Chairperson Hosts 60th Anniversary Celebrations for St. Patrick’s Primary School, Newry

The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey has held a reception to mark the 60^th anniversary of Saint Patrick’s Primary School, The Meadow, Newry.

Speaking at the reception in Newry Arts Centre on 13 December 2019, Councillor Casey said, “I am delighted to host the teachers and Board of Governors of St. Patrick’s Primary School tonight to celebrate 60 years of the school–what a milestone!

“Whilst tonight is primarily a celebration, we should also reflect on all those pupils and staff who are sadly no longer with us.

“It is impossible to fully express the immeasurable contribution that this school has made to the fabric of life in Newry over 60 years, not forgetting of course the Nursery and their outstanding gift to pre-school education since its birth 20 years ago.

“Thousands of boys and girls have enjoyed the wide-ranging curriculum menu provided by this school over the last 60 years. Throughout our troubled past and times of conflict, Saint Patrick’s provided a haven or sanctuary as the boys tried to escape from the Troubles that were raging right across the North.

“In my role as a governor and formerly a member of the local Education Authority, I am only too aware of the pressures that schools face daily, and at times, we can get lost in the educational speak surrounding learning outcomes, high quality teaching and learning.”

Councillor also paid tribute to the school’s dedication to Shared Education and the impact made by Principal Mr Ciarán Mackin.

“Shared Education is a welcome new initiative within education but again it should come as no surprise that Saint Patrick’s and their sister school, Windsor Hill, have been actively engaging in shared activities over the past 10 years, so much so that it can be said that it is the model on which Shared Education has been built,” he said.

“Mr Ciarán Mackin became Saint Patrick’s fourth principal upon his appointment in October 2009, overseeing another decade of high quality education in The Meadow. Every pupil is encouraged to live out the school motto of ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve’, whilst all staff strive to make Saint Patrick’s a “place of love, learning and laughter”.

On a personal note, I would like to pay tribute to Ciarán, who I have known for many years. Not only is he an excellent teacher, he is a role model and a friend to all his teaching staff.  His personal style of outstanding leadership has inspired staff and students. Under Ciaran’s leadership the school has gone through tremendous positive change. He practises what he preaches; he is proud of his school and he doesn’t just value the students but the community as a whole.

“As we close this chapter in the history of this great school, I have every confidence that the next chapter will continue to be equally as rewarding and successful.”