Ballee putting pupils first

Welcoming the packed gathering of parents, pupils, staff, governors and guests, on behalf of principal, Mrs Gillian McCartney, was vice-chair of the Board of Governors, Allister McComb.

He said: “As a school we are not afraid of change and this year’s Annual Award ceremony differs from any other you have been to. Gone are the long speeches – the Annual Report will be posted home to all parents, and gone is the formality.

“Instead we will focus ALL of our attention on the prize-winners themselves and those who have been involved in extra curricular activities last year.

“This is an award ceremony which puts pupils first because that’s who you have come to see and who you have supported and encouraged all year and who are at the heart of everything we do as a school”.

Mr McComb conveyed, on behalf of Mrs McCartney, her thanks to all staff, both teaching and non-teaching “for their support for the young people in our school” and in particular, the Board of Governors for demonstrating “courageous and visionary leadership”.

And, he said, the principal also wished to acknowledge “the high volume of support from all of our stakeholders in relation to the response to the Area Planning Process”.

Mr McComb added: “Tonight is a celebration night and not the night for going into this in any detail,

save to say that the Governors of this your school will continue to do all they can to ensure that Ballymena South has a controlled post primary school serving the needs of the local community.....putting pupils first and establishing a hub of excellence.

“We pray wisdom and righteous discernment for those making the momentous decisions required to provide post-primary schools of excellence in this area”.

Mr McComb went on to pay tribute to and to thank Mrs McCartney, stating: “She works tirelessly for the good of ALL the young people under her care and is deeply focused on helping these pupils all realise their full potential

“Only the Board of Governors and those working closely with her will fully appreciate the challenges facing your Principal as she works tirelessly to steer this school into calmer, more prosperous and settled waters.”