Every pupil's dream - Principal for the day

Sixth former Aaron wins an army of fans as temporary head at Wallace High School

by Adam McKendry and Alanna Terrington


Principal for a Day Aaron Ritchie with Year 8 pupils.	Aaron with GCSE Journalism pupils Adam McKendry and Alanna Terrington who were on hand to document his big day.

IT'S the moment every school pupil normally dreads - the summons to go to the Principal's office.

But for 18-year-old Wallace High student Aaron Ritchie it was an event he was looking forward to.

Because he was standing in as the principal of the Clonevin Park school for the day.

House Captain Aaron had been voted 'Principal for the Day' by the school community to raise funds for Comic Relief.

And togged out in a smart suit last Friday instead of his usual school uniform he was certainly looking the part as he he parked his Ford Fiesta, complete with R plates, in the Principal's reserved spot before taking up position at the desk normally occupied by Mrs. Deborah O'Hare.

Mrs. O'Hare not only agreed to relinquish control for the day, she even made her stand in a cup of coffee to ease him into the post.

Aaron then took to the stage for morning assembly, outlining his rules for the day which included allowing junior pupils access to Sixth Form corridors, relaxing the uniform regulations and extending break time.

He showed he meant business by calling all teachers to a break time briefing and carrying out an inspection of the English Department.

High points of the day included playing dance music over the school's Public Address system and leading a conga line of students around the cricket pitch.

In between Principal's duties he still managed to attend A Level classes, even completing a Mock examination for English Literature.

Aaron was certainly a popular choice amongst pupils and staff, with Sixth Former Colin Matthews joking: "He's the people's choice — I reckon Aaron should reconsider his hopes of becoming a Sports Journalist and opt for teaching instead."

Aaron added: 'It was a great day and I'm delighted that so many people voted for me. It was an honour to lead Wallace for the day and it was great to work with Mrs. O'Hare.

"The generosity of our school community is outstanding — I'm proud to say that in this week alone we've raised £3000 for charities including Comic Relief, Food for Thought, Diabetes UK and the Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund."

Ulster Star
25/03/2011