This morning we said a very emotional goodbye to Mrs Owens our Principal and Mrs McElroy our Senior Leader and Primary One teacher. As always, our families and staff were more than generous in their contributions toward leaving presents and both teachers were absolutely delighted and amazed at their gifts. 
Between them they have over 70 years of service to the community here in Ardoyne. Their level of care, compassion and support are only matched by their passion for education and their belief in the potential of every child to grow and succeed. Our staff will miss their wisdom, their insight and their experience as well as their enthusiasm for learning and their sense of fun.

Both teachers were presented with beautiful prints by our parent and photographer Sean Montgomery, with gorgeous images of Holy Cross and Ardoyne to treasure. Mrs McElroy was also given a book of drawings and thoughts from the Primary One parents and children, put together by our classroom assistants, which definitely brought a tear to the eye.

Mrs Owens and Mrs McElroy have left a legacy of love and a spirit of determination and drive for excellence, which will be carried forward by our hard-working team. We were touched by the voices of the children in the videos made for the occasion, and these words really expressed our emotions today: " For every child who felt believed in, for every dream made new, There is a quiet thankfulness that always points to you" All of our blessings for health and happiness as you begin your new adventure!!

What a wonderful day of Spórt agus Spraoi we had today at Holy Cross Girls’!! Our pitch was full of music and laughter as everyone came together to fundraise for Gather4McGahan, to support our former Ulster Council GAA coach Caitriona McGahan. The girl herself was on the phone today to express her thanks and let us know how much she loved coaching here in Ardoyne and working with our girls and teachers. Many thanks to our families for their generous donations, we will have a final total for you next week. Thanks also to Brendan and all at Ardoyne Kickhams GAC for their coaches, Shauna Travers and Fiona McKenna and to Mercy College for allowing their students to come down to help. Thanks to Fionntan from School 4 Sport for his expertise and great music which kept us going all day. Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir!!