Celebrating a year of success

Addressing the packed Prize Day gathering, last Wednesday, Mr Donaldson said his vision was “of a thriving; high achieving; self-sustaining school catering for all abilities and backgrounds. A school where the value-added is strong.

“Where staff and pupils share that vision, aspire to be the best they can be and take genuine pride in their school. Where children and parents see Cullybackey College as an attractive alternative to the needless pressure of AQE and GL tests.

“Where people are attracted to Cullybackey College, not because of a name or label, but rather because we are, quite simply, a good school. Or, as the Department of Education’s ‘Every School A Good School’ defines this - ‘a vibrant, self-improving, well-governed and effectively led community of good practice, focusing not on institutions but on meeting the needs and aspirations of all pupils through high quality learning, recognising the centrality of the teacher’.”

The principal said that he was “positive” about the future of the school due to the

combined efforts and professionalism of staff both teaching and non-teaching, the Board of Governors, outside agencies, the parents and families and the North Eastern Education and Library Board.

He said: “The ethos of Cullybackey College is defined, of course, primarily by the achievements of our pupils. and it is with pride that I see young people who are a credit to their school, to their families, but above all, to themselves. We are here to celebrate your achievements, for you are the heartbeat of everything that we do in this school.”