50th anniversary for Killough school

50th anniversary for Killough school

11 March 2020

THE ‘one big family’ of St Joseph’s Primary School in Killough came together last Sunday to celebrate 50 years in its current Main Street campus.

Pupils and their families gathered in St Joseph’s Church in the village to celebrate the impressive milestone.

A special Mass was celebrated by the parish priest, Father Peter O’Kane. The school choir, led by church organist Marie McLaughlin, took part and there was a solo performance by pupil Maci McIlhone.

There was a tremendous turnout of past staff, pupils, parents, governors and members of the local community for a reception in the school hall afterwards with a host of archive memorabilia charting sporting and academic achievements throughout the years on show.

The first principal of the new school, Mr Bill McStay, attended along with former staff members and pupils. 

Notable past pupils of St Joseph’s include former Celtic footballer Paul George, prominent amateur boxer Dylan Duffy and Downpatrick SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin.

School principal Mrs Fiona Macfarlane cut a specially commissioned 50th anniversary cake while 50 balloons were released to mark the historic occasion. 

Mrs Macfarlane has spent the majority of her teaching career at the school, having started when Mr Gerry MacCann was principal.

She added: “It has been my pleasure to have been a part of St Joseph’s for nearly 30 years. I have now been principal for eight years and am proud of the high quality education and pastoral care which has always been at the centre of 

our ethos. 

“The longevity of the staff reflects a happy, caring and committed school community. We look forward to all working together for the benefit of all our children and continuing this provision for many more years.”

The chairperson of the board of governors, Jonny Kearney, also praised the school for being an integral part of the community.

He said: “As a family who moved into the village the school has been instrumental in integrating my own children into their community giving them a sense of identity and belonging as well as providing an excellent education.”

Some of the current pupils told the Recorder what the school means to them.

Maci McIlhone from P5 spoke of her family’s ties with the school. “My mum was a past pupil along with a lot of my family members,” she said.

“My older brother attended St Joseph’s and my younger brother is in P2. We are one big family in St Joseph’s.”

Her class colleague, Matthew Montague, said he was impressed with the school’s history.

“It’s amazing that my school has been here 50 years,” he said. “I came to St Joseph’s in P2 and I really like it here. My mum used to go to this school and we enjoyed looking for her name in the old registers on Sunday.”

For another class colleague, Ryan Magee, attending the school has also helped him connect with the village.

He explained: “Last summer I moved to 

Killough from Belfast. I love living in the village. I’ve made loads of new friends in St Joseph’s and I’ve really enjoyed researching the school online for our 50th anniversary.”

P7 pupil Blake Crozier is already becoming nostalgic about the school as he contemplates moving to “big school” in September.

“This is my final year in St Joseph’s,” he said. “It has been very interesting looking at the old photos of past pupils from years ago and comparing them to us today. I really enjoy looking at all the old stuff about St Joseph’s. It’s the best school ever and I know already that I am really going to miss when I have to move to my next school.”

St Joseph’s received glowing commendations from parents and grandparents alike on the day.

Parent Maria Holland said: “I spent many happy years at school in St Joseph’s, now my son is thoroughly enjoying his experience and my daughter can’t wait to join him.

“I’m also involved with the PTFA and have seen first-hand how committed all the staff are to all the children.”

Parent Alex Gracey said St Joseph’s was more “than just a school; it is a “home from home”.

She added: “The children, their families and the whole community receive excellent support from the principal and all the staff in terms of education and pastoral care. It’s a school that acknowledges and is proud of its links with the local community and joins in celebrating its achievements.”

Grandparent Anne Marie McIlhone has seen two generations of her family enjoy their early education at St Joseph’s and has called for the continuation of the rural school.

“My five children and six grandchildren have and are presently still attending St Joseph’s Primary School,” she said. “This school has set them on the right path and enabled them to achieve their potential and be the people they have become, academically, socially and in sports, contributing to the local community.

“The motivation and excellent support they have received within the school has always been of the highest quality. My family grew up in the community of Killough, of which St Joseph’s plays a major part. The continuation of future educational provision at this school is paramount.”