Elmgrove Primary School: Difference between revisions
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| motto = ''Have the courage to do what you know is right'' |
| motto = ''Have the courage to do what you know is right'' |
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| location = [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland |
| location = [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland |
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| principal = Mrs Jayne Jeffers BEd(Hons) PQH(NI) |
| principal = Mrs Jayne Jeffers BEd(Hons) PQH(NI) <br/> Ms Pauline Russell BEd(Hons) DASE CCET |
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| colours = Green and Red |
| colours = Green and Red |
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| website = {{url|elmgroveprimary.co.uk}} |
| website = {{url|elmgroveprimary.co.uk}} |
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| classes = |
| classes = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Elmgrove Primary School''' (Sometimes referred to as simply '''Elmgrove''' and originally known as '''Elmgrove Elementary School''') is a state-controlled Primary School situated in East [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland. It opened |
'''Elmgrove Primary School''' (Sometimes referred to as simply '''Elmgrove''' and originally known as '''Elmgrove Elementary School''') is a state-controlled Primary School situated in East [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland. It opened on 9 January 1933 as Elmgrove Elementary School.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/1937/nwhig32.html |title=Opening of Elmgrove<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708181350/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/1937/nwhig32.html |archive-date=8 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/1937/nwhig33.html |title=Opening of Elmgrove<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711082940/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/1937/nwhig33.html |archive-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/btele.html |title=Opening of Elmgrove<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708012346/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/btele.html |archive-date=8 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourschool/ourschoolindex.html |title=Elmgrove PS – Our School<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201013429/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourschool/ourschoolindex.html |archive-date=1 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourschool/About%20Elmgrove.html |title=Elmgrove PS – About Elmgrove<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709020812/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourschool/About%20Elmgrove.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The original Elmgrove building at Beersbridge Road closed in November 2024. A new building at the former Avoniel site will be home to Elmgrove from December 2024. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Elmgrove opened in 1932/1933 as Elmgrove Elementary School. Pupils from nearby schools were all moved into Elmgrove. Several famous/well-known people from Belfast attended the school. In 2008 [[Peter Robinson (Northern Ireland politician)|Peter Robinson]] visited the school and several P7 pupils got to ask him questions about his childhood and career.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121106115945/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-17137242.html Day Peter was pushed around when he met UK establishment ; ASSEMBLY NOTES – Belfast Telegraph | HighBeam Research<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2009 [[Henry Winkler]] (The Fonz) visited the school to talk about reading books and his new book.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/ayyy-happy-days-for-local-pupils-14314831.html?service=Print|title=The Independent – Print Article<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/news/the-fonz-gives-local-pupils-a-happy-day-14308037.html|title=The Fonz gives local pupils a happy day – News, East Belfast – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/ayyy-happy-days-for-local-pupils-14314831.html {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> During elections, the school is used as a polling station.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/gallery/2010/may/06/general-election-2010-conservatives#/?picture=362280690&index=8|title = General election 2010: MPS cast their votes|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 6 May 2010}}</ref> |
Elmgrove opened in 1932/1933 as Elmgrove Elementary School. Pupils from nearby schools were all moved into Elmgrove. Several famous/well-known people from Belfast attended the school. In 2008 [[Peter Robinson (Northern Ireland politician)|Peter Robinson]] visited the school and several P7 pupils got to ask him questions about his childhood and career.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121106115945/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-17137242.html Day Peter was pushed around when he met UK establishment ; ASSEMBLY NOTES – Belfast Telegraph | HighBeam Research<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2009 [[Henry Winkler]] (The Fonz) visited the school to talk about reading books and his new book.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/ayyy-happy-days-for-local-pupils-14314831.html?service=Print|title=The Independent – Print Article<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/news/the-fonz-gives-local-pupils-a-happy-day-14308037.html|title=The Fonz gives local pupils a happy day – News, East Belfast – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/ayyy-happy-days-for-local-pupils-14314831.html {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> During elections, the school is used as a polling station.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/gallery/2010/may/06/general-election-2010-conservatives#/?picture=362280690&index=8|title = General election 2010: MPS cast their votes|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 6 May 2010}}</ref> |
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In 2008 Elmgrove celebrated its 75th anniversary. Special medals made from Mambco, were given to all the pupils. Special balloons were also present and two students from each year group got a balloon and released it into the air with a note attached saying that, when found, contact the school, to see how far the balloon travelled. The farthest known distance was to [[Scotland]]. |
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===2012 Bomb scares=== |
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Nearby Avoniel Primary closed in 2015 and was merged with Elmgrove. With the school building still used to teach students in. |
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====12 March==== |
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On 12 March 2012, a pipe bomb was left yards from the school gates in the street opposite, Flora Street. Homes around the area were evacuated and so was Elmgrove and nearby [[Avoniel Primary School]], due to the close proximity of the bomb.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.u.tv/news/School-evacuated-as-viable-device-found/eb178cf8-e34b-448e-bd6b-ec1ae597af00|title = ITV Hub - the home of ITV}}</ref> |
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The original Elmgrove at Beersbridge closed in November 2024, after a final tour for past pupils and staff to see the building one last time. A new site was built on the former Avoniel Primary School site, with Elmgrove at Avoniel due to open in December 2024. |
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====13 March==== |
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On 13 March 2012, another pipe bomb was found in the area, near the Conn O'Neill bridge on the opposite side of the road where the other bomb had been found the day before.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.u.tv/News/Bomb-squad-at-east-Belfast-alert/21d207b1-7b54-4da3-b12b-d0b8ca6d2867|title = ITV Hub - the home of ITV}}</ref> |
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===2015 malicious threat=== |
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On 21 January 2015, an e-mail was sent to the school which prompted the school to close on 23 January for the safety of those working and attending the school. However, despite the fact the threat was reported to the PSNI on Wednesday, the public had not been notified until Thursday evening. Throughout the evening and night of 22 January, police patrols were set up in the area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-30943953|title = Elmgrove Primary School, Belfast, intends to reopen on Monday after email threat|work = BBC News|date = 23 January 2015}}</ref> Police stated they were working with the Garda Síochána. Later on that night a 33-year-old man was arrested under suspicion of sending 'malicious telecommunications'. |
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==Principals== |
==Principals== |
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*David Hutchinson 2000–2011 (his death, 11 August 2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ripdavidhutchinson?ref=ts|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/ulster-school-principal-dies-after-ladder-accident-16036100.html|title=Ulster school principal dies after ladder accident – Northern Ireland, Local & National – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seaviewps.org.uk/home|title=Seaview Primary School, Belfast|website=www.seaviewps.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bigdug.co.uk/shelving-and-racking-blog/company-news/ulster-principal-dies-following-a-ladder-accident-bl3157|title=Ulster Principal Dies Following a Ladder Accident | BigDug News<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=2 September 2011|archive-date=23 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823145413/http://www.bigdug.co.uk/shelving-and-racking-blog/company-news/ulster-principal-dies-following-a-ladder-accident-bl3157|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
*David Hutchinson 2000–2011 (his death, 11 August 2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ripdavidhutchinson?ref=ts|title=Facebook|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/ulster-school-principal-dies-after-ladder-accident-16036100.html|title=Ulster school principal dies after ladder accident – Northern Ireland, Local & National – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seaviewps.org.uk/home|title=Seaview Primary School, Belfast|website=www.seaviewps.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bigdug.co.uk/shelving-and-racking-blog/company-news/ulster-principal-dies-following-a-ladder-accident-bl3157|title=Ulster Principal Dies Following a Ladder Accident | BigDug News<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=2 September 2011|archive-date=23 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823145413/http://www.bigdug.co.uk/shelving-and-racking-blog/company-news/ulster-principal-dies-following-a-ladder-accident-bl3157|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*Andrea Brown 2011–2013 (Acting) |
*Andrea Brown 2011–2013 (Acting) |
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*Jayne Jeffers April |
*Jayne Jeffers April 2013–present |
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*Pauline Russell 2024–present (Acting) |
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==Former pupils== |
==Former pupils== |
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*[[Sammy Wilson (politician)|Sammy Wilson]], politician<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/samwilson/sam.html |title=Lord Mayor's Visit<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=11 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721121631/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/samwilson/sam.html |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/misc/wilson.html |title=Picture of Girl and Boy in Uniform<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=11 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709154433/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/misc/wilson.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
*[[Sammy Wilson (politician)|Sammy Wilson]], politician<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/samwilson/sam.html |title=Lord Mayor's Visit<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=11 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721121631/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/samwilson/sam.html |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/misc/wilson.html |title=Picture of Girl and Boy in Uniform<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=11 September 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709154433/http://elmgrove.belfast.ni.sch.uk/htmlfiles/ourhistory/archive/misc/wilson.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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*[[Ian Paisley Junior]], politician |
*[[Ian Paisley Junior]], politician |
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*[[George Jones (radio presenter)|George Jones]] |
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==Projects== |
==Projects== |
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===Out of this World=== |
===Out of this World=== |
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In 2006, pupils from Elmgrove took part in a new CCEA teaching resource called ''Out of this World''. They were joined with St. Teresa's Primary School for the activity. Pupils made different objects with recycled materials.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/newsroom/2006/031106.asp|title = 404 Not Found}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/newsroom/press/2006/press_031106.asp|title = 404 Not Found}}</ref> |
In 2006, pupils from Elmgrove took part in a new CCEA teaching resource called ''Out of this World''. They were joined with St. Teresa's Primary School for the activity. Pupils made different objects with recycled materials.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/newsroom/2006/031106.asp|title = 404 Not Found}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/newsroom/press/2006/press_031106.asp|title = 404 Not Found}}</ref> |
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===Connswater Community Greenway Project=== |
===Connswater Community Greenway Project=== |
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Elmgrove has been involved with the local project to refurbish the local walkway and river next to the school. Over the years, the Conn O'Neill bridge and river nearby has been vandalised.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastsidegreenways.com/|title=EastSide Greenways}}</ref> The school has represented the project several times, first on 14 November 2007<ref name="auto"/> and the second on 24 October 2008.<ref name="auto"/> |
Elmgrove has been involved with the local project to refurbish the local walkway and river next to the school. Over the years, the Conn O'Neill bridge and river nearby has been vandalised.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastsidegreenways.com/|title=EastSide Greenways}}</ref> The school has represented the project several times, first on 14 November 2007<ref name="auto"/> and the second on 24 October 2008.<ref name="auto"/> One of the bridges along the Greenway was named after former principal David Hutchinson. |
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===Over the Halfpenny Bridge=== |
===Over the Halfpenny Bridge=== |
Revision as of 13:24, 21 November 2024
Elmgrove Primary School | |
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Location | |
Belfast, Northern Ireland | |
Information | |
Motto | Have the courage to do what you know is right |
Principal | Mrs Jayne Jeffers BEd(Hons) PQH(NI) Ms Pauline Russell BEd(Hons) DASE CCET |
Colour(s) | Green and Red |
Website | elmgroveprimary |
Elmgrove Primary School (Sometimes referred to as simply Elmgrove and originally known as Elmgrove Elementary School) is a state-controlled Primary School situated in East Belfast, Northern Ireland. It opened on 9 January 1933 as Elmgrove Elementary School.[1][2][3][4][5]
The original Elmgrove building at Beersbridge Road closed in November 2024. A new building at the former Avoniel site will be home to Elmgrove from December 2024.
History
Elmgrove opened in 1932/1933 as Elmgrove Elementary School. Pupils from nearby schools were all moved into Elmgrove. Several famous/well-known people from Belfast attended the school. In 2008 Peter Robinson visited the school and several P7 pupils got to ask him questions about his childhood and career.[6] In 2009 Henry Winkler (The Fonz) visited the school to talk about reading books and his new book.[7][8][9] During elections, the school is used as a polling station.[10]
In 2008 Elmgrove celebrated its 75th anniversary. Special medals made from Mambco, were given to all the pupils. Special balloons were also present and two students from each year group got a balloon and released it into the air with a note attached saying that, when found, contact the school, to see how far the balloon travelled. The farthest known distance was to Scotland.
Nearby Avoniel Primary closed in 2015 and was merged with Elmgrove. With the school building still used to teach students in.
The original Elmgrove at Beersbridge closed in November 2024, after a final tour for past pupils and staff to see the building one last time. A new site was built on the former Avoniel Primary School site, with Elmgrove at Avoniel due to open in December 2024.
Principals
- John Sullivan 1932–1948[11]
- Arthur Clemitson 1948–1972[12]
- Dr Jim Hunter 1972-1995/1996[13]
- Frazer Thompson 1995/1996-2000[14]
- David Hutchinson 2000–2011 (his death, 11 August 2011)[15][16][17][18]
- Andrea Brown 2011–2013 (Acting)
- Jayne Jeffers April 2013–present
- Pauline Russell 2024–present (Acting)
Former pupils
- Billy Bingham, footballer[19][20]
- Van Morrison, musician[21]
- George Cassidy, jazz musician[22]
- Sammy Wilson, politician[23][24]
- Ian Paisley Junior, politician
- George Jones
Projects
Out of this World
In 2006, pupils from Elmgrove took part in a new CCEA teaching resource called Out of this World. They were joined with St. Teresa's Primary School for the activity. Pupils made different objects with recycled materials.[25][26]
Connswater Community Greenway Project
Elmgrove has been involved with the local project to refurbish the local walkway and river next to the school. Over the years, the Conn O'Neill bridge and river nearby has been vandalised.[27] The school has represented the project several times, first on 14 November 2007[27] and the second on 24 October 2008.[27] One of the bridges along the Greenway was named after former principal David Hutchinson.
Over the Halfpenny Bridge
In 2009, Elmgrove stated that a new production was in the works with Dance United NI. The show was later named Over the Halfpenny Bridge. It was about the History of Belfast and starred the P7 pupils of that year, and Elderly members from nearby nursing homes, Elmgrove Manor and Greenville Court. 'I am staggered by the range and the quality of what has been produced this evening,' said school principal David Hutchinson. 'The children have acquired so many new skills by working with this terrific company and, through them, all of our minds have been opened.' The children worked with Writer Ruth Carr, Rastafarian poet Levi Tafari, printmaker Robin Cordiner, musicians Nikki Such, Patrick and Bronagh Davey and Irish, Greek and Indian dancers. On 2 April 2009, the show was performed live in St George's Market, Belfast.[28][29]
Eco-Schools programme
Since 2009, the school has taken part in an Eco programme to make the school more eco-friendly. The School has Recently won the Green Flag Award[30]
Sesame Tree
In 2010, P2 pupils from the school starred in a T.V series that aired on CBeebies called Sesame Tree, Northern Ireland's version of Sesame Street.[31]
References
- ^ "Opening of Elmgrove". Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Opening of Elmgrove". Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Opening of Elmgrove". Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Elmgrove PS – Our School". Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Elmgrove PS – About Elmgrove". Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ Day Peter was pushed around when he met UK establishment ; ASSEMBLY NOTES – Belfast Telegraph | HighBeam Research
- ^ "The Independent – Print Article".
- ^ "The Fonz gives local pupils a happy day – News, East Belfast – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk".
- ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/ayyy-happy-days-for-local-pupils-14314831.html [dead link ]
- ^ "General election 2010: MPS cast their votes". The Guardian. 6 May 2010.
- ^ Mr. John Sullivan
- ^ "Mr. Arthur L. Clemitson". Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ Dr. Hunter
- ^ "Mr. Thompson's Retirement". Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com.
- ^ "Ulster school principal dies after ladder accident – Northern Ireland, Local & National – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk".
- ^ "Seaview Primary School, Belfast". www.seaviewps.org.uk.
- ^ "Ulster Principal Dies Following a Ladder Accident | BigDug News". Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Billy Bingham". Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
- ^ "Elmgrove 1940s Football Team Presentation". Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
- ^ "£23.5m lottery cash boost for Connswater - East Belfast, Community Telegraph - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk". Archived from the original on 21 October 2012.
- ^ "History | Elmgrove Primary School". www.elmgroveprimary.co.uk. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ "Lord Mayor's Visit". Archived from the original on 21 July 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
- ^ "Picture of Girl and Boy in Uniform". Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
- ^ "404 Not Found".
{{cite web}}
: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "404 Not Found".
{{cite web}}
: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ a b c "EastSide Greenways".
- ^ "Closing the Gap « Dance United". Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Dance United NI". Archived from the original on 9 April 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ "Eco-Schools Northern Ireland". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
- ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/community-telegraph/east-belfast/news/elmgrove-children-branch-out-into-new-sesame-tree-14886102.html?r=RSS [dead link ]