St MacNissi's PS new principal promotes '˜connected learning'

The newly-appointed principal of St MacNissi's Primary School has said she is looking forward to helping her pupils be 'the best they can be'.
Principal of St MacNissi's Primary School, Bibiana McCavera. INLT 16-004-PSBPrincipal of St MacNissi's Primary School, Bibiana McCavera. INLT 16-004-PSB
Principal of St MacNissi's Primary School, Bibiana McCavera. INLT 16-004-PSB

Bibiana McCavera, a teacher with 24 years’ experience, took over the helm at St MacNissi’s back in January, having previously held posts in Portglenone PS, Crievagh PS in Cookstown and St Patrick’s PS in Portrush.

And she has spoken of her “great joy and excitement” at her new charge, describing St MacNissi’s as a school with a “rich tradition”.

Mrs McCavera: “My priority has always been the children in my care. Their personal, social, academic and spiritual development has been central to my leadership. This commitment and passion will continue to be the foundation of my leadership at St MacNissi’s.

Cairncastle farmer, Seamus Mulvenna brought two pedigree lambs to St MacNissi's Primary School as part of their spring learning project. INLT 16-003-PSBCairncastle farmer, Seamus Mulvenna brought two pedigree lambs to St MacNissi's Primary School as part of their spring learning project. INLT 16-003-PSB
Cairncastle farmer, Seamus Mulvenna brought two pedigree lambs to St MacNissi's Primary School as part of their spring learning project. INLT 16-003-PSB

“I aim to help pupils to develop strong connections with the outside world such as the business community.

“As part of that, I invited local farmer Seamus Mulvenna to bring a couple of lambs into school for the pupils to interact with. We will also be paying a visit to his farm soon. This type of active learning is great for the children as it allows us to bring the classroom outdoors, and it also ties back into curriculum through healthy eating and eco-awareness.”

With St MacNissi’s aiming to achieve its second eco-flag this summer, the school has been undertaking a variety of initiatives focusing on healthy eating, bio-diversity and climate change.

These include asking pupils to bring at least one item of fruit or veg in their lunch boxes, building eco-homes to teach pupils how to save energy, and encouraging more wildlife into the school grounds.

Cairncastle farmer, Seamus Mulvenna brought two pedigree lambs to St MacNissi's Primary School as part of their spring learning project. INLT 16-003-PSBCairncastle farmer, Seamus Mulvenna brought two pedigree lambs to St MacNissi's Primary School as part of their spring learning project. INLT 16-003-PSB
Cairncastle farmer, Seamus Mulvenna brought two pedigree lambs to St MacNissi's Primary School as part of their spring learning project. INLT 16-003-PSB

“This type of connected learning will provide vital skills to help prepare our pupils for life after school,” Mrs McCavera said.

The new principal thanked the school community for helping to make her arrival “a seamless transition”.

“The reception from the children, staff parents, Board of Governors, Father Kerr and Father Conor, parishioners and the wider community is particularly appreciated and acknowledged.”

Mrs McCavera also wished former principal, Mrs Brady, happiness in her retirement and thanked her for her dedication and leadership.

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