Mrs Read the Principal of Irvinestown Primary School is retiring in August 2026.
A retirement celebration was held on Thursday 11th June for the whole school community past and present.
The event was a tremendous success, with an impressive turnout of over 330 people.
A total of 180 children took part, entertaining the large audience through a creative theme centred around “a recipe for a great career.”
Ingredients such as patience, hard work, planning, kindness, forward thinking and storytelling were highlighted—particularly fitting given Mrs Read’s reputation as a talented baker.
All classes contributed to the performance, confidently reciting poems and singing songs, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of the pupils across the school.
Mrs Read was joined on this special evening by her husband Tom, sons Graeme and Peter, daughter-in-law Megan, and grandson Joel. Additional family members in attendance included her mother, Audrey Hamilton, along with her siblings and extended family.
Throughout the show, a number of guest speakers shared warm tributes, including Vice Principal Mrs Janice Harron, past pupil Charlie Cobane, former Principals Raymond Ross and Leah Abbott, and former Chairman of the Governors, Mr Nigel Elliott.
The evening concluded with Mr David Robinson, Acting Chair of the current Board of Governors, expressing his sincere thanks to the staff for their dedication in producing such a magnificent show and to the pupils for their outstanding performances. He also thanked Mrs Read, on behalf of the Governors, for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the school over many years.
A range of thoughtful gifts were then presented to Mrs Read by pupils from each class, including a special hand-painted bowl, a Radley handbag, personalised passport and luggage tags, flowers, a cake, and a £600 travel voucher.
Mrs Read delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking the entire school community for their support over her remarkable 34-year career. The formal proceedings ended with a moving lip-dub video created by the pupils, based on the theme “I Will Retire.”
Following this emotional conclusion, parents and guests were invited to stay for refreshments, where they enjoyed tea, cakes and traybakes prepared by the staff. Mrs Read spent time warmly reconnecting with past pupils and parents, bringing a fitting and joyful close to a truly memorable evening.