Teachers given warm send off
THE New Ross Branch of the ASTI recognised the contribution to teaching of two members who recently retired from teaching.
Marie Winters retired after 31 years teaching in St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross. She had been teaching Business Studies but was also responsible for introducing the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme to the school. She was also responsible for the highly valuable book rental scheme.
Marie was a committed member of the ASTI and recently joined the picket lines during the recent industrial dispute.
She was joined by her husband John at the reception took place in late November in the Horse and Hound Hotel.
Kilian Traynor joined the staff of Good Counsel College in 1987 to teach English, Maths and Religion.
In recent years Kilian was responsible for developing the Special Needs Education Programme within the school. The programme has involved the commitment of staff, students and SNAs (Special Needs Assistants).
His keen interest in the school was to facilitate the full involvement of all students within the school. He also was responsible for co-ordinating the anti-bullying policies within the school. Soon a new Autistic Unit will open in the school - much of it down to Killian’s work.
Kilian, like Marie, was an active member of the ASTI at school level. Both actively supported the ASTI’s policies with their school and the New Ross branch.
Fifty colleagues attended the night, with the school stewards of St Mary’s, Holy Faith Rosbercon and Good Counsel College where tributes were paid to the two teachers for their work at their respective schools and for their loyal membership of ASTI. Both Marie and Kilian were presented with a special silver emblem of the ASTI.