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ABC Council Community Constituency Council Education Government South Down Warrenpoint

Crotlieve Schools Unite for Festive Christmas Concert in Warrenpoint

On Monday 1 December, schools from across the Crotlieve DEA came together for a Christmas Concert in Warrenpoint Town Hall. Produced by Ms Caitriona Featherstone from St Mark’s High School and funded by Crotlieve DEA, the event showcased the talents of 180 young people who delivered an afternoon of festive music, song and dance. The […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Mason Welcomes Support to Allow Girls The Right to Wear Trousers In School

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has welcomed the support from other parties on the Education Committee to allow girls the right to wear trousers in school. The South Down MLA said: “The DUP Education Minister squandered the chance to bring school uniform policies into the 21st century by refusing to guarantee girls the choice to […]

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Community Education Government Westminster

TUV Blasts RE Judgement and Calls on Education Minister to Protect Christian Ethos In Schools

TUV Leader Jim Allister blasts RE judgement and calls on Education Minister to protect the Christian ethos in schools. Statement by TUV MP Jim Allister: “As someone who has consistently defended the role of Christian faith in our schools, I am deeply disturbed by the recent judgment on Religious Education. The language used — particularly […]

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Community Constituency Education Government Lurgan Stormont Upper Bann

Christian Ethos In Schools Must Be Defended – Lockhart

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart was at the Supreme Court as judgment was handed down in the challenge brought against the place of religious education and collective worship in Northern Ireland’s schools. This case has become a focal point in the wider effort by some to dilute, sideline or dismantle the Christian ethos that has […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government Politics South Down Stormont

Too Many Schools Being Failed By Successive DUP Ministers! – Mason

Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason has slammed successive DUP Education Ministers who have consistently failed schools in Northern Ireland. Mason said: “The findings of the Public Accounts Committee’s recent report on the management of the schools’ estate are nothing short of alarming. It confirms what parents, teachers, and pupils have known for years, too many […]

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Education Government International Politics Stormont

Aontu: Education Ministers Israel Visit Undermines Role and Betrays Trust

Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly has slammed the Education Minister’s visit to Israel, saying it undermines his role and betrays trust. Paul Givan’s trip to Israel undermines the integrity of his role as Education Minister and betrays the trust of parents, teachers, and pupils across Northern Ireland. This was not a fact-finding mission—it was a […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Education Government International Politics South Down Stormont

Mason Writes to Education Minister Over Israel Trip

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has written to the Education Minister and submitted a series of questions over his trip to Israel. The South Down MLA said: “The DUP Education Minister has chosen to visit Israel at a time when that very same state is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, schools here continue […]

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Community Education Government International Politics Stormont

SDLP Opposition Vows to Hold Givan Accountable For Israel Trip

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has said the party will challenge Education Minister Paul Givan over his use of departmental resources to publicise a trip to Israel. He has written to the Head of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education to establish what role the civil […]

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Community Constituency Education Newry Newry and Armagh

Back to School Boost For Newry School, Thanks to Community Supermarket Stores  

SPAR and EUROSPAR stores across the country are continuing their support for local communities this new school year by giving away a total of £5,000.     10 schools were awarded £500 as they made their return this September, including Poyntzpass Primary School in Newry.   Shoppers were invited to nominate their local schools to receive the cash. […]

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Community Education Government Stormont

Minister Welcomes Start of Phone-Free School Pilot

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the beginning of a new phone-free pilot scheme in schools, which will involve more than 8,000 young people across Northern Ireland. The phone-free pilot will run in nine schools until March 2026. It will explore the potential benefits of restricting mobile phone use during the school day, with a […]

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Community Education Government International Westminster

SDLP Welcomes Arrival of Gaza Students

Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the arrival of three students from Gaza who will now commence study in Northern Ireland. Mr Eastwood has been working with the students, the Home Office, Ulster University and others to secure visas and safe travel from Gaza to Northern Ireland.  Colum Eastwood MP said: “Earlier this year I was […]

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Community Constituency Education Newry Newry and Armagh

New Term, New Opportunities at Southern Regional College

September has brought a change in the weather with colder days and a lot more rain, but that has not dampened spirits amongst students starting the new academic year at Southern Regional College’s Newry campuses. September has seen students bound through the doors as more and more young people ….and adult returners, take up opportunities […]