Tommy Fleming gives principal a singing send-off
A RECENT day of celebration turned out to be a very special day indeed for the pupils and staff at Straide National School.
It was to be a day of celebration of Maura Kelly who was retiring after 16 years of teaching in Straide NS - 13 of those years as principal.
And a surprise visitor popped along to make Maura's day – Tommy Fleming, who came on the invite of the sixth class pupils.
Celebrations began with a nativity play, The Sleepy Shepherd, beautifully performed by the junior and senior infants. Afterwards, the audience, including parents, were treated to the soft harmonised voices of the bigger children who sang carols, followed by some poems dedicated to Ms. Kelly.
Sixth class then sang their version of the popular George Ezra song ‘Shotgun’ with references to geography, writing neatly and sitting up correctly, all of which they said reminded them of Ms. Kelly’s teaching.
As the children of the senior room sang a lamenting version of ‘Isle of Hope’ they were joined by Tommy Fleming, with children, staff and parents overwhelmed at the sight Tommy singing in a classroom, being supported by the children.
Tommy explained that he had come to surprise Ms. Kelly at the request of sixth class who had written to him.
A few weeks prior Ms. Kelly had, at her own expense, surprised the senior room with a visit to north Mayo. They were so impressed they decided to surprise her by inviting one of her favourite singers.
Afterwards Ms. Kelly was presented with gifts from the staff and pupils, including a ‘retirement toolkit’ which provided her with some interesting things she will need for her new life.
Parents, pupils and staff, from past and present, came to wish Ms. Kelly well.
She was a great teacher, with a special interest in knitting, art and gardening. She brought all of these interests into the classroom and her teaching. As her farewell gift to her staff she knitted a caricature of each staff member depicting their interests.
While in charge Ms. Kelly was responsible for the school extension and several minor improvements to the school. She will be remembered for the Christmas table arrangements which she did with her class every year, the local whole school tours, advising her pupils to watch the news, teaching them how to knit, and organising activities including golf, tennis and gymnastics, to name a few.
The celebration day was a happy day looking back at all Ms. Kelly has achieved while teaching in Straide. She will be so missed but her legacy will live on in Straide for years to come.
* More photos in this week's print edition