Page 4 - The Bellfort - Summer 2015

Foreword Life seldom behaves as we expect! 2015 saw the highest enrolment in the school’s history as we welcomed 835 pupils and 61 members of staf. We were faced with sudden change in the wake of Area Planning in the Ballymena area which called for vision, ideas, focus and determination! The summer vacation saw diggers and work- men hard at work in the grounds and extended Induction proce- dures for newcomers. But, whatever the changes: curricular and organisational, one thing remained constant – the immediate needs of a group of young people waiting to be developed, challenged, nurtured and support- ed. We simply focused on what was necessary, faithfully delivered on what was possible and suddenly found ourselves doing the impossible. Change brought no fear because the underlying values did not change. Yet our ultimate aim is to change, for the better, all with whom we have the privilege to work. The pages of this magazine recount better than I ever could, the stories of growth and development, the achievements and challenges and all the learning along the way. If our Flagship status for Inclusion holds true, it should mean something individually to you the student, you the parent, or you the member of community. We understand there is a clear link between high expectations and high achievement and we know that to com- pete efectively in a global economy, we must increase the pace of change for improving outcomes for all our children and young people: we need to aspire higher, enable more and expect better, and to do so in an environment in which we care for one another. To those who are leaving us this year we pray that your experiences in our school will stand you in good stead going into the future. In the immortal words of one student this week, ‘I never thought I’d say this – but schooldays really are the best days of your life!’ So - to those who are on the continuing journey - we encourage you! Ruth Wilson Principal The School Ethos Our purpose is to provide a high quality, child-centred education in a caring environment, built upon good personal relationships and genuine partnership. Through achievement and the development of mutual respect, all pupils are challenged and encouraged to fulfl their potential and become valued citizens. 4