Fond farewell to Ms Brady after 24 years at St Colmcille’s NS
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Ms Brady and colleagues relaxing on the day of her retirement party.Image 2 of 6
The school hall was full as the community turned out for Ms Brady’s retirement do.Image 3 of 6
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Members of Ms Brady’s family joined the school community for the celebration – Róisín, Cian, Criostóir, Jane , Christopher and his wife Gráinne.Image 6 of 6
Jane Brady hands the school candle over to new St Colmcille’s NS principal Kevin Maguire, in the company of staff.St Colmcille’s National School marked a milestone as the school community gathered to celebrate the retirement of Ms Jane Brady, long-serving principal, teacher, and, as many described her, “the heartbeat of the school”.
After 24 years of service, including 15 as principal, Ms Brady leaves behind a legacy that is woven into every corridor, classroom, and community connection.
Jane’s years as principal coincided with a period of considerable growth and development in St Colmcille’s. She oversaw the completion of the school extension in 2020 and, more recently, the opening of new autism classes. Other projects close to her heart included ‘Mary’s Way’ walking track and the outdoor garden, and a range of creative artwork throughout the school.
The physical changes are easy to see, but those who worked with Jane believe that her most important contribution was the atmosphere she helped create.
Jane was deeply committed to the Catholic ethos of St Colmcille’s. She was passionate about making the school a place where children felt happy, secure and heard. Kindness, respect and care for others were at the heart of her approach, and she worked hard to ensure that the school remained a welcoming and inclusive community.
Music was another defining feature of Jane’s years in St Colmcille’s. Her innate love of music was evident during her teaching career and continued throughout her time as principal.
Over the years, countless children have had the opportunity to sing as part of school choirs, perform at celebrations and develop a confidence in music that they may never have discovered otherwise.
The school community wish Jane every happiness in her retirement and thanks her for 24 years of dedication, leadership and friendship.
She has left the principal’s office, and she has certainly left St Colmcille’s with a lasting legacy.