Miss Calvert is retiring as Principal of Ballyoran Primary School at the end of August 2008. Miss Calvert began her teaching career in Ballyoran Primary School when the school opened in 1974. She was initially a Primary One teacher before being appointed Principal 12 years ago. She has worked tirelessly to ensure Ballyoran is a caring school where pupils are valued and where their individual needs have a very high priority. She has ensured that this is a school where children are taught to respect themselves, other people and the environment in which they live. She has always given selflessly of her time and her dedication and commitment to the school has been very obvious.

 

A Special Retirement Assembly was held in the school on Thursday 26th June 2008, when the entire school community gathered to say farewell to her.  This included pupils, staff (teachers, classroom assistants, secretary, caretaker, lunchtime supervsors, cleaners and kitchen staff), members of the Board of Governors as well as parents and friends of the school and members of the local community.

 

Every class in the school took part in a special programme specially put together for Miss Calvert. The Chairman of the Board of Governors paid tribute to Miss Calvert on behalf of the entire school community. She was presented with the gifts from the pupils which included a water feature for her garden, a tree, a specially designed plate which each of the pupils had put their finger prints on and a bouquet of flowers. 

Tuesday 24th June 2008 saw the annual End of Year Special Awards Ceremony.  The Special Guest was Miss Gemma McCourt, a former pupil of Ballyoran Primary School.

Ballyoran Primary School has had its 7th Annual Dancing Festival.  The event which was held in the assembly Hall on Thursday 19th June 2008 was a great success. The aujudicator was Mrs Pauline Power who was returning to Ballyoran and said she, "definitely noticed a huge improvement in all the dancers!" She also commented on, "the warm, friendly atmosphere in the school." The festival was well attended by parents and friends of the dancers who were also treated to a team dance by some of the "staff" of the school, most noteably, Miss Calvert who is retiring at the end of this academic year. Well done to all involved and congratulations to all the dancers who took part and made it a day to remember!

Ballyoran Primary School has come Runner Up in the Medium Schools Section of the Southern Board area in the Best Kept School Awards.  Miss Calvert and 4 pupils were invited to a special presentation in the Jethro Cenre in Lurgan on Tuesday 10th June where they were presented with a cheque and a certificate.  This is the second time in 2 years that the school has received an award in this competition.  Back in 2006 the School won the Award.

Pupils from P4-P7 and staff have raised £1143 for the Alzheimers Society.  The money was raised by sponsoring a relay team of staff, parents and friends of the school to run in the Belfast Marathon back in May.  The cheque was presented to three members of the local branch of this charity at a special assembly on Friday 6th June 2008.