Mrs Scott's P1 class at Rathcoole PS in 2014.

Mrs Scott's P1 class at Rathcoole PS in 2014.

Retro: first days at school around Newtownabbey

By Russell Keers

Published 12th Sep 2023, 17:22 BST

Updated 12th Sep 2023, 17:23 BST

Starting primary school is a big step for little ones and their families and over the years the Newtownabbey Times photographers have captured those precious first days.

We’ve delved into the archives and turned up this great selection of P1 pupils from their first days at various schools across Newtownabbey over recent years.

It’s sure to bring back a few memories.

Mrs Scott's P1 class at Rathcoole PS in 2014.

. First days at school

Mrs Scott's P1 class at Rathcoole PS in 2014. Photo: Phillip Byrne

Mrs Sturgess and Mrs Farquhar's P1 class at Ballyclare Primary School in 2010.

. First days at school

Mrs Sturgess and Mrs Farquhar's P1 class at Ballyclare Primary School in 2010. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs Lennox's P1 class at Abbots Cross Primary School in 2009.

. First days at school

Mrs Lennox's P1 class at Abbots Cross Primary School in 2009. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs McCoy and Mrs Smith's class at Ashgrove Primary School in 2013.

. First days at school

Mrs McCoy and Mrs Smith's class at Ashgrove Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Matthew Donnelly and Jordan Thompson started P1 at Ballyhenry Primary School in 2013.

. First days at school

Matthew Donnelly and Jordan Thompson started P1 at Ballyhenry Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs Weir and Mrs Armstrong's class at Ballynure Primary School in 2013.

. First days at school

Mrs Weir and Mrs Armstrong's class at Ballynure Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs Blain's P1 class at Carnmoney PS in 2016.

. First days at school

Mrs Blain's P1 class at Carnmoney PS in 2016. Photo: Alistair Mawhinney

Mrs Hill's class at Doagh Primary School in 2013.

. First days at school

Mrs Hill's class at Doagh Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

P1 pupils at Earlview PS in 2018.

. First days at school

P1 pupils at Earlview PS in 2018. Photo: Alistair Mawhinney

Mrs McQueen and Mrs Stewart's P1 class at Fairview Primary in 2015.

. First days at school

Mrs McQueen and Mrs Stewart's P1 class at Fairview Primary in 2015. Photo: Alistair Mawhinney

Mrs Bell and Mrs McKee's P1 class at Glengormley Integrated Primary School in 2013.

. First days at school

Mrs Bell and Mrs McKee's P1 class at Glengormley Integrated Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs Graham's P1 class at Hollybank Primary School in 2012.

. First days at school

Mrs Graham's P1 class at Hollybank Primary School in 2012. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs Weir and Mrs Armstrong's class at Ballynure Primary School in 2013.

5. First days at school

Mrs Weir and Mrs Armstrong's class at Ballynure Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Mrs Blain's P1 class at Carnmoney PS in 2016.

6. First days at school

Mrs Blain's P1 class at Carnmoney PS in 2016. Photo: Alistair Mawhinney

Mrs Hill's class at Doagh Primary School in 2013.

7. First days at school

Mrs Hill's class at Doagh Primary School in 2013. Photo: Freddie Parkinson

P1 pupils at Earlview PS in 2018.

8. First days at school

P1 pupils at Earlview PS in 2018. Photo: Alistair Mawhinney