Interview with Mr. Lowe.
Bill Lowe - Principal (42K JPEG)
How old is the school?
It started in September 1981.
How long did it take to build the school?
It took 15 months and it was finished in June 1985.
What do you think makes a good school?
A school is about people, parents, pupils and teachers where they all care for each other.
Have you been principal since the school was founded?
Yes and next year I'll be twenty years in the job.
Do you find yourself working more hours than a teacher?
Yes and no, teachers spend hours preparing and correcting school work and principals go to meetings after school hours.
Do you prefer being a principal to being a class teacher?
Yes. I really love teaching and I miss it but if I was class teacher I would want to be principal. So I suppose I do prefer it.
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes . It's harder than it used to be but I like it.
Does our school do better than most Dublin schools in sports?
Yes it does, bacause most people in our school are interested in sports and I'm a sports nut.
Do you think that all rules must be kept by all children?
Yes I do. Teachers sometimes try to not notice things, but the children think it is the opposite way around. If a child breaks a minor rule I try not to notice but if it is something serious I do take notice.
Have you taught anyone famous?
Yes Dermot Harrington, Aonghus McNally and Terry Eviston.
Is the number of pupils increasing or decreasing?
It is decreasing, the biggest number in juniour infants between St. Helens and St. Marnocks was 330 and last year it was under 120.
Do you think team teaching is good for the pupils?
Yes, it gets the pupils to know the teachers and it gets the teachers to know the different pupils.
Are you happy with the schools achievments?
Yes. People in Portmarnock will know what a really good school we have when they leave Portmarnock.
Has our school got a high standard in good behaviour?
Yes, when we have a visitor they always comment on the good behaviour and our friendly atmosphere.
What will happen to the school in years to come?
It will stay a school.
Have you always wanted to teach?
No. I sort of drifted into teaching.
What is your favourite subject?
My favourite subjects in university were maths, philosphy and Irish because I think they're very interesting, but to teach it would be maths.
Do you get upset when sixth class pupils leave?
Yes and no, you always miss the 6th classes but I like to see third class grow up to sixth.
How important do you think the arts are?
Very important, everyone should have a rounded education.There used to be an idea that sports were for boys and music was for girls but everyone should try everything even if you're no good at it.
What is your favourite sport?
My favourite sport when I was younger was rugby. Then it was badminton and now I suppose it's golf. I guess that's a sign I'm getting old.
Do you think children with learning disabilities are catered for in all Irish national schools?
No. We Lack proper resources.
The teacher in England allowed the child that was being bullied slap the bully, what do think about this?
It was silly to allow the child slap the bully, but bullying should be stopped.
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