School's new playground project moves a step closer

The Church Road school, which was granted integrated status in 2003, is set to mark its anniversary milestone with the construction of a new playground, the first phase of which is due to be completed in June.

Last year the school was awarded 4,000 towards the cost of the ambitious project by the Royal Bank of Scotland’s ‘Supergrounds’ grant scheme.

PTA member Cathy Mullan, who secured the funding through her former employer, Ulster Bank, commented: “As a PTA member I know how difficult it is for schools to raise funds and this scheme is an ideal way for us to improve the school grounds to help the children develop. It’s great that The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, through RBS Supergrounds, agreed to give its support to the school because of my involvement. Not only has this project enabled schools to use their grounds as a tool for learning, but it has also had a very positive effect on communities, teachers and children. We are all delighted that the bank is supporting Glengormley Integrated.”

And it isn’t just RBS that’s given its backing to the school’s plan. The management of Abbeycentre recently threw their weight behind the project by generously donating 647 raised through the annual Wishing Well Appeal.

Abbeycentre Manager Mark Stewart visited the school last week to hand over the money to school Principal Nigel Arnold.

“We are delighted that Abbeycentre has been so supportive of our playground project by donating this money. We rely on local volunteers and businesses to get behind our ideas and help us raise much needed cash to support our children’s education. The playground is a great way to celebrate our 75th anniversary as a school,” Mr Arnold commented.