The new Principal, Frances Hughes (third from
left), parents and children celebrate the opening of Rowandale
Integrated Primary.
LISBURN'S newest school opened its doors this
week after years of campaigning for an integrated primary in the
Moira area. Following a three year campaign by parents and
supporters, Rowandale Finally opened to its first pupils on
Monday.
Dave Foster, Chair of the Board of Governors,
said, "I am absolutely delighted".
"After more than three and a half years of
effort by a very wide range of people, our vision, to provide an
integrated education where Catholic, Protestant, other faiths
and none are educated together, has finally been realised. We
have now opened with a very encouraging first intake of pupils.
This demonstrates that firstly there is a strong desire for the
provision of integrated primary education in the wider Moira
area, and secondly that parent power can achieve great things in
today's
Northern Ireland." Following the then Education
Minister Maria Eagle's decision last December to grant
conditional approval to open the school, the parent steering
group have been kept busy as they sought a suitable location for
the school, published prospectuses, engaged with local parents,
designed school uniforms and employed the Principal, Frances
Hughes.
Ms Hughes said, "This school is a reflection
of what the parents in this area have wanted for many years and
I am sure this school will exceed their expectations. The motto
'Love to learn and learn to love' really sums up what this
school aims to achieve, helping equip the children to live
within a shared future for Northern Ireland and preparing them
educationally for their future."
stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk
