Portrush Primary School says goodbye to popular principal
PORTRUSH Primary School is marking two very important milestones this week - the 50th anniversary of the school and the retirement of their popular principal, Riley Piddington.
Born in Newtownabbey, Mr Piddington began his teaching career in Abbots Cross Primary School on the edge of Rathcoole in Belfast in 1973.
After 17 years in that school, he moved to Portrush Primary as principal taking over from Col. O’Hara Logan.
“He was a real character,” said Mr Piddington who arrived in Portrush in 1989. “And I just couldn’t leave the place.”
“Education has changed beyond all recognition since those days. First there was the Northern Ireland Curriculum and then the Revised Curriculum, all with more focus on active learning.
“There was always an element of personal development in education but now it is more prevalent.”
Portrush Primary School has 250 pupils and a teaching staff of 12 and six classroom assistants - of whom Mr Piddington is extremely proud.
“I would say the highlight of my career at Portrush has been working with the staff and children.
“But there were also great moments like the Millennium concert we put on which resulted in the children performing in the Waterfront Hall.”
The 50th anniversary of the founding of Portrush Primary School has also been an important chapter in the Crocnamac school’s history.
Last week the school officially opened a 50th birthday sculpture and garden and is preparing for a formal birthday dinner in November. So did Mr Piddington time his retirement to coincide with the anniversary?
“No, it was not planned. I had decided to go this year and the school’s exact anniversary isn’t until November but I really didn’t think I could leave all that work for someone new coming in,” he joked.
“I really wanted to finish on a high but it was not planned.”
A keen musician and singer, Mr Piddington is planning to spend his retirement enjoying his music.
“I play guitar in a traditional band called Scad the Beggars. I am also planning to enjoy some off-peak travel now that I don’t have to take my holidays to coincide with school terms.
“I have relatives in New Zealand, Australia and the US...they don’t know I’m coming yet though!
“We also have a two year old granddaughter and another grandchild on the way in November so our grandchildren will definitely become a focus.”
Looking back on his years at the helm in Portrush Primary, Mr Piddington was keen to pay tribute to the staff and children.
“I really wish them all the best for the future. I have really enjoyed working in the school and I wish every success to Mr Carwyn Guy who is taking over as the new principal.”
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Weather for Coleraine
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
