Education Minister applauds all involved in the building and running of Tannaghmore PS '¨which is still in the process of being transformed

Education Minister John O’Dowd was impressed with the progress of the new £6m building - half of which is now up and running.

It is a teacher and pupil’s dream with all 22 of the new classrooms interactive and high-tech.

However when the little children were asked what they loved most about the new school, it was the colours that had the highest vote.

It is open and airy with bright rainbow colours throughout breathing a sense of optimism and vibrancy throughout.

Compared to the old drafty and less comfortable classrooms at the old school, it is space age technology merged with colourfully zoned areas and specially tailoured rooms.

In one classroom children were reading while the interactive TV played a soothing lava lamp and calming piped music came from the surround sound.

In another the little ones were learning the time and were able to walk up to the TV and play with the 
interactive clock.

For the early years pupils there are communal play areas for out of class time where they can have fun and continue learning.

Plus there is a superb gym hall with large flat screen and surround sound 
music system.

Many of the older visitors who were touring the new building recalled the old blackboard days and were agog at the superb learning systems for children at Tannaghmore.

And plans are afoot for the local community and groups to use the school in the evenings when the new main hall is completed.

Education Minister, John O’Dowd said: “I am delighted to visit Tannaghmore Primary School to see progress on the new £6m school. Construction work is well underway with a 2-storey classroom block already completed and the second phase on schedule for completion later this year.

“Tannaghmore Primary School has been an integral part of the local community in Lurgan for over 100 years. The new £6m build will ensure that the school continues to deliver a quality education in modern, state-of-the-art surroundings for many generations to come.”

Aiden F. McVey, Principal of Tannaghmore Primary School said: “We are very pleased that Minister O’Dowd has visited us to view progress of the new school. We are delighted with the project is now entering the final phase and we very much look forward to seeing the completed school in September 2016.”

The Minister said: “I always enjoy visiting schools and meeting with staff and pupils. It is particularly rewarding when I am able to see the impact that investment has on teaching staff and pupils as well as the impact on the local construction industry. I thank Principal McVey for inviting me to visit and wish him, the teaching staff and all the pupils well for the future.”