ST FERGAL’S GIVES MARY A FANTASTIC SEND-OFF
ST FERGAL’S NATIONAL SCHOOL celebrated outgoing deputy principal Mary Loftus with a special ceremony at the school last week.
Mary joined the school in July 1978 and retired on Friday, February 1, after over 40 years of dedicated and outstanding service. She taught all class levels in the school and also did a special education diploma which qualified her to work as a learning support/resource teacher.
‘Mary’s professionalism and concern for the children in her care were always to the fore and she excelled in whatever capacity she filled,’ said principal Tom Sargent. ‘She held many posts of responsibility with in St Fergal’s. Mary was very keen to promote an appreciation of art among the children and was the chief organiser in our “Art for All” day. She also has a huge interest in science and nature and did trojan work in setting up and maintaining our school garden – a venture for which we won an award in summer 2017.’
Mr Sargent said that given Mary’s dedication and ability, it was inevitable that she would assume senior management roles. She served as both principal and deputy principal and was a diligent and inspirational leader of the school community.
She had an active interest and involvement in the teachers’ union INTO and graduated to the position of branch secretary. She was also spokesperson for the equality committee.
St Fergal’s held it’s first whole school assembly in honour of Mary. Children from early start to sixth class attended, as well as present staff and some past staff and pupils.
There was music, dance and poetry, a presentation of flowers from the staff and a presentation from the board of management.
She was also given a school photo and book of memories.
‘We wish Mary a fulfilling retirement. We hope that she enjoys the history degree that she intends doing in Trinity College and has many happy days with her family,’ said Mr Sargent.