Politicians from across the spectrum stood with St. Columba’s Primary School as a petition containing 6,170 signatures was presented at Stormont in an appeal to save the school from closure.

Pupils, parents, teachers and governors were in attendance as they brought their campaign to the Assembly.

With a public consultation on Development Proposal 754 closing on Tuesday, November 10, campaigners are urging Education Minister Paul Givan to listen to the voices calling for the school to remain open.

The day began in Newbuildings, where UUP Alderman Janice Montgomery came to see the children off before they travelled to Parliament Buildings.

The St. Columba's PS school community pictured with local MLAs at Stormont on Monday.

placeholder image — The St. Columba's PS school community pictured with local MLAs at Stormont on Monday.

The threat to the school was raised by local MLAs during Members’ Statements.

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said: “I recently had an opportunity to meet with the parents and the staff of St. Columba's and to hear first hand just how much this school means to them.

"What was clear from that visit was the strength of feeling within the community, the determination of those involved and the very real concern about what the loss of the school would mean to local families.

"St. Columba's is much more than a building where children go to learn. It is a place where young people are supported and encouraged and given the foundations that they need to thrive. It is a place where friendships are formed, confidences built and children are given a real sense of belonging.”

Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson, who presented the petition to the Speaker Edwin Poots, said: “The signatories formally object to the proposed closure of St. Columba's PS, Newbuildings and ask that Development Proposal 754 is not approved.

“St. Columba's PS is a small, valued local school at the heart of Newbuildings. It provides a nurturing environment where children are known individually, supported and encouraged to thrive.

"The school also plays an important and vital role in the wider life of the village through its close relationship with the neighbouring Newbuildings PS so children from different traditions have opportunities to learn, play and build friendships together within their own community.”

DUP MLA Julie Middleton joined pupils, parents and teachers to demonstrate her support.

Mrs. Middleton said: “I was glad to meet some of the lovely students, parents and staff to show my support and the support that so many of you, particularly from Newbuildings, have voiced to me.”

The school has received public support from the Bishop of Derry, Michael Router, and the Very Reverend Dr. William Morton of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, who was Dean of St Columb’s for 19 years.

Principal Tina Lyons said: “Today was an incredibly proud and emotional day for everyone associated with St. Columba’s. To see our children sitting in the Speaker’s Gallery, listening as their school and their future were discussed in the Assembly, was something we will never forget.

“We are deeply grateful to every political representative who has taken the time to listen to our children, our parents and our community.”

Parent Maeve Leahy: “As parents, we've been knocking on doors throughout Newbuildings over the past few weeks, and the response has been incredible. Every person we spoke to fully supported the school, not one turned us away.”

Supporters can sign the petition: at https://www.change.org/p/saving-st-columba-s-primary-school-newbuildings-stop-the-closure

Representations can be submitted to the Department of Education at [email protected].