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Interview with Mrs. McCrory in May 2001

Mrs.McCrory joined the staff of Ballymacward Primary School in September 1992 as Vice-Principal. She was the first Vice-Principal in the school.

In February 1994 she was appointed Principal and made history again by being the first female Principal in the school.

Mrs. McCrory remembers helping Mr. Mooney with the music for First Communion and Confirmation. This was before she became a member of staff and at that time she never imagined she would become Principal.

Her first memories of the school were vague. She remembered being shocked at the condition of the school. She remembered the rickety steps up to Mr. Mooney's mobile and how dark it was.

The next time she visited the school it was just after her appointment as Vice-Principal and she said the change was incredible! Then when she took up her post two months later, more changes (for the better) had taken place. A new mobile had been added to provide her with a classroom and also a much needed staff room.

When Mrs. McCrory started she became aware very quickly of the importance of the local community. She had come from a big school where there were always teachers to do whatever jobs were necessary and there was plenty of space. The small school needed community help, especially at First Communion, Confirmation, concerts etc. Members of the local community, even those without children at the school, made tea, set up the parish hall for events and were and still are always ready to help when asked.

Mrs. McCrory said she also found it very strange that when she was appointed Principal she was welcomed into the community by being invited to many parish events. She was and still is made to feel very welcome. She said this was very different from working in an inner city school but she enjoys being included. The three fires between February 93 and January 94 certainly tested the good will of the community!

Moving from a large to a much smaller school was very different. She thinks that there are many advantages of being in a smaller rural school. The main one is that she knows all of the children, as well as their parents and in the majority of cases their grandparents as well. The children (that's us) are generally well behaved and there are no discipline problems.

Over the years she has seen conditions within the school improve. Additional classroom and office space, improved toilet facilities, cloakroom improved, play area and the development of an outdoor garden to name a few.

Her biggest thrill came in February 2000 when it was announced that approval had been given by D.E.N.I, and the money allocated to build a new school. NO MORE MOBILES! Her greatest wish is to see the new school completed.