He is only four days into the role as the new principal of Drumgor Primary School and already Jason Price knows he has arrived where he feels at home.
The Craigavon man has made the short journey from Tullygally Primary, where he had been vice-principal since 2024, to Drumgor, and is very much looking forward to building on the school’s educational excellence of which it is extremely proud.
As he took up his post this week, the new principal took time out for a chat with Armagh I and spoke of his sense of privilege and pride at being selected to lead Drumgor.
Already the school and the entire community have welcomed Mr Price with open arms and it is evident on the schools social media platforms that his appointment has been a popular choice.
“I’m settling in really, really well. I’ve had a very warm welcome from the parents, families and pupils and have thoroughly enjoyed being present around the school grounds meeting everyone,’’ he said.
Drumgor Primary, located on the Drumgor Road, describes itself perfectly as a naturally integrated and inclusive school, welcoming all who walk through its doors. Mr Price believes its reputation as a real ‘community school’ is key among its strengths.
“We’re very much working in strong partnership with families and pupils that live in the local locality, and that brings a lovely family ethos to the school,” he explained.
“A lot of the staff have worked in the school for long periods of time and that says a lot about their dedication and commitment to Drumgor. They know the school much better than I do and I’m looking forward to learning from them.
“As I said to the staff and parents, to be an effective leader you first have to be an effective learner, and that’s very much my key priority, to get to know the strengths of the school and, when the time comes, pinpoint together how we can move forward and build on that to ensure the school continues to go from strength to strength.”
The new principal also has his own ideas about what he would like to see at Drumgor and, for him, ‘pupil first’ is very much his focus.
“Education is ever-changing and there’s so many new initiatives that schools can adapt, and it’s pinpointing together where our gaps are as a school through consultation with the staff, parents and pupils,” added Mr Price.
As well as building on pupil representation and encouraging the young people to make their voices heard, the principal also wants to continue to build on Drumgor’s place and the positive contribution it makes within the local community in the days, weeks, months and years aheads.
While the post of principal is going to keep Mr Price extremely busy, it is something which he is evidently relishing, eager to roll up the proverbial sleeves up and get stuck in!
But away from the school setting – and when time allows – he will continue to pursue two specific outside interests close to his heart, and for which his natural talents have brought great acclaim.
“I’m involved with the Gateway Theatre Group in Portadown and take part in their annual pantomime each January,” he added. “The pupils always enjoy coming to watch and see me in a different light! I also compete as a competitive drum major and have been lucky to secure the titles of British, European, All-Ireland, Scottish and World Champion. I’ve competed at various showcases around the world and have been very lucky in the opportunities I’ve received!”
You could say life is good for Mr Price right now; he certainly feels he has found his calling and is excited for the future.
“I’m four days in and I totally feel I’m in the right place and extremely settled,” he said. “I got the job back in April time, so it’s been a long road to get to the point of actually starting and it’s lovely to have that reassurance that you know you’re in the right school, at the right time, excited for everything that lies ahead.”
