Celebrating success at Knockloughrim Primary

The school was awarded the ‘Best Kept’ primary school for the North Eastern Library Board area by the Northern Ireland Amenity council. They won the award not only for the school’s presentation but also the management of the school and the children’s involvement in decision-making.

“The sort of things the judges were pleased about were that the fact the children are heavily involved in the school, they designed a gate for the school grounds and got a local iron monger to make it,” Keith Wysner the school’s principal explained.

“A lot of planting goes on, the children look after the plants and water them and they help keep things tidy.

“Our kids are heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the school, the school council has an important role and it’s important that the children have a voice and that it’s heard. We listen to them and give them an opportunity to have their say.”

The school has grounds with mature trees and conservation areas and each year primary one pupils will plant new trees with their primary seven friends.

The school has an eco committee and they are active in recycling, they also have a wind turbine and plant trees each year.

The school was also celebrating sporting success with their recent win in five-a-side football tournament, beating Tobermore Primary School in very close game which went to extra time to decide the game. The young athletes have been working hard under the leadership of their coach Dwayne Nelson, goalkeeper for Ballymena United.

Their annual Teddy Bear’s picnic went down well with future primary one children who will be starting at the school in September.

Mr Wysner said: “It gives me an opportunity to speak to the mums and dads about what the children can expect in September.

“It’s a follow up to our open day, the children get to meet the staff, they get to see their classroom, the toys, the playroom and the great outdoor classroom. It gives them a good start before they join us.”