The principal of Carnalbanagh Primary in Counity Antrim has spoken of the “loss in the community” following the closure of the rural school this month.
Alison Killough says that the “sense of loss in the community is in knowing that such decisions were undertaken with more emphasis on budget than community well-being and the quality of educational provision”.
“There is further frustration with such decisions being made without accountability and taken under the cowardice of government bureaucrats,” she stated.
“This decision will be reflected upon and regretted in years to come.”
Carnalbanagh Primary School at Glenview Road, Glenarm, which was established in 1827, was recommended for closure in August 2021 by the Education Authority.
The final decision was taken last year by former Education Minister Peter Weir who said at the time:
“In taking this decision, I have noted the managing authority’s assessment of unfilled places at other schools (including places in the controlled sector) and commitment to examine any requirements for provision of additional accommodation at neighbouring schools to facilitate the relocation of pupils.”
The Carnalbanagh principal continued:
“The community has been devasted at the decision to close the school.
“Those entrusted to leadership have failed Carnalbanagh’s rural community. Future educational provision in Carnalbanagh has been disseminated at the stroke of a pen.”
“Carnalbanagh Primary School has earned a good reputation as a small, caring school, offering a quality education and providing a sound foundation for its pupils.
“Having worked successfully in partnership with parents and the community, it can move into the history books with its head held high.
“In recent decades the school has continued to embrace a variety of successes.
“With the evolving curriculum, the school strode forward in teaching technology and science.
“Carnalbanagh Primary School has continued to meet success. It is almost fictional to imagine a small school of 24 pupils competing in, then going on to win a national numeracy competition, fending off over 6,000 schools from across the UK.
“Many of Carnalbanagh’s past pupils have gone on to grow and flourish, many attaining degrees as well as entrepreneurial trade and services success.”
Carnalbanagh Primary School is one of the oldest schools in Northern Ireland serving the community for almost 200 years.
“The endurance of Carnalbanagh pays testament to the school’s humble sense of industry, persistence and adaptability which has carried it through,” the principal added.
“As the world has progressed, so has Carnalbanagh – from fountain pens and classroom stoves to iPads and interactive learning. The school has weathered many a storm, to name but a few, the Irish Famine, two World Wars, the NI Troubles and now, the coronavirus pandemic.
“Carnalbanagh Primary School has seen both conflict and peace, hard times and good times and it is tragically ironic that such a school is closing, with a history that spans longer than the very country in which it exists.
“Carnalbanagh’s school journey originated with the building being a meeting house for prayer. With time, it became the local school and served to educate those in the local community and beyond.
“With the passing of time, people have changed and the building has changed but the same commitment to educating young people has remained the same.”
At the end of the final term, the school welcomed a visit by two former principals, Moira McKeown (1988-2010) to present prizes during annual prize day in June and a photo exhibition was opened by Amy Wilson (1954-1983).
“In a year of milestones, it was an honour for Carnalbanagh to be one of the first schools in the country to receive a centenary tree to mark 100 years of Northern Ireland,” the principal continued.
“Strong links with the community have been forged, particularly in recent years, with the formation of a very supportive PTA. Many events have been organised and celebrated over the years, most noticeable a 5k run, treasure hunts and Saturday morning car washes and coffee mornings.
“The children have consistently provided and maintained a stable and healthy lifestyle for two Ethiopian children for the past 12 years. Annual Macmillan coffee mornings have raised over £4,000 since 2015.
“Carnalbanagh is a place that has been made and measured by the people who live here, the locals, the honest-to- goodness sort of folk that live, work, play and have true pride in the place. People are what make places memorable and children are what make school memorable.
“Places are made by people and the people from Carnalbanagh are what make the place extraordinary. The boys and girls will never forget the friends made in Carnalbanagh, because they know each other like brothers and sisters.
“What they have learned in Carnalbanagh will shape their lives, as they grow up. They will have a pocketful of great memories which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
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