Planned school closure would be 'a bitter blow', says parent

The proposed closure of a primary school in the County Londonderry village of Newbuildings would be "a bitter blow" for everyone, a parent of a pupil has said.

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) submitted a proposal on Thursday to the Education Authority (EA) to close St Columba's Primary School.

The proposal would see the school, which opened in 1955, close on 31 August 2027.

Ciaran Flanagan, whose daughter Saoirse attends the school, said it would be devastating for pupils, parents and the wider community if the closure went ahead.

A total of 37 pupils currently attend the school, a fall from 64 pupils in the 2015/16 academic year.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today, Flanagan said he has a personal connection to the school as a former pupil.

He later became a teacher and completed his teacher training at St Columba's, and now his daughter Saoirse attends the school.

"From a personal standpoint, it is an important place for me and my daughter," he said.

"It has allowed her to thrive, make friends and be part of a community that I don't think she would get at another school.

"There is a lot of worry amongst parents, and it is also, first and foremost, a difficult thing to discuss with your child. It is a source of anxiety for a lot of them.

"It is worrying for the children in the short term and in the long term. If we lose the school, it will be a real blow, a really devastating blow, especially to the village in Newbuildings," he said.

"We've had a brief conversation with Saoirse about the closure of the school, in a sense to reassure her that nothing is happening imminently and that we are going to do everything that we can to keep it open because the school means a lot to her.

"She feels safe, nurtured and cared for there.

"In all honesty, I can't countenance a scenario where the school closes, and I can't allow myself to think about that. We have a long road ahead and it will be a slog, but we have a lot of supporters as well."

Chair of the school's board of governors Gareth McFadden said the plan was "disappointing" and the board was "absolutely committed to the future of St Columba's".

"We believe there is compelling evidence that closure would be premature and that there are realistic alternatives which deserve proper consideration," McFadden said.

"This school is not simply a set of numbers on a page.

"It is children, families, education, opportunity and community, and we will continue to make that case."

The CCMS said the school would continue to operate as normal until a final decision is made by Stormont's education minister and Department of Education.

"CCMS remains committed to supporting sustainable schools that deliver high-quality teaching and learning, and to ensuring the best possible educational opportunities for children, young people and the wider local community," it said.

In a statement, Bishop Donal McKeown said St Columba's Primary School has "made a valued contribution to its local community over many years".

"That is precisely why it is so important that everyone connected with the school and the wider community takes part in the consultation process and shares evidence that can help inform and shape the Minister's decision."

Tina Lyons, the school's principal, said the pupils "are happy, supported and thriving in a school where every child is known and valued".

"Our staff will continue to give our pupils the excellent education, care and stability they deserve while this process continues," she said.

The board of governors said it would now consider the "next stage of the process".

Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood said he had been in contact with the EA on behalf of the school, which he said was at the heart of the local community.

"It would be a real shame to see the school close its doors after so many years of providing young people with an excellent education," he said.

"The staff go above and beyond and care deeply about the future of the school and its pupils.

"I know there is a campaign underway to save St Columba's, and it has my full support."

He said the education minister, who has the final say, must "listen to the views of parents, staff and the whole school community and keep St Columba's open".