A room at Anagh Coar Primary School is being dedicated to a popular headteacher who died a year ago. Tuesday 17th May marks the first anniversary of the death from illness of Vicky Dassoulas. Mrs Dassoulas had helped to draw up the plans for a Family Room within the school to be used by community groups and families of pupils. Following her death, the staff decided to continue with the plans and dedicate the room to her. Initial work was completed in May last year and furniture was chosen and put in place in October 2010. The furniture was donated by B&B Furniture, this has really helped to make the room feel homely rather than using furniture more suited to a school environment. The first group to begin using this room was the Friends of Anagh Coar School (FOACS), a group of parents and teachers who meet to organise fundraising events. At their first meeting they decided that a picture frame and a memorial plaque within this room would be the best tribute. The picture frame is filled with photographs of the Chinese lantern release that took place last May. Mrs Dassoulas had planned this event before her death as a way for the pupils and parents to say goodbye to her. Other groups using the room are a group of parents for monthly coffee mornings, a baby massage group, play therapy sessions and staff who meet with families. The room is also used to host the weekly Captain's Table – a reward for good behaviour at lunchtimes. The lovely dining table, donated by B&B, allows the chosen children to feel that they are eating at home or in a nice restaurant when they have their lunch on a Friday. The room will be formally dedicated to Mrs Dassoulas this Friday when the memorial plaque and door signs will be erected. The landmark will be mentioned at an assembly of the school’s 144 pupils. Rob Coole, who was deputy headteacher under Mrs Dassoulas and who took over in charge of the school following her death, said: ‘Although Vicky wanted the room to be named The Family Room the staff and parents agreed that it would be better named Vicky’s Place. ‘Thanks to the Department of Education and Children’s Works Division, B&B Furniture and the FOACS, we now have a wonderful room to use which is a fitting tribute to Mrs Dassoulas. This is a place for all members of the Anagh Coar School community to use and enjoy for many years to come.’ Ends