End of an era as Gillygooley Primary School to close for last time

GILLYGOOLEY Primary School closes its doors for the last time this Friday. Here's a short history of the various changes and events that marked its journey over the past 87 years.

1937 to 1938

Mrs Elkin’s classroom

Mrs Elkin was the principal.

She taught the senior classes in the first classroom, which is now Year 6 and 7 classroom.

The subjects she taught were:English, Arithmetic, Geography, Physical Training

Hygiene and Temperance, Needlework, Handwork and Domestic Economy.

1937 to 1938

Miss Hunter’s classroom.

Miss Hunter was the Junior Assistant Mistress. She taught the infants in the middle classroom, which is now our school library. She sat up near the chalkboard and beside the open grate. The open grate was in the corner of the room. The subjects she taught were:

English, Arithmetic, Singing, Drawing, Physical Training, Handwork and Infant Training.

She had been Junior Assistant Mistress in the old Gillygooley schoolhouse. She had also been a pupil of the old school. Miss E. Hunter lived at Aughnamoyle House, Omagh.

1937

In 1937 the school was new, fresh and attractive. However there was no water supply and because there was no fence on the eastern side of the school grounds, cattle often trespassed.

There was also no electricity. A well was sunk 20ft deep but unfortunately it was limestone, this meant that the water was not good for drinking or cooking. In those days children had to be at school 212 days a year. The principal could decide when the holidays were to be and as this was a farming community holidays were arranged to fit in with potato gathering, turf cutting, harvest etc.

1938

Water supply was now available for the lavatories and the scullery. The scullery was what is now the Year 6 and 7 classroom store. Free books were now available to poorer families.

The school grounds were now laid out and grass was sown.

1939

As there was trouble getting a permanent caretaker, some of the older children stayed over afterschool to clean up. The caretaker’s wage of £10.00 per annum was distributed to the children.

1941

From 1941 a number of evacuees from Belfast came down to stay in the Gillygooley area. One of these evacuees was Betty Matthews who married and became Mrs Hanna, who then lived in Belfast.

1943

July 1st Mrs Elkin resigned from the position of Principal she had spent 32 years in Gillygooley Primary School. Miss Freda Anderson was appointed as principal until 1946.

By this time there were 74 children on the school roll. Miss Anderson had married during this time and had become Mrs Wood.

1946

Mrs Margaret Somerville became Principal of Gillygooley Primary School.

She was to remain here for 20 years 1946 – 1966. During these years she saw many changes to the school. Mrs Somerville lived in Omagh and on Thursday, March 26 she came out to visit the school. She told various interesting stories about our school, which included a story about her dog Bruce and also about the tree planting ceremony in 1953.

1950

It was suggested that a portion of the playground should be given a macadam surface for Physical Training.

1952

As school numbers were now high the possibility of a third teacher was discussed. There was however the problem of space. Some people thought it possible to convert the cloakroom. School meals were introduced by this time. These were made in the scullery and served on folding tables lined up the corridor.

1953

This was the year of the Queen’s Coronation. Gillygooley Primary School was sent six oak seedlings from Windsor Great Park. Miss Hunter took the Oak seedlings home with her and looked after them. Only one grew. The teachers had to decide where to plant the oak tree. They decided to plant it a little distance from the back fence. On June 18, 1953 Mrs Somerville and Miss Hunter planted the oak tree to commemorate the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The children and teachers sang the National Anthem at this ceremony.

1954

By 1954 there was still no third classroom and no electricity. In fact no light was available inside the school so the caretaker was unable to carry out her work on short days. The kitchen staff was harassed as the small kitchen reeked of paraffin fumes, which pervaded the whole building. The old hand pump in the kitchen was difficult to prime and when being pumped it splashed water over the walls and floor. In February 1954 there were 80 children on roll. By October 1954 electricity had been installed.

1955

In September the school Committee wanted a wireless set for the school as well as the usual items of a wall map of Ireland and the globe. By this time the new building extension comprising of another classroom and a school meals kitchen were well under way.

1956

A recent fall in enrolment made classes easier to handle. Beanbags and large hoops were acquired to supplement the Physical Education equipment. Gardening was now included under the New Primary School Programme.

1958

In July 1958 a third teacher was appointed. She was Miss Sarah Gladys Nethery. She taught the middle classes.

1963

Miss Hunter retired and Miss Lorna Livingston was appointed as infant teacher.

There was a gathering at Trinity Hall, Omagh to pay tribute to Miss Hunter. Miss Livingston made the presentation. Captain C.M.N. Rountree, chairman of the Tyrone Savings Committee also made a presentation to her. A programme of entertainment followed. It included: The Strangers, the two Valerie's (Misses Coote and Anderson,) Mr Jack Anderson, Quartet (W Harte, J Anderson, Kesh, R Black and C Snell, Miss Jennifer McKinley, Mr Gordon, Strabane and Mrs Hussey.

1965

At this time, because of high numbers, some children had to dine in the classrooms.

The infant teacher requested two painting easels, a sand tray and a folding book corner.

1966

Mrs M. R. Somerville retired in August. On June 24, 1966 there was a presentation for her in Omagh Methodist Church Hall to mark her retirement as principal of Gillygooley Primary School after 20 years. The gifts, a food mixer and a cheque were handed over by Miss E. K. Hunter, Bangor, a former teacher in the school, on behalf of past pupils, parents of present pupils and the staff. After tea all present were entertained by Wesley McKee, Thomas Strain, Mrs J. Elkin, Maurice Johnston and Brian McKibbon. Mr H McCartney was appointed Principal. He was principal until 1973.

1970

By 1970 a filmstrip projector, a screen and also a tape recorder had now been purchased.

A temporary mobile classroom was now installed behind the main school building.

1973

The committee asked that the outdated desks in the middle and senior classrooms be replaced. New solid fuel stoves had been installed in two main school classrooms. Mrs G Braden (née Nethery) was appointed as principal. Mrs Fletcher was appointed as assistant teacher.During 1973 Miss Marie Smyth was appointed as infant teacher. Miss Smyth, now Mrs Neary.

1974

In November 1974 Mr Ken Thompson was appointed.

1975

Mrs J. Armstrong became secretary of Gillygooley Primary School.

1977

By June 1977 the enrolment was 79 pupils. Electric heaters were supplied to supplement the stoves.

1979

Colour television was introduced to Gillygooley Primary School.

1981

Mr Norman Gilchrist was appointed as caretaker.

1982

Mr K Thompson resigned and was replaced by Mrs Liddle. A BBC computer was introduced to the school.

1983

A lay-by was constructed at the school gates and the entrance was widened for safety reasons.

1984

Mrs G. Braden retired at the end of June. Mr C. Magee was appointed as principal. Mr Magee was principal until March 1986. Mrs Liddle retired at the end of August and was replaced by Miss P Gillis, now Mrs Smyth.

1986

In September 1986 Mrs M. A. Orr took up the position of principal. She taught the upper classes.

1987

Mrs P. Gilchrist took up the job as school cleaner. A printer and overhead projector were acquired by the school. Gillygooley Primary School won the Omagh and District final of the Community Relations General Knowledge Quiz. In June they also won the Regional Final, which was held in Enniskillen. During the winter months at the beginning of the school year there was concern over the heating in the school and the mobile classroom where it was consistently below 10oC in the mornings.

The main school was in need of maintenance work with plaster flaking off the back gable wall in the senior classroom. The windows and sills were in very poor condition. Paint was flaking off ceilings and several windows were cracked.

The toilet facilities were substandard. There was no heating in the toilet block and the pipes froze up in cold weather. There were no washing facilities in the toilet block or in the mobile classroom. One hand basin in the main school corridor served the entire school and this had cold water only.

Mrs Orr sent a letter to appeal that the third teacher (a discretionary post) should be retained. This appeal was successful. The safety of the school bars in the playground was considered.

August 1987 new windows were put into the front of the school. In September 1987 a school uniform was introduced. A school discipline policy was drawn up.

1988

A school meals Supervisory Assistant was appointed for the 1st time in Gillygooley Primary School. May 1988 as stated in the Board of Governors minutes, the document ‘Education Statues’. September 1988 a new reading scheme was adopted in the infant classes.

The school driveway was tarred and during the summer of 1988 the toilet block was still causing concern as there were no hand basins, there was no form of lighting and the urinals did not have running water.

1989

Schools became responsible for their own-delegated budget. April 1989 1st school trip to London Mrs Orr was accompanied by Mrs Mavis Jardine. By 1989 school enrolment was increasing.

1990

After many discussions by the principal and W.E.L.B. officers and the Board of Governor pressured for a proposed plan for an extension to Gillygooley Primary School was drawn up and accepted. A new mobile classroom was erected. The climbing bars in the playground were removed.

1991

A fundraising committee was formed. Miss Gwen Beacom was appointed as assistant teacher.

Autumn Term 1991 the Principal and teaching staff prepared a policy, revised Discipline Policy, Admissions criteria. A school prospectus was prepared by the principal.

In 1991 the Department deemed that the maximum number of pupils, which Gillygooley Primary School could have on their rolls, would be 71. A Governors Training Evening was set up as part of a Governors Support Programme.

1992

Work commenced on the new extension to Gillygooley Primary School. This extension consisted of a staff room, boy’s toilets, girl’s toilets and staff toilet. A small principals office was created. The old stoves were being removed and storage radiators were being put into the main school building. Sixteen pupils from P5 – P7 enjoyed an educational trip to London in March of this year. They were accompanied by Mrs A. Orr, Miss G. Beacom and Mr and Mrs George Armstrong. June 1992 the principal prepared and published the first Gillygooley Primary School Prospectus. November 1992 - new type of general inspection in which the inspection team met with parents before the actual inspection. General inspection was held in the week beginning November 23, 1992. The Common Curriculum was introduced in 1992/1993.

1993

April 6, 1993 – Mr A.C. McFarland officially opened the new extension to and refurbishment of Gillygooley Primary School. Mr McFarland presented the McFarland Perpetual Cup for the Best All Round Pupil, to commemorate the occasion. The Rev. R.W.W. Clarke, who had officiated at the ceremony, had presented the school with a Rowan tree to commemorate the occasion. This Rowan tree has been planted near the rear hedge of the school grounds. In 1993 there were Health and Safety issues to be addressed.

1. The movement of traffic through the playground. 2. Lack of appropriate storage facilities for dining room chairs and tables. By 1992/1993 school year our enrolment had risen to 71 pupils. October 1993 Mrs B. Caldwell took up her post as assistant teacher.

A new photocopier was purchased. Gillygooley Primary School was asked to be one of 10 primary schools in Western Board Area to introduce Primary French. This subject was to be taught by the principal, Mrs A. Orr. The staff drew up marking Policy and Non Smoking Policy.

1994

In order to reduce the hazards of traffic having free access in our school grounds a new staff parking area was created. Vehicle access was closed off from the pupils play area. The school gates were widened. A ‘roundabout system’ was created at the top of the driveway. New fencing was erected around the perimeter of the school grounds. 1994/1995 school year – Gillygooley Primary School had a French assistant, Miss Aude Skizypozac. The principal researched ideas to make the play area more stimulating for the pupils.

1995

The caretaker Mr N. Gilchrist partitioned off part of the existing play shed/store and made benches along the walls for pupils use. A nature area was created in 1995. Most of the manual work was completed by our caretaker. This included a pond, dry stonewall. Herb garden etc. shrubs were purchased and planted by Year 7 pupils. The pond was built by Mr Gilchrist. Year 7 pupils and the principal measured it out and helped line it with pond liner. All pupils in the school filled the pond with water by setting up a relay system. Mr Gilchrist also made a wooden fence to fence off the nature area and made two wooden seats for pupils and staff to use. A number of native Irish trees were planted on the eastern side of the school driveway.

Security lights were put along the school side and back walls.

September 1995 A Year 1 Classroom Assistant was appointed to Gillygooley Primary School Mrs Avril Duncan (now Mrs Moore). In September 1995 Gillygooley Primary School also became a four-teacher school. Miss Heather McIntosh was appointed as Year 4 and 5 teacher.

Class groupings were now Year 1 and Year 2 Mrs M. Neary; Year 3 and Year 4 Mrs B. Caldwell; Year 5 and Year 6 Miss H. McIntosh and Year 7 Mrs A. Orr.

A second mobile classroom was erected on site.

1996

The school entered the Best Kept School Awards for the 1st time and received the runners up prize, a framed certificate and monetary award for being a best-kept School within the Western Board. A Drugs Policy was drawn up, and a guest speaker was invited to speak to parents on drug related issues. Gillygooley Primary School and St Mary’s Laught joined together to work on a cross-community history project. One pupil, Christopher Barbour, entered the Giant U.T.V. Sports Bag Competition and won it for the school.

1999

Miss N. Turner joined our teaching staff. The third mobile classroom was erected on site.

2001

Mrs J. Armstrong retired from her job as secretary after 26 years service. Mrs C. Kinloch was appointed the new secretary.

2002

Miss N. Turner left to go and teach in America. Miss W. Smith joined the teaching staff.

2003

Mrs P. Gilchrist retired as a cleaner after 16 years service. Mrs C. Kinloch gave up her post as secretary. Mrs M. Henderson was appointed the new school secretary.

2005

Caretaker Mr N. Gilchrist retired after 24 years service. Mrs Brenda Galbraith was appointed as the new caretaker. Miss W. Smith now Mrs Irwin was made redundant in June 2005.

Mrs Ann Orr retired as principal of Gillygooley Primary School on August 31, 2005.

The school was now down to three teachers (principal and two teachers).

Mrs Julie Wysner started as new principal on 1st September 2005. One mobile classroom removed from site.

2007

Mrs Marie Neary retired from teaching on May 31, 2007. Miss Lindy McMullin replaced Mrs Marie Neary on June 1, 2007. Mrs Avril Moore took three years out, replaced by Mrs Ciara Corry.

2008

Gortnagarn Primary School joined with the school on a joint Community Relations programme.

Bicycle shed was removed and a new steel clad unit put in its place. Playground resurfaced with tar. Mrs Rebecca Scott retired from serving the school dinners. Mrs Elaine King started serving the dinners at the beginning of September. New markings were put on the playground.

2009

Mrs Julie Wysner off on Maternity Leave. Year 6 and 7 taught by Miss Lindsay Given.

Mrs Brenda Caldwell now acting principal. Miss Chloe Nesbitt new General Classroom Assistant.

2010

Mrs Julie Wysner left to take up a principal Post in Kilmoyle Primary School. Mrs Brenda Caldwell now acting principal. Miss Lindsay Given teaching Year 6 and 7. Miss Lindy McMullin married in June 2010 now Mrs Millar.

2011

February - two large trees removed by a Tree Doctor. May – Miss Chloe Nesbitt left replaced by Mrs Beverley Walker September – Miss Lindsay Given Year 6 and 7 teacher left replaced by Miss Lynnette Jameson.

2012

February - soft play area was installed in the playground. Gas central heating was installed in the school in place of the night storage heaters. Miss Lynnette Jameson married in July 2012 now Mrs Palmer.

2013

Solar panels were installed on the roof of the school in January. Mrs Lynnette Palmer left in June and was replaced by Miss Diane McFarland as Year 6 and 7 teacher.

2015

The school was awarded an NGO grant. They used this to purchase a hen run. Four hens were purchased for ‘Johnstones of Mountnorris’ Picnic benches were also purchased. Fruit trees were planted at the front of the school, making a small orchard.

2016

Miss Diane McFarland Year 6 and 7 teacher left and was replaced by Mrs Jayne Baird.

2017

Mrs Jayne Baird started her maternity leave. This post was covered by Miss Paula Henry.

Shared Education was started with St Ronan’s Primary School, Recarson. This was the beginning of a 7 year collaboration between pupil and staff.

2018

Miss Paula Henry was married in July and is now Mrs Lowry. Mrs Lindy Millar went off on her third maternity leave and this post was covered by Mrs Paula Lowry.

2020

Mrs Lindy Millar started her career break. Her post was covered by Mrs Paula Lowry.

2022

The school was given a ‘Pollinator Grant’. An outdoor classroom was purchased for the school.

2023

Mrs Jayne Baird left to take up another post in June. Mrs Paula Lowry started teaching Years 5 – 7 in September. Mrs Caldwell had Reception to Year 4.

2024 – Present Day

The school will officially close on August 31.

The closure of Gillygooley Primary School is the end of an era. For 87 years it has provided a caring, nurturing environment where pupils have thrived and been encouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Anyone who had any association with the school will feel part of their childhood has been taken from them with this closure but the pivotal role this highly regarded facility has played over the years in the community and in the education of its children will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.