Katrina Kealey retires from St Mary’s College after 36 years service 

The principal of St Mary’s College, Brendan McGinn summed it up perfectly when he said Katrina Kealey’s name was ‘almost synonymous’ with the school.

According to Mr McGinn, Katrina knew the school and its community inside out, and now that she was retiring, he was of the opinion she would 'not be easily replaced’.

Few would argue with that.

Mrs Kealey had, said Mr McGinn, a 43 years connection with the school starting out as a pupil there, becoming head girl and then joining the staff as a teacher.

And it’s likely there will be a lot of changes in the Kealey household come this September as her husband, Paul, also retired this term as Vice-Principal of St Joseph’s Boys School in the Creggan after more than 30 years of service

Speaking this week Katrina reflected on her long and distinguished career.

She started out, she explained, in St Joseph’s in 1987 as a temporary member of staff.

“This is where I met my husband, Paul. The staff always joked ‘you met your husband behind the playground shed’. However, my career at St Joseph’s was short lived as a year later I was appointed to St Mary’s College as a teacher of history.”

And that clearly meant the world to her.

“Believe me, it really did. This was like winning the lotto, a job in my old school. I am a very proud past pupil; I have blue blood running through my veins.”

She explained: “My journey with St Mary’s began in 1975 aged 11. Little did I know on that sunny September day that I would teach in the school for 36 years serving the school as a history teacher, senior teacher and acting Vice-Principal. And I loved every minute of it!”

Katrina made it very clear she was indebted to the pupils, both past and present, for affording her the opportunities to develop as a professional, to be part of their lives and for the loyalty they have shown her over the years.

“I am so proud of all our pupils and what they have achieved. The pupils are the heartbeat of any school they are what makes the job both enjoyable and rewarding. When your pupils are succeeding in life, and they are contributing to their communities then you know you have done a good job.”

And she added: “Our young people face many hurdles with pressures of post Covid and social media influences. The one thing that they should take confidence in is that their families and school will always be there to support them.”

Reflecting on her career she was of the view that the changes in education are mind blowing with advances technology and the opportunities awaiting young people having no limits.

Paying tributes to her colleagues Katrina pointed out she had worked under three principals - Dame Geraldine Keegan, Mrs Marie Lindsay and currently Mr. McGinn.

“I thank them all sincerely for the faith they had in me and the opportunities that came my way.  I have a lifetime of memories and friends that span decades. I am truly blessed to have been part of such an amazing school and words fail to capture my amazing journey.”

Looking ahead with some trepidation Katrina admitted that there could be the odd regret.

“I am not sure what my days in September will look like. I will miss the buzz of school life, the busy classroom, the laughs at tea break and the feeling that I am part of something amazing. I don’t think my bucket list will fill the void immediately, that is something I will have to work on. I will certainly miss the chat and laughs.

School principal, Mr McGinn said he knew he was speaking for all when stating Katrina had been a leader and a key member of staff for many years at St Mary's College.

“I speak for us all at the school when I say she will be greatly missed. Katrina's wisdom, care for her pupils and the leadership she demonstrated throughout her time at St Mary's College will not be easily replaced.”

And Katrina had one final exhortation for ‘her girls’: “My parting message to the girls is take every opportunity that comes your way, work hard and never give up. I thank them and their families for their support.  It meant a lot to me.”