Goodbye to Marcella, Mrs Mallon and Liz

Thursday morning brought another reason to gather together as a whole school as we marked the retirements of 3 more much-loved members of staff: Mrs Marcella McGeown, Mrs Sarah Mallon and Mrs Liz Cullen.

Marcella has been part of our staff as a lunchtime supervisor for just about 10 years, and it would be an understatement to say our pupils have loved having her here. Should you look at our school yard during lunch break you will see a gathering of several pupils gravitating towards her, looking forward to their daily dose of craic. A fun, caring and friendly presence in the lunch rooms and the yard, Marcella will be greatly missed by all in our school.

Mrs Mallon has been a member of our staff for the last two years, serving as Mrs Cole's other half in their P2 teaching partnership. The impact she managed to have on our Primary 2 children in her part-time role serves as a great indicator to how loved and appreciated she was. A warm and kind person, her pupils always felt comfortable and safe in her classroom. More than that, they knew they were going to grow and improve each day. Mrs Mallon's partnership and trusting relationship with Mrs Cole over the last two years has ensured their pupils left Primary 2 prepared for all that was still to come.

Mrs Cullen may be her formal title, but she will always be known to the pupils, staff and parents of St. Patrick's as Liz. When she joined our school in 1992, it would have been impossible to forecast just how vital a part of life in St. Patrick's she would become. Lunchtime supervisor, lunch staff manager, classroom assistant and everything else in between, Liz was like a right-hand woman to 6 different principals during her time here. If you asked Liz for anything or to do anything, it was with you before you had turned back around. There was no doubt that she ran a tight ship, but behind the whistles and organisation of hundreds of kids at once (Christmas Dinner Days were a sight to behold), there was a love and fondness for all of the boys and girls who have passed through our school in her time. Trusted, respected and loved by everyone who had the pleasure of working with her in the 33 years since she joined our family, Liz will be greatly missed by us all.

We wish Marcella, Mrs Mallon and Liz long, happy and healthy retirements, and thank them for all that they have done for the boys, girls and staff of St. Patrick's Primary School.