Derry primary school appoints new principal

By Gareth Cross

One of Derry's best known primary school's has rolled back the years in appointing a new principal.

Mrs Siobhan Gillen has been named as Principal of Steelstown Primary School.

As one of the first pupils enrolled in Steelstown Primary School when it first opened its doors, Mrs Gillen said she is honoured to be back as principal.

Mrs Gillen is a native of the parish and resides in the parish of Steelstown.

She said that she has many happy memories of her years in Steelstown P.S. as a pupil and the wonderful experiences and opportunities the school gave all her family, friends and community.

"I'm looking forward to giving the children and community of Steelstown the same opportunities I was afforded, providing all children with the best education," she said.

Mrs Gillen had taught in St. Anne’s Primary School since 1988 and has been Vice-Principal since 2003. She has taught every age group and spent most of her career teaching Primary 6 and Primary 7.

Roles

She has undertaken many roles in her career including ICT co-ordinator, Head of Maths, Head of Special Needs, Pastoral Care, Parental Involvement, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, raising profile of the child, Child Protection, attendance and Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies.

Mrs Gillen has successfully led the school in achieving many awards such as UK and N. Ireland National Training Awards for educating parents in helping their child, UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools level 1 and level 2 Awards, pupil leadership, voice of the child, special needs specialisms, dyslexic assessment and interventions, using computer technology and Elklan Communication Speech and Language Awards.

She received the Post Qualification for Headship in 2006. Mrs Gillen was asked by CCMS to assist as Acting Principal at beginning of last academic year in Ballyhackett P.S. in Castlerock.

Mrs Gillen said she owes a lot to the dedication and commitment of the many inspirational teachers who taught her under the visionary leadership of Mr Jim Quinn.

“It is wonderful to be able to give back to the special community that gave so much to me and my family," she said.

"I owe a lot to my mother and father who have sadly since passed away. I am appreciative to Steelstown Primary School for all the work they did for my family and for the community.

"I must pay tribute to my husband Leo who has always been supportive and encouraging, and to our four children.”

Support

She added that she is overwhelmed by the support she has been shown on commencement of her appointment.

"The outstanding staff have shown so much dedication, expertise, commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm already," she said.

"The wonderful resources and facilities the school has to offer are very impressive.

"Steelstown P.S. has been innovative and visionary in planning and providing resources and facilities to ensure that every child receives the best education in every aspect.

"The school will continue to work very effectively with all partner organisations as it has done over the years.

"Every child can be assured of receiving the highest quality of care, an extensive, broad and balanced curriculum and very high expectations in Steelstown P.S. Teaching is a vocation."

Mrs Gillen noted that the children’s behaviour is exemplary and respectful at all times and all staff are dedicated and fully committed to providing the best nurturing and teaching and learning experiences both in and outside of school for the holistic development of all children.

"Every child should be afforded the opportunities to be the best he/she can," she said.

“It is our vision in Steelstown P.S. to make the difference and make it happen. From the moment you enter Steelstown P.S. you will experience the beautiful calm ethos throughout.

"I have witnessed how Steelstown P.S. is the hub of the community and how much everyone loves the school.

"I see how every child is given the best chances in life and I realise how very blessed I am to be here and I feel very proud to be given the responsibility to lead this wonderful school."