| Mrs
Alexander said, “I am absolutely delighted to see the
official opening of this Nursery School in Dromore. The people
of Dromore waited a long time for this day but it has certainly
been worth waiting for. The young children who attend this
school are very lucky to have such a pleasant learning environment,
it is a wonderful facility. Mrs Sharon Beattie, the Principal,
and her staff must be congratulated on the work they have
put in to making the school a really exciting place in which
all the children will thrive and be well prepared for Primary
School.”
The new purpose-built Nursery School comprises two classrooms
with associated quiet room areas furnished with the most up-to-date
equipment. Facilities also include a meeting room for staff
and parents and school meals accommodation. Secure external
play areas have been provided with an integral covered play
area and associated equipment store.
School Principal Sharon Beattie welcomed Mrs Alexander to
the school to perform the official opening. A warm greeting
was also extended to all visitors, including parents, staff,
children, SELB representatives and members of the local community.
Mrs Beattie said that the new Nursery School was very much
appreciated by the whole community. She added, " My vision
for Dromore Nursery School is to develop a vibrant, stimulating
and challenging environment for children, parents and staff.
On a daily basis all the staff attempt to create a school
community based on care, respect and equal opportunities for
all. We encourage and promote a culture of tolerance and sharing
across both traditions within Dromore. From the outset, cross
community work and involvement have been an integral part
of the provision offered here. We want to reach beyond the
walls of this building and be involved in the community of
Dromore at every opportunity.”
Mrs Beattie also expressed her sincere appreciation to the
parents involved with the school, she said, “I believe
that the parents of Dromore continue to provide an unsurpassed
level of encouragement and support. I have been overwhelmed
by their willingness to get involved and I hope that this
never declines. Both mothers and fathers have grasped the
ethos of the school, getting involved at every opportunity
in trips, the Delta evening and school events. May I take
this opportunity to publicly thank them and encourage them
to continue their involvement in their children’s education
as this makes such a vital difference to the school.”
The Nursery Unit caters for 78 pre-school children, with 52
part time and 26 full time places. The first intake of pupils
into the Nursery School took place in January 2002.
Mrs Helen McClenaghan, Chief Executive, Southern Education
and Library Board, referred to the quality of the finished
building and paid tribute to the Southern Board’s Architectural
and Property Department for the planning of the building and
to the main contractor, John Sinton Ltd (Tandragee) as well
as to the Mechanical Sub-contractors, Maurice Stevenson Ltd,
Lurgan and Electrical Sub-contractor Norlect of Newry.
The new nursery school at Dromore is a successful outcome
of the Southern Education and Library Board’s Pre School
Education Expansion programme. This main objective of this
programme is that a preschool education place is provided
for every child whose parents want a place, in the child’s
final year of pre-compulsory education. |
