First Minister promises to work hard to get new school for Magherafelt pupils

The First Minister Michelle O'Neill has paid a visit to Holy Family Primary School in Magherafelt where she witnessed first-hand serious issues affecting the building.

During her visit the Minister made a pledge to pupils there that she would work hard to get them a new school building.

Holy Family Primary currently serves 580 pupils from over 20 nationalities, but the ageing infrastructure is struggling to accommodate the growing needs of its diverse student body.

Leaking ceilings, crumbling walls, infestation of mice and mobiles falling apart are some of the issues affecting the primary school.

The school principal, Mr John McCormack has been pleading with the Northern Ireland Executive for a new school having branded the 135 year-old building where pupils are currently being taught as a 'serious health and safety issue'.

In September the school received a visit from the Education Minister Paul Givan.

At the time Mr Givan said: “Holy Family is just like many other schools that needs investment and I am making that case for that additional funding.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill's visit on Friday was warmly received by pupils and staff alike.

During the visit, the First Minister attended a special school assembly where she was treated to a performance by the pupils celebrating diversity.

Addressing the children afterwards, she said: “You have put such a smile on my face this morning. When I turned in today to be greeted by all the boys and girls with all the flags of all the different countries from all your different backgrounds, and I think that's a real strength, isn’t that right boys and girls, because we are all different, aren’t we?

That is good because we all learn from each other but you know the one thing we all have in common? We are all family, and community, isn’t that right. We will keep working really hard to try and get you a new school. That’s my promise to you, okay, because I’m your First Minister.”

Afterwards, the First Minister took to Facebook to praise the school.

“Holy Family school is very much representative of the diversity of our entire community. It really is something to be celebrated,” she said.

“All our children deserve access to the very best facilities and opportunities in life, and I am committed to working together with the school to help make that a reality.”

Mr John McCormack said it was an 'honour' to welcome the First Minister to the school.

“When addressing the pupils and staff, the First Minister promised that she would do her very best to help us in our quest to get a new school building,” he said.

“A really special day for everyone associated with our school. We thank our First Minister and all our guests for visiting us today and for taking time out of their very busy schedules.”