Devenish College Principal Mervyn Walker meeting year eight students
MORE than 70 per cent of the recently closed Lisnaskea High School pupils transferred to Devenish College, following the merger of the two schools in time for the beginning of this academic year.
And, school principal Mervyn Walker, has praised the work of staff to ensure a smooth transition for new pupils.
The ‘new’ Devenish College opened its opened its doors on Wednesday 4 September for students in Years 8, 11 and 14 with the remainder of the students starting on Thursday September 5.
“I acknowledge that there has been apprehension and concern expressed by some parents and students regarding the transfer of students and staff from Lisnaskea HS,” Mr Walker told the Fermanagh Herald this week.
Education minister, John O’ Dowd, confirmed to closure of Lisnaskea High School towards the end of June, which led to the amalgamation of both the high school, and Devenish college.
“Working together, staff at Devenish, in conjunction with the Interim Board of Governors and the Western Education and Library Board, have addressed these concerns. It has been a busy but exciting time and we embark on a new school term.”
Mr Walker went on to describe young people as ‘extremely resilient’.
“As usual at the start of the term I speak with many of the students, as do the form teachers and other staff. Students are eager to start their new routine and take the opportunity to avail of the many opportunities on offer. This applies to the new students in Year 8, the students who attended Devenish College last year, those who have joined from Lisnaskea High School and those who have enrolled from other schools for post 16 courses.”
The principal was keen to look to the future.
“Over the next year we again want to ensure that each student takes another positive step towards a successful school career so that they can achieve, and in many cases surpass, their own and their parents’ expectations,” he said.
A spokesman from the Western Education and Library board described the board as being ‘satisfied’ with the transition period, and offered their own wishes to the staff and pupils at Devenish College.
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