Principal appointed to lead new school

The Interim Board of Governors of Abbey Community College has announced the appointment of Mrs Maria Quinn as principal designate.
Mr John Lewis (principal, Newtownabbey Community High School), Mrs Susan OConnor (vice chairperson, Interim Board of Governors), Mr Nigel Pell-Ilderton (principal, Monkstown Community School), Mrs Maria Quinn (principal designate, Abbey Community College) and Mr Tim ONeill (chairperson, Interim Board of Governors). INNT 44-506CONMr John Lewis (principal, Newtownabbey Community High School), Mrs Susan OConnor (vice chairperson, Interim Board of Governors), Mr Nigel Pell-Ilderton (principal, Monkstown Community School), Mrs Maria Quinn (principal designate, Abbey Community College) and Mr Tim ONeill (chairperson, Interim Board of Governors). INNT 44-506CON
Mr John Lewis (principal, Newtownabbey Community High School), Mrs Susan OConnor (vice chairperson, Interim Board of Governors), Mr Nigel Pell-Ilderton (principal, Monkstown Community School), Mrs Maria Quinn (principal designate, Abbey Community College) and Mr Tim ONeill (chairperson, Interim Board of Governors). INNT 44-506CON

The new school - an amalgamation of Newtownabbey Community High School and Monkstown Community School - is due to open on September 1, 2015.

Mr Tim O’Neill, chairperson of the Interim Board of Governors, said: “This is a very exciting time for the Newtownabbey area with the creation of a new school. Combining the experience and skills from both schools will provide a solid base for an excellent learning experience for all of the pupils. I look forward to working with Mrs Quinn and watching the new school grow and flourish.”

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Mrs Quinn took up post at the beginning of September and brings considerable experience to the role, having most recently been vice principal at Hazelwood Integrated College. She has been working closely with the current principals and staff of both schools on preparations for the planned merger.

Mrs Quinn said she is “privileged” to have been appointed as the first principal of Abbey Community College and is “excited at the opportunity of establishing a new school in the Newtownabbey area.”

“This is a great opportunity to bring the best of Monkstown Community School and Newtownabbey Community High School together. By drawing on the existing strengths and considerable expertise in both schools exciting new opportunities for students, staff and the local community can be created,” she commented.

Mrs Quinn’s vision for Abbey Community College is that all students will be offered the opportunity of a seven-year learning experience with a wide variety of academic, vocational and extra-curricular opportunities.

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“By adopting a child-centred approach and a culture of respect for self and others, all students will have the opportunity to be challenged and supported to achieve their full potential. From Year 8 all students will have a personalised learning journey which will make them ready for Higher Education, Further Education or employment in this ever changing world,” she added.

Mrs Quinn is based at the NEELB offices at Antrim Board Centre where she is working closely with the Interim Board of Governors and Board Officers in preparation for the opening of the new school at Bridge Road.

For more information about the development of the new Abbey Community College log on to www.abbeycommunitycollege.co.uk

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