In the beginning
The school was planned in 1951 - 52 and designed to accommodate seven hundred and fifty pupils by Mr. Gibson, A.R.I.B.A., of Messrs Hobert and Heron, and built under his supervision by Messrs H. & J. Martin Ltd.
In order that the school could be built on the site, a river had to be diverted. This river now runs in a culvert from the Tudor Drive gate along the southern boundary of the school and down the front. Its old course was across the school grounds past the Technology rooms to Merok. During the building of the school this river overflowed twice, flooding the lower corridor and almost trapping some men who were working at the heating pipes laid under it. The building was finally completed early in 1956.
On 3rd January, 1956, there were four hundred and fourteen pupils enrolled from the following contributory schools: Lisnasharragh, Cregagh, O'Neill Memorial, Moneyrea, Castlereagh and Gilnahirk Primaries later to be joined by Braniel Primary.
In December 1955, Mr. S. C. Barbour, B.A., H.Dip.Ed., assumed duties as principal. Mr. R J Johnston, M.A., was appointed Vice-Principal, and Miss M. E. Macauley, Dip.Ed., Senior Mistress. Mrs Anne Carley was appointed secretary. The original staff consisted of fourteen members.
In order that the school could be built on the site, a river had to be diverted. This river now runs in a culvert from the Tudor Drive gate along the southern boundary of the school and down the front. Its old course was across the school grounds past the Technology rooms to Merok. During the building of the school this river overflowed twice, flooding the lower corridor and almost trapping some men who were working at the heating pipes laid under it. The building was finally completed early in 1956.
On 3rd January, 1956, there were four hundred and fourteen pupils enrolled from the following contributory schools: Lisnasharragh, Cregagh, O'Neill Memorial, Moneyrea, Castlereagh and Gilnahirk Primaries later to be joined by Braniel Primary.
In December 1955, Mr. S. C. Barbour, B.A., H.Dip.Ed., assumed duties as principal. Mr. R J Johnston, M.A., was appointed Vice-Principal, and Miss M. E. Macauley, Dip.Ed., Senior Mistress. Mrs Anne Carley was appointed secretary. The original staff consisted of fourteen members.
