As she retires from her position as principal of Lisbellaw Primary School, of which she had 10 “fulfilling” years in the role, Ingrid Logan has paid tribute to her “outstanding staff” and her late mother who encouraged her “every step of the way”.

Mrs. Logan dedicated 39 years of her life to education. She took up the role of principal at Lisbellaw Primary School in September 2009. Prior to this position she taught at the Model Primary School for 20 years and she was held the position of vice principal of the Model for her final 10 years there.

In September 2008 she was seconded to the Education Authority and worked on the ‘Raising Achievement Programme’ where she worked in schools, helping to raise standards particularly in the field of literacy. When asked what motivated her in her role of principal, Mrs. Logan explained: “You want the best for the children in the school and also for your staff, so you want to do the very best you can for them, always.”

Having taken up the position of principal at Lisbellaw Primary School as the school was going through a new build, Mrs. Logan noted that the official opening in November 2010 was a “particular highlight” of her career. She said: “I am an organiser at heart and thoroughly enjoyed this event which was a total success. One thing which made the day particularly memorable for me was having the late Mrs. Maud Nawn, former vice principal of Lisbellaw Primary School, to carry out the official opening. This was a very special day.”

Music has always been a key element of Mrs Logan’s life. Having studied Music at Stranmillis University, Mrs. Logan taught it as a subject at the Duke of Westminster in Ballinamallard and Kesh. She also led the school choir during her time at the Model school and when she took up her post in Lisbellaw, one of her favourite aspects of school life was leading the choir, along with Mrs. Jenny Foy.

Talking about what she enjoyed most about her role as principal, Mrs. Logan commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed both the administrative and personal aspects of my role as principal. I especially enjoyed getting to work with the children and provide substitute cover. Budgets are extremely tight and this helped greatly.”

She added: “I will miss the children and the conversations I had with them as well the company of the children and the staff.”

Speaking highly of her staff, Mrs. Logan said: “I have had an outstanding team of staff, both teaching and non-teaching, as well as a vibrant Parent Teacher Association and a knowledgeable and supportive Board of Governors.” She also highlighted the work of her two “excellent” and “supportive” vice principals, Ruth Coalter and Jason Kilfedder. She commented: “They have been a great support to me over the years. Leading a school can have, like any job, its challenges, but I have always been fortunate in having the full support of my staff and Board of Governors, currently chaired by Reverend Stephanie Woods.”

Mrs. Logan also spoke of the support she had received from the parents of the school during her 10 years there. She noted how the recent Education Training Inspectorate report highlighted “the quality of the communication and engagement with parents and the local community is a key strength of the school.”

Mrs. Logan also paid tribute to Henry Keys and Winston Glass, principals of the Model School during her time there, as well as to Yvonne Mathers of the Education Authority who “taught her so much” when working on the ‘Raising Achievement Programme.’

Paying tribute to her family members, her husband Hamish and her daughters Eloise and Judith, Mrs. Logan noted how they have shown her “unwavering support and encouragement throughout the years.” Sharing how her late mother, Violet Wood, encouraged her every step of the way right from her Primary School days, Mrs. Logan added: “If ever there was an encourager in life, not only to me but to many, many people, it was my mother. I will always be indebted to her.”