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Mr McClean, Principal and pupils from St
Aloysius Primary launch the schools' 40th anniversary
celebrations
ST Aloysius Primary School in Lisburn is
preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary on a wave of
optimism after receiving a glowing inspection report.
Throughout the past four decades the school,
on the Ballinderry Road, has welcomed thousands of eager pupils,
and parents, through its doors.
Mr Patsy McClean, the third Principal in the
history of the school, said: "Since 1968 thousands of boys and
girls have passed through our school gates, all I hope with warm
and fond memories. I must also pay tribute to a truly dedicated,
nurturing staff who, throughout the years, have given so much of
themselves to the enduring development and fulfilment of all our
pupils."
A programme of events has been planned to
commemorate the special anniversary.
To start the celebrations a specially
designed banner was unfurled by the children and staff last
week.
The next event was the opening of the
recently modernised library, with its new computerised 'ALICE'
system, by local author Declan Carville.
A Papal Blessing, recognising the school's
unique role in the education and development of its pupils, will
be presented to the school by the Most Rev Donal McKeown on
Wednesday 12th November.
The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Ronnie
Crawford, will be the next VIP to visit the school.
On 24th November he will unveil a
commemorative school logo affirming the ethos of the school 'To
live, love and learn in a caring Catholic community.'
On Tuesday 9th December the school will open
its doors to allow the local community to experience 'St
Aloysius in action!'
The celebrations will continue into 2009 with
a special Mass, concelebrated by Bishop McKeown in St. Patrick's
Church, where all members of the school community, past and
present, will gather together for a mass of thanksgiving. Other
events include a Fun Day in May, a whole school photograph and
the joint planting of a tree by the youngest pupil in the school
this year and the youngest pupil from 1968. Outstanding musical
and theatrical productions have long been associated with St
Aloysius PS and an another production will be performed in
April.
Mr McClean added: "A great debt of gratitude
is due to all the pupils and staff who have worked and learned
within 'St Ally's' and have left their unique imprint on its
story.
"I do hope that all the events planned to
celebrate our fortieth anniversary provide a fitting tribute to
all the staff, parents and pupils of our great school, be they
from our illustrious past or radiant present."
Ulster Star
24/10/2008
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