Hilary Cunningham

First Job: Holiday Relief Sub Postmistress.

What it taught me: How to deal with the local community in a sympathetic and empathetic manner. For many of the customers, collecting their pensions or other benefits was a social occasion and in a small country Post Office a good chat was expected. I have carried this with me through my career and have always tried to be a be supportive and empathetic member of the wider school community. 

I am also very good at using the 'Shopkeeper's Method' of counting out money!

Family/status: I am married with twin boys who are aged 10.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: No matter how tough it gets never lose your humanity and compassion towards others.

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Firstly, you should have a love for children. Volunteer in as many schools as you can to get a flavour of the job. It is also important to be flexible: things can change quickly.

Hilary has been Principal of Fane Street Primary School since September 2014. She was previously Vice Principal at Fane Street for 10 ½ years. Hilary formerly taught in North Belfast for 13 ½ years, teaching in Carr’s Glen Primary school for one year and Grove Primary School for 12 ½ years. She was educated at Knockahollet Primary School and Dalriada School, Ballymoney, before progressing to Stranmillis College, where she attained her B.Ed. (Hons) in 1990. Hilary attained her Masters Degree in 1998 before achieving her Professional Qualification for Headship in 2009. Hilary is passionate about pastoral care for the children in her charge and accordingly was awarded a Certificate in Counselling Skills for Children from QUB in 2005. She is currently completing a coaching qualification. Hilary’s main claim to fame is that she taught Carl Frampton in P6 and P7, a fact on which she has dined out for years. When not in work mode, Hilary enjoys spending time with her family, reading and sleeping.