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First pupils attend city's newest school

The new Principal, Frances Hughes (third from left), parents and children celebrate the opening of Rowandale Integrated Primary.

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

Ulster Star
07/09/2007