60th anniversary of Ballynahinch school

60th anniversary of Ballynahinch school

2 September 2015

DOZENS of former students and teachers have attended he launch of the 60th anniversary year celebrations at Ballynahinch High School.

A special display of old photographs and newspaper cuttings proved very popular in the school on Thursday evening which was the first in a series of events planned to mark the anniversary.

The principal, Kathi Moore, told the audience how the school first opened on September 1, 1955, just after the end of post-war rationing and two years after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Closer to home the Ballynahinch Rail line was closed in 1950, Ballynahinch Rugby Football Club started in the 1954/1955 season and the population of Ballynahinch was 1,920 living in 469 houses.

The school started as Ballynahinch County Intermediate School and throughout the 60 years has been known as Ballynahinch Secondary School, Ballynahinch High School and The High School Ballynahinch. 

“Who knows what we might be called in the next 60 years but more importantly we will always strive to enable young people to succeed and to prepare them for the changing world,” she said.

Mr Lindsay was the first Principal from 1955 to 1961. He was followed by Mr McCullough, Mr Finlay, Mr Black and Mr Doherty. 

“For me to have been appointed principal in 2012 was a real privilege,’ she said. “To be the first female Principal was an honour. I am always conscious of the fact that the part I play in the history of this school is merely a in the ocean. 

“This school has a family ethos. We have many pupils who have parents and grandparents who were past pupils themselves and many of our staff are past pupils. The school is loved by many and I enjoy being a part of this school’s journey.”

Former teacher, Charlie Rutledge, helped cut the official anniversary cake. He was appointed to the school in July 1956 and asked to teach woodwork, English, maths and geography. Although he retired in 1993 after 37 years’ service to the school he was an active member of the Board of Governors and Past Pupil and Parent Teacher Association.

A 60th anniversary magazine has been produced, costing £8, and the recent school cookbook is also for sale, priced at £8.