| Pupils
sang and performed part of the Mary Poppins musical for those
attending, balloons were released and a tree was planted by
SELB chairman Mrs Moira Alexander and the Board’s chief
executive, Mrs Helen McClenaghan.
Professor McMinn said: “This is an exciting development
for the Banbridge area, particularly for the younger generation
who are benefiting from a bright new school.
“I wish Mr McMullan, the pupils and all the staff well
as they look forward to what I hope are many happy years in
this school.”
SELB chairman Mrs Moira Alexander said: “This development
reflects the commitment of the SELB to providing high quality
buildings for the education of our young people. I am pleased
to see that the scheme incorporates nursery and primary school
provision, although separate, alongside each other.
“The building is not only of a high quality but it fits
sensitively into its surroundings, thanks to the design and
landscaping carried out.
“Although school buildings are important, education
would not take place without a dedicated staff and I pay tribute
to Mr Wilson McMullan and his colleagues for their work in
making pupils feel welcome at Ballydown.”
Mr McMullan, who thanked Professor McMinn for carrying out
the official opening, said: “Professor McMinn and the
staff at Stranmillis University College play a pivotal role
in providing high quality education. A large percentage of
teachers in our schools have developed their teaching skills
thanks to Stranmillis and ultimately it is our young people
who benefit.”
The principal also paid tribute to those responsible for the
scheme including Maurice Cushnie Architects, Portadown, main
contractors Glasgiven Contracts, Annalong, for the quality
of the design and the building.
Mr McMullan also expressed his appreciation to past and present
members of the Board of Governors for seeing this project
come to fruition after several years of lobbying for it. The
principal also thanked officers in the SELB for managing the
project.
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