Yesterday, Mr Mc Comb, our new Principal visited school to meet with children and staff. He spent the day in classrooms speaking with all children about how excited he was to take up his new post in January. Whilst in school, Mr McComb agreed to give an interview with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of our Student Council.
Q1. What is your teaching background?
I was first appointed as a permanent teacher in St. Peter’s Primary School in Lurgan. There were three primary schools in Lurgan at that time, St Joseph’s, St. Peters and the Sacred Heart Primary School these amalgamated to form St Francis Primary School. I taught in St. Peters for 20 years, until September 2014 when I became Vice Principal of St. Kevin’s Primary School in Belfast. CCMS then asked me to act as Principal in St. MacNissis for two years in Larne. I then returned to St. Kevin’s which is a big school with over 600 pupils. As a Vice Principal, I don’t teach a class, I am the principal’s right-hand man. Then on the 24th October I was interviewed for the Principal role in St. John the Baptist Primary School which I am so excited about. It has been so lovely to meet all the boys and girls today as well as the staff within the school community.
An interesting fact:
Mr Mc Comb’s mum taught Mrs Coleman when she was in primary four in the Sacred Heart Primary School in Lurgan.
Q2. Do you have a favourite colour?
It has to be orange for Armagh.
Q3. Have you got a favourite food?
Anything with chicken in it. I also love steak.
Q4. What was your most enjoyable subject to teach?
Geography. I did a degree in geography. I think the World Cup is a great way to teach geography. I do love teaching all subjects.
Q5. Do you have a favourite football team?
Armagh.
Q6. What sport do you like to watch?
Gaelic football. I follow Armagh throughout the league. I’m hoping Santa brings a season ticket, I have four sons and we go to all the matches together.
Hurling is a close second, I coached Sean Tracey’s hurling team who have now joined with St. Malachys to become North Armagh. I am always running my boys to different sports, football, hurling and swimming.
Q7. What is your favourite sport to play?
I really enjoy playing golf as well as swimming.
Q8. What are you looking forward to the most?
I am so looking forward to getting to know the boys and girls as well as staff within the school community, meeting parents at the gate, spending time in the classrooms, meeting with the student council and other pupil led groups as well as listening to the pupil’s voice. I would like to know what the children of St John the Baptist Primary School think would make our school even better.
Q9. What are you most apprehensive about?
Nothing really. I am a very positive person; I am a bit nervous but mostly really excited just like any first day at a new school. I feel that every problem has a solution and that there is no need to worry, a solution is just around the corner. It is also important to talk through issues with a trusted adult as it is only through talking that we feel better.
