Anne-Marie Ritchie

Edmund Rice College  

School website: www.edmundricecollege.co.uk/  
Subject: Head of Personal Development and Pupil Wellbeing; Head of Moving Image Arts and Photography.  
Your place of birth: Newtownards . 
Studied at: University of Ulster.  
First Job: Shop sssistant/fishmonger. 
What it taught me: In my first job whilst studying full-time I learnt the importance of transferrable skills and attention to detail. My creative skills were developed through displays, signwriting, product placement and I learnt the skilful trade of gutting, skinning, filleting and deboning fish. I learnt the importance of customer service and working as part of a team.  
Family/status: Married with a wonderful seven-year-old daughter.  
Best advice anyone ever gave you: 'You can be anything you want if you work hard enough and believe in yourself.' My Mum  
Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Every job will have ups and downs but not every job can change a life. 
A teaching career is challenging but extremely rewarding and you will meet many amazing people on your journey. They all have something to teach you if you observe and listen.  
  
Born in Newtownards, I attended St Finian's Primary School and Regent House Grammar School. I graduated from University of Ulster in Art and Design before completing a PGCE in June 2002. I was appointed to my first teaching role in September 2002 in Edmund Rice College, where I have since established my career. 
 Throughout my 20 years in teaching I have had the opportunity to experience many different roles and leadership opportunities. I have watched the college grow and progress in many aspects and I am exceptionally proud to be a part of the team driving these changes. In my most recent role as Head of Personal Development and Pupil Wellbeing I have actively promoted Mental Health and Wellbeing, building resilience in our students through these challenging times. 
 The pandemic forced us to be creative in our approach and I coordinated mental health initiatives virtually throughout lockdown and through a restorative programme as we reintegrated into our classrooms. I am fortunate that the leadership at Edmund Rice College prioritises both staff and pupil wellbeing, allowing my passion and initiatives to be realised. I am blessed to work with inspirational colleagues, many of whom I can call friends.
 I am married with a beautiful daughter and family is at the heart of everything I enjoy.