School bids farewell to principal Coveney

THE St Laurence’s community said a very fond farewell to principal Catherine Coveney last Friday, as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Greystones primary school.

Mrs Coveney has been there from the start, and she was described by Minister Simon Harris last week as ‘one incredible woman’.

The past pupil was among the guests to attend the day of celebrating St Laurences, Mrs Coveney, and her legacy.

There was a huge round of applause as Minister Harris began to speak about his former school principal from the podium.

‘Catherine Coveney hasn’t just been an incredible principal and educator, he said. ‘She has been a manager, innovator, driver. She doesn’t accept the word “no” from the Department of Education and Skills.

‘She has shown leadership in our community above and beyond the day job.’

He said that it is a credit to her legacy that the school has had such an inclusive forward thinking way.

‘ This has always been a place for all students, regardless of ability and need. Indeed, it was ahead of its time.

He said that Catherine has made a 40-year contribution to the community and the school.

A garden at St Laurence’s bears Catherine’s name in her honour, and the parents association presented her with a painting by Rachel Kerr of the old harbour in Greystones.

Lana Woodward and Sam Hill get ready to raise the school’s eighth Green Flag with Jim Callery, Environmental Officer at Wicklow County Council.

Sonya Callan and Arlene Roche from the parents association present a painting by Rachel Kerr of the Old Harbour to Mrs Coveney.

Neil O’Sullivan from Digital Schools of Distinction, who raised the digital flag, is presented with a token of appreciation by Max Murphy and Laila Murray.

Lana Bolger and Robert Cregg marching in the parade.

Jane Kuntz flying the flag for County Antrim.

Simon Harris greets his former school Catherine Coveney, who is retiring.

Thomas Downing Fernandez Curros in the counties parade.