Principal’s Speech to honour Helen Doak – June 24 2024

Good morning to you all, Staff, pupils, Fr Denis and Noel Quinn, Chairman BOM,

A very special céad mile fáilte to Helen’s family, husband Barry, daughter Alana, Séamús (son in law), her beloved Parents, Grandchildren Jamie, Layah, Esme and to her sons Andy and Chris who could not be here today, a very special day for you as your Mum , daughter and wife retires from 37 years of a magnificent teaching career.

Today, I have the distinct honour of speaking about a colleague who epitomizes the essence of educational excellence, Helen.

It is a privilege to celebrate someone who has not only been a dedicated Teacher but also an inspirational Leader in our community.

Helen, from the moment you joined our school, it was clear that you were driven by a passion for education that is profound and contagious.

Your pursuit of excellence in everything you do sets a high standard for all of us. You are not content with simply meeting expectations, you strive to exceed them, always pushing yourself and your pupils to achieve their best.

You know your class intimately – each pupil’s strengths, challenges and potential.

Your personalized approach to teaching ensures that every pupil feels seen, heard and valued.

Your remarkable ability to adapt your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your pupils, fostering a nurturing and caring environment where everyone can thrive.

You create an environment where every pupil regardless of their challenges has the opportunity to succeed and flourish.

Helen, your love of travel has brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our school.

The rich tapestry of cultures and experiences you share with your class opens their eyes to the world beyond our community.

You inspire them to dream big, to explore and to understand the beauty of diversity. The classroom is a gateway to the world and through your stories and lessons, you instil a sense of global citizenship in our pupils.

Helen, your passion for learning is a beacon of inspiration for all of us.

Your approach each new day with an insatiable curiosity and a desire to expand your knowledge.

Whether you are delving into the latest educational research or exploring new teaching techniques, your commitment to lifelong learning is evident.

You remind us all that education is not a destination – but a journey – one that we are all on together.

Your professional knowledge of education is awe inspiring. You challenge us the Leadership Team to think outside the box, to innovate and to strive for continuous improvement. Your insights and ideas have helped shape our school’s vision and direction.

And of course your love of language is a gift to us all. Your eloquence, your ability to communicate with clarity and passion and your appreciation for the power of words as Gaeilge and in French have left a lasting impact on our school.

You teach your class that language is not just a tool but a means of connection, understanding and transformation.

Helen, you are a true educator, a dedicated mentor and a visionary. Your unwavering commitment to excellence, your profound knowledge and your boundless passion have enriched our school in countless ways.

Yet despite all your professional achievements, it is your great love of family that stands out as your most outstanding calling Helen.

Your devotion to your parents, your children Alana, Andy and Chris, your Parents, your grandchildren and your siblings is truly inspiring.

You honour them not only in words but in the way you live your life, balancing your professional commitments with a deep meaningful dedication to your family.

It reminds us all of the importance of family, love and of the connections that truly matter.

We are deeply grateful for your contributions Helen and look forward to many more years of learning and growing together.

Please join me in celebrating Helen for her extraordinary dedication, passion for education and her inspiring love of family. We wish you every blessing, health and happiness to enjoy the next chapter in your life.

 

Bláithín Maguire

Principal