Saint Patrick’s Primary School celebrates official opening

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has officially opened the new £8.3million Saint Patrick’s Primary School in Belfast.

The new school, which has 21 classrooms, was formed following the amalgamation of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and Star of the Sea primary schools.

Speaking at the opening ceremony the Minister said:

“This is a great day for everyone at Saint Patrick’s Primary School and the wider community in Belfast.

“The significant investment of £8.3million has created a fantastic new school equipped with modern and high-quality facilities which, I know, will be enjoyed by pupils for many generations to come.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in the delivery of the new build, including the school staff, Governors, consultants, contractors, and officials. I want to wish everyone associated with the school every success for the future.”

Michael Keenan, Director of Education CCMS commented:

“I am delighted to join with Saint Patricks Primary School this morning in the culmination and the realisation of such a praiseworthy project. As an organisation, CCMS firmly believe that no child should be left behind. Our vision is to enable all young people to meet their full potential, through access to a high-quality education.

“This is a momentous occasion for all those involved with Saint Patricks Primary School, the new facilities will provide a wonderful environment for students to flourish.  I am sure it will positively impact the wider community for many generations.”

St Patrick’s Primary Principal Margaret Neeson added: “Today is a very special day in the history of our school. We are immensely proud of our beautiful new school build.  At Saint Patrick’s Primary School, we are committed to inspiring a love of learning through stimulating and engaging opportunities in an inclusive environment. 

“Today sees the fruition of the vision of many who worked towards the opening of this new school. We are grateful to each and every one of you that embraced this challenge with such a willing heart.  It will serve this community for many years to come and to all who helped make this happen, we are truly grateful.”

Construction of the new school started in August 2019 and it was open to pupils in September 2021.

Notes to editors: 

1. Photograph of Official Opening L - R Principal, Margaret Neeson, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen, Bishop Noel Treanor, Chair of Board of Governors, Brian White and P1 pupils Rayah and Odin. 
2. Hood McGowan Kirk were appointed as the Integrated Consultant Team for the project. Woodvale Construction was appointed as the Integrated Supply Team in March 2019.
3. Prior to the new build project, the school operated on a split site basis with the junior school on the former Star of the Sea Primary School site and the senior school on the former Edmund Rice Primary School site.
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5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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