New chapter for outgoing

FROM teaching in Europe to working as a production manager for a fashion company, Coláise na Sceilge principal John O’Connor certainly didn’t follow the traditional route.

Now, after a long and varied career, he will step down as principal after nine years leading the south Kerry school.

John has been teaching at the school since it first opened its doors back in 1999.

The Kerry ETB school is an amalgamation of two local schools: St John Boscos Secondary School and Waterville Vocational School.

John had been teaching at St John’s Bosco prior to the amalgamation having joined the school originally for a short period. He ended up never leaving.

This teaching job was a changing point in his career, as prior to this role he went down another route, working as a production manger for Land of Irlande – a leading fashion company.

Having completed a degree in English and History and his HDip, he decided to leave Ireland and travel the world and found himself in Vigo in Spain teaching English. He also taught in Germany.

He then obtained a diploma in marketing and business and then went onto work for Irish fashion label Irlanda Fashions.

A teaching job came up in his home-town of Cahersiveen and John decided to go for it. The rest is history.

Having spent more than 30 years teaching abroad and in Ireland, it is time for a new chapter.

That said. teaching is a joy for John and something he will really miss.

“I like it when you get somebody’s brain going and I like seeing the students doing as well as possible. It is a fantastic moment when you see someone’s brain click and it all becomes clear. That is what teaching is about.”

John is married to Peggy and the couple have three children: Francesca, Claire and Alex.

John is ending his career on a high note with the end of year celebrations, including the annual awards this week.