Dalriada bids a fond farewell to four outstanding teachers

Mr Skelton told the packed audience of pupils “Last night, as a staff 92 of us gathered to celebrate the end of another school year, but more importantly, say goodbye to four members of staff who between them have over 100 years’ experience of working in Dalriada School.

“It was an emotional evening, listening to them recall some wonderful memories of their time at Dalriada and their retirement leaves a huge gap in our staff. In all their speeches, they shared a common theme – their love of teaching and the special place which Dalriada has in their hearts”.

Mrs Morrison, Mr Coulter, Mr Spence and Mr Sayers then individually addressed the pupils who responded with a standing ovation reflecting the high regard they have for these four outstanding teachers.

Mr Heaney Sayers

Mr Heaney Sayers has had a long association with Dalriada. A former pupil, he joined the teaching staff as a History teacher in 1977. Previously, Heaney began his teaching career in 1974 at Annadale Grammar School and made an immediate impression. His former Head of History Mr Caffey, in a reference for the post in Dalriada stated that, “his teaching style is both vigorous and refreshing, and he has the pleasing ability to communicate his enthusiasm for his subject to young people”.

Over 30 years later, his unique teaching style is still very much in evidence in Dalriada. His enthusiasm for his subject, both in the classroom and as Head of Department, has resulted in an extraordinary uptake amongst pupils for History in recent years at Dalriada. The excellent History results gained in external examinations is a fitting tribute to the work of Heaney and to his leadership of the History Department.

During his 33 years at Dalriada, Heaney has held a number of key positions of responsibility, including Head of Department, Head of Middle School, Head of Sixth Form and Senior Teacher. He was also a member of the Careers Department, a member of the Primary Liaison Committee, a Teacher Governor and a member of the Education Committee.

Heaney’s commitment to the extra-curricular life of the school has been outstanding. Over the years he has assisted with rugby, cricket and badminton. As Stage Manager for the last twenty years, he worked closely with pupils, teaching staff and support staff in the successful staging of school Dramatic and Music productions.

His dedication as organiser of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme over the last thirty three years has been truly exceptional, planning and leading countless expeditions and helping hundreds of young people to gain awards at bronze, silver and gold levels. His work in this area has been recognised on a number of occasions by the presentation of prestigious awards. However, more importantly, he provided countless pupils with a positive experience in mountain craft, teamwork and service to others.

In addition to his outstanding devotion to Dalriada, Heaney’s personal qualities include his approachability, attention to detail and the ability to listen and communicate with others. These qualities allowed him to carry out his role as teacher responsible for staff cover efficiently and effectively. As a former scout master, he embodies two of the primary Scout Movement values - self reliance and a cheerful happy decency.

Mr Bryan Coulter

Bryan Coulter came to teach at Dalriada in September 1975 and since that time he has become part of the fabric of the school. It was a time of change for the Art Department as they were just about to move into the newly constructed Edmund Gordon Centre. This building with its open plan Art Department created an environment where Mr Coulter and Mrs Devlin encouraged pupils to explore their creativity and individuality.

Over the past 35 years this has remained the aim of the Art Department. His enthusiasm for his subject and endless supply of original and innovative ideas has helped countless pupils realise their potential and progress to Mr the career of their choice.

He became Head of Department 1981 and has overseen many curriculum and examination changes within the Art Department and in recent years he has become very proficient with ICT and in particular digital photography and Adobe Photoshop.

Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This attitude of openness and the will to discover new things has been a feature of his teaching. His lessons are never dull and long before the NI Curriculum was reworked yet again he was thinking of ways to better engage pupils.

“On one occasion he even brought a rooster into school for the pupils to draw; of course it broke out of its pen and he spent most of the time chasing it round the Art Department, but I’m sure those pupils will always remember that lesson,” said Mr Skelton.

Outside of the classroom, Mr Coulter has used his vivid imagination and considerable talent as a painter to transport us to the mountains of Austria in ‘The Sound of Music’, the enchanted forest of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, the barricades of ‘Les Misrables’ and the wild west for ‘Annie Get Your Gun’. No matter what the play or musical he has always come up with some stunning backdrops and scenery.

“We may have to bring him back to carry on this longstanding tradition,” added Mr Skelton.

Mr Alwyn Spence

When Alwyn Spence came to teach in Dalriada in 1977 it was his first appointment. He was a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast where he studied Mathematics. Although he remained living in his native Ballymena for a number of years, he quickly became involved in the life of the school, contributing to a whole range of extra-curricular activities.

He helped supervise pupils on Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme expeditions in the Mournes. He was involved with the school productions of musicals and Shakespeare plays, contributing to the stage lighting and of course to taking photographs of pupils appearing in these.

This was only the first of very many photographic contributions which Alwyn has continued to make in recording the life of the school. In this pre-digital, film and darkroom era, the quality of the photographs Alwyn took, developed and printed, form part of the record of these productions and stand as evidence of his skill and ability as a photographer.

Alwyn’s contribution to sport in the school was significant over a number of years and he helped organise the school’s table tennis club from which players competed very successfully both in interschool and regional competitions.