Hello Everyone,
Well, actually, this is Goodbye to everyone in Cloontagh NS. As you know I am leaving at Halloween after 19 years in Cloontagh, 12 of those years as Principal.
I have really enjoyed my time in Cloontagh school. It has been such a joy to get to know and to foster the development of so many fabulous children, from my first Junior Infant class of Cian, Daire, Eireann and Liam to this years class of Oisín, Michaela, Matthew and Ruby. It has been an honour to be part of their lives and I thank all of the parents who placed their trust in me over the years. It has always been my aim to engender independence and confidence in the children in this school. I am always so proud to hear how competent and able our past pupils are as they move out into the world.
I would like to thank all of the people who have supported me since I came to Cloontagh school. Barbara Kavanagh was Principal here when I arrived. We worked really well together and I admired the way she always managed to give every child an opportunity to shine. I have been part of six Boards of Management and I stand in admiration of all those people who gave so selflessly of their time for the good of the school. I have to make special mention of Mike Egan, who was a stalwart of Cloontagh school long before I arrived and who was a constant support during my principalship. This community is blessed to have him. I wish the present Board, under the guidance of Regina Dolan, well into the future. I have to give a special word of thanks to Rachel Collins, our school secretary, who keeps everything running smoothly and stays calm among the chaos. She is a treasure.
To the children of Cloontagh school I would like to say thank you for letting me be part of your lives. This job has never been work for me. You have, over the years, made me laugh, surprised and astounded me, driven me to distraction, made me question my own sanity and drawn a tear from my eye (every June as you leave). But I would not have missed it for the world. I learned more from you than I could ever have taught you. My deepest hope is that I have been a positive influence, that I have given you some realisation of your own worth and that you are in some small way better off for having met me. I know that each and every one of you has had a deep and lasting effect on me and I will never forget you.
To parents I would say give your time to your children and treasure these years – they pass very quickly and can never be reclaimed.
It just remains for me to wish Mrs Kay Smyth well as she takes over as principal in November. I have no doubt that she will do a wonderful job and that Cloontagh school will thrive under her leadership. I also welcome Ms Leonie Beirne as the new Junior Room teacher and ask her to take special care of the precious children I am handing over to her.
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful send off and kindest regards to all,
Pauline Ferguson