New Principal delighted to take up post at Ballinderry

Mrs Lorraine Magowan was selected head teacher following the retirement of Mr Ian Thomson.

Mrs Magowan completed her B.Ed Degree in Stranmillis College and first came to teach Primary 1 and Primary 2 in Ballinderry Primary in 1983 - her first permanent post.

She was the Music Co-ordinator and Geography Co-ordinator until her appointment as Vice Principal in May 2003 and then became Maths Co-ordinator and Head of Pastoral Care and continued to teach Year 1 until 2006 when she moved to Year 3.

Mrs Magowan has been Acting Principal in Ballinderry Primary since last December and said she was delighted to be appointed to the post on a permanent basis.

She said: “I hope to continue with the happy, caring environment that we provide in Ballinderry Primary. Our children are valued and respected members of the school community. Our Vision statement, ‘With our hearts we love and respect. With our minds we learn and reflect’, sums up our Christian ethos and desire to create life long learners.

“I am privileged to lead a dedicated staff who make sure that our children are well motivated and enjoy learning. I am committed to ensuring that each child reaches their full potential and leaves Ballinderry Primary fully equipped for the challenges that lie before them.”

The head teacher paid tribute to her former Principal Mr Ian Thomson for giving her the opportunity and support to pursue her many initiatives.

She said: “Mr Thomson always encouraged me in my Professional Development and I successfully completed my Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH) in June 2007. I am currently undertaking a MSc in Collaborative Leadership in Queen’s University.”

In October 2009 Ballinderry Primary moved into their new school building and Mrs Magowan assisted Mr Thomson in creating the state of the art facilities they have today. Mrs Magowan said she is very proud of the new building.

“Ballinderry Primary is about the people that make up the school community. We have wonderful pupils, staff, parents and governors who work together for a common good,” she said.

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