Derry principal calls on minister to protect “the joy of childhood” – away from mobile phones

PICTURED ABOVE: Guest speaker at the Oakgrove Integrated College's Annual Junior Prizegiving on Wednesday last, Mrs. Julie McDonagh, Principal, Roe Valley Integrated College (second from left), pictured with Mrs. Julie-Ann Canning, Head of Year 8, Mr. John Harkin, Principal, Mrs. Kelly-Marie Martin, Vice Principal and Mr. John O'Neill,Senior Teacher. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

The principal of Oakgrove Integrated College, John Harkin, says children are more like children when they are without their mobile phones - and he believes the school’s new policy has enabled students to capture and cherish more the joy of childhood.

Speaking at the school’s Junior Prizegiving, Mr Harkin said that since the school introduced its new policy on mobile phones ahead of the ministerial announcement, “in our canteen in the mornings, there is the buzz of real communication rather than the hum of the technological.”

“In the busyness of the business of life,” John Harkin continued, “we can overlook the moments which are special and precious. That is why taking the moment to make a fuss is so important. That is why, I think, we ought to cherish childhood more and why you as our junior students should enjoy the time you are now, not wishing to be older, just enjoy being you and the stage of life you are.”

“Over the last year,” the principal continued, “I have had cause to reflect on lives gone – people who were an influence to me, whose influence lasts longer than their lives do. That is why it is important to stop, to reflect and to cherish the small pieces which make up the bigger picture. Cherish special moments as we go through life, not just when we look back on it. Enjoy each day, and make time to be aware of what is special and precious.”

Commenting on the Minister for Education’s comment that he wants to keep young people in school until sixteen, John Harkin said he hoped “if we are to have change, it will be well planned, well thought through, well resourced, and with the best interest of our young people at heart.

"Earlier today I sat with a group of our Year 14 students; they were those who turned 18 in the summer, so we were marking their birthday,” he continued.

“I listened to their plans and hopes for their future, and I marvelled at the different pathways they have ahead, the journeys they have travelled, and the hope I have for our world with them in it. The joys and the hopes of our sixth form students make me hope that the Minister for Education will let our young people be themselves, and let them thrive in the new plans for post-16 education.

Mr. John Harkin, Principal, Oakgrove Integrated College addressing the attendance at Wednesday's Annual Junior Prizegiving in the school.

"And very importantly, I would ask what are we protecting together of childhood - because our children are children until they are 18.”  

IN PICTURES: Oakgrove Integrated College annual Junior Prizegiving

Mr Harkin welcomed the guest of honour, the principal of Roe Valley Integrated Primary school, Julie McDonagh. The primary has just celebrated its 20th birthday with the official opening of a brand-new purpose-built school.

 “Julie is our guest today,” he told pupils and guests, “because I thought that it would be good for us if some of her infectious joy, enthusiasm and celebration would rub off on us, and it reminds us of the joyful efforts made to open our own school building, now 20 years ago.”