This piece was originally published on LaoisToday on June 16, 2022.
It was a glorious day in St Francis Special School in Portlaoise as Education Minister Norma Foley officially opened the new building.
Back in July 2017, almost five years ago, planning permission was granted for St Francis School to transfer from the Timahoe Road and build on the site of the old St Paul’s Primary School on the Borris Road, Portlaoise.
The keys were handed over in May 2021 with students moving in before the end of that academic year.
Almost a year later, the Education Minister joined Bishop Denis Nulty as the guests of honour at the official opening.
The students played their part as they performed on stage before a range of speeches took place.
The Minister was the last to address the crowd and after being introduced to the crowd by Principal John Moran, she thanked everyone who made the day possible.
And she gave a special mention to the woman who had the foresight to establish the school.
Sister Helen Hyland was formerly Reverend Mother in Presentation Convent in Portlaoise.
She was instrumental in the foundation of St Francis School which opened in 1973.
She served as vice-principal initially and was present at today’s ceremony where the Minister thanked her specifically.
Minister Foley said: “As we celebrate this wonderful new building, I do think it is important that we honour where it all initially came from.
“So I am especially delighted that we are joined by Sister Helen Hyland.
“In all aspects of life, it is so important that you have visionaries. So important that you have individuals who will conceive of the right idea.
“And not only conceive of it, but be doggedly determined to see it grow and nurture it along the way.
“So as we celebrate all that is being achieved here today, I am mindful that it did take the foresight and vision of people like Sr Helen.
“I thank you for that and I honour that today.”
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