Award for Ballynahinch head teacher

Award for Ballynahinch head teacher

23 November 2022

A BALLYNAHINCH head teacher has been commended for his efforts to combat bullying.

Mr Paul Coulter, principal of St Patrick’s Primary School, is the recipient of the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum’s (NIABF) School Staff Award, which is in its second year, has been given to two very special teachers here. 

Mr, who won the primary schools’ category of the competition, was nominated by pupils for his contribution to ending bullying through innovative initiatives and investing in the wellbeing of the school community.

Mr Coulter’s nomination talked about his creative assemblies that promote this year’s Anti-Bullying Week’s theme, of ’Reach Out’.

Anna, a P7 pupil at the school, who was one of the nominees, said: “There isn’t a lot of bullying in our school because of everything Mr Coulter does. 

“In assembly, he talks about feelings and explains what bullying is. He tells us what to do if we feel we are getting bullied and reminds us about the different people we can talk to. He’s one of the people we can go to.

“If there is a problem, he makes everyone comfortable, even the child who has made the wrong choice. He helps everyone to reflect on choices.”

The awards presentation took place at the Whitla Hall in Belfast last Wednesday.

Kathleen Toner, Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum chairperson, said: “We are delighted to award the second ever School Staff Award to Mr Coulter.” 

The School Staff Award by the NIABF is in its second year and commends members of the school community who have gone above and beyond in their bid to end bullying and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ‘Reach Out’ to prevent and respond to bullying, and to raise awareness of bullying in their school community.

 It is part of Anti-Bullying Week, which took place last week and which aims to encourage children and young people from across Northern Ireland to reach out to their peers, adults and support networks to break the cycle of bullying.