Mount Sion principal Michael Walsh retires after 18 years

Mount Sion Primary School have bid a sad farewell to long-serving Principal, Michael Walsh, who is retiring after 18 years of service.

The school community displayed their gratitude to Mr. Walsh in a surprise celebration last week, where students, teachers, parents and representatives from Mount Sion GAA spoke on Michael’s unwavering dedication to the school. 

Music was provided by the Mount Sion Choir and students gave impassioned speeches, which displayed how much Michael has done for them during their time at Mount Sion.

“This has been such an emotional week, I was very emotional when I made the announcement that I was going to retire. It was a hard decision but I think the right one,” Michael said.

“I love teaching because it’s an absolutely wonderful way to spend your life, to give to children what you would like them to be. 

"I’ve loved doing this job and I have loved everybody I’ve come in contact with. 

"I would ask all the boys to be open, be open to learning, kindness and each other because it is so special."

Michael gave special appreciation to the parents and members of staff who he was worked with over the years. 

He said: “This wonderful job of teaching the boys here in Mount Sion is a privilege for us as teachers but we can’t do it on our own, we have to do it with all of you as parents. 

"To all the parents down through the years that have trusted us with your children and trusted us to do the right thing I really applaud you. You have been such wonderful support to me and to all of us here.

“I have to say a special word to all the teachers and SNAs. You have been an amazing group of people. 

"I have loved coming to work every day. Being principal is such a privilege, seeing boys from preschool and growing up to the young men they are today.

“Also to see teachers and SNAs grow and to have some small part in that and to enable people to be the best they can be, that’s been so fulfilling and been one of the best parts of the last 18 years to me. 

"We’re all different and we all have different skills to bring.” 

New beginnings 

Taking up the role of principal will be long-serving teacher at Mount Sion, Catherine Burke, who was recently elected to Waterford City & County Council, representing the Portlaw-Kilmacthomas electoral district.

“It’s a huge honour,” she told the Waterford News & Star of stepping into the role of Principal. 

“Mount Sion is a fabulous place. It’s the first Christian Brothers school ever, opened in 1802. It’s a place of history and generations of people.

“It’s an absolute privilege and an honour to be selected as principal and to lead the school into 2024/25." 

Catherine started teaching at the school when she was 21 years old. 

"So it’s a hugely emotional day for me," she said.

Speaking on the influence that Michael Walsh has had on herself and the school community, Catherine added, “In Michael, I’m losing a friend and a mentor, as well as a principal, so it’s overwhelming but we wanted to mark the occasion and give him the sendoff that he deserved and I think we did that today.

“I think the boys of Mount Sion really put their best foot forward and really showed Michael how much they’re going to miss him.”