Farewell to two familiar faces
The end of this term will bring big changes
in the lives of two of our experienced teachers.
Always happy to give her time to pupils…..
Mrs. Wendy Floyd has decided to retire
following a recent bout of ill health. Mrs. Floyd has been a familiar figure in
Dunluce, usually seen tracking down a pupil who was due to receive some of her
wisdom and help in her role as Co-ordinator of Special Educational Needs in
school. This was a task she delighted in and those of us who spent any time in
her company were soon hearing updates of the progress of her ‘special’ pupils.
She always earned and held the trust of the
parents she came into contact with, who would seek her out on Parents’
Evenings, eagerly awaiting news of how well their children were invariably
doing in her care.
One of Wendy’s greatest joys in a long and
rewarding career was meeting pupils on GCSE results day in August. Her broad
smile always greeted news that they had achieved better grades than expected,
thanks in part to her individual tuition.
We wish her better health and a long and
happy retirement, along with her husband Robert, and look forward to catching
up with her in Portstewart from time to time.
Time to relax….
Mrs. Elizabeth McCartney has also decided it is
time to leave Dunluce, after teaching here for the past 22 years. She, too,
takes with her a wealth of experience and expertise, leaving behind the legacy
of so many timely insights in conversation, and so much influence in the lives
of the hundreds of pupils who have hung on her words in class during her time
here in Bushmills.
Perhaps it was the fact that she taught
English, but Liz always made her point memorably. In recent years, her role as
Year Teacher for our final year pupils gave her the opportunity to pass on her
wisdom and encouragement to those looking ahead to the next stage of their
education or training. This task she carried out unerringly (she will correct
me if I have got that word wrong).
Behind the scenes, Mrs. McCartney was heavily
involved in the pastoral work of the school, supporting pupils and their
families through some difficult times. She is an able sportswoman, with a keen
interest in the worlds of golf and skiing, organizing both activities here in
Dunluce every year. Many a pupil, and teacher, will look back to her trips to
the ski slopes of Europe with great fondness
and a smile or two.
We wish Liz every success as she moves on
from our school community. No doubt we will hear whispers of the places she and
her husband Rory (another RMac!) will take themselves off to in the coming
years. May they enjoy the snow and the sunshine.....
A new face at the front door
Miss Nicola McComb
At the start of September we welcomed a new
face to the School Office. Miss Nicola
McComb has filled the seat vacated by Mrs. Jill McIlroy, who retired at the
end of the previous term.
Nicola has fitted right in to life in school and
says she really enjoys working here, bringing her own personality and gifts to
the School Office