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The following is a tribute from the staff and pupils of St. Joseph’s National School, both past and present.

The staff and pupils of St. Joseph’s National School gathered together on Tuesday 27th June, to pay tribute to their Vice Principal, Siobhán McElgunn on her retirement. 

When Siobhán first joined St. Joseph’s NS as a newly trained teacher in 1984, the school comprised of four double-stream classes and 110 pupils. There was a staff of four, which was led by Principal Joseph Moore. 

Over the years, she witnessed the transformation of the school, as it grew in size and transitioned to single-stream classes. 

Mrs Padden replaced Joseph Moore, as the new Principal, followed by our current Principal, Ms Kelly. St. Joseph’s NS now has a staff of over 17, comprising of teachers, SNAs, a school Secretary, Cleaner and Caretaker, catering for our 238 pupils. How times have changed!

Through the years, Siobhán remained a constant; providing unwavering commitment and support to all her pupils and staff members. With a deep love for the Irish language and a passion for music, Siobhán instilled a sense of appreciation for these subjects among her pupils. 

For two decades, she dedicated herself to teaching junior infant classes, nurturing their potential and creating a nurturing environment that laid the foundation for their love of learning.

Every parent who walked their precious child through Siobhán’s classroom door felt safe in the knowledge that they were in the hands of a caring and compassionate teacher. Her infinite patience, kindness, and boundless enthusiasm set the stage for their first part of their educational journey, and beyond.

As the school expanded, Siobhán moved on to teaching sixth class, preparing her pupils for the challenges that lay ahead in secondary school. With her guidance, each pupil found their path and developed the inner strength to realise their full potential. Siobhán saw the best in every student, emphasising their many strengths. She believed in their abilities and empowered them with the confidence to soar to greater heights.

Siobhán’s sense of fairness permeated every aspect of her teaching. She ensured that every child who left St. Joseph’s NS felt valued and respected. She celebrated their accomplishments, from cheering our school teams on from the side-lines at ‘Cumann na mBunscol’ football matches. 

She shared their joy by joining in with all their celebrations and offered kind words of wisdom when they didn’t succeed. Siobhán was always there, providing unwavering support.

When it was time for her sixth-class pupils to bid farewell to their primary school days, Siobhán knew that she had prepared them well for their journey ahead to secondary school. She expected nothing less than the absolute best for her pupils, instilling in them a sense of determination and perseverance that they would carry with them throughout their lives.

The impact Siobhán had on her past pupils is immeasurable. They hold her in the highest esteem, a testament to the difference she made in their lives. Siobhan McElgunn’s legacy as a teacher who made a difference will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of those she taught. 

Her unwavering commitment, her belief in her pupils and her ability to bring out the best in them have left an everlasting impact. As all her past pupils continue to grow and succeed, they will carry with them the lessons she imparted and the values she instilled, grateful for the extraordinary teacher who shaped their lives.

In recent years, Siobhán took on the role of teaching third class. She infused her love for musicals into the classroom, providing her pupils with opportunities to showcase their talents.

With her cheerful demeanour, energetic enthusiasm, and unwavering can-do attitude, Siobhán created an environment where each child could flourish and gain confidence.

She had a remarkable knack of recognising and nurturing hidden talents in her pupils. She encouraged them to explore their potential and use their gifts to the best of their ability.

Whether it was singing, dancing, acting or performing a magic trick, every child found a platform to shine under Siobhán’s guidance.

Siobhán worked tirelessly to instil in her pupils a deep love for the Irish language. From the moment they entered her classroom, her pupils were greeted with an infectious enthusiasm for imparting more than a ‘cúpla focail’. Throughout her teaching career, Siobhán embraced the old Irish proverb ‘Mol and óige agus tiocfaidh sí’… ‘praise the young and they will flourish,’ by encouraging her pupils to speak Irish with confidence and pride.

Our school has undergone many changes over the years, with an increased enrolment of pupils with the recent influx of Ukrainian students. Siobhán embraced these changes with open arms, demonstrating her willingness to welcome new pupils into her classroom. Despite the language barriers, her new pupils felt safe and secure in Siobhán’s class, knowing they had found a place where they belonged.

Siobhán’s dedication to her pupils and her unwavering commitment to their growth and well-being are truly commendable. Her ability to adapt to change and create an inclusive and nurturing environment for all is a testament to her exceptional teaching skills.

Siobhán has witnessed many changes in her teaching career. Teaching methods have evolved, and new technologies have emerged. Yet, amidst all these changes, she has remained steadfast, providing stability and guidance to her pupils. In an ever-changing world, Siobhán was our anchor, keeping our pupils grounded in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Her classroom was a place where her pupils found solace, encouragement, and unwavering support. In the words of her 3rd class pupils, Siobhán will be remembered as ‘kind, caring and thoughtful, always willing to lend an ear’.

With her nurturing presence, she created a positive environment that fostered growth, curiosity, and a love for learning. She understood that education is not just about facts and figures; it is about fostering the development of the whole child. Siobhán imparted invaluable life lessons, teaching her students the importance of kindness, compassion, and resilience. She believed in each childs’s unique potential and tirelessly worked to bring out the best in them. No matter what challenges they faced, she instilled in them the belief that they were capable of achieving greatness.

As we bid farewell to Siobhán, we celebrate the lasting legacy she leaves behind. Her dedication and unwavering commitment have shaped the lives of generations of pupils.

Thank you for being the constant in an ever-changing world. On behalf of our school community, we express our deepest gratitude to you as an inspirational teacher, Vice Principal, mentor and friend.

In words borrowed from a parting poem by Siobhán, in which she concludes that:

"It has been a joy and my privilege to be part of the story of Scoil Naomh Iósaif, Leitrim Village." 

As we bid you farewell, we wish you endless joy, fulfilment, and happiness in the next chapter of your life. 

May your days be filled with the same enthusiasm, passion, and unwavering spirit that you have shared with us throughout your remarkable teaching career.

You will always hold a special place in St Joseph’s NS. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat! Slán go fóill. Hakuna Matata!

‘A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart’.