Derry primary school celebrates half century with opening of 25-year-old time capsule

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, took the time out on Thursday last to help open a 1990s time capsule at Steelstown Primary School as they celebrated their 50th year in existence and, with the help of a group of former pupils, they revealed the precious contents to an attentive audience.

The former pupils were joined at the opening of the capsule they created 25 years ago by their retired teacher, Mr Peter Heaney.

Back in 1997 they were aged nine and 10 when they wrote letters to be placed in the capsule, under the instructions ‘not to be opened until 2022.’

The letters were addressed to their future selves, filled with predictions of what jobs they would have as adults and what the world would be like in 2022. They also created videos of school life in 1997 which were still intact and played to the audience.
Some very excited current Primary 7 pupils also had the opportunity to create their own time capsule with the project aimed at helping children reflect on their experiences while also encouraging a sense of togetherness by creating something to mark the end of their primary school journey.

The present pupils wrote letters to their future selves, about their lives in 2022 and their favourite memories from Steelstow.
Pupils also buried artefacts from current life including an Alexa, games controllers, Covid-19 paraphernalia and newspaper clippings. They, themselves, hope to return to the school in 2047 to open it.

The former pupils enjoyed meeting up with their Year Six now-retired teacher Peter Heaney, who came up with the idea of the capsule in 1997.

Mayor Alderman Graham Warke pictured with Mr. Heaney, a fomer teacher at the school, before opening the contents of the time capsule. Included are former pupils of the school who had letters placed in the capsule

Members of the group read their letters out to current pupils at a special assembly and then watched their videos.

Speaking afterwards to those in attendance, principal, Siobhan Gillen said: ‘It was a wonderful opportunity for all involved and a pleasure to watch former and current pupils come together to share these important memories, capturing the history of the school and leaving behind treasures for future generations. Well done to all.”

She also extended a 'big thank you' to Mr. Heaney for returning to help open the capsule and celebrate the occasion and to the Mayor for not just coming but spending so much time with the pupils and staff.

Mayor Warke paid tribute to all the school family and said he was impressed by the ‘coming together of past and present pupils.’

“There’s a togetherness in Steelstown Primary School and it should be nurtured for further generations to enjoy.

“Great credit to Mrs. Gillen and all her staff for the fantastic work they do here. Long may it continue and here’s to another fifty years of successful education in the Shantallow area.”

The event also saw the planting of trees in memory of deceased pupils and staff of Steelstown PS. This saw the Mayor plant two Rowan Mountain Ash trees, one for pupils and one for staff.

This was then followed by the official cutting of the ribbon to open the school’s new Outdoor Learning Centre and Play Park.

Mayor Warke was joined in cutting the ribbon by Mary Hegarty, daughter of the school’s first principal, the late Jim Quinn.

Addressing the attendance, Mrs. Gillen said: ‘We, at Steelstown Primary School play a significant role in helping all our children achieve their full potential. We develop the whole child, intellectually, physically, spiritually, morally, and emotionally.

Group pictured at the cutting of the ribbon by the Mayor Graham Warke to officially open the new Outdoor Learning Centre and Play Park at Steelstown Primary School. Included are Mrs Mary Hegarty, Mrs Leona Murphy, Rita and Eva Murphy and Education Authority grounds maintenance team and school council members, Mrs. Siobhan Gillen, principal, Redmond Duffy, caretaker and Ms. Bronagh Lynch, teacher. Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

“ The current pandemic has had a major impact on our children’s mental health and wellbeing. Playing outdoors significantly helps to improve children’s health and fitness, which has a huge impact on their wellbeing.

“We are very privileged to have had the opportunity to develop our outdoor space for all children from nursery to primary seven to enjoy.

“We as a whole school are excited to plan outdoor activities for the children to participate in, and most importantly, to have fun!”

The outdoor area provides young children with one of the best possible environments in which to learn. the new outdoor space will provide limitless opportunities for all at the school to engage in all areas of the curriculum.

It’s understood there will be a number of other events held in the coming months to celebrate the school’s landmark of 50 years in existence with Mrs. Gillen promising to keep everyone informed.