The message ‘Thank you for your years of dedication, service and inspiration’ written on the large screen summed up the sentiments of all gathered at a celebration in Carrick-on-Suir's Presentation Primary School to mark the retirement of four staff members.
The ceremony honouring retiring secretary Barbara Bennett, who worked for 43 years at the school, and retiring teachers Emma Power (37 years service), Catherine Arnold (34 years service) and Patricia Tobin (24 years service) was attended by the school's pupils, teachers, staff, Board of Management and Parents’ Association members, former staff and some family members.
Presentation School Principal Pat Robinson spoke of the special talents the four staff members each brought to the school and how brilliant they were at their jobs.
“Their enthusiasm shown to over thousands of children was infectious,” he said.
“Carrick-on-Suir is indebted to you as everyone has benefitted so much. Your leadership, friendship and kindness will be treasured. Today is not sad, it is a celebration of the legacy you are leaving behind,” he added.
Music followed and included a song written by Ms Hickey, accompanied by Ms Sheehan on keyboard and Mr Sheridan on guitar, which captured the spirit and essence of each retiring staff member.
Gifts, flower bouquets and framed pictures were presented to the retiring staff members by staff, BOM representatives and Parents Council representatives, who were accompanied by student representatives from each class.
Pupils read out a little tributes on each of the retiring staff members before the presentations.
More singing followed before the retiring teachers and secretary stood up and talked about how they enjoyed their years at the school, recalling many great events and the wonderful supportive team they worked with.
They thanked everyone for their kindness and the powerful ceremony to mark their retirements.
Each paid tribute to colleagues, past and present.
They spoke of the friendship, kindness and guidance shown to them over the years and the privilege of teaching children from Carrick-on-Suir.
Barbara, who spent her entire working life at the Presentation School, said it was such a happy positive place to work and thanked everyone she worked with over the years including past principals Sr Veronica Casey and Valerie Slattery, current principal Pat Robinson and caretaker Patsy Hahessy.
A special presentation was made before the retirement ceremony to First Class pupil Ryan O’Dwyer for perfect attendance. He has not missed a day of school in three years.
Check out this report and more photos from the retirements ceremony at Presentation Primary School, Carrick-on-Suir in this week’s edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops.
5. Presentation Primary School retirements
Presentation Primary School pupils at the staff retirement ceremony | Anne Marie Magorrian
6. Presentation Primary School retirements
Presentation Primary School Principal Pat Robinson presents an award to pupil Ryan O'Dwyer for perfect attendance at school | Anne Marie Magorrian