Siobhan named top principal at education awards night

Siobhan named top principal at education awards night

26 February 2020

A CROSSGAR school principal has come top of her class. Mrs Siobhan McArdle, head teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, was named Best Principal in Co Down at the Northern Ireland Education Awards.

The event, organised by Families First NI, was held recently at Titanic Belfast.

It was a night of triumph for the Crossgar school. In addition to Mrs McArdle’s success, St Joseph’s was vying for honours in three other categories.

The school was nominated in the Best Primary School in Co Down category. In addition two members of staff received nominations. Mrs Jolene Cousins was a finalist in the Best Teacher in Co Down category, while Mrs Nicola Small was nominated in the Best Complementary Staff in Co Down category.

Mrs McArdle has been a teacher at St Joseph’s for 24 years and principal for the past five years. During her time as principal enrolment has risen from 78 children to 114.

She said she was “overjoyed and overwhelmed” with the number of comments that parents, past pupils and other community members took the time to make in support of her nomination.

Mrs McArdle dedicated her award to everyone associated with the school — pupils, staff, parents and members of the board of governors.

“I was very shocked to win the award and really delighted that the school was nominated in four categories,” she said.

“This is about the school community as a whole. We have a dedicated and committed staff and there is a warm, homely atmosphere in the school. We strive to give the children a happy and rewarding education.

“The comments from the parents were incredible and it was very emotional reading about how much they appreciate what we do for their children.”

A spokesperson for the school said: “Mrs McArdle was described by many, including members of the board of governors, as an excellent teacher and principal who always puts the needs of every child first. The warmth and support she shows to every child were commended.

“Having been at St Joseph’s Primary School as a teacher for 24 years and a principal there for five years, the school is very special to Siobhan and she goes to great lengths to ensure all the children are happy and well looked after.”

The spokesperson added: “The whole school community were delighted to see the school and staff recognised for their dedication and work. The children were very happy to see their principal win and have been celebrating in the school.”