Parents of pupils at Ysgol Meidrim in Carmarthenshire have described the run-up to a crunch vote on the school's future as an "incredibly emotional and uncertain time" for their families and community.
Councillors decided the fate of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro at a meeting on October 14, with a majority of elected members voting to close both schools on December 31.
Pupils' strength praised
In a statement released before the meeting, the parents said: "As parents, this is an incredibly emotional and uncertain time for our families and community. Our children are at the heart of everything, and it is their happiness, their well-being and their future that matter most to us.
"Over this past year, we have watched our children display great strength, togetherness, and courage that has made us as parents so incredibly proud to witness."
They added that pupils had shown "great enthusiasm and joy" in campaign videos and at peaceful protests, regardless of the weather.
School 'more than a school'
The parents said seeing their children's love for the school while its future was uncertain had been difficult, describing Ysgol Meidrim as "so much more than a school".
"It is a place where we've seen friendships blossom amongst our children, and families become part of a close-knit community," they said. "Every child is different, and for some, a smaller, nurturing environment like Ysgol Meidrim can make all the difference in a child's learning and development."
They said that once a school like Ysgol Meidrim is gone, the unique support, relationships and sense of belonging it offers "simply cannot be recreated".
Stepping back from interviews
Ahead of the decision, the parents said many were finding it difficult to express how they felt and would step back from individual media interviews to focus on supporting their children and one another.
"Please understand that our quietness does not reflect a lack of passion or how much this school means to us," they said. "Sometimes, when something means so much, it is difficult to put those feelings into words.
"Whatever tomorrow brings, we will always be immensely proud of our children, our school and our community. The strength, love and togetherness shown throughout this journey are a testament to just how much Ysgol Meidrim means to us all."
