The local national school is the heartbeat of every community and no effort is spared to ensure pupils and teachers have access to the very best facilities.

The good news for everyone associated with Burncourt National School is that, following construction of a new extension, the school is up there with the best in terms of space and comfort. Thanks to the expertise of Araglin based contractor, Michael Lyons, the school now has a designated Principal's office, computer/IT room, a wheelchair accessible toilet, special needs room, teacher's toilet and a very substantial store room. Having visited the school last weekend this writer can vouch for the fact that the school looks really well (inside and out). The extra concreted area in front of the school has proved invaluable especially during poor weather. The school also boasts a very impressive organic garden which is excellently maintained by students.

On Saturday last the public were invited along to the official opening of the new extension - an event that also incorporated a celebratory Mass by Fr Pat Butler and a number of presentations to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher, Helen Russell, who spent her entire 35 year teaching career in Burncourt NS.

Last Saturday's formalities were also hugely significant for principal, Pat O'Callaghan, who has never settled for second best when it comes to his pupils. Pat oversaw all aspects of the project which started with a roof, window and plumbing upgrade (work carried out by well known Ardfinnan building contractor, Eamonn O'Gorman). In both instances, the supervising engineer was Sean McCarthy from Fermoy, someone Mr O'Callaghan described as 'a thorough professional and exceptionally easy to work with'.

The social aspect of proceedings took place in Burncourt Community Centre later that evening. Helen Russell and her family took pride of place at this function which was enjoyed by all. Presentations were made to Helen by the Board of Management and parents' association. Some of the gifts she received were, a specially commissioned painting of the school by renowned artist, Maura Fox, a collection of photographs and an iPAD. Many tributes were paid to Helen, all identified her passion for teaching, the personal interest she took in pupils' development and her quiet efficiency in looking after junior infants, senior infants along with first and second classes.

A man who was busier than most in the run up to last Saturday's activities was B.O.M. chairman, Michael Leonard and Pat O'Callaghan's number one 'go to guy'. Mr O'Callaghan was anxious that Michael's contribution be publicly acknowledged.

While Mrs Russell will slip into well deserved retirement, she leaves behind a teaching legacy that has impacted positively on the lives of hundreds of pupils, she also leaves behind a school kitted out to meet the needs of local children for decades to come.

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