As schools go, Killylea Primary certainly punches above its weight.
Innovative, inspiring, award-winning – all can confidently be applied and with ease.
And now, come September, the next chapter for Killylea is about to be written, with the appointment of a new principal at the helm.
The departure of Pamela Lowry paves the way for the arrival of Peter Mullan, who is looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and continuing that good work.
Mr Mullan is widely respected in the field of education.
And he comes with the credentials required to lead from the front and is relishing the challenges ahead.
Currently a senior teacher at Edenderry Primary School – where he began his own educational journey as a boy – Mr Mullan has been an integral and influential part of the staff there for the past 25 years.
Now as he prepares to move on, he is both sad to be leaving but excited for the future.
“I’m very excited, obviously, to take on the new role,” he told Armagh I. “But I’ll be leaving this school with a lot of gratitude, respect and great memories in and beyond the classroom.
“I’ve been fortunate and blessed to be teaching very wonderful pupils. I’ve worked with fantastic, multi-talented colleagues. I’ve worked under three different principals – Mrs Pillow, Mr Doyle, and my current principal, Mr Blevins – and they all have given me great opportunities, encouragement and development professionally.
“I have no doubt that Edenderry Primary School, along with its very special pupils and supportive parents in a community I care deeply about, is now in excellent hands.
“But I take the next step to Kilyllea now and it’s going to be about listening and building up strong relationships – and working together with everybody there – to ensure the school has the best outcomes for all their children.
“I’m really looking forward to that and meeting everybody in September and, of course, particularly all the pupils.”
Mr Mullan has already paid a visit to Killylea Primary as part of the appointment process.
Certainly he had done his research beforehand ahead of going forward for the role.
And what he discovered pleased him immensely.
“It became really apparent to me throughout the process just how highly regarded the school is,” said Mr Mullan.
“I do feel truly privileged in being given the opportunity and trusted by their Governors to lead the school into the next chapter.
“The school has already got a really strong reputation within the local community for its caring ethos, high standards and commitment to ensuring every child reaches their full potential, so it’s very exciting for me and I’ve got a great opportunity.”
Time and time again rural schools have proven their worth. Their place at the heart of local communities and the opportunities and advantages which they bring can never be under-estimated.
This, too, is something of which Mr Mullan is well aware.
And he gives full credit to the outgoing principal for her sterling efforts and work as a leader and innovator in helping to make Killylea Primary what it is today.
“Killylea’s motto is ‘a small school, big opportunities’ and that really resonated with me,” added the new principal. “While embracing all the unique advantages of being a small school, I will not be thinking small. I will be thinking big.
“I see a school with great potential, and I look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen it together with everyone. This is what the pupils, parents, staff, governors and the wider Killylea Primary School community rightly deserve and should expect and I am fully committed to delivering this.
“I think it would be important to acknowledge the outstanding work and strategic leadership of the outgoing principal, Mrs Pamela Lowry. She’s built and sustained the firm foundations there. Pam is known for her passion for outdoor play and learning and her whole school development of that has already positioned Killylea as a forward-thinking, collaborative school, an example of best practice.
“Alongside the work of a highly-skilled and dedicated teaching and support staff team, supported by engaged parents, committed governors and strong community involvement, the school — and, most importantly, its pupils — continue to thrive. I look forward to building on this.
“Obviously in rural schools, connections and collaborations with other local schools and external organisations and the wider community is key and that’s something that I’m really looking forward to building going forward.
“I think Killylea and Edenderry are similar. One school is big and one school is small. You’re part of a family and I think that’s really important that whenever I enter school that I consider that school and that wee community, it’s part of a family and I think that’s really important for attracting parents and pupils to a school, and those are values that I think are very transferrable across both and I look forward to joining the Killylea family.”
Away from the classroom and Mr Mullan has a keen sporting interest with a particular passion for football and the great outdoors.
Indeed, he is currently assistant manager and first team coach of Queen’s University AFC and over the last few seasons saw them being promoted up into the full championship.
Before that, he worked as a head of development at Portadown Football Club.
Mr Mullan is also actively involved in the Boys’ Brigade and all of these roles hold values and opportunities which he believes he can bring to Killylea for the benefit of the children there.
He said: “Outside of school, I have been involved with the Boys’ Brigade for many years, having attended 4th Portadown BB at Edenderry Presbyterian Church. I was encouraged by friend and fellow officer Ian McConaghy to remain involved in the organisation. It was also Ian and wife Ruth who first encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching, something I remain very thankful for.
“I currently serve as the King’s Badge Advisor for the Portadown and District Battalion and enjoy giving back by supporting local churches and communities to help develop the leaders of tomorrow through work that grows character, Christian values, commitment and community spirit.
“I have held a life-long love of sport and strongly believe in the importance and benefits of young people having opportunities to participate in sport, teamwork and physical activity. Through experience, I have learned that good coaching is really just great teaching out on a pitch, and over the years, as my understanding and skill set have grown, both roles have continually informed, developed and enhanced the other.
“Those are roles that I enjoy. Obviously, the learning and the experiences for children outside of the classroom are key for me and again, I know Killylea have a lot of after school-activities that go on, but I would look forward to coming and helping support that and developing that further.
“Residential and outdoor pursuits are a love of mine as well, so again I would be looking forward to trying to continue to develop and build on the holistic experience of the children, obviously learning inside the classroom. Killylea have a big focus already on outdoor learning and I see a value and share that interest as well.
“I want to start off at Killylea respecting all the great work that’s come before. It is a very well respected school. A lot of colleagues and different people in education have talked to me about the school and I’m well aware of that. I think a key thing is to come in and respect all the great traditions and successes of the past and then carefully build up an understanding of how we take the next positive step forward and build on all of that.
“So I’m really looking forward to that and I’m really looking forward to joining the school.
“As I take this next step and begin my new role as principal at Killylea Primary School, my focus will initially be on listening, building strong relationships and working collaboratively with everyone connected with the school to ensure the very best outcomes for every child.
“I have been genuinely touched by the amount of goodwill, kind messages, best wishes and warm support shared following the announcement of my appointment, and that has meant a tremendous amount to me personally.
“People may forget specific lessons or conversations, but they rarely forget the feeling of being genuinely valued, supported and cared for and that is something I will always strive to ensure for every child and every member of our Killylea Primary School community.
“I very much look forward to meeting everyone in September, particularly all our pupils.”
As he prepares to leave Edenderry Primary School at the end of the current term, the principal there, Stephen Blevins, paid his own tribute to Mr Mullan and wished him well.
He said: “While we are immensely proud of him and genuinely delighted at this well‑deserved promotion, his departure is something we feel very keenly. He will be greatly and sincerely missed by us all.
“Edenderry is woven into the very fabric of Mr Mullan’s life. A former pupil himself, he is a valued member of this community and has dedicated 25 years of service to the school, having joined the staff as a newly qualified teacher in September 2001.
“Throughout those years he has given unstintingly of his time, energy and expertise, shaping the lives of countless children. His contribution to the wider life of the school has been immense; from his leadership of Literacy and PE, to his commitment in representing staff on the Board of Governors.
“However, the greatest impact he has made has been within his classroom and on the football pitch, where generations of pupils have flourished under his guidance, encouragement and care.
“We know we speak on behalf of the Board of Governors, the wider Edenderry community, and the entire staff in offering Mr Mullan our heartfelt thanks for his loyalty, dedication and service to Edenderry.
“We wish him every blessing, happiness and success as he begins this exciting new chapter as principal of Killylea Primary School.”
