Dear Parent/Guardian,
As many of you are aware, I am due to take up my new role as Principal of St. Comcille's PS, Downpatrick, next Tuesday 05 May. Before leaving for this new step in my career, I wanted to write to say goodbye and thank you sincerely for the care, kindness and support that I have received during my four wonderful years at Sacred Heart Primary School.
It has been a real privilege and an honour to work with your children, and I will cherish many happy memories of my time in Sacred Heart PS. They are very talented and hardworking young people who have always displayed high standards of behaviour and manners. These children are a credit to you and the local community, and I'm sure you are very proud of them. Sacred Heart PS is lucky to have such a dedicated, committed staff who work tirelessly for the children in their care. As parents, you have been exceptionally generous with your time and support, which has benefitted the school in so many ways. PoSH have been invaluable and given freely of their time, efforts and creativity to continuously fundraise to ensure children have access to the best possible facilities. The Board of Governors is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that the school is always improving. They have given me immense support and encouragement, which I am truly grateful for.
The last four years have brought improvements to Sacred Heart PS and ensured that the school is well equipped to face the challenges of the future. Many new families and children have joined the school community and a significantly increased enrolment means that the school is flourishing. The enhanced and refurbished premises gives the children a fantastic environment in which to learn, grow and develop. Advances in the school's use of ICT provides the children with the most up to date resources to develop in all curriculum areas. The school has achieved recognition and awards for Global Learning, ICT, ECO School and Healthy Lifestyles, as well as excellent feedback from recent inspections. Strong links have been forged with local community groups such as Dundrum & Tyrella Parish, Sacred Heart SVP, Dundrum GAC, Dundrum Development Association, Dundrum Village Association and many local businesses who have supported the school in ways that we greatly appreciate. The school is well established as a central part of the local community offering a range of School Clubs, Parent and Toddler Groups, and Adult Art and Craft Classes. I want to personally thank every one of you for the ways you have helped to improve the school during my time here.
Until a new Principal is appointed, Mr Doyle will be Acting Principal. He is brilliantly suited to the role, and I know that you will join me in wishing him well and that you will support him as you have always supported me. In the coming weeks, parents will be updated about arrangements for returning to school and the new academic year. If you have any queries, Mr Doyle can be contacted by email adoyle622@c2kni.net or at the school on 02843 751293.
Despite the complications of the current Covid-19 crisis, it would be impossible to leave without saying a personal goodbye to the children. It is hoped that we will have a special Assembly on Friday 18 September to honour and celebrate our current P7 pupils, and mark their departure from Sacred Heart in a way that shows how much we value and appreciate them. I will come back that day to celebrate with the children and say a proper farewell to them.
I really feel privileged to have been part of the Sacred Heart Primary School Community over the last four years, and will remember my time here with great fondness. Thank you for making my time here so enjoyable and enriching. I wish the school and the wider community all the very best for the years ahead, and look forward to seeing the school prospering and going from strength to strength as it moves forward into an exciting future.
Yours faithfully,
Stephen Austin
Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.
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