Communities in Northern Ireland are coming together for heartfelt Christmas nativity plays as two rural schools prepare for closure. Duneane Primary in County Antrim will host its last performance on December 21, 2023, marking the end of an educational legacy that spans 135 years. With only 18 pupils, the school has been a cornerstone of the local community, according to principal Paula Matthews, who described the moment as “poignant.”
For many, the nativity play is not just a festive tradition but a means of uniting families and friends in a rural setting. “We’re a rural school, we’re very much at the heart of the community and we have been for 135 years,” said Matthews. “The nativity has always been part of that.” While the event aims to celebrate the school’s history, Matthews acknowledges the bittersweet feelings surrounding the closure. “Everything is a last for us at the moment. We’re trying to keep it upbeat but there is a tinge of sadness as well,” she added.
The impact of the closure extends beyond the school itself. Matthews emphasized the generational ties within the community, stating, “You see the same names appearing and that’s maybe going back 40, 50, 60 years.” The farming community that has long supported the school faces significant change as this educational legacy comes to an end.
Uncertainty Looms at St Malachy’s Primary
Approximately 56 miles away, students at St Malachy’s Primary in Kilclief are also preparing for their Christmas show while grappling with uncertainty about their future. Opened in 1867, the school has been another vital community hub, serving 35 pupils. Principal Ciaran Clifford stressed the importance of the school as a gathering space, stating, “This isn’t just a place where children come to learn but also where the community comes to meet and discuss plans.”
Clifford reiterated the sense of normalcy in the face of potential closure. “For me and the staff, it’s to continue with normal school life until you hear a final decision,” he noted. The school plans to hold its Open Day and Christmas play, maintaining its role as a central figure in the community.
Community member Mairéad Curran, a resident of Kilclief for over 54 years, highlighted the challenges faced by rural schools. She noted that declining family sizes and a lack of housing contribute to the diminishing student population. “I think it’s the lack of housing. But also people aren’t having as big families,” she explained. Curran, who comes from a large family herself, pointed out the financial constraints many families face today.
As of now, only two houses are listed for sale in Kilclief, each priced just below £515,000. The dwindling number of students in rural schools is emblematic of a broader trend affecting similar communities across Northern Ireland.
Students Reflect on Their Experiences
In St Malachy’s playground, pupils engage in various activities, from playing football to riding scooters. Ella, a P7 student, expressed her affection for the school. “I love this school because it is so fun with my friends and all of the teachers are so lovely,” she said. Next year, she will transition to a larger school in Downpatrick.
Classmate Bella is busy preparing for her role as narrator in the Christmas play. She is aware of the changes ahead. “It will be a big change because at the minute we have just over 30 people in our school and we’ll be going somewhere with 30 people in a class,” she noted. Bella, like many of her peers, treasures the countryside and the tight-knit community.
Rhys, a P6 student, shared his own thoughts on the impending transition. “I like to see my friends when I’m at school. It’ll be hard moving to a big school and making new friends other than my friends here,” he remarked. Rhys enjoys the agricultural lifestyle, helping his family with their farm that raises sheep and crops.
The nativity plays at Duneane Primary and St Malachy’s Primary are not merely performances; they symbolize the deep-rooted connections within these rural communities. As these schools face closure, the community’s collective memory and traditions will linger, underscoring the significant role these institutions play in rural life.
