Friday 21st September was an historic day at Midleton College,
Midleton, County Cork, as Minister for Education and Skills, Ruaírí
Quinn T.D., officially opened The Colton Building, named by the
Governors in honour of the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
This major new capital investment was co-funded by the DES and
Midleton College. The new facility provides state-of-the-art Information
Technology, Home Economics and Project Maths rooms.
In addition
specialist Spanish, History, Geography and Religion classrooms are
located within the building. Lockers, circulation space and bathrooms
for students are also situated in ‘The Colton Building’.
Principal, Simon Thompson, said that the new facility is named ‘ … in
recognition of the outstanding leadership given to the governing Boards
of the College by our Chairperson, Bishop Paul Colton. His vision,
commitment and determination to ensure that the College’s proud history
of education and pastoral service to the community is allowed to
flourish into the future underpins the confidence of the Boards in
supporting this major investment.’
In thanking Minister Quinn for
officiating at the opening, the Principal thanked also all those who
have served the College in professional or voluntary capacities and
acknowledged their part in building the College’s reputation for
academic and pastoral excellence.
Minister Quinn noted the ‘palpable engagement of students and
teachers in their work’ during his visit.
The Minister said he believed
that Midleton College can more forward with confidence into its fourth
century of education, a record almost without parallel in Ireland.
Bishop Colton, expressing his pride at the naming of the new
building, stated he accepted the honour on behalf of all who work, study
and live at the College and make it the outstanding and unique school
that it is.