Kerry school says goodbye to 112 years of experience
The three teachers have in fact a combined service of 112 years to the school marking a significant contribution to the education of pupils in Killarney.
The whole school community gathered to welcome the guests of honour, Anne, Judy and Lucy, along with members of their families, retired colleagues, and members of the school's parents' association.
The sun shone out for the joyous celebration where a sea of red and grey flags, bunting, balloons and children's artwork greeted the guests.
Children from Junior Infants to 6th Class sang out in harmony a personalised rendition of 'Congratulations and Celebrations' detailing special moments and highlights of the three teachers' careers who have undoubtedly left a lasting legacy in the school.
Principal Alice Davern welcomed the large gathering in attendance and commended all three teachers who have taught the children of Killarney for more than 100 years. Addressing the three teachers she said they helped shape the minds of the pupils of Kerry.
'It was obvious to everyone that your care for the children meant that you appreciated their unique personalities, their talents, their personal history and any challenges that they may have faced. This enabled you to encourage and guide every child to flourish and reach their full potential in your different roles in mainstream and special education.
"In shaping young minds while also inspiring and supporting colleagues along the way, we know that upholding the dignity of every child and adult in the school has been the guiding principle of your work.'
She said it was fitting that the three colleagues and friends who shared many of life's milestones in parallel and began their careers side by side would complete their teaching days together in Holy Cross Mercy.
During the day's celebrations members of the school's Student Council, under the leadership of Frances Arthur, performed a dramatic comedic sketch based on the school lives of Anne, Judy and Lucy and had the children and adults present laughing out loud.
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They paid tribute through their performance to Anne's role as Deputy Principal and Maths Coordinator in the school. They showcased Judy's role as Science Coordinator, Health & Safety Officer and SPHE Coordinator. The children relayed Lucy's role of school Music coordinator and choir director as well as her passion for our Green school.
A heart-warming poem composed for the ceremony which was written in tribute to the popular trio by colleague Mairéad Kennedy and read by Edel Cronin.
Pupils of the school who Anne, Judy and Lucy worked closely with presented them with books filled with the children's artwork and letterboxes filled with hundreds of handmade cards from all of the children in the school while members of the Parents Association presented the retiring teachers with beautiful flowers and tokens of their gratitude for their many years of service in the school. Principal Alice Davern finished, 'We know that you leave behind more than memories. Because today, we celebrate not just three remarkable teaching careers but the legacy of those who quietly transformed lives every single day. You leave behind a legacy that will be characterised by hope, humanity, and humour, which have been the hallmarks of your service and will leave an indelible mark. 'To Anne, Judy, and Lucy, —from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. May your days ahead be as rich and rewarding as the years that you have so generously given to others.'
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