New principal appointed
Michael Barry, the current senior vice-principal of St Matthew Academy, was yesterday appointed to the post of Principal, to take over from Monica Cross when she retires at the end of this academic year.
The post was advertised nationally and after a selection process ending with two days of interviews, Michael Barry was offered the job.
Michael Barry has been a teacher for 20 years, and has been vice-principal of the academy for the last five, starting here as the new academy was being planned.
'It's been my dream to become the Principal of this wonderful school, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be offered the job,' he says. 'I would like to thank Mrs Cross for encouraging me over the last five years, and for supporting me in my application for the job.
'I want to work with parents, children, staff, governors and the local community to ensure together we achieve my vision to make St Matthew Academy an Outstanding Catholic All-through Academy.'