Dr Samuel Semple, Mr Norman McClelland and Mr Jim Sheerin at the reception.

A RECEPTION was held recently by the Board of Governors of Lisnagarvey High School in honour of former Headmaster Mr Norman McClelland, who retired last year.

Mr McClelland joined Lisnagarvey in September 1967 and made an outstanding contribution through his achievements and service to the school for nearly 40 years.

He was made Head of Science in 1971; Senior Teacher in 1974; Vice-Principal in' 1976 and Principal in 1982.

As a Principal he was extremely conscientious. He had the foresight to see the role of Industry linked to education, which involved a year out at Warwick University. He was one of only two Headmasters from Northern Ireland who honed their modern management skills through this project in Northern Ireland Electricity Industry.

Mr Jim Sheerin, the current Headmaster, said: "When staff recall Norman McClelland they state that he is an absolute family man - his family was your family and he was so supportive to colleagues.

"He was a good friend to all and saw the school as his family. "Norman was a superb manager who ran the school with efficiency and effectiveness. He always wanted the school to look its best and spent resources wisely to ensure that it maintained his high standards."

Member of the Board of Governors, Dr Samuel Semple added: "Mr McClelland has not only been a professional colleague of mine, a brilliant teacher and efficient administrator as well as a successful Head of Department, inspiring Senior Teacher, an exemplary Vice-Principal and an outstanding Headmaster. But above all he has also been, for over half a century, a life-long friend and trustworthy confidante of mine."

Principal Mr Jim Sheerin with Mr and Mrs McClelland.