Legacies are not the result of wishful thinking. They are the results of determined doing. The legacy you leave is the life you lead. We live our lives daily. We leave our legacy daily. The people you see, the decisions you make, the actions you take – they are what tell your story.
(Kouzes, James & Posner- Barry, 2006, A Leader’s Legacy)
As we near the end of another academic year in Willow it is important to reflect on all we have achieved both inside and outside of the classroom. To quote Mr. McAleer ‘We are blessed to work and attend a school that, when given the opportunity to step back and look around, we are surrounded by people and actions that create such pride and happiness’.
I completely agree with Mr. McAleer we are blessed to work in such a welcoming environment, with state of the art facilities, enthusiastic and caring staff – admin, accommodation, accounting, maintenance and teaching staff. However, the most important people in any school will always be in my opinion – the children.
Hence I have to thank all 635 boys in the Junior school and I especially have to thank all 112 Sixth Form young men. Thank you for being leaders within our school. Thank you for showing the boys in Junior and Senior Infants how to play together safely. Thank you for raising money for Focus Ireland. Thank you for Lá Lán Gaeilge and the enthusiasm shown for the Irish language. Thank you for receiving the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit during the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thank you for the Horizons Walk. Thank you for the respect shown and participation in all activities from golf, tennis, rugby, Gaelic football, basketball, athletics and drama. This is the legacy you leave behind.
Most importantly thank you for growing into confident, articulate, well-rounded young men who will make a real difference in the years ahead. I genuinely look forward to hearing of your continued success within Willow Park Senior School, Blackrock College and into third level education.
You have made me very proud as Principal of Willow Park Junior School and I will continue to feel great pride when I fondly look back through ‘your’ yearbook – The Sixth Form of 2018/2019.
Your Principal
Mr. James Docherty