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St Marys Primary School and Nursery Unit, Portaferry

A Big Thank You to Our School Support Staff!

26th Sep 2025

Today at a specially convened whole school Assembly we took time to celebrate the incredible individuals who keep our school running smoothly — our school support staff. Their dedication, care, hard work and behind-the-scenes brilliance make a world of difference to our school every single day.

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿซ Classroom Assistants

To Mary, Sam, Rita, Dionne, Shena, Mary, Caiti, Cindy, Fiona, Colette and Lisa. Thank you for being the extra pair of hands, eyes, and hearts in our classrooms. You support our pupils with patience and kindness, and help our teachers create a nurturing learning environment. Your impact is felt in every smile, every breakthrough, and every moment of calm.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Building Supervisor

To our building supervisor Pauline — thank you for keeping our school safe, functional, and welcoming. From early morning checks to late-night fixes, your quiet dedication ensures that everything works just as it should.

๐Ÿงผ Cleaners

We are deeply grateful to our cleaning team of Joanne, Pauline and Colette, for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for our students and staff. Your work often goes unseen, but it is absolutely essential. Thank you for your tireless efforts and attention to detail.

๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ School Secretary

To the friendly face at the front desk, Joanne, and the organised mind behind the scenes — thank you for being the heartbeat of our school office. You juggle calls, paperwork, and people with grace and efficiency, and we couldn’t do it without you.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Lunchtime Legend

To Danielle, Thank you for serving not just meals, but kindness, comfort, and care with every tray. You nourish more than bodies; you lift spirits every single day.

Each of you play a vital role in shaping the culture, safety, and success of our school. You are the glue that holds our school together. Your hard work, dedication, and kindness do not go unnoticed — you are deeply appreciated and truly valued.

We do not wish to single individuals out but we could not let the moment pass without acknowledging the dedication of Mrs Mary Denvir who has been a member of our school support staff for over 27 years and Ms Sam Magee who has been working in our school for 28 years now. It is testament to them that their energy and enthusiasm for helping the pupils of our school has never diminished and thankfully shows no sign of letting up.   
Thank you to all of our Support Staff for everything you do. You are the heart of our school.

(missing from the picture; Colette and Joanne)