Schools get to work on new CRIS scheme

Three Larne primary schools have joined forces for a new cross-community initiative.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Oct 2013, 00:00 BST
Pictured at the CRIS Project at Larne Market Yard are Miss McLarnon and Miss McGregor from St Anthonys Primary School along with Miss Jordan on work placement from Larne High School and P3 pupils from St Anthonys Primary School,Corran Integrated Primary School and Linn Primary School. INLT 41-003-PSBPictured at the CRIS Project at Larne Market Yard are Miss McLarnon and Miss McGregor from St Anthonys Primary School along with Miss Jordan on work placement from Larne High School and P3 pupils from St Anthonys Primary School,Corran Integrated Primary School and Linn Primary School. INLT 41-003-PSB
Pictured at the CRIS Project at Larne Market Yard are Miss McLarnon and Miss McGregor from St Anthonys Primary School along with Miss Jordan on work placement from Larne High School and P3 pupils from St Anthonys Primary School,Corran Integrated Primary School and Linn Primary School. INLT 41-003-PSB

Linn, St. Anthony’s and Corran Integrated have embarked on the CRIS (Community Relations in Schools) project funded by the Integrated Education Fund.

Primary three teacher Nicola Hickey, at Linn Primary, explained: “I applied for a grant to the programme which explores the similarities and differences between the children in their own town.

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“This is a new venture. We are trying to re-establish the links which were there in the past.

“CRIS is about community relations, equality and diversity. We will be taking all that on board.”

The primary three pupils met together for the first time at the newly-refurbished market yard buildings for songs, stories and games and a chance to get to know each other.

Mrs. Hickey admitted that she did not know how the children would react. However, she said that many were delighted to see others they recognised from other organisations.

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“I really hope it will be the start of a longer project. Funding is always an issue. Hopefully, we can overcome that to build up a really strong relationship between the children and staff from each school. It is great to be able to meet the other teachers and share ideas,” she said.

Denise Macfarlane, principal, of Corran Integrated Primary School, added: “Corran IPS is delighted to be working along with our friends from Linn Primary School and St Anthony’s Primary School.

“We have previously collaborated on similar IEF projects which involved music, drama and sports themes. As past collaborations focused on P6 and P7 pupils, we are keen for our younger pupils to get involved this time.

“Following the very successful first joint activity last week, the P3 pupils, staff and parents are very much looking forward to meeting up again with the other classes.”

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Pupils will be taking part in art and music projects. They have already made their mark by designing their own tee-shirts to wear at each
session.

The programme will come to a conclusion next year with a celebration event.

Related topics:SchoolsLarne