Model Primary and Nursery growing from strength to strength

160 YEARS IN EXISTENCE. . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Patricia Logue pictured with staff and pupils at Model Primary and Nursery School, Derry, celebrating the cutting of the cake to mark their 160th anniversary. Included at back are Mrs. Sara Polly, who is retiriing after 30 years teaching at the school, Michelle Ramsey, Principal and Michael Bradley, Vice Principal. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Derry's Model Primary and Nursery School officially marked its 160th birthday on Friday last with a special celebratory assembly that included present and past pupils and staff for a walk down memory lane.

IN PICTURES: Derry's Model Primary School celebrates 160 years of educating children

One of the oldest schools in the city, the school has been celebrating since the start of term with photographic exhibitions and other archive material on view and has had many former pupils and staff through their doors to see how the school has evolved.

The Model occupies a large, mature site in the heart of the city with direct access into Brooke Park and was first established on the Northland Road site in 1862. Opened by the Earl of Carlisle – the same Carlisle who lent his name to the old Craigavon Bridge.

Indeed, the school motto stands to this day ‘Celebrating Cultural Diversity’ – with the Model having almost 40 children enrolled from a variety of countries from around the world – most of whom have English as an additional language.

Speaking at Friday’s special assembly, Principal Michelle Ramsey said: “We wanted to make this a celebration for everyone connected to the Model over the years, not just the present pupils and staff. We have a proud history of educating children here at the Model.

“Our Vice Principal Michael Bradley, with the help of others, has dug out a rich archive of photographs, roll books and press cuttings from the 160 years of the school’s history, and I’m sure many people who went to the Model, through teaching or learning would be fascinated to look through them.”

Friday also saw the opening of a new ICT Suite; a new sensory room and a garden of sanctuary with ribbon cuttings at each area and the city and district’s Mayor, Patricia Logue was also in attendance to help cut the cake.

“We are also delighted that we picked up an Eco Schools Green Flag on Friday and very proud of everyone who played their part in gaining the award. And, our garden of sanctuary has also been created blending in naturally with the existing splendid gardens that will be used by all the school family.”

Mrs. Michelle Ramsey, Principal, Model PS pictured with guests at the opening of the school’s new ICT Suite on Friday last. Cutting the ribbon are Mr. Paul Sandy, Nerve Centre and Mr. Brian Morrison, ICT Co-Ordrinator, Model. Included are Donald Hill, past pupil, 1946 and Mrs. Leslie Hamitlon, Board of Governors.

Mrs. Ramsey extended the offer to any former staff and pupils who might like to come along to visit the school in the remaining weeks before the summer recess.

“All our exhibitions are still on view, so please do call in and see the rich tapestry of a school that has a great deal to celebrate and continues to grow from strength to strength.”