Coláiste Phobal unveils new Library
March 27th 2015 will enter into the annals of Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré as an important date. The school were proud to invite distinguished guests, friends of the school and members of the school community to unveil a beautiful bespoke library. The library is the brainchild of teaching staff and students alike whose partnership on this project was fundamental to its completion. Of course this project needed vital funding which was secured through the generosity of the Parents’ Association, Board of Management as well as various school fundraising initiatives such as Non-Uniform Day and bag packing. Books were purchased especially to enlighten young minds and imaginations but an extensive collection has been donated by local people and friends of the school such as George Cunningham, Liam Doran & Mary Arrigan. Finally the guidance of the English and Maths Departments allowed National directives on Literacy and Numeracy to come alive in the most serene of places.
Earlier in the school year John Murphy joined staff as the School Librarian. His attention to detail as well as around the clock availability allowed imagination to become reality. Countless hours were spent archiving and cataloguing library materials. Mark McCabe also joined staff and has overseen all painting in the project enhancing the library environment. The school art department led by Ms McDonnell were instrumental in the beautiful calligraphic quotes from literary icons that adorn the walls leading to the new library. Quotes are from Wilde, Rowling, Einstein and more. Inspiration can come from many sources.
The Student Council directed by the Chairperson Evan Hassett has sacrificed many lunch-times in preparation for this day. The buzz and beauty of the surroundings make it all worthwhile. The students were assisted by Ms McEvoy, (Student Council Coordinator), Mr Fitzgerald, Ms McMahon and Ms Egan. The Council are extremely grateful for the support of the aforementioned groups as well as the enthusiasm of Principal Mr. O’Brien and Deputy Principal Mr. Haugh who have supported the project since the embryonic stages.
It is hoped that the library will be a setting for study, research, relaxation and most of all inspiration. The students of Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré are eager to work in such surroundings. Who knows, our next great literary icon may just come from here!
Mr. Gerard O’Brien (Principal), Ms. McEvoy (Student Council Coordinator), Mr. John Hogan (Chairperson of Colaiste Phobal Board of Management and Chairman of ETB), Evan Hassett (Chairperson of Student Council), Mr. John Murphy (Coláiste Librarian) and Ms. Fionnuala McGeever (CEO of Tipperary ETB).
