A note of thanks from Múinteoir Caitríona
I would like to thank Múinteoir Sandra for all that she has done in the past 22 years.
She started out as an enthusiastic teaching Principal with a small staff in a building that was not fit for purpose. The staff soon grew along with the popularity of the school, due in no small measure to her hard work and dedication. However, it became a cramped place to work in, which anyone would have found challenging.
Sandra didn’t let the lack of a suitable building deter her. She strove to provide learning opportunities for the pupils in her care. Each school year was packed with events to promote culture and Gaeilge including music, dancing, sport and the arts. Trips were organised to provide learning opportunities to the Gaeltacht; to nearby DCU for science; and many a day was spent practising in the Axis for school shows or enjoying and trips to the Helix for Drama. When I meet past pupils they speak of many fond memories of all of these events.
Sandra was a member of numerous committees over the years, involving many late nights, to try to secure better facilities for her pupils. After 12 years in a club building we moved to our current building which seemed palatial in comparison to what we had been used to. She finally got a decent office in which she had space to store all the coveted prizes! She has been awarding these to the páistí every Friday for many years. Each and every páiste who skipped happily down to the oifig was always commended with the highest of praise for their achievements no matter how small.
We asked staff, parents and pupils for their memories of Múinteoir Sandra and the list was endless. Terms such as kind, nice, happy, inspiring, fair, helpful, always smiling, welcoming and respectful are just a few. The ones that stood out to me were that she was welcoming and had time for you, listened to you and had respect for you. These are great traits to have shared with the school community idir pháistí, fhoireann agus tuistí. Nach raibh an t-ádh linn!
She fostered a happy and safe family environment within the school for each and every páiste. The páistí and their wellbeing was always central to her decision making.
It was an absolute privilege to have worked side by side with Múinteoir Sandra over the past 17 years. I will miss the her greatly. I will always cherish our friendship and the fantastic working relationship that I was so lucky to have experienced with her.
Sandra I wish you a happy and healthy road ahead as you embark on a new journey.
Caitríona