Mrs Gardiner is new principal of Derryhale

Mrs Kelly Gardiner, who is currently teaching at Markethill PS, says she is excited to take up the post in January.

The 35-year-old, who is originally from Cookstown, has had an extensive teaching career in NI and Scotland. Following her post primary education at Cookstown High School, Mrs Gardiner studied a BEd HONS in Primary Education at Stranmillis University College, where she also completed her Masters in Leadership and Management in Education in 2011.

Mrs Gardiner began her primary teaching career in Glengormley in 2007, before relocating to Scotland in 2013 with her husband Drew, a past pupil of Portadown College. After the birth of their children, they had wanted to move closer to home and Mrs Gardiner took up a position in Markethill PS.

Mrs Gardiner, has regularly held senior leadership roles in schools, coordinating many curricular areas such as ICT, Literacy and P.E..

She has exciting ideas to enhance sport and ICT within her new school. “I feel extra curricular activities are so important for children. Once restrictions ease I look forward to developing these further in Derryhale.” Since the beginning of the pandemic, Mrs Gardiner has been at the forefront of developing online learning and hopes to put her ICT skills to good use and further enhance the teaching and learning at Derryhale.

“I am so excited to get to know the community, staff and the pupils. I look forward to working in partnership with them, to build on the many skills and achievements already within Derryhale,” said Mrs Gardiner, adding that Archie, her son will be attending Derryhale PS in the new year also.

The chairman of the Board of Governors Gareth Wilson said, “It was lovely to meet up with the newly appointed Principal Mrs Kelly Gardiner, who will take up her post in January.

“Kelly will take over from the very hard working and dedicated Mrs Joan McMenemy who will be stepping down from her role as Principal at the end of December - what a superb example of leadership, dedication and service over many, many years! I wish Mrs Kelly Gardiner all the best as she finishes the year at Markethill PS and prepares to take up this new and exciting role in Derryhale!”

Current principal Joan McMenemy said: “There is no Open Day at Derryhale PS this year but we would love to show prospective parents and pupils around the school at a convenient time and in a safe manner. To meet the principal and arrange a tour call 028 3887 1123 or email [email protected]”

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