Thank You for the Memories: A Heartfelt Farewell

As we come to the end of another school year, we say farewell to a number of truly special members of the St. Patrick’s family. Each has given so much to our school, and we are so grateful for the care and dedication they have shown throughout the years. 

We begin by thanking retiring members our fantastic canteen staff, Margaret O'Kane and Rosemary Doherty, who have provided far more than hot dinners each day. They have created a welcoming canteen at the heart of our school, serving magnificent meals with sides of kindness and smiles each day. Their genuine care and warmth will be missed next year.

We also bid farewell to our dedicated lunchtime supervisor, Mrs. Theresa Burke. Overseeing the lunchtimes of all our pupils is no easy task. Theresa has come to the rescue of countless bumped heads, grazed knees and scraped elbows, always ready with a kind word and a reassuring smile at lunchtimes. We thank you for being there and wish you well in your retirement. 

We are incredibly proud of Miss McGowan and Mrs. Cairns, who now take the exciting next step in their journeys in education. As classroom assistants, they have shown such commitment to our pupils, and we know they will bring the same passion and care into their own classrooms as teachers. We wish them every success as they begin their new chapter.

We bid a fond farewell to Miss McGowan, our Primary 1 teacher, who lit up Foundation Stage with her bright smile and infectious laugh. She created a joyful and nurturing beginning for so many children at St. Patrick’s. First steps can often be the hardest, but with Miss McGowan they became the start of a journey filled with happiness, fun and excitement. Thank you for the wonderful part you played in so many children’s journeys.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Mrs. MacFarland. Her creativity, kindness and gentle encouragement have inspired so many pupils to express themselves with growing confidence- not just in Primary 4, but throughout the school. Her enthusiasm and dedication reached far beyond the four walls of her classroom, transforming our corridors into outstanding art galleries. Thank you for sharing your passion for education and your love of art with our entire school community.

Finally, we offer our deepest gratitude to our longstanding Vice-Principals, Mrs. McConnellogue and Mrs. McSheffrey.

Mrs. McConnellogue brought her unique talents and endless energy to school each and every day. She confidently placed so many children (and staff!) on the stage in St. Patrick’s school productions, truly giving the West End and Broadway shows a run for their money! Like her successful quiz teams, she had a great knack for finding the right answer at just the right time, guiding pupils, families and staff with wisdom and genuine care. She will be greatly missed in the year ahead and we thank her sincerely for her outstanding dedication to life at St. Patrick’s.

Mrs McSheffrey has helped many pupils find their voice in St. Patrick’s. Through her leadership of our School Council, her encouragement and belief in our pupils have built confidence, instilled pride and inspired meaningful change in our school. As our Designated Teacher for Child Protection, Mrs McSheffrey devoted herself to the wellbeing of every child in St. Patrick’s. To know each child by name is impressive, to remember their families even more so- but to truly know and understand every individual child is a rare and precious gift. It is one we have been incredibly fortunate to have in our school and one we will deeply miss.

Together, Mrs McSheffrey and Mrs McConnellogue have been an inspiration to our pupils, families and staff. Their leadership, commitment and care will be sorely missed by the entire school community.

To each member of staff we say thank you. Thank you for your kindness, your love and your dedication to the children of St. Patrick’s.

Thank you for helping us to 'Live, Learn and Grow in Love'.