Cross & Passion closed for rest of term over asbestos find

CCMS can confirm that Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle, school building will remained closed for the remainder of the academic term 2014/2015.
17 June 2015..Cross and Passion College Moyle road Ballycastle has closed it doors today with Children being told to stay at home or sent home. The complex has been closed with no access to anyone not even schools refuge bins were allowed to lifted. It is unconfirmed but believed to be Asbestos related and it is thought that arrangements are being made for examinations to be held at Ballycastle High School. Incidentally the two schools work on a co Educational basis anyhow, Notices have appeared on the school reception telling delivery people to contact Ballycastle High School. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia17 June 2015..Cross and Passion College Moyle road Ballycastle has closed it doors today with Children being told to stay at home or sent home. The complex has been closed with no access to anyone not even schools refuge bins were allowed to lifted. It is unconfirmed but believed to be Asbestos related and it is thought that arrangements are being made for examinations to be held at Ballycastle High School. Incidentally the two schools work on a co Educational basis anyhow, Notices have appeared on the school reception telling delivery people to contact Ballycastle High School. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
17 June 2015..Cross and Passion College Moyle road Ballycastle has closed it doors today with Children being told to stay at home or sent home. The complex has been closed with no access to anyone not even schools refuge bins were allowed to lifted. It is unconfirmed but believed to be Asbestos related and it is thought that arrangements are being made for examinations to be held at Ballycastle High School. Incidentally the two schools work on a co Educational basis anyhow, Notices have appeared on the school reception telling delivery people to contact Ballycastle High School. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Following surveys carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this week, CCMS can confirm that minor particles of asbestos have been identified in some areas of the school building.

As a consequence immediate work will be undertaken to resolve this issue so that the school can reopen in time for the beginning of the 2015/2016 academic year in September 2015.

The school, following professional advice from all statutory bodies involved, closed the main building as a precaution on Tuesday 16th June.

17 June 2015..Cross and Passion College Moyle road Ballycastle has closed it doors today with Children being told to stay at home or sent home. The complex has been closed with no access to anyone not even schools refuge bins were allowed to lifted. It is unconfirmed but believed to be Asbestos related and it is thought that arrangements are being made for examinations to be held at Ballycastle High School. Incidentally the two schools work on a co Educational basis anyhow, Notices have appeared on the school reception telling delivery people to contact Ballycastle High School. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia17 June 2015..Cross and Passion College Moyle road Ballycastle has closed it doors today with Children being told to stay at home or sent home. The complex has been closed with no access to anyone not even schools refuge bins were allowed to lifted. It is unconfirmed but believed to be Asbestos related and it is thought that arrangements are being made for examinations to be held at Ballycastle High School. Incidentally the two schools work on a co Educational basis anyhow, Notices have appeared on the school reception telling delivery people to contact Ballycastle High School. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
17 June 2015..Cross and Passion College Moyle road Ballycastle has closed it doors today with Children being told to stay at home or sent home. The complex has been closed with no access to anyone not even schools refuge bins were allowed to lifted. It is unconfirmed but believed to be Asbestos related and it is thought that arrangements are being made for examinations to be held at Ballycastle High School. Incidentally the two schools work on a co Educational basis anyhow, Notices have appeared on the school reception telling delivery people to contact Ballycastle High School. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Classes during this period have been suspended. Ongoing public examinations at the school have not been affected. In conjunction with CCMS, EA, AQA and CCEA, arrangements are in place for exams to be undertaken in a secure modular building within the school grounds. This has ensured that students undertaking exams will not be affected, and the integrity of the examinations process is upheld.

On Thursday (18th June) year 11 classes have resumed. In partnership with the local controlled school, Ballycastle High School, Year 11 pupils are being accommodated within their building.

In addition key stage 4 pre-planned visits off site will go ahead.

A statement said: “The cooperation with our neighbouring school once again highlights the ongoing shared education initiative within the Moyle area.

“Cross and Passion staff and governors place on record their thanks to Mr Ian Williamson, his staff and governors at Ballycastle High School.

“CCMS alongside the school, and the Education Authority are confident that the necessary works will be completed in time for the school to return to its premises this coming September, and will continue to work in partnership to meet this requirement.”