Diamond Primary chalks up 75 years

From the chalk and slate to the latest technology of the computer suite, Diamond Primary School in Cullybackey has evolved beyond imagination during its 75 year history!
The Diamond Primary School who is celebrating its 75th anniversary. INBT42-207ACThe Diamond Primary School who is celebrating its 75th anniversary. INBT42-207AC
The Diamond Primary School who is celebrating its 75th anniversary. INBT42-207AC

And to mark this historic anniversary the school will be holding a special service of thanksgiving.

All former pupils, staff members and friends are invited to the service which is being held at 1st Ahoghill Presbyterian Church, on Wednesday, October 23 at 7.00pm.

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Generations of pupils will be reunited and memories shared as those connected with the school will be given the chance to commemorate this special occasion.

Also celebrating a milestone this year, is principal Mrs Duffin who has been at the school for 40 years.

She told the Times that the 75th anniversary is a very special occasion for the school, which prides itself on generation of family connections and, equally importantly, traditional family values.

The Diamond was opened back in 1938, when the two schools in the vicinity, Loan and Moyasset were amalgamated.

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The Loan National school was built from local funds and opened in 1834 while the school at Moyasset was built in 1824, also by public subscription,and opened in the following year.

Moyasset received National School status in 1840, when an application was forwarded to the Commissioners of Education in Dublin, requesting financial aid towards payment of teachers’ salary, and for supply of books.

The official opening of The Diamond Public Elementary School took place on Monday, October 30, 1938 in a ceremony performed by Mrs M.W. Patrick, Duneoin, Glarryford, in front of a large gathering.

The new school was planned to accommodate 144 pupils, and was built on modern lines, conforming to the Ministry of Education’s requirements.

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The main block consisted of a one-storey building with three classrooms with connecting corridor 8ft wide.

One of the classrooms was used for cookery and had a cooking range installed and scullery attached with wash-hand basin.

Things have changed greatly since then but the core ethic of solid education and good preparation for life remains part of the Diamond’s very foundations.