Pupils explore Good Relations through joint Fun Sports Day.
Thu, October 27, 2022
Pupils from Straidbilly Primary School, St Olcan's Primary School in Armoy and Armoy Primary School have enjoyed a memorable start to their Shared Education collaboration with a Joint Fun Sports Day.
Taking place as part of Good Relations Week, staff from the three schools planned a range of activities which encouraged children to take part in sporting challenges and joint play sessions, with support from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations team.
Welcoming the programme, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace said: “It was fantastic to see the pupils from all three schools coming together to develop friendships and build relationships in this engaging way, and I greatly enjoyed my time with them.
“The pupils all have so much in common, and by working together the schools are able to create a shared environment which will help them to learn and grow. Well done to everyone involved.
Good Relations Officer Gerard McIlroy added: “The relationships that are built in these settings will help to develop a more diverse community.
“This programme has many benefits for the children and it promotes effective use of resources between schools with children and staff having the opportunity to work collaboratively with each other, both online and face to face.
“It promotes equality and respect for identity and diversity, and this will benefit the wider local community.”
Praising the programme, Clare Steele, Principal of Armoy Primary School, said: “The pupils benefitted from funding through the Good Relations project and had the opportunity to meet the Mayor who joined in with some of the games on offer before enjoying an ice cream with the pupils.
“The Fun Day marks the start of the reconfiguration of the Shared Education partnership which sees Straidbilly joining the existing partnership enjoyed by St Olcan's and Armoy PS. Pupils and staff will have many opportunities in the upcoming academic year to share learning experiences and build friendships.”
Maria Kennedy, Principal at St Olcan’s Primary, Armoy commented: “We are delighted to have Shared Education back up and running alongside Armoy Primary School and our new partners, Straidbilly Primary School. It has been some time since we have been able to meet together due to COVID but the smiles on everyone’s faces was evidence of how much fun was had at our recent sports day.”
This programme is supported by the Executive Office as part of the District Councils Good Relations programme.
