Local principal is Teacher of the Year

Local principal is Teacher of the Year

19 July 2017

A BALLYNAHINCH schoolteacher has been congratulated for being the best in Northern Ireland.

Drumlins Integrated Primary School principal Mrs Janice Marshall has been named Primary School Teacher of the Year at the NI4Kids Family Awards.

Mrs Marshall was recognised for her outstanding achievements at an awards ceremony in Belfast.

Just 13 years ago she helped establish the integrated school with just 12 pupils and has developed it into a thriving facility for 180 pupils which will move to its first permanent home in September.

Mrs Marshall was selected by the judging panel at the awards ceremony at Belfast City Hall for her hard work and commitment.

They were impressed with her determined lobby for a permanent building over 13 years and by the sacrifices she made to promote integrated education and credited her inspirational “passion and dedication”.

Nadia Duncan, editor at Ni4kids said the awards were developed six years ago to honour “the amazing stars” across Northern Ireland who put families with young children first. 

“This event is our opportunity to say thank you and beam a spotlight on those who have made huge sacrifices and gone to great lengths to help their own families; shown the ultimate dedication to their jobs in helping children, demonstrated great courage in the face of adversity and the most difficult of circumstances – or always shown up to help those in need with advice and support,” she said.

The Ni4kids Family Awards were supported by Forestside and Action For Children.

Forestside’s manager Lee Cutler said staff were “blown away by the incredible candidates put forward for Primary School Teacher of the Year”.

“These individuals play a crucial role in our children’s futures, and to see examples of where they have gone above and beyond to support and educate them is inspiring,” she said.

“That said, this year’s winner is exceptional. Janice Marshall began with a school with no accommodation and over the years has grown it into a 180-pupil school in Ballynahinch, simply through sheer determination. 

“She is a clear winner in our eyes, and we are proud to be recognising her for this monumental achievement.”

Speaking at the end of term, Mrs Marshall said moving to the new building at Windmill Street in September would bring a 13—year campaign to a successful conclusion.

She said the quest for a permanent home had passed in the “blink of a eye” but said the new building was “the last bit of puzzle.”