The grounds of Jones Memorial Primary School have been transformed into Wonderland, and staff and pupils are inviting the local community to follow Alice down the rabbit hole – all in aid of a very worthy cause.
Robyn Bailie as Alice with Noelle McAlinden, Artist and Miriam Coffey, School Improvement Officer.
On Saturday, April 2, from 10am to 1pm, the school's 'Alice in Wonderland Trail', in support of the Northern Ireland Hospice, will open to the general public, and adventure awaits.
Upon arrival, visitors will meet Alice at the beginning of the trail, just before she falls down the rabbit hole!
Be prepared to run into the Mad Hatter as he prepares for a tea party with a difference.
Mrs Sandra Isherwood, Principal, (left), with Keira Hatton, (Cheshire Cat), Kara-Lily Boyd, (Mad Hatter) and Noelle McAlinden, Artist.
Watch out for the White Rabbit, who is always late, and visitors should mind they do not get their head chopped off when they visit the Queen of Hearts.
There will be plenty to see and do along the trail, with opportunities for face-painting, croquet-playing, art and craft, and a whole lot more.
Noelle McAlinden, artist and TEDX speaker, officially opened the trail on Wednesday, March 16. She says her heart lies in inspiring others whether through art or her mentoring journey, and highly praised the school's colourful, fun venture.
Robyn Bailie, Brooklyn Wills and Cody Kavanagh, who are taking part in The Alice In Wonderland event at the school.
She said: “Such a wonderful opportunity! The school have worked so hard to produce an adventure for all of the family. I highly commend this trail.
"Go along and be entertained and support the Northern Ireland Hospice, who do so much for those who are going through a very difficult time.”
As a school, Jones Memorial PS has worked hard to develop the 'emotional literacy' of all of its pupils. The Fermanagh school was one of 10 schools across Northern Ireland to take part in Professor Barry Carpenter's programme to address the outfall of the pandemic.
Miriam Coffey and Stephanie Quinn – representatives of the Education Authority – were also in attendance to mark the opening of the trail, saying they are very impressed with the pastoral care and family ethos that is evident in Jones Memorial.
Noelle McAlinden, Artist with Nicole Graham as Alice with her pet Rabbit.
Miriam said: “From the beginning of this project, it has been evident that the staff and pupils in the school have benefitted tremendously from the opportunity to work on emotional literacy on a day-to-day basis.
"Children are so happy in the school, and working on the Alice Trail has brought joy to the whole school family.”
Commenting that Jones Memorial PS is "caring, sharing and preparing" for the whole community, Vice-Principal Roberta Bailie added: "We are open for all. We look forward to welcoming [everyone] on Saturday, April 2, and extend a very warm welcome to family and friends.
"Please join us to raise much-needed funds for the Northern Ireland Hospice."
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