By Dionne Meehan
THERE were mixed emotions in St Baithin’s National School last week as staff, pupils and parents bid farewell to the school’s former Principal Ann Marie Meehan.
Working in St Baithin’s National School for 34 years, Ms Meehan spent 22 of those years as principal of the school.
With a career spanning over three decades, the Galdonagh native said the years have “flown” by describing her time in St Baithin’s as being both a “pleasure” and a “great honour”.
Qualifying as a primary school teacher back in 1988, Ms Meehan said jobs weren’t as plentiful when she was starting out.
“I remember subbing in my own local primary school in Drumoghill that September for a few days.
“Then I worked the first two weeks of October in Lurgybrack and started in Magherabeg in mid-October until June of the following year.
“It was a two-teacher school back then and I was teaching in the senior room – 3rd to 6th class – which I thoroughly enjoyed.
“I began working in St. Baithin’s in September of that year, 1989 and I’ve been there since,” she said.
Teaching as a class teacher for her first 12 years in St Baithin’s, Ms Meehan taught a variety of classes during that time.
“Teaching back then was so different.
“There were limited resources and no internet so you had to be creative,” she joked.
Becoming administrative principal in September 2001, Ms Meehan recalled getting called for the interview the week before her late son Shane was born.
“I got the job and literally went straight on maternity leave,” she said.
Mixing administrative work with teaching for a few years throughout her time as principal, Ms Meehan said she has always loved the interaction with children.
“I loved teaching and truthfully missed having a class when I became administrative principal.
“I’ve a particular love for music, art and sport so I took any opportunity I got to get the pupils involved in initiatives and competitions.
“I enjoyed nothing more than heading off with our Soccer, Gaelic or Athletics teams over the years.
“Those were just the best days,” she said.
Under Ms Meehan’s leadership, St Baithin’s NS opened their first Autism class back in 2018 and now have two flourishing classes.
With a brand new astroturf pitch almost completed and an extension granted for two Special Educational Needs classrooms, the school will continue to develop in her absence.
Reflecting on her last 34 years working in St Baithin’s, Ms Meehan said she absolutely loved every minute of her time there.
“I’ve been blessed with wonderful, dedicated staff and a great community in St. Johnston who have always been supportive of the school.
“Our staff numbers have grown over the years and we now have 11 teachers, eight SNAs, two cleaners and a secretary,” she said.
Describing her last day on Friday as a “special” day, Ms Meehan said it was a day filled with mixed emotions of happiness and pride, tinged with a little bit of sadness.
Marking her retirement with a special mass in St Baithin’s Church, a special assembly full of surprises followed.
“The day ended with a special guard of honour from staff, pupils, past and present, and parents as I left St. Baithin’s for the last time.
“It was the most fabulous day and a memory that I will treasure forever.
“I’m really going to miss St. Johnston, the school, my dear staff and especially all the wonderful boys and girls who have filled my life with such joy over the years,” she said.
Ms Meehan said the one thing she takes solace from is that she is leaving the school in great hands as her colleague, Mary O’Brien, takes over as the new principal.
“I look forward to watching the school flourish under her care and direction,” she said.
As Ms Meehan now sets out on “chapter three”, all she hopes for is that God grants her the good health to enjoy the things she loves to do.
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