Primary school teacher Linda Heaney is set to retire after nearly 40 years of teaching the children of Derry at Greenhaw Primary School.
Linda, who also does work for St John’s Ambulance in her spare time just like her late mother Anne had done, is said to have touched many lives in countless ways.
Former students of Linda and staff at Greenhaw told the Derry News the true lasting and positive impact Linda had on their lives and how fondly they remember her.
Rosie Boyle, a former student at Greenhaw said: "I started Greenhaw in P3 so I don’t have the advantage of Linda teaching me, but I saw Linda everyday at school.
"I remember on our walk with our class I fell and Linda lifted me up and walked with me in her arms the rest of the way.
"She is a big part of Greenhaw and she was so passionate about teaching and the school.
"Linda was definitely the glue that kept Greenhaw together. She was happy to help out on all school activities while also volunteering with St John’s ambulance.
"Linda puts the fun into the fun factor. Her teaching skills are amazing. She drew everyone in with the way she taught.
"She will be missed by all at the school. Linda, I want to wish you all the best in your retirement- you don’t look old enough to be retiring.
"You have definitely left your mark on everyone. You will go down in history as one of the most kind, funny and helpful teachers from Greenhaw.
"They definitely broke the mould when they made you Linda. Good luck and enjoy every minute of retirement."
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Pictured: Former pupil at Greenhaw, Rosie Boyle, said Ms Heaney will "go down in history as one of the most kind, funny and helpful teachers from Greenhaw"
Fellow former pupil and current head of Undergraduate Journalism at Ulster University, Leona O'Neill, was taught by Ms Heaney and says Linda's classroom was a safe haven during difficult times in the city.
Leona said: "I was at Greenhaw Primary School from around 1980 all the way through to Primary seven- I loved the school.
"Ms Heaney taught me for a year and was one of my favourite teachers ever. I remember thinking she was incredibly cool, I was definitely in awe of her.
"She was in charge of a bunch of kids during the worst days of the Troubles in the middle of Carnhill - her classroom was a safe haven for many no matter what was going on outside.
"She was always so calm, even when we were evacuated due to bomb alerts. She had a great knack of chasing away fear.
"I remember I busted my mouth open swinging on a bar in the playground. There was blood everywhere. I think I knocked out a tooth too. I was freaking out. She sorted it out, calmed me down, even made me laugh while she fixed me up. She was a cool customer, always.
"She always knew what to do in every possible scenario. If there was ever a zombie apocalypse I’d definitely want to be on Ms Heaney’s team.
"I don’t remember her so much as raising her voice, ever. She just naturally commanded respect. She was kind and funny and made you feel like what you thought or said was important, that instilled a sense of self worth in all of us and was so important to developing minds.
"She took us for netball and walked us all over town to take part in matches. I remember walking to a far off school in the Waterside or Creggan. In the heat of the Summer it felt like an expedition through the Sahara Desert to the other side of the world. We were busted when we got there, but we got a Braveheart-esque Heaney pep talk and sprung into action, buoyed by her energy and won the match.
"She cheered us on and always leaned into the positive, even if we were beaten badly. There was something about having someone constantly on your side, always cheerleading, even if you fall or fail. Every kid should have a Ms Heaney in their lives.
"I sent all of my four kids to Greenhaw Primary School because of teachers like Ms Heaney.
"They all were taught by her and thought she was amazing too. They loved her like we loved her. She had integrity, she had principles, she cared, she was just brilliant.
"I’m so glad two generations of my family were guided and inspired by her and I wish her all the very best in her well deserved retirement."
Pictured: Former pupil of Ms Heaney, Leona O'Neill, said she sent all four of her kids to Greenhaw Primary School because of teachers like Ms Heaney
Another former pupil of Ms Heaney, News Camera operator Peter Doherty, echoed Leona's admiration for Linda as not only was she a beloved teacher but a good family friend.
Peter said: "I remember hearing that Linda was going to teach in our school. I was so excited and hoping I'd be in her class. You see, Linda Heaney was from just down the road from Greenhaw. Her Mum, Anne, had looked after me as a toddler when my Mum had gone back to work. So, I knew Linda from about the age of two or three.
"The Heaneys were like extended family. I think Linda took my class for about a year. I seem to remember a lot of singing and Netball.
"The boys were made to play Netball which I suppose was very progressive at that time, because left alone for one minute, a football match would break out. P7’s versus the rest- 28 a side.
"Linda would be in the middle of everything. Christmas shows, Easter plays, making costumes, props and recorder group wrangler.
"She introduced first aid training in the form of St John's Ambulance badger club. So if the football team was playing away, we’d come back to the Assembly hall with children mummified, covered in bandages, but still in uniform. Between all the Heaneys, they had trained most of Shanty and Pennyburn in first aid.
"I know Linda will be missed at Greenhaw, but you'll still see her at all the big local events, in her black uniform and green bib, first aid kit slung over her shoulder, ready for the call to action."
A fellow colleague of Linda, Daisy Mules, who has known Linda her entire teaching life, also sent her well wishes to the much loved teacher.
Daisy added: "I would like to wish Linda all the best for her retirement from teaching, but not from life- she’ll be plenty occupied, knowing Linda.
"She arrived at Greenhaw in 1984/85 to cover a maternity leave and then started full time in 1986.
"I went to Greenhaw in 1983, so I’ve known Linda all her teaching life. She’ll be much missed but I know she’s looking forward to getting stuck into her other interests. I wish Linda the happiest of teaching retirements."
Members of the Greenhaw Primary and Nursery School community said that the impact Linda has had on the school "cannot be overstated."
They wrote: "We are filled with a mix of emotions as we bid farewell to Linda Heaney, a retiring teacher who has touched our lives in countless ways.
"Linda's impact on our school, especially in the foundation stage, cannot be overstated. She has been a nurturing and dedicated educator, creating a warm and engaging environment where our children have thrived and developed a love for learning.
"Her commitment as the PE coordinator has motivated our students to embrace physical activity and teamwork, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy living.
"We are grateful for her unwavering dedication as a first aid provider, ensuring the well-being and safety of our children.
"Beyond her professional contributions, Linda has been a dear friend to many of us, offering support, understanding, and a listening ear.
"Her presence in our staff room will be sorely missed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Linda for her years of service and wish her a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and fulfilment.
"Her impact on our school community will be a lasting one, and we will always cherish the memories and lessons she has shared with us."
