New era for Millington PS as 12-class extension opens

Its a big thumbs up from Millington Primary School P1 pupils as they give their verdict on their new classroom in the school's 12 room extension which was opened on Monday. also included is P1 teacher Mrs Wendy Ogilby-Black. INPT45-200.

The 12-classroom wing is phase one in a £2.9 million enhancement project for the Portadown school.

Phase two, which is already under way, will consist of the refurbishment of eight classrooms, the provision of extra parking, and more playground facilities.

Principal Mrs Heather Murray said staff, parents and pupils were delighted with the new accommodation which she described as “state-of-the-art”.

“The children were so excited, and we had balloons and ribbons to mark the occasion. We gave the parents a tour and they thought it was absolutely fabulous. The building is lovely and bright and the classrooms are a lot bigger.

“There is under floor hearing and the lights turn themselves on and off.

“We also have a meteorological station on top of he building which determines when the heat needs to come on and there are also CO2 detectors to make sure there is enough fresh air in the rooms for the pupils.”

The school is still hoping for a new, multi-purpose hall - part of the original plans - and the Minister for Education Peter Weir was reminded of this when he visited the school before Halloween to view progress on the new wing.

Said Mrs Murray, “We are still optimistic and are pushing for more money for the new hall.

Speaking in 2014, when the scheme was approved by the Education Minister, principal Mrs Murray said the school was built in 1970 and the classrooms were too small and outdated.

The new wing is home to the all the P1 classes, half the P2s, two of the P3 classes and all of the P5 and 6 classes.

It is hoped that once the extra parking spaces have been provided, and a new traffic layout is introduced, this will alleviate queues and traffic jams.

Said Mrs Murray, “The SELB architects worked closely on the plans with us, and we were able to tell them what the school really needed.

“Phase one only started last November so it has taken just one year. We are hoping that phase two will have finished by May or June of everything will be ready for the children going back in September 2017.

“It is pain for gain!”