PICTURES | 'Brilliant teacher, brilliant Mammy, brilliant friend' - Longford pays glowing tribute to retiring Clondra NS principal

Use the Arrows < > above to go through the gallery

October 27 marked an emotional day for the community of Clondra and the staff and pupils of Scoil Mhuire, as they bade farewell and happy retirement to a much-loved principal and friend, Colette McManus.

Colleagues describe Colette as a remarkable person and principal – a force of nature who combines so many wonderful qualities: intelligence, compassion, kindness, common sense and humour, to mention just a few. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

Colette McManus graduated from St Patrick’s College, Dublin, in 1988. She spent two years in Knockcommon Primary School in Meath, and then came to Clondra for a short spell from September-March 1990. After a few months in St Michael’s NS, Longford, Colette returned to Clondra as principal in October 1991.

A Roscommon native, albeit from only a couple of miles across the Shannon, Colette has found a special place in the hearts of the community in Clondra where she is loved and respected for her hard work and dedication to their school and local children for the past 32 years.

In 2009, after years of negotiation, paperwork and planning, work began on a large extension, incorporating 4 classrooms, which took the school into a new era for pupils, parents and staff. The current building is spacious, modern and comfortable – a great place to work and learn.

The official opening in 2011 was the culmination of a huge amount of work initiated and driven by Colette. That drive and determination never waned and in summer 2023 Colette oversaw refurbishment of the school yard – a fabulous facility for the children of the school. It’s true to say that the building and yard stand as a testament to Colette’s ambition, determination and ability. She leaves behind wonderful facilities for future generations of children to enjoy.

Colette’s retirement celebration began in St Brendan’s Church, Clondra, with Fr Turlough Baxter welcoming Colette’s family, pupils, parents, staff and friends. He spoke of the gratitude of the entire community for Colette’s contribution over the years. Fr Turlough remarked on the warm, friendly atmosphere she created in the school – a welcoming place with always a kind and friendly welcome from Colette. A place to go to de-stress where one always left reinvigorated.

Jane McDonnell, speaking on behalf of Clondra NS Parents’ Association, spoke of a school’s role at the heart of a community and that, through Colette’s efforts, the heart of Clondra is strong and thriving. She also spoke of Colette’s innate capacity to reassure both nervous Junior Infants and their nervous parents on their first day of school. Colette watched over each pupil from that first day right through to their last day in Sixth Class.

There were wonderful performances from every class in the school, reflecting Colette’s love of music, dance and performance which she emphasised throughout her career, encouraging children to participate at every opportunity.

Chairperson of Clondra NS Board of Management, Aileen Mollahan, spoke of Colette’s compassion and also her outstanding ‘vision, focus and drive’ which has taken the school to the wonderful facility it is today. Aileen remarked that Colette took every opportunity to ensure that the children were exposed to any and every learning resource available.

Participants were treated to a traditional music performance from talented teachers Irene Rabitte, Sinead McCarrick and Fiona Reilly before Colette spoke to those assembled of the changes that have taken place over the course of her teaching career.

From the early days of the first computer which they thought of as state of the art, to faulty electrics which were kept going with a coin on top of a fuse in the fuse box, to where we are today.

Speaking of the future of the school, she went on to say: “I am so happy that one of our former pupils is our next Principal, and I feel confident that Scoil Mhuire, Clondra, will flourish and continue to mould and influence the minds of our young people intellectually, emotionally and socially under the new principal, Melissa, and the existing staff.”

Melissa Hussey, who will take on the role of principal, has undoubtedly learned from the best and both staff and the wider community are delighted that she will take up the baton. There is no doubt that she has the full support of staff who know that she will bring her own unique qualities and abilities to the role and make it her own. All are confident that the school will continue to grow and thrive under her stewardship and wish Melissa every success.

‘Brilliant teacher, brilliant mammy, brilliant friend’ is how Melissa Hussey, speaking on behalf of the staff, described Colette. In a speech that reflected the genuine love of the staff and pupils for Colette, Melissa spoke of her own days in the school, as a pupil and as a teacher. More than a Principal, Colette has been mother, teacher and mentor to staff and pupils alike.

Fr Turlough wound up proceedings in the church with a blessing for the next chapter of Colette’s life and a lovely reading of John O’Donohue’s: ‘Blessing for Retirement’.

The celebrations continued back in the school with parents, pupils and staff joining Colette and her family for a get-together and farewell.

There was full agreement among those present that, though the community is reluctant to lose such an outstanding presence, retirement is well-earned and well-deserved. For those who worked with her, it was an honour and a privilege.

A community unites in wishing Colette McManus many wonderful adventures in the future, good health and a long and happy retirement.

Congratulations Colette, on a job well done!