Education Minister holds virtual meeting for Newtownabbey principals

The educators had the chance to raise issues with the Minister on June 12 during a ‘Zoom’ video call meeting for a number of South Antrim school principals hosted by DUP representatives Pam Cameron MLA and Paul Girvan MP.

Headteachers from Ballyclare High, Ballyclare Secondary School, Antrim Grammar, Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim Primary, Templepatrick Primary, Duneane Primary, Fairview Primary, Crumlin Integrated, Randalstown Central and Ballycraigy Primary took part in the virtual meeting.

Speaking following the meeting Paul Girvan MP said: “School principals across South Antrim have provided vital leadership for staff, parents and pupils during these difficult times.

“By ensuring many of our schools have remained open for children of key workers and quickly adapting to put online learning in place, our local schools have been to the fore in the battle against Covid-19.

“Moving forward schools will continue to face challenges and this meeting provided the perfect opportunity for concerns to be discussed and for information to be shared. As elected representatives, we continue to push for further funding for our local schools and I am confident the Minister was presented with a strong case for further support for South Antrim schools.”

Pam Cameron added that the meeting was “very constructive” and thanked the Minister for his positive engagement with representatives of some local schools.

Mrs Cameron said: “Covid-19 has presented unprecedented public health challenges not least for our Education sector. The disruption caused to children’s education is very concerning, but I must commend many schools across the country who’ve adapted as best as possible through remote learning to try and maintain that progress with school work.

“We must work together for the resumption of schools after Summer with the safety of pupils and staff being priority. I look forward to the Department of Education publishing their updated guidance for these arrangements very soon.”

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