The US Consul General Gregory Burton visited the All Children Integrated Primary School in Newcastle and chatted with pupils in their new classroom playground extension.[/caption]
The new facility, which boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including a climbing frame, a boat-shaped stage, an insect hotel and musical instruments, is an enclosed area especially for the younger pupils and has a new safety surface.
Principal Joyce McMeekin said: “This play area is a wonderful new addition to our school. Both the staff and pupils have been so excited watching it develop over the past year. We’re delighted and honoured that the US Consul General has been able to come and celebrate its opening with us”
US Consul General Gregory Burton was welcomed to the school by Ms McMeekin and the Vice chair of the Board of Governors David George and toured classrooms before formally opening the new outdoor facility.
Mr Burton added: “I am grateful to everyone involved at All Children’s Integrated Primary School who have allowed me to share in their celebration of this wonderful new facility. The equipment will bring a unique and enjoyable form of learning to a shared and inclusive schooling environment”.
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The IEF is an independent charitable trust supporting the development and growth of integrated education. Their purpose is to enable children to learn together in an environment that celebrates religious and cultural diversity, making integration, not separation, the norm in the Northern Ireland education system. On the basis of parental demand they continue to support the establishment of more integrated school places, the transformation of existing non-integrated schools to integrated status and cross-community school initiatives that provide meaningful interaction between pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.]]>
