Menu
11/11/2011
Eleventh Hour Commemoration At City Hall
Today's 11th Hour commemorations in the ground of Belfast City Hall and the coming weekend's traditional Remembrance Sunday services dedicated to members of the armed services who have been killed has been overshadowed by a row over poppies.
While poppies and poppy wreaths were much in evidence at 11am today - the 11th hour - of the eleventh month as Armistice Day was observed by the President of the Royal British Legion, Colonel Mervyn Elder and Belfast's Deputy Lord Mayor, the DUP Alderman Ruth Patterson, controversy has ensured over the emblem.
As the two dignitaries led members of the public in a two-minute silence at the Garden of Remembrance, it has been reported that while the newly elected SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell, the MP and MLA will attend remembrance services on behalf of the party, he would not be wearing the traditional token of commemoration.
This has been added to continuing controversy over an allegation that school pupils were told to remove their poppies during the past week.
The NI Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has spoken of his deep concern at reports concerning the wearing of poppies at a local school.
He was worried over claims that pupils at Dundonald High School had felt compelled to remove poppies following comments made by a teacher.
Commenting on the coverage, Mr O'Dowd said: "Earlier this week, a local media organisation devoted extensive coverage to claims that pupils at this school had removed poppies following comments from one teacher. This was despite the fact that the claims had not been backed up.
"Later the same day, the school completed a thorough internal investigation which concluded that there was no evidence found to substantiate the claim," he said.
"As Education Minister, my top priority is the pupils and staff in our local schools.
"These are learning environments where children in their formative years are taught and guided by teachers of the utmost integrity," the Sinn Fein Minister said.
"Complaints, such as the one that arose earlier this week, should be dealt with by teachers who are professionals in their field and best placed to deal with such issues. Dragging a school community through a political debate on the airwaves is no way to handle such a sensitive issue.
"The impact on our pupils and staff is my top priority - and I would expect others with influence across our community to feel the same."
(BMcC/GK)
While poppies and poppy wreaths were much in evidence at 11am today - the 11th hour - of the eleventh month as Armistice Day was observed by the President of the Royal British Legion, Colonel Mervyn Elder and Belfast's Deputy Lord Mayor, the DUP Alderman Ruth Patterson, controversy has ensured over the emblem.
As the two dignitaries led members of the public in a two-minute silence at the Garden of Remembrance, it has been reported that while the newly elected SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell, the MP and MLA will attend remembrance services on behalf of the party, he would not be wearing the traditional token of commemoration.
This has been added to continuing controversy over an allegation that school pupils were told to remove their poppies during the past week.
The NI Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has spoken of his deep concern at reports concerning the wearing of poppies at a local school.
He was worried over claims that pupils at Dundonald High School had felt compelled to remove poppies following comments made by a teacher.
Commenting on the coverage, Mr O'Dowd said: "Earlier this week, a local media organisation devoted extensive coverage to claims that pupils at this school had removed poppies following comments from one teacher. This was despite the fact that the claims had not been backed up.
"Later the same day, the school completed a thorough internal investigation which concluded that there was no evidence found to substantiate the claim," he said.
"As Education Minister, my top priority is the pupils and staff in our local schools.
"These are learning environments where children in their formative years are taught and guided by teachers of the utmost integrity," the Sinn Fein Minister said.
"Complaints, such as the one that arose earlier this week, should be dealt with by teachers who are professionals in their field and best placed to deal with such issues. Dragging a school community through a political debate on the airwaves is no way to handle such a sensitive issue.
"The impact on our pupils and staff is my top priority - and I would expect others with influence across our community to feel the same."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
10 March 2022
Two Major New School Construction Projects Underway
Two major school construction projects have gotten underway in L'Derry, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced. The first sod has been cut on both the new £34 million Ardnashee School and College and the $4.7 million Our Lady of Fatima Primary School.
Two Major New School Construction Projects Underway
Two major school construction projects have gotten underway in L'Derry, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced. The first sod has been cut on both the new £34 million Ardnashee School and College and the $4.7 million Our Lady of Fatima Primary School.
12 June 2007
‘School Watch’ launched by primary school pupils
Children from Acorn Integrated Primary School in Carrickfergus have today helped launch a new initiative to protect school property from vandals. ‘School Watch’ has been developed by the Policing Board, PSNI and the Northern Ireland Office Community Safety Unit.
‘School Watch’ launched by primary school pupils
Children from Acorn Integrated Primary School in Carrickfergus have today helped launch a new initiative to protect school property from vandals. ‘School Watch’ has been developed by the Policing Board, PSNI and the Northern Ireland Office Community Safety Unit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
