It was an emotional day in Gaelsoil Phortlaoise recently when the retirement of Siobhán Uí Chuinn was marked, a much-loved member of staff since the school opened.
Ms Uí Chuinn worked in Gaelscoil Phortlaoise from its foundation in September 1998.
The Gaelscoil noted from that day forth she has been a valued and dedicated member of our staff. Siobhán is a proud Kerry woman who, fortunately for us, chose to pitch her tent in the O Moore County.
“She worked tirelessly and selflessly from the beginning and was central to the growth and development of the Gaelscoil over the years. Indeed, it was a source of great pride to us as a school community when Siobhán had the honour of officially opening our new building in Summerhill in 2014,” the Gaelscoil posed on social media.
“It was with a heavy heart that we learned of Siobhán’s impending retirement,” the post added.
“Siobhán is a loving and kind person and hugely respected by those who know her. She is an excellent teacher and is both loved and respected by her pupils.
“There was always a special bond between Siobhán and her students. Her classroom was a picture of happiness, vibrancy and diligence,” the Gaelscoil said of her.
“Siobhán perfected that happy medium between having a laugh with her pupils and driving each and every one to achieve their potential in all subject areas.
“With Múinteoir Siobhán, no child was left behind. They each excelled in their own way and at their own pace. Parents held her in high regard. They appreciated her dedication to the job, and the values she passed on to their children,” the Gaelscoil added.
On Friday May 4th the school gathered in the school library to bid farewell to their esteemed friend and colleague. Her entry into the room was greeted with loud applause and cheering, particularly from the Sixth class pupils who had fond memories of Múinteoir Siobhán when in Rang 4.
“It was a wonderful celebration of song, music and poetry, featuring emotional tributes and presentations from both the pupils and the Parents’ Council. As a fitting tribute to mark the occasion, we asked Múinteoir Siobhán to perform the official opening of the school library,” the social media post outlined.
“You can imagine her surprise on opening the curtain to unveil a plaque in her own name. How fitting that our new library be renamed ‘Leabharlann Siobhán Uí Chuinn’. Siobhán was instrumental in the foundation and upkeep of the school library and worked diligently to foster a culture of reading in Gaelscoil Phortlaoise,” the Gaelscoil outlined.
“When Múinteoir Siobhán spoke, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. She thanked us all for marking her retirement in such a beautiful way. She recalled with fondness the many years spent working with the pupils, staff and parents of Gaelscoil Phortlaoise and wished us great happiness and prosperity for the years ahead,” the post added.
“In a spontaneous gesture of emotion the boys and girls of Rang 6 rose from their chairs and approached Múinteoir Siobhán where they were each greeted with a loving embrace, a simple but touching moment, indicative of a magical chemistry between a teacher and her pupils,” the school said on social media.
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