Education Minister opens outdoor learning area at Holy Trinity PS

On Tuesday 22 May a crowd of parents, children and invited guests were present on the night to witness Mr O’Dowd cut the ribbon to officially declare the new play area open. Mr O’Dowd also joined pupils in planting a tree to mark his visit.

Members of the school choir and traditional group provided the entertainment while other children demonstrated the use of the new outdoor equipment.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr Redmond, Chairperson of the Board of Governors welcomed the Minster, parents, children and other invited guests to Holy Trinity and spoke of his pride that the new facility was now in place.

The new facility which would normally cost in the region of £100,000 was completed almost entirely through voluntary work and with the help of donations of materials and use of machinery to the school. The project team which comprised of parents, members of staff and community volunteers worked tirelessly on evenings, weekends and during holidays to complete the project.

The facility includes an outdoor classroom, stage and trim trail. The area will be used to enhance and enrich the children’s learning during the school day and in the evenings and holidays by the local community.

Mr Devlin, Principal of Holy Trinity Primary School said: “Here at Holy Trinity we feel that our children deserve the best, the best education, the best opportunities, the best facilities and the best start in life we can give them. This opening marks another goal in achieving that for the children of Cookstown.

“It was an ambitious project to take on in the current economic climate but one we felt passionately that our children deserved. Thankfully we have parents, staff and friends who share our vision for the future generations of Cookstown. We were delighted to have the Minister join us on such a special occasion.”