The History Of Our School
In December 2002 a meeting was held in Ballynahinch for parents interested in Integrated Education and wheels were set in motion to establish an Integrated Primary School in the Ballynahinch area by September 2004.
A steering group was set up and the following officials were elected:-
- Chairman – Chris Howie
- Co-Chair – Brigitte Rice
- Secretary – Tracey McCleery
- Treasurer – Annette Bayfield
Then the work began! The steering group were tasked with raising awareness and tracking demand in the area with the support of NICIE and the IEF.
The group organised a range of successful events such as Fun Days, published a Newsletter and organized a mail drop, Fitness and Fun Day, Sponsored Walk, Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Fling at McNulty's to raise the profile in the town and to raise funds.
The first prospectus for the school was launched in October 2003, Conditional approval was granted in February 2004 and in April 2004 Janice Marshall was appointed principal.
By May 2004, the name, logo and uniform were decided. Drumlins are an integral feature of the County Down countryside and are especially prevalent around Ballynahinch, so this was chosen as the name and an image of drumlins was used in the logo. The logo also features Slieve Croob in the background and a tree in the foreground as a symbol of new growth.
By July 2004 it was apparent that we would not be on our permanent site by September and the decision was taken to begin our first year in a classroom at Cedar Integrated Primary School, Crossgar.
In August 2004 the Foundation Governors were elected:-
- Chris Howie - Chairperson
- Brigitte Rice – Co-Chair
- Tracey McCleery - Secretary
- Annette Bayfield - Treasurer
- Clare Rice
- Noel Ritchie
The School opened in September 2004 with a P1 class of 12 pupils.