Coleraine playgroup unveils 'Roma's Cottage' playhouse
PUPILS and staff of St Malachy's Pre School Playgroup remembered a very special pupil last week.
Three-year-old Roma McAleese was knocked down and killed close to her home in Ashdale in April.
And last Tuesday morning a special playhouse was officially opened in the grounds of the Nursery Avenue pre-school, to pay tribute to one of the school's most popular pupils.
Joanne Gaile, Playgroup Leader, told The Times: "The kids here still talk about Roma.
"She was a very special little girl, who was well liked by the staff and the children.
"We hold a fun run every year around the grounds of the school, but this year we decided to do something in memory of Roma. We managed to raise 1,200, so we bought the playhouse, which the children have really enjoyed playing in.
"The kids have been very involved in this fundraiser.
"We had to be honest with them at the time Roma died. Three-year-olds understand more than you think, and I think that they have helped the staff to cope with what happened."
Joanne added: "Roma was very popular, and the children still do pictures for her and put them in her little pigeonhole, which all the children have. Her picture is still on our wall, and it will stay there with the rest of her classmates until the end of June when they will move on to big school.
" We felt that we had to do something now, while the children were still with us.
"The vast majority of them are moving on to primary school, just like Roma would have been, so there will always be something to remind us of her here at St Malachy's."
The playgroup leader also paid tribute to Roma's parents, Andrea and Gary. "They have been very supportive to us, despite going through a very tough time.
"They came in during the fun run and raised money for the playhouse. We hope that we have helped them.
"Roma's mother spoke to me about there being no division, despite what's going in the area at the minute, and it is true. At St Malachy's we are one big family, one community."
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Weather for Coleraine
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 5 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 32 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 9 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
