Category: News

The candidates drawn from the parent community in school who are standing for election are:-
1)  JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM
2)  LOUISA DUNLOP
3)  LEANNE McCORD
4)  AMANDA McGUINNESS
5)  LORRAINE MULLAN
 
PLEASE NOTE: – VOTING WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY 26TH JUNE 2014 AT 12PM

Background and rationale for each of these candidates can be found here below:
 
JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
Two of my three children are currently enjoying their education at Glengormley IPS, – Katie (P5) and Niamh (Playgroup).  The eldest, Erin, left for BRA last year after 8 very happy years.  Like any parent, I want my children to be the best that they can be.  I encourage them in their school work and activities and believe the best way of doing that is to work hand in hand with the school, – necessitating good two-way communication.  I believe strongly in integrated education and can genuinely see this in action at Glengormley IPS with its international outlook.  As a working parent, I appreciate the need for before and after-school care and am delighted to see the continued development of the school grounds, the commitment and innovation of the staff and the availability of a multitude of after school activities.  I would like to see Glengormley IPS continue to develop in these areas to become a centre of the modern Glengormley community.
I have been a parent governor at Glengormley IPS for the past 2 years, having stepped into the role mid-term, and have put forward parental opinion where required.  I have been thrilled to see our enrolment increasing and especially enjoyed being part of the appointment committees for the new teaching roles this necessitated. 
I am qualified to post-graduate level in business and have been employed in the private sector for many years with experience of business planning, people management, recruitment and negotiation, – skills which can assist me in fulfilling the role of parent governor.  As I have had, and from September will again, have children in both key stage 1 and 2, who make use of the wrap-around care and involve themselves in many activities at school (including music, art and Irish dancing), I am aware of many of the issues facing children and parents at both ends of the school.  I know lots of the school parents from previous involvement with the PTA and many chats at the school gates at home-time!  I would continue to clearly voice parents’ ideas, opinions and concerns to the Board of Governors. 
 
LOUISA DUNLOP
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
I currently am a specialist nurse working in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.  In my daily practice I support patients from all backgrounds and cultures.  I fully endorse the borough’s good relations strategy which promotes positive relationships within all sections of the community.  I am from a diverse multi-culture background and believe that integrated education is paramount in our society.  I am an active member of our school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and believe that parental support in education is vital.  I am proud to be involved and have my three children attend the only integrated school in Newtownabbey.  I am hard-working and dedicated to supporting the ethos of integrated education.  I would be pleased and extremely honoured to be selected as a parent governor and would offer support to the principal, teachers and other governors for the benefit of our children.
 
LEANNE McCORD
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
My daughter is about to finish P1 and I have witnessed firsthand how the school ethos and dedication of highly skilled and motivated teaching and support staff has produced a warm, safe, caring environment for children to learn and grow as individuals.
I have a BSc (Hons) in Nursing and during my 14 years of clinical practice I have been deeply committed to education and development; I have various Postgraduate qualifications and am currently pursuing a degree in English Literature.  Throughout my clinical practice I have been involved in teaching and assessing, and have always acted as an advocate for children and adults alike.  I have vast experience in areas including management, collaborative working, recruitment and selection, policy development and budget management and allocation.
I have represented the needs of the local community for several years in a voluntary capacity; this experience, alongside living and working within the locality, has given me a good insight into the strengths and needs of the community which have a direct impact on child education and development.  I am currently working as a Health Visitor and protect and represent the needs of children and their families.  I am highly motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated to collaborative working to achieve an educational environment where parents voices are heard and children are able to achieve their full potential.
If elected I will endeavour to carry out the role to the best of my ability.  I welcome the opportunity to support the children, their families, staff, school and other Governors by bringing my knowledge, experience and professional skills to the Board, to ensure that every child has the best possible learning opportunity and experience whilst enrolled in Glengormley Integrated Primary School.
 
AMANDA McGUINNESS
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
Hi, my name is Amanda, I have 2 children aged 9 and 14. My son (14) attended Glengormley Integrated Primary School and left 3 years ago, my daughter is currently in P5. I work fulltime in the IT industry.
Since my son started Glengormley Integrated I have I spent 4 years on the PTA, working to make things better for the children within the school and arranging fun events for the children to enjoy.
Our family is and has always been centred around integration, it is something we are very passionate about. I feel I would work well on the Board as I have been with the school for some time now and know the good and the sometime not so good things, which can only help in any future decisions to be made on the school, and for the future of your children. I am someone who believes education is all about our children and their future, my motto is a happy child is a content child, and believe contented children thrive in all that try. Many thanks for taking time to read this, if you have any further queries, I am sure Mr Arnold will be happy to pass them on.  I hope you feel I am right person to represent you and your children.
 
LORRAINE MULLAN
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
I am Lorraine Mullan, a Solicitor in one of the local Solicitor Firms.
I have lived in the Glengormley area for almost 40 years.
I have one child at the school, Thomas John Mullan, who is currently in P.5.
I want to join the Board of Governors so I may help to ensure that the school continues to provide all pupils with a good education and social skills.
My experience in the legal field would be of benefit to the Board of Governors when discussing new proposed plans or policies.
Not only would I have a legal view, but also a parental view.  I like you, who is reading this, always wants what is best for my child.
I am currently the Secretary for the school PTA, for which I have been a member for the last 5 years.
To show my enthusiasm to help the school enhance its technology department, I abseiled down the Europa Hotel along with 20 other parents and teachers to help raise the funds for equipment for the schools’ computer suite.
I want to help represent the parents of each child at the school.
 
Please cast your votes for 2x candidates of your choice here:-
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LCKMPP8