It will be a time of mixed emotions for the school principal as he bids farewell to the 317-pupil school where he began his career as a young graduate in 1971, fresh out of Stranmillis College.

Mr Cardwell has been principal of the school since 1986, and was vice-principal for the two years preceding that.

When asked why he never left, his response is perfectly simple – "I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather be".

And at a special night on Tuesday, organised by staff and parents, he had

the opportunity to meet many of the people he had worked with down the years, including former teaching and non-teaching staff.

Members of the Board of Governors, family and friends were also among the 160 people who attended the event, which was held in the school's assembly hall.

Pupils performed a number of songs and a P7 play, entitled 'A Bad Day at the Office', featuring a strangely familiar principal called Mr Cardwell, raised a lot of laughs.

Mr Cardwell was presented with a new computer system by staff while parents surprised him with a five-day trip for two to London, with accommodation in a top-class hotel and tickets to the Globe Theatre to see Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'.

He said, "I have been really very touched by the generosity. I have received numerous other gifts from so many people, including the Board of Governors, individual parents and from other sources, as well as cards and letters, and I would just like to thank everyone.

privilege

"It has been a real privilege to have been a teacher and principal in this school. I have taught and met some wonderful children and have had the opportunity to work with very committed staff and a supportive area board and Board of Governors."

In some of his most memorable moments, Mr Cardwell has danced with Zulu warriors, practised judo moves with a British champion and played drums with the band of the Royal Marines. "They were all unprepared performances, in front of the children, but they proved I had no future in these pursuits!" he joked.

He added, "I have so many fond memories of the school, too numerous to mention, but many centred around the support shown to me by parents and the PTA, and numerous times when I experienced the kindness and sensitivity of our children.

"Particularly pleasing was the involvement of the children in our community especially with many senior citizens' groups.

During his career, Mr Cardwell also conducted courses for the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) and was an associate assessor with the Schools' Inspectorate.

As for the future, Mr Cardwell, who is married to Sandra and has two sons, Tom and Peter, has a 'to do' list which should keep him busy.