Jim Purcell

Yet another landmark departure 'from St. Aidan's takes place this summer, with the departure of James Purcell, who taught French with distinction here from 1992 to 2005.

Jim's reputation as an outstanding linguist preceded his arrival in St.Aidan's in the early I990's, and he more than lived up to that reputation. He has had a life-long interest in - and proficiency in - several European languages, including French of course, but also Italian, Spanish and German, all of which he spoke fluently.

Jim had enormous experience in education, having worked at all levels and having travelled widely and lived and studied abroad for lengthy periods of time.

Jim's enthusiasm for teaching expressed itself on such memorable occasions when he staged a Nativity Play in French with younger students, an enjoyable experience that many of then will remember for the rest of their lives!

He was very much ahead of his time in appreciating the value of the Internet in language teaching. In fact, he became so expert in this area that his guidance was sometimes sought by his fellow language teachers at national level. Jim was very technically gifted, which was much appreciated by staff whenever there was a hitch with the photocopier!

Above all, Jim was a wonderful colleague to work with. Always available to help others, ever generous with his time and knowledge and enthusiasm, he will be (and has been) sorely missed by those of us still labouring, like Sisyphus (remember him, Jim?!) at the chalk-face! We wish him every happiness in the future.

Gerry Coffey

1984 was a vintage year with the celebration of the centenary of the G.A.A. and the arrival of Mr Gerry Coffey from Ard Scoil La Salle Raheney as a new member of the teaching staff of St.Aidan's CBS.With his brother Noel already on the staff, Gerry found it easy to settle in under the principal at the time, Br. Redican, (R.I.P.)

Gerry has made an extraordinary contribution to St. Aidan's. He introduced Construction Studies and Technical Drawing to the school curriculum. Together with Noel Duffy, he was instrumental in setting up The Student's Council in 2002. Gerry has been central to programmes such as LCAP, Transition Year and LCVP. The annual display of Construction projects are a testimony to his work in St. Aidan's.

Gerry is proud of his Meath origins, and he earned his G.A.A. credentials as manager of he U. 14 football team, which won the Dublin Championship in 2002 and finished runners-up in Leinster. He was also a driving force on the staff golf outing and after social events!

A gentleman, a conscientious teacher and a man with indomitable spirit who was always ready to lend a hand, we will not see his likes again. Congratulations on a long and fruitful career, and may you have the health and wealth to enjoy your retirement.

Peadar Slattery

An end of an era - Dr. Slattery is retiring from St. Aidan's after 40 years of outstanding service. Peadar is a St.Aidan's man through and through. He is uncontaminated having managed to do his teaching practise here as well.

During his time here Peadar has taught Geography, History and English to the highest standards. There is no better exponent of taking a course and distilling it to exam requirements. He has inspired and entertained countless students with his knowledge and humour.

Along the way, Peadar managed to gain a PHD and to write and have published two books. A short stint as Principal in 1999/2000 was followed by a welcome return to the classroom.

Peadar will be especially missed in the staff room where his match commentaries (apologies to Micheal 6 M) recitations (Good Boys and Bad Boys) humourous contributions at staff meetings and encyclopedic knowledge of the school calendar will be sorely missed.

We wish Peadar a long and happy retirement and hope that he drops in to lift our spirits now and again.