KWETB function for retiring principals and deputy principals
THE KWETB Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ Network honoured the retirement of 11 of their former colleagues at an event in the Killashee Hotel on November 27 last.
The 11 former school leaders had a combined service of over 400 years to education. During the post-prandial oratory the pedagogical prowess and the leadership excellence of Colm O’ Connor, Catherine Burke, Shane Eivers, Gearóid Ó Ciaráin, Kevin Browne, Gerry Millar, Carol Buckley, Patricia Carraher, Joe Carroll, Tom Fox and Nóirín Ní Chonghaile was eloquently captured.
The school leaders reflected upon their trajectories from humble beginnings in small outdated buildings, some with prefabs, to the fine state-ofthe-art educational campuses that these schools now occupy. Others such as Shane Eivers of Coláiste Craobh Abhann, Kilcoole were founding principals of their schools.
Mr Eivers was perceived by his colleagues in the Principals’ Network as a leader who was very much to the forefront of educational innovation. Linda Dunne, principal of Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, acknowledged that Shane was the ‘go to’ person for his colleagues when insightful reasoning was needed on newly published policies, circulars and frameworks.
Brian Doran, principal of St Kevin’s, Dunlavin, highlighted the influence of his former principal’s leadership on his career and his approach to the role. He captured the recurring theme of the speeches when he referred to the high expectations that Catherine Burke held for everyone, staff and students alike, but the care for the student was at the core of everything they did.
Ruairi Farrell, deputy principal, Coláiste Chraobh Abhann, described the office of the former deputy principal of Coláiste Chraobh Abhann, Carol Buckley, as a ‘sanctuary’ for both students and staff.
Dr Rory O’Toole, director of Schools, recalled with gratitude the support he received from his former deputy principal of Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, Kevin Browne.
Patricia Gurhy, current principal of Scoil Chonglais, also lauded her former deputy principal, Tom Fox, for his guidance when she took up her post in Baltinglass. Patricia also found Tom’s respectful relationship with the students and his ability to infuse the demanding work of school leadership with a welcome sense of humour, praiseworthy. Tom touched on a lovely historical note when he told the gathering that his mother was one of the first students to enrol in Carnew Vocational School in 1932.
Tribute was also paid to Gearóid Ó Ciaráin, the founding principal of Coláiste Raithín, by the current principal, Traolach Ó Maolcathaigh.