St Columba’s College in Stranorlar has paid tribute to three of its staff who retired this week.
In a poignant moment, students lined the school’s halls to pay tribute to outgoing Principal Tom Rowan.
Tom was joined by his wife Bernie on that walk.
A fellow staff member at St Columba’s, serving as the school’s Secretary, she also celebrated her retirement on Friday alongside her husband.
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With a combined 81 years of service to the school under their belts, their abscence will be truly missed.
Tom Rowan became Principal of St Columba’s College nine years ago, but across his 38 years in Stranorlar he also taught Woodwork, Construction Studies, Technical Drawing, Mechanical Drawing and Mathematics, as well as playing a key role in the introduction of the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) to the school.
Credit – St Columba’s College
Credit – St Columba’s College
Credit – St Columba’s College
St Columba’s thanked him for “inspiring and supporting generations of students” upon his retirement.
“As this school year ends, we extend our sincere thanks to Tom Rowan on his retirement from St. Columba’s College. Tom has devoted 38 years of service to St. Columba’s College, including six years as Deputy Principal and the past nine years as Principal. Throughout his career, he has made an immense contribution to school life, both in the classroom and through his leadership of the school community,” they said.
“As Principal, Tom led with dedication, integrity and a deep commitment to the wellbeing and success of students and staff alike. His steady leadership and unwavering support have left a lasting mark on our school community.”
“We thank Tom for his extraordinary service to St. Columba’s College and wish him every happiness, good health and fulfilment in his retirement.”
“He will be greatly missed by all in our school community.”
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Bernie Rowan’s career was also celebrated by the school, as her remarkable 43-year stint as Secretary – making her the school’s longest-serving staff member in its history – came to a close.
“Bernie has been at the heart of the school community since 1983, serving generations of students, parents and staff as school secretary with dedication, professionalism and care. Her support and kindness have been felt by everyone who has passed through the school office,” St Columba’s said.
Credit – St Columba’s College
Credit – St Columba’s College
“Bernie’s connection to St. Columba’s runs even deeper. She was a student here herself, completed her secretarial training, and did her work experience in the school before beginning a lifetime of service that has spanned over four decades. In that time, she has become the longest-serving staff member in the history of the school.”
“She has always been known for her kindness, efficiency and willingness to help, particularly in supporting new staff as they settled into school life.”
“We thank Bernie Rowan for her extraordinary commitment to St. Columba’s College and wish her every happiness, good health and fulfilment in her retirement.”
“She will be deeply missed by all in our school community.”
Another beloved member of staff also celebrated their retirement at the end of the school year on Friday.
Anne Crawford served as the school’s Infirmary Assistant for the past five years, and St Columba’s thanked her for “providing care, support and kindness to countless students” through her “calm and caring presence.”
“As the school year draws to a close, we extend our sincere thanks to Anne Crawford on her retirement from St Columba’s College. Anne has served as our Infirmary Assistant for the past five years, providing care, support and kindness to countless students. Her calm and caring presence around the school has made a real difference to daily school life,” the school said.
Credit – St Columba’s College
Credit – St Columba’s College
“Anne has always gone about her work quietly and with great dedication, and her support for students and staff alike has been greatly appreciated.”
“We thank Anne for her years of service to St Columba’s College and wish her every happiness, good health and success in her retirement.”
“She will be greatly missed by all in our school community.”
