Mrs McAleavey says Goodbye to St. Patrick’s

Another long-serving member of staff made their departure from St. Patrick's this week when Mrs Leah McAleavey paid us a visit to say goodbye.

Having joined St. Patrick's as the newly-qualified Miss Moore in September 1994, she left our school as the beloved Mrs McAleavey on a career break in January 2022. With her decision to make her break permanent being confirmed this term, we wanted to mark her almost 28 years of dedicated service to St. Patrick's Primary School.

Throughout her time here, she wore many hats, teaching a range of age groups across both Key Stages, as well as being our Learning Support teacher. So much of what we have known and loved about our school across those 28 years was down to being set up or assisted by Mrs McAleavey, including our fantastic School Library, the establishment of the Tuck Shop and Stationery Shop, as well as our School Council. Whether you needed a Designated Child Protection Teacher, a First Aider or even a netball coach, Mrs McAleavey was always there, on hand to use her expertise.

Ultimately, however, it isn't for all these roles that the children who have been taught by her will remember her, nor indeed the staff who have worked alongside her. She will be fondly remembered for the person and teacher she is, giving her all to the boys and girls of St. Patrick's. The wealth of knowledge and learning she shared with her pupils was always accompanied by a kind, caring and warm heart. When you left Mrs McAleavey's class at the end of the year, you were an all-round better person.

Thank you to Mrs Leah McAleavey for dedicating your teaching career to the St. Patrick's family. You will always be one of us.