EASTER at Fivemiletown Primary School marked the end of an era as colleagues bade a fond farewell to Melanie Houston, the school’s Principal of 16 years, who has retired.

The retirement of the popular Principal drew warm praise from across the school’s teaching and support staff and related bodies, with many referring to her hard work, support and dedication down the years to staff, pupils, parents and the school itself.

Christine Baxter, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, said Miss Houston "had given many years of much-valued service, hard work and dedication to Fivemiletown PS".

She added: "During her period as Principal, the school experienced a significant growth in pupil numbers, and through Miss Houston's leadership and guidance she had positively promoted the belief that school should be a place where all the children should be given a chance to learn and develop as individuals and achieve their full potential."

Expressing the deep appreciation of the Board of Governors in particular for Miss Houston’s work in 2015 to ensure that the major renovation and extension of the old school building was planned and carried out with minimum disruption, Mrs. Baxter also highlighted that Miss Houston's professionalism and leadership was reflected in the last Education and Training Inspectorate Report, which found the school had the highest level of attainment across all inspection categories.

Miss Houston began her teaching career in 1985. After teaching P1-3 for a term in Wastelands PS, she took up the position as infant teacher in Keady PS, where she remained until August, 1999.

That September saw her become Principal of Cortamlet PS, followed by September, 2004 seeing Miss Houston join Fivemiletown PS as its Principal.

In addition to her work, she also showed a great interest in wider educational matters, and from April, 2008 to March, 2009, Miss Houston was President of the Ulster Teachers’ Union.

Upon her retirement, Miss Houston said it has been a great privilege to have been able to get to know the children and parents connected to the school, and she expressed her enjoyment and thanks for working with the children, staff, Governors and wider community.

She also paid tribute to the recent support provided by the Fivemiletown Coronavirus Support Group, as well as the ongoing support of the Parent Teacher and Friends Association.

Speaking at a presentation to Miss Houston, Mrs. Baxter said: "You have touched our lives in a very special way.

“It is now time to step back and look forward to spending time with the people you care about and doing the things you love.

“We wish you God's richest blessings for the future."