As the new school year begins, a familiar and dedicated face is officially taking over the helm at Tandragee Nursery School, as Mrs Tracey Parks steps into her new role as permanent principal.
Having been a cornerstone of the school community since it first opened its doors in August 2003, Mrs Parks brings an exceptional depth of experience and a lifelong passion for early childhood education to her new position.
Over more than two decades, she has served the school first as a teacher alongside the previous principal Mrs Forde and, more recently, as acting principal, guiding generations of local children through their crucial formative years and providing an inclusive education for all with her driving passion for each child to achieve their full potential.
Reflecting on her permanent appointment, Mrs Parks said: “I feel very privileged to be able to continue bringing a high standard of education to the children and families of the Tandragee community who have been such a huge part of my teaching career.
“I look forward to continuing my own professional development and working as part of this wonderful community and alongside the school governors, as well as my amazing, highly qualified, and experienced nursery school team. Our focus has always been on creating a welcoming and inspiring early years environment where every child can thrive and I will continue to inspire and foster a love for lifelong learning and proudly wear our school sunflower logo symbolising happiness, loyalty and resilience for our pupils.”
Having many amazing memories alongside past pupils, staff, and families over the years, Mrs Parks is truly excited to welcome and support the future generations of children and their families yet to come, and will forever strive to give children the best educational start possible in Tandragee Nursery School.
Mrs Parks’ educational journey began at Stranmillis University College, where she graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Primary Education (BEd) degree specialising in Early Years and Special Educational Needs and availing of additional professional development in her third year of teacher training as she gained a place to participate in the ERASMUS programme, spending time working in Sweden and learning firsthand from their renowned early years pedagogy.
Demonstrating a continuous commitment to professional excellence, she later advanced her expertise by completing a Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education.
Beyond her classroom and leadership duties at Tandragee, Mrs Parks has contributed to the wider educational landscape through her work with the Education Authority Northern Ireland (EANI) Early Years Team. Across an impressive 25-year career dedicated entirely to nursery education, she has championed inclusive practices and high standards of learning for young children.
Staff, parents, and governors warmly celebrate this appointment and look forward to an exciting new chapter of growth, nurturing care, and continued educational achievement for every child under her passionate early years leadership.
