Calum is a poster boy for rural primary school

Calum is a poster boy for rural primary school

22 January 2014

A BEAMING schoolboy featuring on posters at a chain of retail stores in Northern Ireland at the moment is Castlewellan’s Calum Rice.

A P3 pupil at St. Patrick’s Primary School in Burrenreagh, Calum is promoting a new range of Ireland rugby leisure wear ahead of the start of next month’s Six Nations Championship.

A keen Irish supporter, Calum is no stranger to the modelling world. He’s on the books of a Belfast-based modelling agency and has previously featured on promotional material for ferry company P&O.

The schoolboy got into modelling after his potential was recognised by a high profile modelling agency and while Calum has no desire to be a full-time model when he’s older, the focus for now is on working hard in the classroom.

Mum Siobhan, who is the chairwoman of the Burrenreagh school’s Parents’ Support Group, is pleased her son now has two modelling jobs under his belt and believes the rural primary school he attends is largely responsible.

A dark cloud hung over the small school last year when it was the only school in the district recommended for closure under a major review into all primaries in Northern Ireland.

The school — with the support of the PTA — was determined to have the closure proposal reversed, with a community and political campaign launched to keep the doors open.

Last December, the school received a major boost when it was confirmed that it was getting a new mobile classroom and the news delighted everyone associated with the school and the drive to help steer St. Patrick’s towards the future in a positive way.

Mrs. Rice believes Calum’s success in the modelling world is down to the confidence he has gained while attending St. Patrick’s Primary.

“The school builds confidence in its pupils and fosters many opportunities in art and drama. The school also embarked upon several creative performances, including a production for RTE about the Titanic.

“Calum is a very shy boy who does not seek attention. However, he was chuffed to be picked up by the modelling agency, but remains very modest about all this. I have no doubt this is also due to his schooling at St. Patrick’s, Burrenreagh.”

Mrs. Rice said she and her husband were pleased the modelling agency saw something in Calum and recognised his potential, but reaffirmed schoolwork comes first.

“That’s the priority and while Calum’s face is on the poster outside the stores and also on the packaging of some of the Ireland rugby leisurewear, he also knows school comes first. Anything after that is a bonus,” she continued.

“Calum loves to get involved in drama at school and has many opportunities at St. Patrick’s do exactly that. While featuring on the poster is a boost for him, I believe it’s an even bigger one for his school.”