Sion Mills Primary School attains integrated status!

THERE were huge smiles all round at Sion Mills Primary School on Friday as staff and pupils learned the news that it has achieved integrated status.

News that the Department of Education has approved the school's development proposal to transform to integrated status was relayed during a special celebratory event for pupils on Friday morning.

For principal Louise Kingh and the school community, the formal announcement marks the culmination of a two-year journey.

She said it's a momentous occasion for the school and the wider community

"In everything we do as a school, we put the children and families first," she commented.

"We’d like to thank the parents for pointing the way forward.

"We know through experience that learning together in an inclusive environment, even from this young age, is what is best for all children.

"We are delighted to hear the great news that the Department of Education has approved our development proposal and that we can now be officially called an Integrated primary school.”

Sion Mills Integrated Primary School will officially open in January 2024.

No school can become integrated without the consent of a majority of parents.

Due to the evident parental demand in the school community, a parental ballot was held in Spring 2022.

All parents were eligible to vote in the ballot, with 69 per cent casting a vote.

The outcome was that 98.7 per cent of the parents voted 'yes' providing a resounding endorsement for the school’s plans.

The next step in the journey was the submission of a development proposal to the Department of Education, including a Transformation Action Plan.

With a current enrolment of 240 pupils, Sion Mills PS traces its origins back to the 19th Century when it was set-up by the Herdman family who owned the linen spinning mill in the village.

The proposal to transform to integrated status said that the school "had a long history and proud tradition of welcoming children from both communities and from all faiths and none".

It added: "The school is already considered Integrated by many in the community, but formal and legal status offers parents reassurance about the school's commitment to diversity and provides a mechanism for accountability that the school welcomes."

Tina Merron, chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, extended his congratulations.

“We congratulate the Board of Governors, staff and parents of Sion Mills Primary School on their successful transformation to integrated status," he said.

"It has taken a lot of time, dedication and commitment from the entire school community to complete this process and become an Integrated school.

"We look forward to welcoming Sion Mills Primary School to the growing community of Integrated schools across Northern Ireland.”

Roisin Marshall, chief executive officer of the Council for Integrated Education (NICIE), added: "Having worked alongside the Sion Mills Primary School community, NICIE is thrilled that the development proposal has been approved.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the school and supporting them on their transformation journey."

See more coverage on pages 10 and 11.