Dunluce marks 40th anniversary

Rev FG Guy and Mr Charles McVicker inaugurated the building of the new school which we now know as Dunluce School.

Even though the first pupils did not step through the doors of Dunluce until September 1974, the inspiration and beginning of Dunluce as a seat of learning in the north coast area was well established in the minds and hearts of education.

Over the past 40 years the school has seen many changes with large numbers of local pupils and those from futher afield taking attending the Bushmills based school.

The first principal was Mr McEwan, who had been principal of Bushmills Grammar School which is now the Bushmills Outdoor Education Centre.

Mr Page followed Mr McEwan, to lead the school for a further sixteen years from 1986 to 2002, with Dr Haugh replacing him as principal from 2002 until his retirement in 2012.

All of these leaders have played a significant part in the development of Dunluce and the present strength of the school is a clear indication of this.

Since 1973 there have been many lives influenced, by not just the education received at the school, but also the extra-curricular activities. Both the pupils and staff have benefited from this.

A school is part of a community and this is very true of Dunluce School.

The School is not only a facilitator of education in the area, it is a source of employment and a point of reference and memory for many.