St Thérèse’s Primary School, Lenamore, in the Galliagh area of Derry has hailed by Education Minister John O’Dowd for its innovative approach to involving parents in their children’s education.
The Minister visited the school to present certificates to local parents and family members who had completed the Families and Schools Together (FAST) initiative.
FAST sees parents and family members attend eight weekly interactive sessions in the school where they participate in learning activities along with their children.
Speaking during his visit, the Minister said the FAST project, delivered by staff at St Thérèse’s, was an excellent example of how schools can engage, and keep engaged, parents in their children’s learning.
He added: “By bringing family members into the school environment to take part in activities with their children, the project builds their confidence and their capacity to carry that process on at home.
“Almost 100 families in the Galliagh area have now benefitted from the FAST project and I understand the feedback has been hugely positive.”
St Thérèse’s Primary School works with the Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and is one of nine schools in the Thornhill/Galliagh learning cluster in Derry.
With a significant proportion of pupils entitled to free school meals, the school also receives funding under the Department of Education’s Extended Schools programme.
The Minister referred to the school’s role in the community: “St Thérèse’s is an integral part of the local community and I am heartened to see the positive impact the school is having on family lives here. Funding from my Department enables the school to deliver activities such as a breakfast club, counselling service and a range of after-school clubs, including gardening and martial arts. Pupils are also taken on educational visits to broaden their experience outside the school environment.”
Concluding, the Minister said: “There is no doubt that parent and family involvement in children’s education can deliver real benefits to attainment and, in turn, life chances and outcomes. Indeed, this is the focus and spirit of my ‘Education Works’ campaign.
“The FAST project at St Thérèse’s in Galliagh is a real success story in this regard. I commend the school staff on their hard work and commitment in delivering the scheme; the Principal and governors for facilitating it; and local parents and families for embracing the initiative for the benefit of their children’s learning.”
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