School says farewell as much loved principal of local National School retires

THE staff, pupils and parents of Carrig NS bade a sad farewell to their much loved principal Mr Tony Sampson during a function in the school to mark his retirement just before the Christmas break.

The pupils were very much involved in this function with carol singing and the re-enactment of their Christmas pageant finishing up with a poem they wrote for the principal.

The Shinrone native commenced his teaching career in the boys school in Birr back in 1982. In 2002 he moved to Clonfert school and when the position of principal in Carrig came about in 2005, Tony was successful in his application for the job which he took up later that year.

Apart from his successful school career, Tony is also delighted to have been a selector with the three times Offaly Minor hurling All-Ireland champions back when he was just 24 years of age.

Deputy Principal Nora Ryan, paying tribute to Tony, said that much had changed over the years since he took on the role of principal. “Mr Sampson led by example, with conviction, integrity, cultivating and nurturing an unique welcoming atmosphere of joyful learning and mutual respect,” she said.

“Your dedication and commitment to the school is greatly appreciated,” she said as she congratulated him on his retirement and wished him well.

Garrett O’Neill, Chairman of the school BOM, said he knew Tony for the past twelve years. He mentioned how many have commented that the school is a lovely school. “That,” he said, “has nothing to do with the building, it’s to do with the people who work here, the pupils, the warmth the respect that’s shown to everyone as soon as you walk into this school. The children are so happy, so nice,” said Mr. O’Neill, “and that doesn’t happen by accident, that happens from all the confidence given to them by their teachers and staff here and most especially by the leadership of Mr Sampson.”

He went on to compliment the principal on the “enormous amount of work that you do behind the scenes, the workload, the leaving no stone unturned for the betterment of the pupils and the school. Tony has been a credit to his profession in more ways that one and it has been a pleasure to work with you from all the present members, and I’m sure the past one’s would say the same,” he said.

In his response, Mr Sampson thanked everyone for their help and support over the years. “It’s about all the people working together, school staff, parents, grandparents that get the children to where they want to be eventually”.

He explained how the school always strived to look at academics which he said “was first and foremost vital in the school, but also the emotional, spiritual, physical and all those other aspects of a child’s education.” He detailed aspects such as music, sport, arts and crafts etc. with the school providing as many opportunities as it can for pupils “which builds their confidence,” he said. “Every teacher wants to instil confidence in their pupils which can get them over the line in the future,” he said.

Mr Sampson thanked his “loyal and dedicated staff over the years, many who have become very good friends over that time’,” he said. He thanked the many parents associations, BOMs volunteers, parents and grandparents along with his family.

He paid special tribute to the children who he described as “the heartbeat of the school community. We feel we can talk to each other, we can relax and share a laugh together and we get the work done as well,” he said as he finished by wishing them all well in life going forward.