The  Arellian Nursery was the first in Ireland, and can take pride in being the oldest Nursery School on the island. It was established by Richmond Lodge Girls – RL giving the title Arellian.The school is now run by the Belfast Education & Library Board, but still retains close links with the Arellian Association – having several Arellians on the Boardof Governors, and support from the old girls – much moral and modest financial support.

Arellian Association Constitution

ii.     Aims

        The aims of the Association shall be:

(a)      To keep those connected with Richmond Lodge in touch with one another;

        (b)    To assist and encourage the development of VictoriaCollege (incorporating Richmond Lodge School) by financial and other support.

iii.     Membership

Any past pupil, any member of staff, past or present, shall be entitled to become a member. Others with connections may become members subject to the approval of the Committee.

iv.    Subscription

The annual subscription shall be decided by the Association and is due each October. Any member who has not paid a subscription for two years shallf orfeit membership, but may re-join upon payment of current subscription.

v.     Office Bearers

The office bearers shall be The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. They            shall be elected annually by the Association and shall be eligible forre-election for a maximum of three. Thereafter they shall not beeligible for re-election for two years. Honorary Vice-Presidents not exceeding ten in number may be elected by the Association at a general meeting.

vi     Committee

   (a)    The Committee shall be elected from members of the Association  and shall consist of the office bearers and six ordinary members of Committee.Two Committee members shall be elected annually by the Association fora period of three years. Two members shall retire each and shall not be eligible for re-election for one year.

The following shall be ex-officio members of the Committee:

       (1)        The Headmistress of the School.

(2)         The Editor of Arellian News

(3)         A Member of Staff whenever possible.

(b)    The Committee shall have the power to form sub-committees and to co-opt additional members temporarily for special purposes.       

(c)    If a vacancy occurs the Committee may co-opt a member to hold office till the completion of the three year period.    

(d)    A quorum of four is required for each Committee meeting.

vii    Meetings

a)     The AGM to take place in the autumn.

b)     Committee meetings to be held as required.

c)     Social Events may be arranged at the discretion of the committee