Principal set to leave school after 10 years

Principal set to leave school after 10 years

2 September 2015

DOWN High School head teacher Paul Logan has announced he is retiring from education next summer.

Mr Logan, who succeeded Jack Ferris in 2006, has tendered his resignation to the Board of Governors and the process to appoint his successor will begin later in the new school term.

Although retiring from education, Mr Logan hopes to undertake some part-time work in other areas. He confirmed he intends to complete a Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring but explained he will not be able to fully explore what new opportunities are open to him until after he has departed from the Downpatrick school next August.

The head teacher confirmed his decision to leave the school at the end of next summer in a letter to parents. He said his decision to resign had not been an easy one as he greatly enjoyed being part of the Down High School community.

Mr Logan said he has taken “enormous satisfaction” from working with pupils, staff, parents and Governors in order to maintain and develop the school’s ethos.

He explained his decision to retire from education has been influenced by the timetable for the school’s proposed new multi-million pound build. Mr Logan said when he arrived at the Mount Crescent campus in 2006, he had hoped to be able to get the new school constructed a few years before he was due to retire.

The head teacher said given work on the new build will not be completed until after his normal retirement age due to “numerous delays”, he hopes that by announcing his departure at this early stage, his successor will be able to be involved in the design process for the proposed new build.

Mr Logan said it has been a “great honour” to be Down High School’s head teacher. He said he has always found pupils to have “exceptionally strong personal qualities” and very much enjoyed getting to know them.

His letter continues: “At the same time, I have greatly valued the patience, trust and positivity that parents have consistently shown. Whilst virtually all of you will have heard me declare that Down High’s greatest asset is its pupils, I would want you to know that I regard the positive attitudes of parents as another key factor in the success of this school, alongside the expertise and commitment of both staff and Governors.”

Mr Logan thanked all parents for making him and his wife Ruth feel so welcome during their time at Down High.

“Down High School’s unique ethos makes it a very special place. I have changed the school in a number of ways but it has changed me even more and for this I will always be very grateful,” he continued.

Mr Logan added: “The Governors and I are confident that its inclusive, caring ethos, which truly values the individual, will ensure that Down High School will continue to go from strength to strength. We are also confident that the nature and standing of the school, as well as the prospect of building a new school, will result in the appointment of a talented head teacher in whom all parents can have every confidence.

“I intend to saviour my last year at Down High and thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the support you have given me throughout my time in this marvellous school.”