Menu
24/11/2010
Irish President In School Return
The Irish Republic's President, Mary McAleese has been welcomed to her home town by the NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane.
She was greeted by the Stormont Executive Minister as she helped to open new accommodation provided at the school that she herself attended as a Belfast teenager, St Dominic's High School, Belfast.
Ms Ruane also used the occasion as the £16.3m extension to the west Belfast grammar school was officially opened to again underline that NI had ended all academic selection.
The NI Minister spoke at the opening, which was performed by the President (pictured here) and said: "This new accommodation for St Dominic's is an example of what can be achieved with vision, foresight and hard work.
"It provides a wonderful environment in which the pupils can learn and prepare for their futures. I wish everyone associated with the school every success in their education and chosen careers.
"This school and the community it serves have the right to modern, educational facilities and are absolutely entitled to the allocated funding.
"As Education Minister, I recognise and defend that right. However, the right to draw down large amounts of public investment carries with it responsibilities, including the responsibility to play a full and willing part in meeting the needs of all children in this community, not just the academically gifted and able.
"Academic selection is a failed system, socially and educationally," she added, noting, "St Dominic's High School is now fully equipped to enable it to deliver the curriculum and meet the needs of its pupils for many years to come," she said.
(GK/BMcC)
She was greeted by the Stormont Executive Minister as she helped to open new accommodation provided at the school that she herself attended as a Belfast teenager, St Dominic's High School, Belfast.
Ms Ruane also used the occasion as the £16.3m extension to the west Belfast grammar school was officially opened to again underline that NI had ended all academic selection.
The NI Minister spoke at the opening, which was performed by the President (pictured here) and said: "This new accommodation for St Dominic's is an example of what can be achieved with vision, foresight and hard work.
"It provides a wonderful environment in which the pupils can learn and prepare for their futures. I wish everyone associated with the school every success in their education and chosen careers.
"This school and the community it serves have the right to modern, educational facilities and are absolutely entitled to the allocated funding.
"As Education Minister, I recognise and defend that right. However, the right to draw down large amounts of public investment carries with it responsibilities, including the responsibility to play a full and willing part in meeting the needs of all children in this community, not just the academically gifted and able.
"Academic selection is a failed system, socially and educationally," she added, noting, "St Dominic's High School is now fully equipped to enable it to deliver the curriculum and meet the needs of its pupils for many years to come," she said.
(GK/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
10 January 2002
Holy Cross teachers and governors in talks as tension simmers
Teachers, governors and parents from the Catholic Holy Cross Girls’ primary school in north Belfast have engaged in series of intensive discussions following a fresh outbreak of sectarian violence outside their school this week.
Holy Cross teachers and governors in talks as tension simmers
Teachers, governors and parents from the Catholic Holy Cross Girls’ primary school in north Belfast have engaged in series of intensive discussions following a fresh outbreak of sectarian violence outside their school this week.
18 September 2023
Primary School Cutting Hot Meals And Water 'Devastating' – Alliance
School children going without hot meals and hot water has been described as a "catastrophic tipping point" by Alliance MLA Nick Mathison.
Primary School Cutting Hot Meals And Water 'Devastating' – Alliance
School children going without hot meals and hot water has been described as a "catastrophic tipping point" by Alliance MLA Nick Mathison.
14 May 2008
Maze 'Ignored' As UK Sports Cabinet Meets
While controversy continues to surround the proposed creation of a Northern Ireland Sports Stadium - most recently with news that local sports chiefs said there was no viable alternative to the original proposal for the former Maze prison outside Lisburn - a high profile delegation is today in Belfast to discuss Northern Ireland's overall sporting
Maze 'Ignored' As UK Sports Cabinet Meets
While controversy continues to surround the proposed creation of a Northern Ireland Sports Stadium - most recently with news that local sports chiefs said there was no viable alternative to the original proposal for the former Maze prison outside Lisburn - a high profile delegation is today in Belfast to discuss Northern Ireland's overall sporting
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
