Duo step down as Roddensvale governors

Stepping down from the Roddensvale School Board of Governors are former Chairman and a member of the founding board Austin Heatley and the Chairman of the Board of Governors Dr Herbie Baird. With them is school Principal John Madden. INLT 40-328-PR

Austin Heatley, former chairman and Dr Herbie Baird, current chairman, have decided not to continue when Roddensvale Governors reconstitute for the next four year period.

Both have given many years selfless service to Roddensvale School and were instrumental in ensuring that many important initiatives and changes were implemented.

Most notably, their support and advice during the transition to the new school building in 2006 now ensure that standards remain high and an excellent service will be delivered for many years to come.

Mr Heatley was on the first ever Board of Governors at its inception in 1986 when Roddensvale School changed from being run by the Health Department to being managed by the Department of Education.

He was chairman and also had a daughter Heather who is a past pupil. Dr Baird is a retired GP and keen amateur golfer.

Both men share a passion for music in school and continue to be supportive of projects linked to the Roddensvale choir and other related musical events associated with pupils.

At the end of the last meeting for this present group of governors, John Madden principal of Roddensvale, paid tribute to Mr Heatley and Dr Baird.

He said: “Both Dr Baird and Mr Heatley have been great supporters of the school and have always put the pupils first. I will miss their knowledge and insight.

“I also hope they will be frequent visitors and continue to support the work of the school.”

Dr Baird and Mr Heatley both said that they had enjoyed their time as governors and wished the school continued success.

In particular, Mr Heatley encouraged management to continue to invest in staff development at the school.

The meeting then concluded with tea and coffee being served and some reminiscence regarding both Mr Heatley and Dr Baird’s experiences as governors.

The pair promised to attend some of the forthcoming events planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Roddensvale.

The school, which was originally known as Larne Special Care School, first opened its doors to a group of six pupils on February 3, 1964. It was initially based out of a church hall in Larne Methodist Church, but a new school was built at The Roddens in 1968.