Last term we got to say Goodbye to the woman who has shaped Springdale for the past 24 years as Principal. Just before the end of term Stella passed the baton on to our new Principal Lesley Cahill who will lead the school into the coming years.
For those of you who might not know, Stella Downes joined the school in 1982 straight from teaching college and became Principal in 1994. Over the past 35 years she has made an immeasurable contribution to the life of Springdale children, parents, families and the wider community.
Through her tireless efforts for inclusion and equality, our school reflects the New Ireland in the best possible way. Springdale is a mainstream Church of Ireland national school, however, our community embraces all children of all abilities including children who are non verbal and/or physically challenged catering for children from 15 different cultural backgrounds and a number of faiths. Kindness to each other and the wider community is the rock on which the school operates and this is reflected in the way the children see the world beyond the school doors. This view, in those so young, is down to Stella and the environment she has created.
Stella and her team of devoted teachers fought for 10 years to get a new school premises, she ensures that no child is ever left behind and that every day in school should be treasured by every child.
Stella has a passion for books and reading which she has instilled in all of the children. Her story telling ability is second to none and the children in all classes wait in anticipation for her to come into the classroom to do their weekly story. As a result of her passion and enthusiasm, the children have a unique love of reading and the joy that it brings.
All of us that know Stella, know that her contribution to our children and to our school cannot be overstated, we wish her every happiness in her new and exciting future.
Images courtesy of Philip O’Neill Photography.