Glenshesk man new Portrush school head

Glenshesk man Brian McCaughan has taken over principalship of the Causeway Street school.

The former head of St Mary’s PS on Rathlin Island - he used to catch the ferry over and back to the island each day - Mr McCaughan has also been Principal of Braid, Ballyclare, and has taught in Loughgiel.

Having taken over the Portrush school in mid-January, Mr McCaughan spoke about his delight at being appointed principal of St Patrick’s.

“I am really pleased to have come to such a lovely school community, where I was so warmly welcomed by the parents, staff and pupils.

“St Patrick’s has an excellent staff and very supportive parents. The school is growing in numbers, and I look forward to working with everyone to ensure that we have the best school possible.”

Mr McCaughan also highlighted the hard-working Friends of St Patrick’s Association.

“I want to acknowledge the wonderful work carried out by the Friends. They give us the most incredible financial support. For example, they have recently contributed towards purchasing interactive whiteboards, blinds for the classrooms and books for the pupils.

“Their generosity, and the time and support they give to the school is very much appreciated.”

Since his arrival, Mr McCaughan has overseen a considerable financial investment in literacy material for P1 and P2 classes, with the purchase of a brand new reading scheme.

Another aspect of school life to which the keen hurler has turned his attention is sport.

“Sport is going to be a significant area of development in St Patrick’s,” he said.

“We are going to improve the playgrounds, remove an old mobile classroom to enlarge the playing space, put up basketball and netball hoops and goals for soccer, and mark out new play areas for the younger children.

“We have already started after-school hockey and will be moving on to netball, basketball, hurling and camogie.

“We also have designed a new school strip and, thanks to the generous sponsorship of a local business family, I look forward to seeing our children proudly wearing it out to represent St Patrick’s in various competitions.”

Referring to the school as a whole, Mr McCaughan added: “I want St Patrick’s Primary School, to be an outstanding school, very much at the heart of the Portrush Community”, he concluded.