The last day of our February midterm was an end of an era as we said a fond farewell to our Deputy Principal – Ms Kathleen Boland, who has been a teacher, leader, colleague and friend to the staff and members of the Finn Valley community for over 40 years.
Ms Boland walked her final lap of the school as Deputy Principal with cheers and claps from all the students and staff, who wish her continued happiness, health and success.
At her presentation, Brooke Stewart (Head Girl) and Daithi Mangan (Deputy Head Boy) said how they will miss her happy demeanour and positivity around the halls. Daithi spoke of his fond memories of their school tour and how she always had time to check in with them no matter her workload. Principal, Mr Mc Fadden, commended Ms Boland on her commitment and dedication to the school over the years. He said she lived out and is the essence of W.B. Yeats famous quote, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”.
Ms Boland, thanked the students and staff who contributed to making her 40 years so memorable. She spoke of her love of the classroom and also her commitment in her role as Deputy Principal. She relayed the changes in education over her years of service, in particular the move to the new school, which was a remarkable achievement for our past Principal, Mr Dooley and Mr Alex Harkin (Deputy Principal). However, she reminded us that the building is not what makes a school – but the students who attend. Finn Valley College has been her family and she has enjoyed so many happy memories of seeing it grow into a wonderful modern school with many successes. She encouraged the students to continue to work hard, strive to achieve their best, but most importantly to share their worries and be kind to one another.
As Ms Boland was presented with flowers and a token from the school from Kara O Neill (Deputy Head Girl), their was raptuous cheers and applauds from staff and students.
As always, Mr Mc Daid was able to lighten the mood with some of Ms Bolands favourite songs and the school bell rang as we danced to “country roads”.
We wish Ms Boland lots of happiness and look forward to seeing her soon.
“Don’t act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you always have been”.
