Builders move in for massive school facelift
JOY AS €1.4 MILLION MAKEOVER BEGINS AT ST. JOHN OF GOD SCHOOL
Principal Sr. Marie Jones gets another look at the plans with John Conroy and Sarah Stafford of Design Cost Studios and Fr. Brian Whelan, Chairman of the Board of Management.
Wednesday March 10 2010
ONE OF Wexford's oldest schools is set for a long overdue facelift thanks to a €1.4 million refurbishment programme which commenced this week. St. John of God School in the Faythe will undergo a complete overhaul over the coming months, which will include the installation of new windows, heating, lighting and security systems throughout the school. A new library, wheelchair access, and the relocation of the PE hall are also included in the plans, along with classroom extensions, new toilets, a kitchen/dining area and a science hall.
The St. John of God sisters have taught from this site since March 11, 1875.
The original school was completely knocked down in 1946, and a new school was built. Another wing was added in the 1960s, however the school has seen little dramatic change in the last 50 years.
In recent years the Board of Management have replaced the roof and the school has been repainted several times, but the new refurbishment works represent the first complete overhaul in over five decades.
'This will have a huge impact. We are essentially rebuilding the school from the inside out,' said school principal, Sr. Marie Jones this week.
The funds for the 20-week refurbishment scheme have been sourced through the Department of Educations Emergency Works Scheme.
The work commenced on Thursday when builders, Bushells, moving onto the site. Architects for the project are DCS, who are located in neighbouring Trinity Street.
Classes will continue at the school throughout the refurbishment works, with children being relocated into the PE hall and concert hall while building is completed.
The main building work every day will only start at 3 p.m. after classes finish, and will continue until 11 p.m. nightly.
It is planned that the school will be completely finished in time for the start of the 2010/2011 school year in September.
'This is absolutely huge for us,' said Sr. Marie, who adds that there is tremendous interest in the project in the local community. 'The number of people from the local area who came in to look at the plans has been huge. People think this will be a boost for the community. There is a great community ownership of the school in this part of the town,' she said.
- Anne Marie O'CONNOR
