Christopher Perry

St Joseph's Primary School Slate Street

School website: www.stjosephsslatestreet.co.uk/
Subject or primary school year: Year 4.
Your place of birth: Downpatrick.
Studied at: St Mary's University College Belfast.
First job: Labourer for Micwall Developments.
What it taught me: A sense of humour can get you through the cold and rainy days.
Family/status: In a relationship with my wonderful partner Anna and we have three beautiful daughters.
Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Be open-minded and work to build sincere relationships. Children need to know that you are going to support them through every up and down on their educational journey. It's our responsibility to try to offer them the best possible opportunities and experiences to help them grow. Most importantly, smile! Sometimes all anyone is looking for is a friendly face.

After graduating from St Mary’s University College, I was fortunate to have taught in some fantastic schools in the Downpatrick area. One major highlight from this time was working alongside teachers who had unknowingly inspired me to follow them on this career path. To develop my experience, I found myself in West Belfast. Though the move seemed daunting, from the moment I stepped through the door of St Joseph’s Slate Street, I felt at home. I have been teaching in St Joseph's for almost ten years now and am currently the school's ICT coordinator.

In my time here, I have encountered some of the most hardworking and dedicated staff who aim to provide our young people with the best opportunities to achieve their potential. I will forever be grateful to all families that have made me feel welcome and that have allowed me help guide their children on this stage of their educational journey.