A large and enthusiastic cohort of staff and students gathered to mark the final day of a highly successful Term 1. The celebrations were made even more special as we honored Ms. Sarah Kennedy on her promotion to Principal of Coláiste Aindriu, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, effective January 6th, 2025. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.
The day was a vibrant success, thanks to the incredible contributions of our staff and students. Highlights included thoughtful reflections, live music (featuring the longest-ever rendition of Last Christmas!), engaging presentations, and inspiring speeches. We are also deeply grateful to the Parents’ Association and the Board of Management for their support and participation.
A special moment was the return of retired Principal Mr. Eddie Collins and retired Acting Deputy Principal Mr. John Cleary, who joined us for this memorable occasion.
As we transition into the new term, we hope everyone in our school community enjoyed a restful holiday and is recharged for the busy term ahead. Here’s to continued success in the new year!
An extract from Mr Purcell's speech:
Good morning everyone,
Today, we gather to celebrate and express our deepest gratitude for someone who has been at the very heart of St. Farnan’s for the past eight years: our incredible Deputy Principal, Sarah Kennedy.
Sarah, your time here has been nothing short of exceptional. You’ve led with extraordinary dedication, remarkable skill, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every single student and staff member. But you’ve been so much more than a Deputy Principal. You’ve been our guide, our problem-solver, our occasional therapist, and, most importantly, our friend.
Your ability to juggle the chaos of school life with a calm demeanor and a touch of humor is nothing short of magical. Whether it was helping students feel seen and heard, supporting staff through a whirlwind of challenges, or figuring out how to deal with that one day when everything went wrong, you always found a way to make things work.
Beyond your professional excellence, Sarah, it’s your personal warmth that stands out. Your kindness, approachability, and sense of humor have made this school a better place for all of us. You’ve united us as a team, helped us celebrate our wins, and, on the tougher days, reminded us that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel—and sometimes, a cup of tea and more importantly, chocolate, too!
Of course, we couldn’t talk about your time at St. Farnan’s without mentioning some of the incredible people who’ve shared this journey with you. Our former Principal Eddie Collins, who no doubt saw something special in you from day one, would be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished here. And your partnership with Acting Deputy Principal John Cleary, who retired last year, was the stuff of legends.
We’re also deeply grateful to the Board of Management and the KWETB, especially CE Dr. Deirdre Keyes and Head of Schools Ken Scully, for their guidance and support, which have helped make St. Farnan’s the thriving community it is today. They are sending you their very best wishes in your new role.
Now, Sarah, as you prepare to step into your new role as Principal, we know you’ll bring the same passion, vision, and heart to your new school that you’ve brought here. That new school has no idea just how lucky they are!
But we also know you’ll have your amazing family—Richie and your three boys—cheering you on every step of the way.
On behalf of the entire St. Farnan’s community—staff, students, parents —thank you, Sarah, for your outstanding service, your leadership, and the countless memories you’ve given us. You’ll always be a part of this school’s story, and we wish you every success in this exciting new chapter.
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