Mrs Duffy's Retirement

 

A past pupil of Hollybush Primary School and Thornhill College, Mrs. Duffy graduated from Queen’s University, before completing her PGCE at St. Mary’s University College. Following three months teaching at Rosemount Primary School, Mrs. Duffy began what would become a lifelong commitment to St. Eugene’s, joining the school in December 1992 under the leadership of Mr. Leo Simpson.

 

Over the years, Mrs. Duffy has been an outstanding teacher, a supportive colleague and a dear friend to so many. Her passion for nurturing children extended beyond the classroom through her leadership in wellbeing and health initiatives, ensuring that the care and happiness of every child remained at the heart of school life.

 

Teaching across Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, Mrs. Duffy’s warmth, kindness and dedication has touched generations of pupils and families. In 2019, she became Vice Principal, before being appointed Acting Principal, and then Principal from 2021.

 

Throughout her leadership, Mrs. Duffy has maintained a relentless focus on ensuring that St. Eugene’s is a welcoming, inclusive community, where every child is valued and where a broad range of opportunities enables all pupils to flourish. Her work has been guided by her unwavering faith, her generous heart, and her deep love for the community and the children she has served.

 

One colleague has paid this tribute... 

 

'Carol, as you retire, I just want to say a huge thank you for everything over the past seven years. We’ve shared so many milestones, big moments, and memorable events, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had your guidance and support through it all. Looking back, your resilience and positivity have always stood out to me. I truly admire how you approach every challenge with such strength and care. You’ve made such a difference to everyone around you, especially the children, and if I can make people feel even a small bit of how you made them and me feel, I’ll know I’m doing something right as a teacher. Wishing you all the happiness in your next chapter, you’ve more than earned it!'

 

Mrs Duffy’s legacy will be seen in the lives she has shaped, the opportunities she has created, and the caring school community she has helped to build. We thank her for her years of exceptional service and wish her health and happiness in her retirement.

 

Congratulations, Mrs Duffy, and thank you for everything.