Pupils refuse to let school closure ruin Christmas

The children of Nazareth House have refused to allow their school closure to ruin Christmas.

A week after the Londonderry primary school was shut because of an unsafe roof, the pupils were full of festive cheer on Wednesday as they tucked into Christmas dinner in the City Hotel.

They have also been making final preparations this week for the annual carol service and nativity play, knowing that they will not be back at school until after Christmas.

Principal Róisín Blackery summed up their spirit when she said: "The show must go on."

The school closed on the 3 December after an inspection of the roof found that it was unsafe.

The 203 pupils have since been told they will not be back in the classroom until the new year.

But local businesses were determined that they would be back together under the one roof for some festive cheer - and came up with the idea of the Christmas dinner.

"It's not fair for the kids not to have a Christmas school dinner or to be in school because this is the fun time of the year, it's unfortunate but I hope they enjoy today," said Pat Kennedy, from Cloisters Café, who helped organise the event.

For pupils like Eden and Evie, it was a chance to dress up in their best Christmas jumpers and be reunited with their friends.

Eden said she was grateful and thankful when she walked into the hotel to see the dinner.

"It is kind of a shame that we aren't in school 'cause we love our canteen ladies and we love our Christmas dinners," she said.

"I really hope the school gets fixed soon but I am really happy we are here."

Josh, who is in primary seven, he said he missed his classmates.

"we don't get to see them as much anymore but I am excited to see them today," he said.

Before the lunch, the children were finalising their preparations for their annual carol service and nativity play.

Róraí, who plays Joseph, said he was delighted with his role and glad he was performing with his friends.

Zara, who plays Mary, said it was going to be a great show and she was thrilled with the chance to stage it with all her friends.

Show coordinator Shauna Molloy-O'Dowd said they were all hugely-talented and "an inspiration".

The school is not expect to return to face to face learning until January.

Róisín Blackery said people had really rallied round in their hour of need.

"When times get tough, Derry has your back, the people of Derry have your back" she said.