Page 20 - Bellfort Magazine 2024

Speech from Mr Niall Oliver—Principal

It is my privilege this afternoon to present the report for the school year 2022-2023 and to

welcome Mrs Judith Mitchell (formally Miss Judith Hill) as our distinguished guest. Mrs Mitchell
has a notable career in journalism with UTV LIVE, a familiar face, Judith commenced her career

in local community radio, putting news programmes together and working as a roving reporter
to filling the newsreader spot on UTV LIVE at 6pm or late evening and has been a regular face on

our televisions and a familiar voice on social media through podcast projects relating to peace
and reconciliation. For now… Judith has set the TV appearances to one side and is working as a

Senior Media Manager for Save the Children NI to share stories and seek opportunity to
advocate for young people.

When not reaching out or podcasting to her followers Judith enjoys all kinds of pass times such as

abseiling, canoeing and hiking!

Mrs Mitchell… I am confident that what you have to say to our young people this afternoon will be
enlightening, challenging and encouraging.

My sincere welcome to all of you, past and present. I must take this opportunity to welcome
today, past colleagues…. (retired) including family members from the former late Principals, Mr
Rab Sloan and Mr Jim Gillan… Jeremy and Gareth you are most welcome!

Thank you to Jasmine Hayes (Yr12) for the background music, focusing on soft traditional tunes, as

well as the instrumentalists, and the Choir, with Mrs King and Mrs Nevin for setting the scene so
well this afternoon… music and performance are a wonderful medium with which to share… they

are the shorthand of emotion… they are literature of the heart… both music and performance
commence where speech ends!

At the beginning of September, 157 new Year 8 pupils took up their place at the College. It has
been a delight and a privilege to support these young people on their post-primary journey. The

College enrolment continues to grow just shy of 900 pupils.

I must I take this opportunity to place on record the service and contribution of our Board of
Governors. On behalf of all, I say thank you for your unwavering support and service to the school

community and governance of Dunclug College. As a team, under the guidance of Mr Gray you
bring wisdom and insight including depth and breadth, to discussions, debate and celebration.