Today, the 6^th of September, marks a very special anniversary for the Vice Principal of the Junior School, Ms Ita Corduff.  40 years ago today, Ms Corduff became a teacher of St Colmcille’s Junior School.  Below is an extract from The Knocklyon News Archives, written in 1987 about Ms Corduff:

“Ita Corduff has one of the happiest faces I have ever seen.  She has a delightful smile and positively bubbles over with her enthusiasm for her school.  St Colmcille’s Junior School has never been without her since it opened its door to the children of Knocklyon.  One of four children, she is a Dubliner and lived on the North side of the city. Educated at the Dominican College, Eccles Street, she has great praise and fond memories of that school that is no longer there. Ita is completely dedicated and is grateful that she is privileged to share in the education of the young children in her care. “It’s a wonderful thing to watch them develop. Up to the age of 7 they are so totally innocent, so utterly honest”, she says. At times teaching can be quite exhausting but the rewards are tremendous. Her advice to parents is quite simple. “Give them your time . . . Take them for a walk. Let them stop and look and question. Let them learn by experience. It’s no good reading about how to make a mud pie, if you’ve never known the sticky squelchy feeling of a real one.”

I remember as a child, parents talking about the school and everyone wanting their child to have Ms Corduff because she, in their opinion, was the nicest teacher and had a fantastic way with the kids.    I never went to St Colmcille’s but I knew all about Ms Corduff, she was and still is a “legend”, to the parents and the children.  From day one she made such a positive impression on the families of Knocklyon.  Her sunny disposition, empathetic manner and the twinkle in her eye make Ms Corduff one of those individuals that you can’t help but like from the moment you meet her.

They say a photo says a thousand words and I think this one certainly encapsulates the very essence of Ms Corduff.  She has always been about the children and has a wonderful natural way with them. She knows each of them by name and any time they see her, their little faces light up.   Even the most timid child feels automatically at ease around Ms Corduff.  She is able to connect with every single child and I really don’t believe that is something you can learn.

For the last forty years we have benefited greatly from having such an amazing, dedicated person/teacher in our school.  Ms Corduff has played a pivotal role in creating an inclusive school that is full of laughter, creativity and activity – a school that many students have very fond memories of and are proud to say they were/are St Colmcille’s students.

Congratulations Ms Corduff and from all the parents and pupils, both past and present, a huge Thank you!

Ms Corduff & Class of 1982/83