Staff Goodbyes 2011

Retirement of Mrs Rowley

At the end of the summer term, Mrs Pauline Rowley will be retiring as Deputy Head at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Mrs Rowley has worked for 40 years teaching at St. Mary's and Our Lady's! When she started work, St Mary's was still in the old building on Newton Street, off Penny Meadow.

You are invited to a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Ann's Church at 7.00 p.m. on Friday 15th July 2011, followed by a "get together" in the Parish Hall.

We wish Mrs Rowley a peaceful and happy retirement.

Mrs Rowley was presented with the Benemerenti medal from the Pope, in recognition for her service to the Catholic community. The Benemerenti medal is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community. The word "benemerenti" (to a well deserving person) is inscribed on the back of the medal.

A special celebratory Mass for Mrs Rowley took place at St Ann's Church on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

At the Thanksgiving mass: Fr Michael Lavin, Fr Paul from Uganda, Pauline Rowley,
Fr Simon Firth, Canon McBride and Fr Wadsworth.

Pauline's Family: Daughters Natasha and Stephanie, husband Trevor and
grandchildren Harry, Josef and Jessica.

Pauline's Family: Husband Trevor, Dad Felix and sisters Coral, Lorinda and Felicia.

End of an Era

Pauline Rowley has retired after forty years of teaching. Her contribution to our school has been nothing short of phenomenal. Pauline has taught hundreds of pupils, through three generations in some families. She has coached and trained many teachers, teaching assistants and students.

Pauline has directed the school to achieve excellent results and she has been the driving force behind many of the school's achievements, be it academic, sporting, dramatic, technological, health and well being or pastoral. Her energy has been poured into every aspect of school life with the strong desire of wanting the best for every pupil. Her partnership with our head, Mr Brown, has been dynamic and fruitful. Pauline has always been forward thinking and maintained a fresh outlook thus keeping the school constantly current and relevant.

Her Catholic faith has demonstrated a beautiful strength and has played a crucial role in Pauline's driving force. Pauline will be deeply missed in so many ways, in the school and with all the people involved in the school over the years. We will be forever indebted to her for all her hard work and determination and for her care and love. We all thank you and wish you the best in your well earned retirement. God Bless you.