A heartbreaking reality unfolds for the students and staff of Nazareth House Primary School in Londonderry, as the school's principal, Róisín Blackery, confirms it will remain closed until after Christmas. This news comes as a result of ongoing concerns over the safety of the school's roof, which was deemed unsafe during an inspection on December 3rd.
But here's where it gets controversial... the Education Authority (EA) has prioritized urgent remedial works, yet the school's closure persists. In an interview with BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today, Principal Blackery expressed her disappointment, stating, "We will not be under our roof before Christmas." She further emphasized the emotional toll of the closure, especially during the festive season, saying, "It's challenging to be apart when we're usually connected and joyful."
To accommodate the students, plans have been made to utilize the Bishop Street youth club as a daily "well-being hub." Ms. Blackery explained, "It won't be a formal learning environment, but rather a space that feels like school during this time of year." The school's carol service and Christmas dinner will still take place, with support from local businesses, promising a "very special event."
The school's history on the Bishop Street site dates back to 1902, with over half of its 203 students hailing from the nearby Bogside, Bishop Street, and Brandywell areas. Last week, parent Terri Lamberton, whose children attend the school, expressed her worries about the prolonged closure. In a statement, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) assured that arrangements are being made for supervised learning until the Christmas holidays and a return to face-to-face classes in January.
And this is the part most people miss... Principal Blackery revealed that concerns over the school building have been an ongoing issue since the early 2000s. The school submitted a business case for a new roof to the EA in 2017, but it was never acted upon.
So, what do you think? Is this an unfortunate case of bureaucratic delay, or are there other factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
