Broadbridge P.S. in tribute to '˜inspirational' Tony McLaughlin

LATE PRINCIPAL REMEMBERED. . . .Greater Shantallow Community Arts through their Communities United Project are delighted to have students from Broadbridge Primary School under the guidance of their facilitator Ashwini (pictured on left) join us in celebrating this yearÃ¢Â¬"s St PatrickÃ¢Â¬"s Day Spring Carnival.
The Eglinton primary school decided to participate in remembrance of their late principal, Mr Tony McLaughlin who passed away last year.
With over 30 students and their teachers representing the school it will be a beautiful celebration of a Ã¢Â¬Streasured principalÃ¢Â¬Â.
The pupils also enjoyed the workshops exploring Indian Bee Goddess Ã¢Â¬SBhramariÃ¢Â¬Â on Monday past with a costume team and artists making bee props to use in the parade. Ashwini and the children will be busy bees over the next few weeks preparing for the big day. — LATE PRINCIPAL REMEMBERED. . . .Greater Shantallow Community Arts through their Communities United Project are delighted to have students from Broadbridge Primary School under the guidance of their facilitator Ashwini (pictured on left) join us in celebrating this yearÃ¢Â¬"s St PatrickÃ¢Â¬"s Day Spring Carnival. The Eglinton primary school decided to participate in remembrance of their late principal, Mr Tony McLaughlin who passed away last year. With over 30 students and their teachers representing the school it will be a beautiful celebration of a Ã¢Â¬Streasured principalÃ¢Â¬Â. The pupils also enjoyed the workshops exploring Indian Bee Goddess Ã¢Â¬SBhramariÃ¢Â¬Â on Monday past with a costume team and artists making bee props to use in the parade. Ashwini and the children will be busy bees over the next few weeks preparing for the big day.

Tony McLaughlin, who passed away a year ago on March 19, 2017, was Principal of Broadbridge Primary School for 34 years and has been praised as a ‘passionate and inspirational’ teacher, and for the ‘loyalty and dedication’ to his pupils which always surpassed the call of duty.

Children at the school have been busy making final preparations for this year’s St Patrick’s Day carnival celebration, organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

There is a multicultural theme running through their collection of outfits and props – led by Year 4 teachers from Broadbridge PS and Ashwini Rudraprasad from the North West Regional College – signifying the ‘Sounds of Spring’ and the importance of embracing other cultures and people.

Some of the young performers from Broadbridge Primary School who will take part in this yearÃ¢Â¬"s St. PatrickÃ¢Â¬"s Day Celebrations in the city, pictured at their dress rehearsal in the school this week. From left are Kelsie Hasson, Lauren McKeegan, Aoife Slevin, Grace Curry, Eve Ellin and Ava Cooley. Their theme is the Hindu bee goddess Bhramari.

Children have been busy making handheld bumble bee props in honour of the Hindu bee goddess Bhramari.

Over 30 pupils will also be participating in the parade itself dressed up in beautiful Indian costumes, and following the goddess Bhramari.

Ashwini Rudraprasad explained: “Bhramari means ‘the Goddess of bees’ and she is associated with bees, hornets and wasps, which cling to her body. She is also typically depicted as holding a trident, sword and shield in her four hands. Bhramari kills a demon called Arunasura when he tries to take the kingdom of the gods.

She summons countless six-legged creatures – bees, hornets, wasps, flies, termites, mosquitos and spiders from the skies.

Broadbridge Primary School pupils and some parents pictured making some of the props for this yearÃ¢Â¬"s St. PatrickÃ¢Â¬"s Day Carnival in which the school will be taking part. The theme for their celebration will be the Hindu bee goddess Bhramari. Back left is Ashwini Shivashankar, facilitator.

They swarm upon the army of demons, killing all of them and eventually also killing the chief demon Arunasura.

The victory of Bhramari depicts the triumph of ‘good over evil’.

She is also celebrated every year at the start of spring when bees and other insects pollinate flowers and help improve the crop yield.”

Broadbridge PS Principal Daniel McLaughlin added: “It has been great to see the enthusiasm of the children as they work on the ‘Sounds of Spring’ project for this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade – and also brilliant to see the beautiful costumes and colourful props take shape and evolve into the finished product.

FESTIVAL PREPARATION. . . . Broadbridge PS P4 pupils Eve McElwee, Shiva Shankar ad Kelsey Hasson pictured during MondayÃ¢Â¬"s dress rehearsal at the school for this yearÃ¢Â¬"s St. PatrickÃ¢Â¬"s Day Celebrations. At back are Ashwini Shivashankar, facilitator, and Mr. Daniel McLaughlin, Principal.

“Indeed, Year 4 pupils have spent months now planning costumes, participating in workshops, making props and rehearsing their routines for the parade.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to say a very special thank-you to everyone involved in this fantastic project, including the Year 4 teachers, classroom assistants and of course Ashwini Rudraprasad.

“They have all done such a wonderful job – and we’re so proud of them!

“It is also a very fitting tribute to our beloved former principal, colleague and friend Tony McLaughlin on the first anniversary of his sad death. Indeed, Tony was not only a proud champion of the entire Broadbridge school family but also a life-long advocate of diversity and inclusion.”

Ashwini Shivashankar, facilitator, pictured with Broadbridge Primary School pupils Chloe OÃ¢Â¬"Donnell and Leah Bryson, who will take part in this yearÃ¢Â¬"s St. PatrickÃ¢Â¬"s Day Celebrations in the city when their theme will be the Hindu bee goddess Bhramari.

The Carnival is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with the North West Carnival Initiative, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, In Your Space and Bluebell Arts, who work collectively to bring together over 600 participants from local schools, youth clubs, arts and cultural organisations.