Sinn Féin discuss schools merger with CCMS
"The educational needs of our children must be paramount", said Sinn Féin
MLA
Philip McGuigan after he led a Sinn Féin delegation to the CCMS to
discuss
the planned merger of St Comgalls, St MacNissi's and St Aloysius.
Mr
McGuigan said:
"There has been some uncertainty from parents
since the announcement was
made and we raised to the CCMS, on their
behalf these concerns.
"We have to ensure that an acceptable
education provision is put in place to
meet the demands of the
geographical area in the Glens and that it must be
able to provide a
1st class education for all the children.
"We are delighted that
the CCMS have agreed to another information evening
for the parents in
September. If the transaction is to happen smoothly then
it is
important that all concerned are fully informed and kept up with
developments.
Sinn
Féin Councillor for the Glens Oliver McMullan, who was also in
attendance
at the meeting said:
"This was an important meeting for the
people of my elected area in terms of
having the opportunity to hear
from the CCMS about their future plans for
education in the Glens.
"The
meeting covered a range of subjects from the curriculum, transport,
special
needs provision and many other relevant issues."
Larne Sinn
Féin Representative James McKeown also welcomed the information
evenings
and the chance for Sinn Féin to monitor the proceedings of such a
merger.
Mr
McKeown said:
"This will obviously have an impact on the locality
of education for the
children currently attending St Comgalls and it is
vitally important that
for the children's sack that this transaction
happens as smoothly as
possible. We must ensure that the feelings of
the parents and the pupils in
the Larne area are listened to and taken
into account." ENDS