Farewell Dear Friends
Tom Ward, Ciarán Casey,Tom Caulfield and Mary Brannigan - Retiring
This week St. Aidan’s C.B.S. waved goodbye to the Class of 2010.The majority of these
students had been with us for 6 years and we were sad to see them leave but happy to
see them prepared to move onto pastures new.This year we also have a number of teachers
retiring.Their impact on life in St. Aidan’s has been immeasurable and we will be sad to
see them leave.Tom Ward joined St. Aidan’s in 1970 as an English and history teacher. He
is specially remembered by his students for his gift in bringing History to life. ‘An
actor lost to the stage’ as one of them said. His classes were a potent mixture of
interesting presentations and humour that fuelled the memory and enthused even the most
blasé student. But during these years he was not just a classroom teacher. Before they
came to form the present management team he and Mr. Reynolds organised concert evenings
in the school hall providing a venue for aspiring musicians and performers. Students and
their friends with talent and ideas were encouraged to perform and develop their skills
playing to packed and enthusiastic audiences. These sessions were an inspired forerunner
to today’s ‘Battle of the Bands’. Seeing St.Aidan’s from the road, or walking into the
grounds nobody could fail to be impressed by the avenue of blossomed trees.These are
just one of Tom’s legacies to the school. Funding, organising, digging and planting the
trees with students who shared his enthusiasm, he has left the school a magnificent
setting. But perhaps Tom’s greatest legacy will be the fond memories of the students and
staff who recognised his passionate interest in what he did; his sympathy and
understanding especially for the troubled student.To the staff during his years as
Deputy Principal he was always helpful and generous. He had a soft spot for the young
teacher, fresh out of college. He would shadow them in their work and provide advice
whenever it was required. He did much to foster and atmosphere of calm and cooperation
in the school.Tom will be missed. However he will not be a stranger, but will come and
visit often. Another member of staff who is retiring is our friend and colleague, Mr.
Ciarán Casey. He gave the school 32 years of service. He started in the school as a
teacher of French and English and more recently added C.S.P.E. and Religious Education
to his repertoire. Ciarán has many fond memories of his time in St. Aidan’s. He is
particularly appreciative of the support given to him by the Christian Brothers,
especially Brothers Donnelly, Coffey and Sweeney.With former staff members, Mr. S.
Reardon, Mr. L. Ellwood, Mr. J. Purcell and Mr. B. Flynn R.I.P., Ciarán will be
remembered for his love of nature. He fondly remembers planting a pink hawthorn tree
with his 2nd year class in 2008. He was an expert ornithologist and enjoyed watching
the Brent Geese visiting the school. Mr. Casey extends his best wishes in the exams and
in the future to all his students. This year we also said farewell to Mr.Tom Caulfield.
Tom gave 100% to all his students to ensure they reached their potential. He loved the
pastoral element of teaching and always had time for a student that was sailing through
choppy waters. He gave freely of his time to coach Gaelic Football team in the school
and enjoyed great success winning numerous Dublin ‘A’ titles.We wish him all the best
in his retirement.The students of St. Aidan’s will not forget your care and energy.We
would also like to say goodbye to Ms. Mary Brannigan. Mary taught Religion and
Geography in the school. She was heavily involved in the Religion Department,
organising Masses and charity events. Like her colleague, Mr. Caulfield she thoroughly
enjoyed the pastoral role of the teacher.Thank you for efforts and dedication Mary.
St Aidan's CBS, Whitehall, Dublin, Ireland
