Exhibition opens to mark local school’s anniversary

Exhibition opens to mark local school’s anniversary

6 December 2023

AN exhibition to mark the 90th anniversary of Castlewellan Primary School opened in the town’s library on Saturday.

The exhibition has been organised by local councillor Alan Lewis in conjunction with the library and includes photos and memorabilia.

Castlewellan Primary School closed in 2020, but the building is now home to Kncokevin Senior School.

The exhibition, which will remain open until the end of the month, gives former staff and pupils the opportunity to reminisce and share stories about yesteryear.

Among those at the opening on Saturday was a former principal, Mrs Heather McClelland, who thanked Cllr Lewis and the library for giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary.

“Many of us will have so many memories of this building, where children were educated by devoted teachers within a Christian environment,” she said.

“At Castlewellan Primary, we all strived to fluff our hopes and dreams, having each child at the core of our endeavours.

“Each and every child who came through our school had unique qualities which made each of them a success.”

Mrs McCllelland continued: “The ethos of our school was one of Christianity – respecting all.

“Apart from academia, it was our aim to help each child grow in confidence, to be the best that they could be, to have good moral values and to become a confident contributor to society.”

Mrs McClelland also spoke about how children were encouraged to understand other traditions and cultures.

“This 90 year-old building was a central hub for good practice and its progressive vision was endorsed by the Inspectorate and Department of Education.”

She added: “The past now embraces the future. Knockevin Senior School continues to cater for each young person’s uniqueness in a safe and caring environment within this historic building. I’m sure we all wish them well as they grow towards the future.”

Thanking all who helped in setting up the exhibition, Cllr Lewis said it gave former staff and pupils closure after the school closed its doors.

He remarked: “The primary school’s lasting legacy will be of children’s laughter which continues to echo around the building.”