The “ROW” Leaving Class of 1973 marked 50 years since leaving the school in June of this year (2023) and a group of 14 past pupils were delighted to pay a return visit to the school at the invitation of the Principal Ms Kate Byrne. The group was warmly welcomed by the Principal, her colleagues, staff and a wonderful group of students who showed us around the school. Many of the past pupils had not been inside the school for over 50 years and were pleasantly surprised by what we saw!
The Ground Floor, formerly the 2nd and 3rd year Primary School classrooms, is now the location of the school admin offices, staff and student meeting rooms, and a fantastic Domestic Science classroom – or Kitchens and catering area, where a hearty breakfast was kindly provided to the group!
We were then shown around the museum and all the classrooms and reminisced about teachers and colleagues from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Many stories were recalled as we meandered the corridors and classrooms of our youth. All were impressed by the displays from the Art and Craft classes and, particularly, the creations that were entered in recent National “Junk Couture” competitions – spectacular and innovative to say the least.
All agreed that the atmosphere is completely different to the 1970s and the school is a happy nurturing place for students, thanks to the work of the Principal and her dedicated colleagues. Obviously, the school is smaller in terms of student numbers and is now a successful Co-Education school that caters for students of every nationality.
The group really enjoyed meeting up again and also seeing where we spent so many of our school years. The class of 1973 thank everyone for the hospitality extended and wish the school every success for the future.
Some photos taken during the visit are set out below and hopefully, they will bring back some memories.
Dan Ferrari (Class of 1973)
