It's been a privilege says Principal Joe

A PRIVILEGE. That is how Leaney Principal Joe McConaghie described his time at the Ballymoney primary school. After 20 years as headmaster, Joe retires at the end of the month. He will be greatly missed by many, but the mark he has left on the school will live on for a very long time.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2010, 13:24 BST
Updated 11th Jun 2010, 12:45 BST

Joe came to the Leaney in 1990, after previous roles as headmaster of Damhead and Macosquin Primary Schools. In that time he has witnessed many changes, not least the new state of the art school building which opened in 2006. Yet perhaps the biggest change has been the way in which the children learn.

Those familiar with the school will know how bright and lively an environment it is. It would be a quite a different experience from that which many of the parents remember from their time at primary school. “In the past the school environment was very much based on the pupils sitting there and absorbing knowledge. Now the emphasis is on giving the children an opportunity to discover” Joe said. “The children are relaxed and comfortable, and most importantly they want to come to school.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The teaching methods are far removed from the chalk blackboards of the past. Computers play a key role in the classroom, with the children engaging in an interactive way with the learning materials. All of which makes the learning environment much more fun and exciting for the pupils. Yet Joe believes firmly that there is still a place for reading. He says “there is something in simply reading a book that the children can’t get from other resources. It allows them to develop their imagination and creativity in their own way.”

Joe is reluctant to pick out a particular highlight of his time at the school, saying that he has enjoyed every minute of it, although it may not have always seemed like that at the time. However, the new building was probably the biggest event during his time at the helm. He is keen to point out that none of it would have been possible without the team he had around him.

“It has been a privilege to have been a member of staff here. I would like say how much I appreciate the help of the community, the staff and the governors. I have received more support in this school than any other. I have been the principle of a wonderful school. It has many amazing, dedicated and gifted teaching staff. The support of the Board of Governors has also been so important” he said.

“I would especially like to thank Vice-Principal Mrs Rosemary Cochrane for all her advice and support. Mrs Trudy Pollock, Chair of the Board of Governors for her sterling work for the school, and all her assistance to me. Also Mr Nigel Burns, Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the PTA.

So what advice does Joe have for his successor? “Simply to enjoy it.”