St Johns Primary School wins 2009 Calor Rural School Award

18 November 2009

St John’s Primary School, Swatragh, has been named the winner of the Calor Village of the Year rural school award, run in conjunction with RDC.

The Co Londonderry school beat off stiff competition from eight other schools across Northern Ireland to win the coveted title and a cash prize of £500.

The Calor Village of the Year competition, run in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council, celebrates vibrant, enterprising and caring rural communities that make the most of local opportunities.

The Calor rural school award recognises the important role that schools play in rural communities and the positive contribution they make to village life.

St John’s headmistress Fiona Kearney said: “The school is absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award, which recognises the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils and parents in helping to make a real difference to community life in Swatragh.

“The school has become the heart of the community and created a real sense of togetherness. By helping to improve our community, we are helping to educate and develop our children so they can make a positive contribution to our future.”

Congratulating the winner, Steve Cooke, Chief Executive of Calor Gas, said: “St John’s is a small, yet innovative and enterprising primary school which impressed judges with its exceptional level of involvement in a wide range of activities and facilities that are open to the whole community.

”The judges also commended St John’s entrepreneurial ‘We Mean Big Business’ initiative, through which the school utilises strong links with local companies to educate children on various aspects of doing business as well as raising much needed funds for the school.”

Martin McDonald, Chief Executive of the Rural Development Council, added: “All the competitors reflected a determination and enthusiasm to showcase the important role they play in village life. Our work in RDC has highlighted the important contribution that rural schools make to their local community. The high quality of entries confirms that Northern Ireland is home to many thriving and enterprising schools that are making a real difference to the development of their communities.”

For more information visit wwwww.calorvillageoftheyear.org.