Academy bids fond farewell to popular teachers

WHEN the summer holidays arrive, students and staff usually head toward the school gates unified in their happiness, exalted by the sight of school in the rear-view, and the summer sun ahead.

But this year at Omagh Academy, the jubilation was tainted with a wistful air, as two long-serving teachers said goodbye. Between the two of them, Chris Gervais and Angeline McCain served 40 years in the school, with Chris beginning in 1999 and Angeline joining in 2002.

Vice-principal, Keith Hamilton, explained the valuable role both played over their memorable careers at the school.

“These ladies had a common history when they started their careers at Omagh Academy, both having served time with Portora, Enniskillen.

“Mrs McCain also taught in other Omagh schools, including CBS and the Loreto, and was in fact a past pupil of Omagh Academy herself.”

Mr Hamilton said it seemed fitting that Mrs McCain’s part in the secondary education process should end where it began.

“It was nice to see Mrs McCain’s life in secondary education come full circle, and it seemed right that she should retire in the same building where it all began when she was a teenager.”

As for Miss Gervais, her way for teaching the complex and often difficult subject of physics is one which will not be easily replaced.

“Miss Gervais, who was vice-principal from 2006, was a natural educator and communicated with the students with an ease not often seen,” said Mr Hamilton.

“While she served as vice-principal, she made great friends and helped many students and families through her pastoral work.”

Mr Hamilton said the impact of both women on the the students “cannot be overstated.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank them for their teaching, hard work, and friendship down through the years,” he concluded.