Dana backs save St Columba’s campaign as Education Minister Paul Givan visits Newbuildings school

She highlighted the importance of schools as places where children develop ‘confidence, faith, friendship, and a sense of belonging’, and praised St Columba’s contribution to shared education.

"Faith-based education and shared education need not be in conflict, and they are certainly not in Newbuildings. St Columba’s and Newbuildings Primary School demonstrate how both can flourish alongside each other,” she said.

Other high-profile supporters include Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers, whose song Don't Go has provided a fitting musical connection to the campaign.

In a video message, Liam described the proposed closure as premature at a time when Newbuildings is preparing for further development, emphasising that "anything that brings us together is vital."

Derry musician and former St Columba’s pupil Peter Cunnah has also lent his support, reflecting the lasting connections that generations of former pupils maintain with the school.

Education Minister Paul Givan, meanwhile visited the school on Wednesday just one day after the statutory consultation on Development Proposal 754, which proposes the school's closure in August 2027, concluded.

The Minister's visit to the school followed an extraordinary week for St Columba’s, that saw the presentation of a petition containing 6,170 signatures to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, November 9.

Principal Mrs Tina Lyons welcomed the Minister's visit and the opportunity to showcase the school's everyday educational experience.

"We are delighted that the Minister took the time to meet our children, staff, parents and the wider community, and to listen to their experiences.

"Today he saw St Columba’s as it really is — a happy, vibrant and nurturing school where every child is known and every gift is grown. That is what makes St Columba’s special: our dedicated staff create opportunities every day for children to discover their talents, develop confidence and enjoy learning. We are immensely proud of everything our children achieve,” she said.

Julie Middleton MLA attended with the Minister and has expressed her strong support for St Columba’s Primary School, as the school faces the threat of closure, through their journey.

“St Columba’s is much more than just a school. It is a nurturing environment where children are at the heart of the school life , and where pupils are supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to thrive. The school is an integral part of the fabric of Newbuildings village and holds a place of importance within the local community. I recognise the deep concern that this proposal has caused for pupils, parents, staff and the wider community. I stand with all those who want to see St Columba’s remain open,” she said.

Gareth McFadden, Chair of the Board of Governors, said the school had presented a comprehensive and constructive response to the closure proposal.

"Our longstanding contribution to shared education is critically important. We believe our recovery plan, alongside the evidence presented through consultation, makes a credible case for giving St Columba’s the opportunity to grow and develop.

"We have submitted our plans to the Education Authority, setting out a positive and measurable pathway for the school's future. It considers P1 and whole-school recruitment, financial sustainability, fundraising, as well as opportunities arising from approved housing developments and further inclusive educational provision.

"Newbuildings is a growing village, 260 + houses are planned and there is significant potential for growth. We believe it would be premature to permanently remove valuable educational infrastructure without fully considering future housing development and demand,” he said.

Councillor Sean Mooney, Chair of the DCSDC Planning committee said: “I was really pleased to be invited here today. The case for St Columba’s to remain open is unassailable. I hope the department will consider the future opportunity for what it is.”

Mary Blake, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, said: "While this process has been challenging, the response from across communities and generations has been extraordinary.

"Our campaign has become about much more than opposing closure. It has given us the opportunity to celebrate the excellence of our school , to showcase all that we have to offer and to share the remarkable community spirit that surrounds it.

"Through our videos, photographs and social media engagement, thousands of people have been introduced to the wonderful family atmosphere at St Columba’s.

"We believe this has opened new doors to future recruitment and encouraged families to see what our school can offer to potential pupils. We would love the threat of closure to be lifted so that we can harness this opportunity to grow our school community.

"We are grateful to Minister Givan for taking the time to listen to our school community. Our ambition now is to build on this positive momentum and ensure that St Columba’s has the opportunity to welcome many more generations of children."

For the pupils of St Columba’s, the Minister's visit was another memorable experience in a school day filled with music, learning and friendship, Mrs. Blake said.

The children read and presented their wishes and hopes to the minister and presented a golden key, made through their intergenerational work with the Men’s Shed, asking that future generations would be able to access the door to St Columba’s just as they have been.

Rudhan O’Donnell said: “Please don’t turn this golden key to shut our school, keep St Columba’s open so that we can share a magical future together in our village forever.”