Principal moves on with many fond memories of ‘the Bridge’
Fresh out of college, Eileen Alford – Eileen Whelehan that was – took up her first teaching post at St Joseph’s Secondary School in her native Rochfortbridge in 1981, and never left.
“I fell in love with the place,” she told the Westmeath Examiner as she steps down as principal of St Joseph’s and forges ahead into a retirement filled with family, grandchildren and friends.
Before taking the leap into a life of leisure, Eileen took time out to look back on what has been a rewarding and fulfilling career teaching English and geography before she was appointed principal in 2010.
“I loved the subjects I taught and felt there was always something in both that would appeal to all students,” she said.
Eileen learned much from the many experienced and committed teachers in St Joseph’s and from the guidance of fine principals like Sr Columba, Sr Dympna and Tony O’Sullivan. Then in 2004, when Tony O’Sullivan retired, Eileen became deputy principal with Tony Hartnett at the helm as principal. She enjoyed her role, working with Tony, and it prepared her for the role of principal.
Eileen said she has been “blessed” in her job as principal with the support of excellent deputy principals, Margaret Cole and Niamh Sheridan “who have been outstanding in their work and commitment to the school”.
She is delighted that Margaret will be succeeding her as principal, assisted by Niamh, Damien Rushe and Darragh Glynn as deputy principals.
“I know they will do a terrific job. The staff, teaching, special needs assistants and ancillary staff, in St Joseph’s, are exceptional and they have made my job as principal an easy one.
“They are generous, positive, competent, innovative and above all caring and kind. As a result, we have a thriving school that is constantly changing to meet the needs of our students,” Eileen said.
She also paid tribute to the students, who she describes as “super”. She has great memories of musicals, matches, exhibitions, where the many talents of these students were demonstrated, and of their outstanding academic achievements.
“The students of St Joseph’s have given me many proud moments and I am very grateful to them for that.”
Eileen praised in particular the parents, who in every way possible supported her work in the school. She spoke of the active parents council and the great help they have been to her with their advice and friendship.
As principal, Eileen received tremendous support from the trustees, Ceist and from the Mercy Sisters, who “always encouraged the work in St Joseph’s”. She also enjoyed the support and advice received from the board of management and thanked all who served on the board over the last 11 years for “their help and guidance”, particularly the chairpersons, Tony O’Sullivan and Joe O’Meara for “their great guidance and wisdom”.
Other staff retiring
She also wished Noel Foynes, Luke Dempsey and Fiona Burke all the best in their retirement, saying all three will be greatly missed in St Joseph’s – “each of them has contributed enormously to the school”.
“I consider it a great privilege to have been principal in St Joseph’s or ‘the Bridge’, as it is fondly known.
“I will miss all in the school community, but I am looking forward to my retirement, to having extra time to spend with family and friends and particularly my six little grandchildren, but the Bridge will always have a special place in my heart and I’ll watch with great interest its progress into the future,” she concluded.