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November 2009

Bellaghy Pupils Speak Out!

Three P7 pupils from Bellaghy Primary School participated in the Magherafelt and District Road Safety Public Speaking competition recently.

Jillian Blair, Nicole Junkin and Rebecca Leslie delivered a speech chosen from a selection of topics including, ‘Seatbelts save lives’, and ‘17 is too young to be let loose with a lethal weapon on the road’.

Mary-Lou Richmond, Principal of the school was delighted when Rebecca Leslie was announced as runner up by the adjudicator. Rebecca’s speech was based around the subject - ‘Carnage on our roads, I have the answer’. Mrs Richmond said that she thought Rebecca’s speech had caught the adjudicator’s attention because of ‘her convincing and passionate delivery’.

Rebecca’s success in public speaking follows Jillian Blair’s success in May when she won the Northern Ireland final of the Environmental Youth Speak competition.

June 2009

Lucy is runner up in ‘Eggs Factor’ competition in London

Lucy Montgomery one of our P7 pupils finished runner up in the final of the Eggs Factor competition held at ‘L’Atelier des Chefs’ in London.

Lucy jetted off to London at the beginning of July with her Mum and Mrs Richmond. In the competition, Lucy had to prepare her own egg based recipe for a famous character from TV, the movies or a book. Lucy chose Mickey Mouse and her dish was entitled ‘Eggstremely Mice and Tasty’. The tasty dish consisted of scrambled eggs with stilton, fresh salmon on a bed of spinach served with buttered crumpets.

It certainly caught the eye of celebrity judges Annabel Karmel, children’s food writer and Same Difference – X factor finalists 2007, as they placed Lucy a most creditable runner-up!

Everyone at Bellaghy Primary extends hearty congratulations to Lucy and best wishes to her as she starts her new school with twin sister Sophie. The Home Economics Department are in for a treat when they meet you Lucy!!

Also best of luck to Edward Hamilton, Rachel, Rebecca and Alan Rainey as they start Year 8 at Rainey Endowed and Magherafelt High Schools.

June 2009

Outstanding Speaking Success for another
Bellaghy Primary Pupil

A P.6 pupil from Bellaghy Primary School has won the Northern Ireland final of the Environmental Youth Public Speaking competition. Jillian Blair who is nine years old beat off stiff opposition to be crowned the champion at Lisburn Island Arts Centre.

Her speech was entitled ‘Recycling on its own will not solve our waste problems’ and the adjudicators were impressed with her well researched points and her outstanding delivery. Jillian was presented with her award by U.TV weather-man Frank Mitchell.

Speaking after the event, Jillian’s school Principal and coach Mrs Mary-Lou Richmond said she was absolutely delighted with Jillian’s success which has brought great accolade to the small village school.. She added that Jillian has a real flair for public speaking and she was a worthy Northern Ireland champion.

Magherafelt District Council’s Environmental Public Speaking Competition Winners

Jillian, Nicole and Rebecca who participated in Magherafelt District Council’s Environmental Youth Speak competition pictured with John Murtagh, Environmental Projects Officer. Second and third place was awarded to Bellaghy Primary.