Unhappy pupils from St. Eugene’s Primary School Knocks after being told thie week their school is offically closing at the end of this term, from left are Tiaran Wray, Abigail Rice and Mia McGrory
THE Education Minister, John O’Dowd has confirmed that St Eugene’s Primary School, Knocks, Lisnaskea is to close on 31st August next.
He explained that enrolments at the school had been declining for a number of years, with only 20 pupils currently enrolled and none in Year 1.
He noted that, when the Western Education and Library Board published the proposal to close in January last, no objections were received during the two-month public consultation period.
Mr O’Dowd went on: “There is considerable surplus capacity at other schools nearby where the children’s educational needs can now be best met.
“It is important now that parents and education staff work hard to ensure a smooth transition for the children to their new schools.
The Minister he paid tribute to all those connected with St Eugene’s who, over many years, had shown their commitment and dedication to the education of local children.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) underscored the reasons for closure.
Its spokesman stated: “Enrolment has fallen in the last 10 years by 63% (75 pupils down to 28 at the time the review of provision was carried out in November 2011)
“The budget deficit is anticipated to be in excess of the permitted 5%, and, with only two members of staff, there are more than two year groups in any one composite class.”
He said it was not expected that the long-term enrolment would increase to a point where the these issues will be alleviated.
He went on: “As of this week, there are 20 pupils at the school. The school to which the pupils transfer will be the choice of the parents. There are places available in both St Ronan’s PS Lisnaskea and St Mary’s PS Maguiresbridge.”
Canon Joseph Mullin, PP, Lisnaskea, who is the chairman of the board of governors of St Eugene’s, spoke about what a primary school meant to a child.
“The primary school years for a child are so very important. In school, a child grows, learns, socialises, develops values, attitudes, hopes, ambitions and dreams.
“A child learns about himself/herself, learns about others, about the world and about God.
“So, when we leave a child in the primary school classroom, we are entrusting the teacher with what we consider is most precious. And, people here, over many years have been happily entrusting their precious children to the care and guidance of our Catholic schools.”
Yesterday, Tuesday, the acting principal of St Eugene’s, Sheila Maguire found it hard to articulate her feelings.
“Obviously we regret the decision to close but, with falling enrolment, there is nothing else you can do. But, we do wish the children and the staff well for the future.”
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