Education minister visits two schools in Carrickmore

STORMONT Education Minister, Peter Weir, has been in Tyrone visiting two schools in Carrickmore recently.

In the morning, the DUP MLA was welcomed to Dean Maguirc College to view their refurbished PE, sports and changing facilities.

The £500,000 upgrade, which was supported by the Education Authority (EA), was completed several months ago.

During his short visit, Mr Weir also met with principal James Warnock, other staff, pupils, members of the Board of Governors and local elected representatives.

Then, in the afternoon, the Minister arrived at St Colmcille’s Primary School to meet with head teacher Peter Cush, staff, pupils and governors.

After a tour around the classes and school grounds, Mr Weir heard how the children were being supported through the Covid-19 pandemic and also discussed accommodation issues.

He met with the Board of Governors’ development sub-committee and discussed St Colmcille’s successes, priorities and the protocol for selecting schools for capital works.

A spokesperson for the Board of Governors said this was a “very positive” meeting, adding that they appreciated the candid manner in which the Minister had addressed the issues discussed.