Last Friday, Term 2 in St. Mary’s NS drew to a close with a very special Assembly as we bade a fond farewell to our Deputy Principal, Mrs. Farren. Having taught in our school for over 30 years – the last 7 as Deputy Prinicpal – it was no surprise that the ceremony was a special and emotional one!
After her and her family’s arrival, Mrs. Farren made the walk through the corridors of the school, greeted by a raucous Senior School guard of honour, to Halla Setanta where her colleagues, past and present, and the pupils of the Junior School welcomed her with a huge roar!
The first port of call was this year’s staff photo which was uniquely taken in front of the entire school!
The Assembly was opened with a rendition of the Friends For Life Programme anthem, “Lean on Me,” a programme which Mrs. Farren has spearheaded in the school over the past few years. The children of 4th Class have just completed the programme with Mrs. Farren and so stood to wow the masses with their performance.
After the presentation of our monthly awards, a special poem composed by Ms Conroy and receited by her Green School Commitee was presented to Mrs. Farren.
There were more surprises as an Art Piece was presented and a “Survival Kit” was offered. Fellow SET and close friend, Ms Quinn, was the orchestrator of these special mementos that the children presented with such professionalism.
Another touching memory for Mrs. F was created on this special day when a video created by Ms Conroy showcased the entire school’s thoughts and memories of the lady of the hour!
There were speeches and presentations by Parents and Friends representative, Lisa, Chair of the BOM, Helen, and Master before Mrs. Farren spoke eloquently and emotionally about her wonderful time in KBNS. The Assembly concluded, fittingly, with a re-working of the classic hit, “I’m a Believer!” by Ms Quinn and Mrs McGeeney. For years, Mrs Farren has rewritten the lyrics to famous songs to bid farewell to retiring colleagues, but this time, Aisling could sit back and enjoy the plaudits. Instead, and her own inimitable style, she got up, sang along with, danced to and conducted the choir in front of her!
Slan, slán Mrs Farren- ní bheidh do leithéid arís ann!
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