Stamullen NS bids fond farewell to Mrs Matthews

Pupils and staff at St Patrick's National School, Stamullen, paid tribute to deputy principal, Olive Matthews, last Friday upon her retirement after 31 years of teaching in Stamullen. They treated Mrs Matthews to a morning full of music, song and activities celebrating the various ways in which she had contributed to the life of the school and the parish. All classes had a part to play and were rewarded with great entertainment and generous refreshments. The morning concluded with a surprise visit by one of Mrs Matthew's first pupils - Niall Russell, with his daughter Caoimhe. Mr Russell spoke to senior pupils and staff of his gratitude to Mrs Matthews and of some of his memories of being a pupil in Stamullen. His daughter, Caoimhe, begins school in Stamullen next September so the circle of education continues for a family and school community. The principal, Michael Fox, expressed his gratitude to Mrs Matthews for her expertise in helping a rapidly developing school to welcome new members of staff and pupils in the past number of years. The new development phase of the campus at Stamullen had brought many opportunities and challenges and, as deputy principal, her help had been invaluable. He wished her a happy and healthy retirement. Fr Robert McCabe said the events marked a perfect conclusion to Catholic Schools Week. Mrs Matthews's dedication and skills, and her willingness to share her skills with new teachers, enhanced the Catholic ethos of St Patrick's NS. “Her work continued the ancient tradition of monastic education in the community,†he said. Fr Declan Kelly, PP, represented school patron, Bishop Michael Smith, at the events.