16 hours ago
Kerry principal reflects on 40 year career – ‘I loved teaching, I loved the children and the fun'
And over those years she had guided the school expertly to ensure that the small community school was more than just a place of learning but a community hub focused on an all around education for the pupils that passed through the door.
In fact, it appears the school has more than its fair share of talent particularly on the music field as almost every student plays a musical instrument – a feat that Laoise is rightly proud of.
Over the years she says there has been plenty of stand-out moments but those that mean the most to her include the official recognition of the school as a Gaelscoil. This was hugely important as part of the revitalization of the Irish language in South Kerry and ensuring that the next generations have a proud love of their native language.
Another proud moment for the school was when the pupils built and launched two traditional, life-size currachs, 'Báidín na Óg' and 'An Báidín Greanta' under expert guidance of currach maker Holger Lonze.
The currachs were launched by local poet Paddy Bushe from Reen Pier, in what was a memorable day for the whole community.
"It was an amazing project,' said Laoise and it was a project that won the school an Ocean Heroes award and was also the subject of a Radio Kerry documentary.
And the final big moment for Laoise came at the end of the school year when the entire community including the wonderful staff of the three teacher 48 pupil school came together to celebrate her retirement.
It was also a day of celebration for the vice-principal Síle Ní Chonaill who also had a long career over 25 years at the school and both her and Laoise worked side by side during that time to ensure the school ran smoothly.
Laoise says there has been a lot of changes in teaching over the past 40 years, many gradual so you don't even notice them.
"When I look back on the 40 years teaching is now unrecognisable especially with technology,' she says.
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However, she says despite such technological advances paperwork has increased no end and and she believes this is off-putting to the new generations particularly for such posts like her one as a teaching principal.
'People just aren't applying for those posts anymore, they [Department of Education] expect a lot but we are poorly funded,' she says.
Thankfully Scoil Mhichíl Naofa in Ballinskelligs has no such problems replaced Laoise and Sheila with Cristíona Uí Loingsigh taking over as principal and Louise Moriarty as the vice-principal role and although they have big shoes to fill they will do so expertly.
Laoise is originally from Sneem and aside from two years subbing in Kerry and Cork her career has been dedicated to the South Kerry school. Teaching is in her blood she says as her mother taught in nearby Scoil Cillian Liath and her daughter Muireann has also followed in her footsteps.
Laoise says it is now time for the next chapter of her life which she is truly looking forward to and will she hopes involve plenty of travel not least the Camino in Spain this September.
"It is exciting to be moving on which I still have the health to do so... I am looking forward to the next chapter.'
Laoise has just celebrated her 60th birthday so she is hopeful of a long retirement ahead.
But of course she will miss the children.
"I will miss the kids and the fun we had. It is a privilege to have worked with the children, they are so upbeat.'
