there was no homework set for the week!’
He went on to say ‘The official opening of this extension is a very happy occasion for our school community and it is great that it coincided with the school’s 60th birthday, there was definitely a party mood in school this week with a specially commissioned cake, singing and balloons! We are grateful to so many people who have all worked so hard to see this project through to completion’
Following the ceremony three trees were planted to mark the occasion.
Staff at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Seated from left are Breid Bourne, School Secretary, Cheryl Macbeth, Deputy Principal, Brian Bovaird, Principal, Yvonne Callaghan Assistant Principal and Hilary Thompson. SNA.
Back row from Jana Toth School Cook, Michelle Martin SNA, Kathleen McGinty, Teacher, Lynn Halpin, English Language Teacher, Helen Crossan, SNA , Laura Bryant Home School Liaison Teacher and Nadine McGrory, Substitute Teacher
Photo- Clive Wasson
Staff at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Seated from left are Breid Bourne, School Secretary, Cheryl Macbeth, Deputy Principal, Brian Bovaird, Principal, Yvonne Callaghan Assistant Principal and Hilary Thompson. SNA.
Back row from Jana Toth School Cook, Michelle Martin SNA, Kathleen McGinty, Teacher, Lynn Halpin, English Language Teacher, Helen Crossan, SNA and Nadine McGrory, Substitute Teacher
Photo- Clive Wasson
Students at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
Joe McHugh, TD being welcomed to The Robertson School for the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
Joy De Jong, Chairperson BOM speaking at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
Bonnie Oliver, Former BOM Chairperson with Brian Bovaird Principal and Joe McHugh TD at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
Brian Bovaird, Principal, Rt Rev Andrew James Forster, Bishop of Derry & Raphoe, Bonnie Oliver, Former BOM Chairperson, Joe McHugh TD and Cheryl Macbeth, Deputy Principal at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
Joe McHugh, TD, Bonnie Oliver, Former BOM Chairperson, Principal, Rt Rev Andrew James Forster, Bishop of Derry & Raphoe with Brian Bovaird, Principal as they plant 3 comerative trees at the opening of the Robertsons NS Extension on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Rt Rev Andrew James Forster, Bishop of Derry & Raphoe, Joe McHugh, TD, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Brian Bovaird Principal and Cllr. Patrick McGownan Chair of Stranorlar Municipal District at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
Rt Rev Andrew James Forster, Bishop of Derry & Raphoe speaking at the official opening of the new extension of Robertson National School, Stranorlar by Joe McHugh, TD on Thursday last. Photo- Clive Wasson
