On 25th June, Mrs Anne Healy retired from the teaching staff of St. Louis GNS after a career that spanned 40 years. A native of Augher, Co. Tyrone, Anne taught for 20 years in Northern Ireland before joining the staff of St. Louis GNS as a Special Education Teacher in 2001. She job-shared for many years, working in total harmony with her teaching partners, Mrs Carole Gilliland and Mrs Aoife Foster.
In a special Zoom assembly, the children recited a pre-recorded poem which was written collaboratively by all classes in her honour. Presentations were then made by Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mr. Packie McAdam and Chair of the Parents’ Association, Mrs Carmel Duffy, both of whom thanked Mrs Healy for her enormous contribution to the school. Mrs Carole Gilliland presented gifts on behalf of the staff, while four 6th class pupils: Byanka, Sarah ,Vytaute and Nikole gave Mrs Healy a memory book, a crystal vase, a bouquet of flowers and a customised card from the children. Finally, it was out to the playground where the 2nd class girls sang a song penned specially by Mrs Cunningham to the tune of “Pretty Little Girl from Omagh” and 6th class performed the Jeruslalema dance.
Throughout her time in St. Louis GNS, Anne has always shown the utmost professionalism and dedication to her role. She has supported and enhanced the learning of many girls in both literacy and numeracy, as well as attending with great care and attention to their pastoral needs. Since 2013 she has acted as both facilitator and coordinator of the Rainbows Programme in the school, helping children to come to terms with loss experienced through bereavement, separation or divorce.
A creative and artistic person by nature, Anne was generous in the use of her talents and in recent years was a valued member of the schools’ Action Team Partnership Committee. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and whether it be planting flowers, decorating the hall for a special occasion, or designing an eye-catching wall display, her creativity and sense of style were always to the fore. Anne will be missed, not only for her talents, but for her caring nature and outgoing, sociable personality.
Although Anne has retired, we know that she won’t really be taking a rest! She is a very energetic, active lady and can regularly be seen out walking in Rossmore Park, a favourite haunt of hers. The entire school community wish her continued good health in her retirement to enjoy precious time with her family and friends. Ádh mór uirthi i gcónaí
