Menu
07/06/2002
School to close over concerns for safety of pupils
A grammar school in Strabane is to close next Tuesday for Ireland’s next World Cup game over fears that its pupils may again come under attack from football supporters.
On Tuesday, June 11, the Irish team play Saudi Arabia and the school principal said he had told parents not to send children from Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 to school next Tuesday.
The direction from the grammar’s principal Mr Lacey came following an incident when Ireland played Germany on Wednesday.
According to UUP assembly member for the area Derek Hussey the bus came under attack in the middle of the afternoon from people of all ages wearing Ireland colours and carrying tricolours.
One window was smashed on the bus after a missile was thrown and although no one was injured, Mr Hussey said the pupils on board were traumatised and upset.
Mr Hussey also said concerned parents had contacted him to tell him that pupils who had alighted from the bus in Abercorn Square and made their way to a telephone box to call their parents for a lift home had been traumatised by three adults who wrapped the kiosk in a tricolour while the children were inside.
Mr. Lacey says he has taken the drastic measure in an effort to avoid the possibility of a repeat attack. He has advised that pupils in Years 12, 13 and 14, already on study leave, who may have exams on Tuesday to have parents or friends collect them from school at the end of the tests.
He has also advised the pupils not to wear their uniform in order to avoid them being singled out.
Speaking today Mr Hussey said it was appalling that children should have been subjected to a barrage of abuse.
“I have contacted the Football Association of Ireland to intervene by issuing a statement calling on these so-called football supporters to desist from their actions which only bring the good name of thousands of well behaved fans into disrepute.
“I fully agree with the school that the safety of pupils is paramount and it is deplorable that such measures need to be enacted to ensure their safety because of a football match.”
(AMcE)
On Tuesday, June 11, the Irish team play Saudi Arabia and the school principal said he had told parents not to send children from Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 to school next Tuesday.
The direction from the grammar’s principal Mr Lacey came following an incident when Ireland played Germany on Wednesday.
According to UUP assembly member for the area Derek Hussey the bus came under attack in the middle of the afternoon from people of all ages wearing Ireland colours and carrying tricolours.
One window was smashed on the bus after a missile was thrown and although no one was injured, Mr Hussey said the pupils on board were traumatised and upset.
Mr Hussey also said concerned parents had contacted him to tell him that pupils who had alighted from the bus in Abercorn Square and made their way to a telephone box to call their parents for a lift home had been traumatised by three adults who wrapped the kiosk in a tricolour while the children were inside.
Mr. Lacey says he has taken the drastic measure in an effort to avoid the possibility of a repeat attack. He has advised that pupils in Years 12, 13 and 14, already on study leave, who may have exams on Tuesday to have parents or friends collect them from school at the end of the tests.
He has also advised the pupils not to wear their uniform in order to avoid them being singled out.
Speaking today Mr Hussey said it was appalling that children should have been subjected to a barrage of abuse.
“I have contacted the Football Association of Ireland to intervene by issuing a statement calling on these so-called football supporters to desist from their actions which only bring the good name of thousands of well behaved fans into disrepute.
“I fully agree with the school that the safety of pupils is paramount and it is deplorable that such measures need to be enacted to ensure their safety because of a football match.”
(AMcE)
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.
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.
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.
24 May 2005
Pupils and parents encouraged to walk to school
Pupils and parents are being encouraged by Roads Service to replace the 'school run' with the 'school walk'.
Pupils and parents encouraged to walk to school
Pupils and parents are being encouraged by Roads Service to replace the 'school run' with the 'school walk'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
