Celebrations at Beechlawn School prizegiving

There were celebrations at Beechlawn School in Hillsbroough recently as both staff and pupils were praised for their hard work during the past year.
Some of the pupils from Beechlawn School, Hillsborough, who received certificates during the school's prize night. US1548-507cd  Picture: Cliff DonaldsonSome of the pupils from Beechlawn School, Hillsborough, who received certificates during the school's prize night. US1548-507cd  Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Some of the pupils from Beechlawn School, Hillsborough, who received certificates during the school's prize night. US1548-507cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

The school held its annual prizegiving ceremony on Thursday November 26, which was attended by the Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Thomas Beckett, to honour everyone at Beechlawn.

The school’s Principal, Mrs Barbara Green, took as her theme ‘Liberetié, Equalité, Fraternité’.

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“Words we have heard a lot in the past weeks in relation to the frightening events in Paris,” she said. “These words, however are a symbol of strength, a symbol of togetherness and a symbol of having common goals and aspirations in the face of adversity.”

Some of the pupils from Beechlawn School, Hillsborough, who received certificates during the school's prize night. US1548-507cd  Picture: Cliff DonaldsonSome of the pupils from Beechlawn School, Hillsborough, who received certificates during the school's prize night. US1548-507cd  Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Some of the pupils from Beechlawn School, Hillsborough, who received certificates during the school's prize night. US1548-507cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

She continued: “Education too is facing changes and challenges in the light of EA – the Education Authority.

“With the publication of the Area Plan for Special Schools it is noted that all pupils with an SEN Statement should attend their nearest Special School and all such schools should be equipped to deal with a diverse range of needs from 3 – 19 years.

“I want to reassure parents that Beechlawn will remain a symbol of Fraternité – a symbol of strength and committed group sharing effort, professionalism and knowledge.

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“We have the backing of Governors and outstanding committed staff to ensure we move forward in adopting the Area Plan and adapting the school in the process.

Beechlawn’s school Motto is ‘Happy’, Safe, Employable’ and in that order.

“Why am I happy this evening – to see so many pupils receiving awards, to see so many parents supporting our school to see our outstanding staff here to encourage and motivate. To have access to counsellors from Barnardos and Family Works and have a Pastoral Care system which is second to none.

“Why am I grateful – to have the support of officers and staff of the Education Authority South Eastern Region, the Governors, parents and staff and to be recognised as an ‘Outstanding School’ by ETI.

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“We want pupils to grow into well-rounded adults socially as well as academically despite the challenges we face in today’s society.

“We embrace changes, we look forward to our school moving forward. We celebrate the fact through parental generosity, that of the Rotary Club and Education Authority support we are going to be able to purchase a second minibus and we celebrate our Breakfast Club coming first in the United Kingdom out of 450 schools.

“What a wonderful school we have.”