Former principal returns to High School

“Good evening Chairman, Governors, staff, parents and of course pupils.

“I am of course delighted to be back among you again.

“At my final prize night as Principal two years ago it was Pat Jennings who was guest. Now you’ve got me! Mr. Currie says I was a better goalkeeper than big Pat so here I am!

“Nothing is more special than this lectern. Made by Mr Cairns, it brings back memories. It has supported many a prayer followed by a grump followed by another prayer. It’s good to lean on in order to make a point.

“It’s great to see colleagues from my time at Banbridge High School in particular Mrs Currie and Mr Shannon.

“I see Mr and Mrs David Simpson MP MLA have joined us tonight. Mr Simpson is a very good friend of the school. David has been very supportive and I was always been pleased to have him attend and participate in various student activities.

“May I draw your attention to the fact that not all pupils who have worked hard are here this evening. Not everyone can physically get a prize but they can feel like winners when they give of their best and they are presented with praise and reassurance from teachers and parents alike.

“As Mr Bell has said ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and in the village of Banbridge High School parents, teachers, governors, classroom assistants support staff and Education and Library Board play their part in making this an excellent school in which to work and an excellent school in which to be educated.

“We all have the power to influence and motivate each other. I soon became aware of how this was a two way street every day between me and the High School community.

“Teachers influence and motivate pupils. A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does!

“Pupils will appreciate and consequently motivate teachers who enjoy teaching the subject, enjoy teaching them, make the lesson interesting, link it to outside life—algebra—tell story, have a laugh but who know how to keep order, are fair, don’t shout, go over things that pupils don’t understand without making them feel small.

“Don’t give up on pupils. If you give up on your students then they will most likely give up on themselves and you will have failed in your duty to them.

“Pupils can influence and motivate staff. By showing interest in your work you assure the teacher that what he is doing is seen as worthwhile.

“The way to get started is to quit talking about it and begin doing. Don’t dream about it - as Nike say ‘Just do it.’

“I don’t believe you should see life’s goal as being better than everybody else. Just give of your best and you will be a star.

“One important key to success is self-confidence. Every person has a unique talent which sets them apart. Even if it’s only being able to make your granny laugh!

“I used to say to exam students “I hope that you get what you deserve” I always qualified that with “If you have worked hard and prepared well then you will succeed. If on the other hand you have not worked hard or prepared well then you will not succeed.”

“Remember that an important key to self-confidence is preparation.

“Things do not just happen. Things are made to happen. Good work habits help develop an internal toughness and a self-confident attitude that will sustain you through every adversity and temporary discouragement.