Offaly school bids farewell to retiring principal
Scoil Bhríde and the community of Ballyboy hosted a retirement function on Wednesday, March 16, for its principal Ms. Helen Callaghan.
The school community bid “slán go fóill” to Ms. Callaghan following her 16 years of teaching, collegiality and work in the Ballyboy community.
Fr Michael Meade P.P. led the community in prayer and held a mass at the school on the day. Fr Meade spoke about the lasting impact all teachers have on so many of their pupils and thanked Helen for her contribution to Scoil Bhríde.
This was followed by a presentation to Ms Callaghan from members of the schools Board of Management, Parents Committee, School Staff and students.
The Chairperson of Scoil Bhríde Parents Committee, John Gill, thanked Helen for her contribution to the school community. Students in 5th and 6th class had been practising for weeks in their ‘Grúpa Ceoil’ and had prepared music to perform for the occasion.
They filled the air with Irish traditional music as they performed for the community on the day. It was a wonderful day as the entire school community were welcomed back to attend this outdoor event.
The entertainment provided by the pupils added a special touch to Ms Callaghan’s retirement celebration.
Ms. Callaghan began her teaching career in her native Co. Limerick. Throughout her career she has taught in many local schools including Scoil Mhuire agus Chormaic, Reary NS, Rosenallis NS where she was Principal and Scoil Bhríde, Ballyboy.
Ms. Callaghan was Deputy Principal at Scoil Bhríde for 15 years and was recently appointed Principal of the school following the retirement of Ms. Patricia Grimes.
She has shared her grá for the Irish language and her talents in Music freely with the pupils whom she taught. Helen’s love for Irish tradition will leave a lasting impression on Scoil Bhríde.
She spearheaded environmental projects such as Green Schools and musical programmes such as Peace Proms within the school.
The students, staff and entire school community wish Ms Callaghan a long, happy and relaxing retirement. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat Ms Callaghan!