NICIE and Crumlin Integrated College have reacted with delight at the Education Minister’s decision to maintain integrated post primary provision in Crumlin. The campaign by local parents and the school community has been a long and arduous journey of working together. Recently Crumlin Integrated College celebrated getting a ‘Good’ inspection from ETI. Despite the difficulties the passion for integrated education in the Crumlin area has never diminished.
Speaking on behalf of Crumlin Integrated College, Lynda McGarry said “The Minister’s agreement to allow Crumlin Integrated College to continue to deliver integrated education in the Crumlin area is a huge boost to morale for the staff, pupils and parents connected with the school. There has been an immense amount of work carried out over the past few years to raise educational standards and this was acknowledged in the most recent ETI inspection when we were awarded ‘Good’. We are also indebted to the parent steering group for all their hard work”
Thomas Ross, Chairman of the Board of Governors, said that he welcomed the announcement from the Department of Education that the college was to remain open. He said, “This is great news. We can now go forward with confidence to continue to provide post primary education in Crumlin. I would pay tribute and thanks to the parents, pupils and staff of the college who supported and worked hard during the last few difficult years and look forward to you all enjoying a bright future in Crumlin. I am very pleased that the Minister in making his decision, recognised the achievements we have made over the past few years.”
Parental support for an integrated post primary school in the Crumlin area has always been evident. A parent steering group that was formed to fight for integrated education to remain in Crumlin is looking forward to putting the difficult times of the past behind them and begin on their new journey. Very aptly Crumlin Integrated College is currently putting on a play entitled ‘Voyage of Discovery’ next week and this will begin the next stage of the journey for the school. This will be part of the celebrations in the new journey for the school.
The steering group will continue their journey to represent parental views within the school. This reflects one of the key elements of the NICIE Statement of Principles, which highlights the importance of parental involvement in integrated education. In the past many integrated schools have been opened and developed by parents.
The next year will be a very busy and exciting time for the steering group as they work with the College to further embed the integrated ethos in partnership with the local community. NICIE looks forward to continuing to work with the school, the steering group and the wider community in developing a school that demonstrates an integrated ethos in every area of school life.
Tracy Kennedy, Chairperson of Crumlin Supports Integrated Education Steering Group said: ‘‘We are absolutely thrilled with the Minister’s decision to maintain a post primary school in Crumlin. Local parents have proved conclusively that there is a significant demand for integrated education in the area. We are committed to continuing our work at Crumlin Integrated College and now that the Minister has given us a positive response. We are looking forward to our celebrations and growing Crumlin Integrated College for the future, and beginning to play our small part in a shared future for Northern Ireland.”
