End of an era as school closes after 54 years

A decision to close the school came finally on Wednesday of last week when the Education Minister, John O'Dowd, approved the development proposal by the Western Education and Library Board to amalgamate the High School with Devenish College on the Enniskillen site from this September.

This followed a vote by the Lisnaskea High School Board of Governors in February to recommend closure of the school because of a continuing fall in enrolment. This year it had just 107 pupils.

When many schools close for the summer break, there is excitement about looking forward to eight weeks off and a return to a new school year. But at Lisnaskea, there was a mood of sadness.

With a large number of pupils absent through study leave or work experience, the small number of pupils attending their last day there said their farewells to the teaching and ancillary staff and in some cases, to their friends.

While the majority of pupils will transfer to Devenish College it is expected a number of them will apply to go elsewhere.

For the Principal, Mr. Nick Hambly, it was a particularly difficult day as he has only been in the post for two years.

He said, "Clearly, this is a sad day for Lisnaskea High School. In fact, it is the end of an era. It is a day for all to reflect on the school's lasting role within the community with gratitude. It is also, however, a day to look optimistically towards the future. As a community, then, let's celebrate what has passed and look forward to what lies ahead." Some of the pupils attending their non-uniform last day, were philosophical about the significance of the decision and about their futures.

Jessica Meikleham, a first year pupil who had transferred from Moat Primary School, says she will most likely be going to Devenish College in September.

"I've really enjoyed the year and hope to continue to meet with my friends," she said.

Matthew Downey will have an earlier start to the day from September. From Rosslea, he has grown used to fact that the school day in Lisnaskea only began at 9.40am which meant getting up at 8am. Now he will have to rise an hour earlier to get the bus to Devenish College. However he explained he already had a brother and sister attending Enniskillen schools.

Amy Moran who has just finished third year and will begin her GCSE courses in September, said there would be a bigger choice of subjects available to her now but she had enjoyed being part of a smaller school.

She described the teachers as being "really friendly" and they would stop to chat in the corridors.

Mr. Hambly outlined the next move for parents to ensure their children were catered for during the next school year.

In a statement on the school's website, he said, "The Western Education and Library Board (WELB) will now work with Mr Mervyn Walker and myself to take forward the merger. Due to the extremely tight timescale we must all work together to ensure that the needs of pupils are a priority. In taking forward the practical issues for September 2013, I would ask that for all issues of educational provision please contact me or Mr Walker, Principal of Devenish College (028) 66322923.

"So as to ensure the smoothest transition and preparation for all our children we need to know who will be attending Devenish College along with us in September 2013. For all matters relating to home-to-school transport, I would be grateful if you could contact David Spence, Chief Transport Officer - telephone: 028 82411263".

There are other practical details which have to be addressed such as school uniforms.

Any parent who just recently acquired a new Lisnaskea High School uniform, will get assistance from the Western Board to buy a new Devenish College uniform for their child.

Staff at the High School are being redeployed at Devenish College.

Lisnaskea High School's Board of Governors took its decision based on the current figures and projected enrolments over the next few years.

This year there were 100 pupils transferring from the feeder primary schools in the area but that reduces to 90 next year and 80 the following year when even fewer would have been opting to attend the Lisnaskea High School.

The Lisnaskea Action Group described the Minister's decision as a "great disappointment" especially as they had introduced a shared education model as a viable option to keep the school open.

A spokesman for the Group stated, "Shared Education has been backed by the Office of the Deputy and First Minister, after the announcement of Shared Future plans for Northern Ireland, which was unveiled at the start of May. Shared Education for the Lisnaskea area would have meant the school would have existed and retained its own identity and ethos but shared resources and teachers with other schools in the area, to allow for a more sustainable and stable educational system. Since John O'Dowd has announced the closure of Lisnaskea High School this has put pressure on other rural schools in the area that would have joined in the Shared Education model".

The Community Action Group thanked everyone for their message of support during their campaign.

The South East Fermanagh Foundation which had supported the school's retention, said they were saddened at the closure.

Kenny Donaldson, Director of Services at SEFF said, "The closure of the School is not only a blow for education within the area but also a massive hole is left for the community. The school buildings and grounds were the 'hub' for much good to be carried out aimed at building and strengthening the South Fermanagh community."