WORK has started on the new £4 million building project at Erne Integrated College, principal Jimmy Jackson-Ware was pleased to announce at the Enniskillen school’s annual prizegiving.

Addressing the parents, grandparents and relatives of the pupils, Mr Jackson-Ware said he had “great pleasure” in announcing that the builders, with their high visibility jackets and hard hats, were now on site at the school.

The multi-million pound project will see the construction of a state-of-the-art sports hall, learning support base, dance/ drama studio, purpose-built sixth form centre and the refurbishment of parts of the school’s main building.

The principal said that the plans for the project, scheduled for completion in October 2017, were currently on display in the school’s foyer.

Praising the positive relationship that exists at Erne Integrated College between “school, student and home”, Mr Jackson-Ware said this was “crucial” to a successful, high-achieving school.

He also paid a special tribute to the members of the Board of Governors, in particular vice-chairman Mark Edwards, for their “selfless, tireless” work in the interests of the students.

Introducing special guest Lynne Carroll (nee McFrederick), the principal said he was delighted to welcome back the talented sportswoman - and former pupil - to the school.

Currently employed with Youth Action NI, Lynne has played for the Northern Ireland football team at international level and also been a key member of the Fermanagh ladies county Gaelic football team for almost a decade.

“A fine role model for all our students,” he said.

Having completed his first year as the “lead learner” of Erne Integrated College, Mr Jackson-Ware said it was an honour and a privilege to serve as principal, adding that he was “thoroughly enjoying” the experience.

“There have been many highlights and successes during the past academic year,” he said.

The principal urged the students receiving awards to “enjoy the warm rosy glow of success”.

He said his focus as the lead learner was to achieve school improvement and ensure the young people who attended the college had a first class educational experience and achieve their best.

Describing the school as promoting a ‘can do’ culture, he said: “One measure of success and improvement is examination results. In August 2016, there was an eight per cent improvement at GCSE level.”

Mr Jackson-Ware said that the school had recently undergone two one-day inspections, in February and November this year.

“I am delighted to inform you that on both occasions all lessons observed by the inspector were graded as effective or better and some elements as outstanding,” he said.

Paying tribute to the school staff, the principal said that improvement could not take place without a “hardworking and committed team”.

Mr Jackson-Ware finished his address by talking a little about integrated education.

He said: “As the only post-primary integrated school in Fermanagh we have a huge responsibility – it is pioneering.”

The principal said that integrated education was helping to make Northern Ireland a place where young people could work and have joyful lives in a peaceful society based on equality and respect.

He said: “You will know and understand that the greatest commitment to integration is to send your child to an integrated school. I have three daughters, the eldest who has just started university.

“All three have attended Omagh Integrated Primary School. My eldest daughter attended Drumragh Integrated College and the other two are still there.

“As a parent, I believe their lives have been enriched by attending integrated schools. They have worked and played with other young people from a diverse range of backgrounds. They accept people as people regardless of their race, gender, colour or perceived ability.”

Mr Jackson-Ware said that co-education was a very important part of integration.

He said: “I went to all-boys schools and did not get the opportunity to work with girls until I went to university. I was awkward and uncomfortable with girls – that isn’t a good preparation for life. My own daughters have always had boys as friends and many will be lifelong friends.

“We all need to lobby our politicians and the assembly executive in particular to ensure they fulfil their statutory duty to encourage and facilitate integrated education. No child should be denied the opportunity to attend an integrated school,” he added.