A proud day for a past pupil who became school principal

His delight at performing the official welcome at the religious service in Ebrington Presbyterian Church was evident for all to see, and he described all those who had braved the elements - pupils, parents, staff and visitors - as "A hardy bunch". He particularly welcomed the children from Ebrington Nursery Department who had also made the trek.

He went on to give an overview of the history of how the school came into being in April 1901, and later in the service Mr Dougherty paid tribute to staff members Irene Stone, Christine Baggley Lorna Irwin, Deborah Steele and Valerie Haslett for putting together the programme.

"This programme was all about celebrating the many good things associated with this school, and we are very proud of our achievements, past and present, academic, musical, sporting, social and cultural and remain determined to do even more in the future," he said.

Thanking everyone who contributed to the service, and all those who represented various role swithin the school community now, and in the past, Mr Dougherty particularly paid tribute to former vice-principal Ruby Millar, and past principal, Roy Wright, and he paid tribute also to their part of the 'Ebrington Story'.

"Ruby was vice-principal and her time here as a teacher spans all five decades. Roy Wright was principal from 1972 to 1997 - 25 years in total. Roy had a huge influence on modern Ebrington and saw the school through a time of rapid expansion culminating in a major building programme. Roy is my mentor, my friend and someone who we all admire and look up to," he said.

Completing his thanks, Mr Dougherty also mentioned Rev Rob Craig for allowing the school to use the church for the anniversary service, and Rev Dr Fell for returning to Ebrington to give the address.

"Lastly my thanks to you, the parents, past and present, the pupils and friends of Ebrington, for coming along to share in our 'Celebratory Service'," he said.

Before the Blessing and return trek to the school, the hymn 'Lord Dismiss us with Thy Blessing' was sung, as it was 50 years ago.

A welcome cup of tea or coffee and seasonal treats that included mini-mince pies, parkin, shortbread and chocolate-coated treats, were laid out alongside pyramids of sandwiches at the back of the Assembly Hall. One half of the hall was set out with tables and chairs, while the other half was left free for people to mingle and admire the photo montages on the far wall, that inlcuded some flattering and other, not so flattering photos of staff and past pupils!

Once everyone had shaken off the snow and warmed themselves through, Mr Dougherty took to the stage once again, where, before the cutting of an anniversary cake, Mr Dougherty formally welcomed everyone to the school building, noting that there was "a real buzz around the hall".

"My own association with Ebrington is a long and happy one. I was a pupil here from 1961 to 1967, vice-principal from 1989 to 1995, and principal from 1997 until today and hopefully, I still have a few years left in me," he said.

"I need no reminding of the immense responsibility on myself as principal of Ebrington to provide strong leadership, to ensure the school goes from strength to strength and builds on the excellent foundation provided by my predecessors. And, we are going from strength to strength because here in Ebrington we work as a team," he said.

AS this point Mr Dougherty stopped to pay tribute to all those involved in the religious service earlier in the day, the decorating of the hall, the floral arrangements, photo montages, the balloon release and the displays and cake.

He continued: "I have a committed and caring staff who want to provide the best for our pupils; a staff who are proud to be part of the Ebrington story. We are also fortunate to have parents who value the efforts of the school and who give us tremendous support.

"We have many friends in the local community who are prepared to devote considerable personal time and effort to the school, including governors who ensure the school is well managed," he said, adding: "Indeed a growing enrolment and the support of the Western Education and Library Board for our new school clearly demonstrate that this is a school worth investing in."

"Therefore, I am confident that Ebrington will survive the test of time and I am in no doubt that this wonderful school will continue, hopefully not on this site, as a centre for quality education for yet another 50 years."

After a rousing rendition of the specially written 'Happy Birthday' medley by the school choir, the youngest nursery pupil, Codie McGarrigle, and the school's oldest pupil, Matthew Austin, assisted the principal and vice-principal to cut the anniversary cake.

Afterwards the principal invited the children, their parents and guests outside for a balloon release at which hundreds of yellow and blue balloons symbolising the school's colours, were released into the winter skies, making a very dramatic scene against the frozen landscape of the Waterside.