Mrs. McLoughlin Retires.

The pupils, teachers, parents and Board of Management of St. Patrick’s JNS came together on Wednesday the 29^th of February last for a very special assembly in celebration of the occasion of the retirement of Ms. Emer McLoughlin from the school.

Mrs. Bowe spoke about Ms. McLoughlin and how much she has contributed to the life of the school. She spoke about Ms. McLoughlin’s hard work and dedication, her commitment to the pupils of our school and to her colleagues, and her extraordinary knowledge of all aspects of teaching.  Mrs. Bowe then spoke about the new adventures which Mrs. McLoughlin will have as she starts this new stage of her life.

A PowerPoint presentation from the Green School Committee recalled all the work co-ordinated by Ms. McLoughlin which led to each of our first three Green Flags, and Ms. McLoughlin was delighted to be able to formally announce that we have been awarded our fourth Green Flag. Ms. Sandra Flavin from An Taisce (which co-ordinates the Green Schools Awards nationwide) presented Ms. McLoughlin with a cyclist’s kit.

Each class group sang a song for Ms. McLoughlin. Junior Infants sang “I’m being eaten by a Boa Constrictor”, Senior Infants sang “A Caring Day”, First Class sang a specially adapted version of “What Makes You Beautiful” and Second Class sang a new version of “Cailín na Gaillimhe” for our very own Galway Girl. The Teachers then sang a specially adapted version of “The Safe Cross Code”.

Ms. McLoughlin was presented with a huge card signed by all the children of the school and Mr. McGovern was present to wish her a very happy retirement on behalf of the Board of Management.

Finally, two pupils from the Senior School presented Ms. McLoughlin with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on behalf of all the pupils and teachers in their school. 

Ms. McLoughlin will be remembered for always putting the needs of the child first, for her attention to detail, for the professional approach she took to her job and her unwavering support of her colleagues throughout her long career. She was a good friend to all her colleagues, who wish to take one last opportunity to wish her a long, happy and fruitful retirement. Go n-éirí go geal leat, a Emer!