Pictured above, First Principal of St Paul’s from 1966, Mr Michael Warde, current Principal, Mr Jarlath Burns, First Year pupils from 1966, Mr Dominic Bradley and Mrs Sheila McArdle, and the two youngest Year 8 pupils, Faith Glass and Callum Smyth. 

First Principal Mr Michael Warde, First year pupils from 1966 Mr Dominic Bradley and Mrs Sheila McArdle, current principal Mr Jarlath Burns and the two youngest year 8 pupils Faith Glass and Callum Smyth.

1 September 1966, the dawning of a new era when St Paul’s opened the doors for the first intake of 339 pupils and 17 teaching staff. The birth of a bright new post primary school was the realisation of many years hard work on the part of Canon James Cullen, parish priest Lower Killeavy (fondly known as the father of St Paul’s). If Cannon Cullen was the patriarch then Michael Warde, as first Principal, was the wise steward who, with the staff, brought the dream to life.

Year on year, despite the many challenges faced by education, St Paul’s continues to grow to the point where we have a school population of 1572 pupils and a workforce of 102 teaching staff and 72 non-teaching staff. The growth spurt enjoyed by the school was nurtured by community confidence. St Paul’s and it’s history is engrained in the hearts and minds of all the generations it has served so well.

Today the school, at the Green Road, shines like a portal beacon in South Armagh. The launch of the Jubilee year gives pupils, past and present, and all those who have made a valuable contribution by their labours, the opportunity to reminisce, reflect and refine future ambitions as the school continues to evolve.

The Jubilee Committee have planned an exciting menu of celebratory events throughout the year which will be fully reflective of the unique ethos of St Paul’s.

Calendar of Events:

October – Musical ‘Sound of Music’
November – Mass for deceased and unveiling of memorial. Craft Fair.
December – Open Day for whole community with archive display and unveiling of ‘Wall of Fame’
January – Launch of Operation Transformation: 50 minute sporting challenge
February – Rome Trip
March – Spinathon
April – 50K Duathalon
May – Gala Ball

Anyone wishing to participate in the activities please contact the Jubilee Committee via the school office.