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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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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 Government Health Politics Stormont

SDLP Calls Backed By Report on Childcare Workforce and Sufficiency Duty

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the Department for the Economy’s decision to establish a new business support service for childcare providers, following the recommendations of research published today entitled Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers. Ms McLaughlin said: “This is a welcome first step and a clear example of the SDLP’s persistent advocacy […]

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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 […]

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Community Constituency Council Education Government Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council Stormont

McNulty: “Sticky Fingers Is a Beacon for Children and Families — We Must Protect It”

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has called for coordinated government support for Sticky Fingers Arts in Newry, following a productive meeting with the Department for Communities facilitated by his office this week. Speaking after the meeting, Mr. McNulty praised Sticky Fingers as one of the region’s most vital and inspiring facilities for children […]

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Community Constituency Education Newry Newry and Armagh South Armagh

Mum of 3 Emma Graduates with ‘Student of the Year’ Award

When something doesn’t light a fire within you, keep going until you find your passion.  Mum of three Emma McVerry from Crossmaglen did just that.  Emma recently graduated from the Graphic Design Higher National Diploma at Southern Regional College, on Friday 29th August, and picked up the part-time ‘Student of the Year’ Award for her immense […]

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Community Constituency Education Newry Newry and Armagh Uncategorized

Peddling for Charity – Kieran takes on Everest Cycle

Keen cyclist Kieran Swail is taking on the epic challenge of ‘Everesting’, Saturday 13th September.  Along with training partner James McKernan, Kieran plans to cycle up 8,848 metres, the equivalent height of Mount Everest.  This is part of a fundraising effort for PIPS Hope and Support, the suicide prevention and support charity based in Newry and […]