Milltownpass says fond farewell to school principal
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Pauline O’Hara with staff members from Milltownpass NS on her retirement day, Ashleigh Hill, Emer Birmingham, Eamonn Foy, Sam Jefferies, Marie Carroll, Claire Keane, Nora McNeely Malone, Michelle Lacey, Eva Fox and Emma Gammell.Image 2 of 7
Pauline with her family, Brian, Elaine, Evan and Michael.Image 3 of 7
Children from Milltownpass NS wish Ms O’Hara well.Image 4 of 7
Pauline O’Hara (second right), now retired from Milltownpass NS, with Anne Marie Sullivan, Eileen and Fiona Kerr.Image 5 of 7
Emer Bermingham, newly appointed principal, with Pauline, and David Gavin and Winnie O’Dowd, board of management.Image 6 of 7
Tommy Dunne called in to wish Pauline the best on her retirement.Image 7 of 7
Jessica and Nicola preparing tea for guests .Staff, pupils and families of St. Joseph’s NS, past and present, along with the community of Milltownpass, gathered to celebrate the retirement of school principal, Pauline O’Hara on Thursday June 19.
Mass was celebrated by Rev Fr William Coleman in St Joseph’s Church, during which he paid tribute to Pauline’s 28 years as a teacher in Milltownpass.
Following Mass, a reception was held in Milltownpass Community Centre, attended by large gathering of friends and guests.
Winnie O’Dowd, chairperson of the board of management of St Joseph’s NS, welcomed Pauline and her family and guests and acknowledged the outstanding contribution she has made to the education of pupils in Milltownpass in her various roles as a teacher, deputy principal and principal.
Emer Bermingham, newly appointed principal, paid tribute to Pauline’s excellent teaching capabilities and commented on her love for and devotion to education, whether in her recent role as administrative principal and in her previous role as a mainstream teacher.
For the last nine years, Pauline held the position of principal and her abundance of energy and excellent leadership qualities were always evident. Pauline strove to uphold the Catholic ethos of the school and has always been a great advocate of all musical activities over the years.
Presentations were made to Pauline by the staff and board of management, the parents association and by the community of Milltownpass.
Pupil Kate Moran presented Ms O’Dowd with flowers and gifts on behalf of all the students.
Pauline thanked everyone for the support and kindness shown to her over the last 28 years in Milltownpass. She paid tribute to the colleagues who worked alongside her and wished the new principal and staff the best in the years ahead.