In her hands, students became well rounded.
It was the trademark of retiring principal Eudora Mascoll and yesterday students and colleagues paid tribute to the educator after 42 years in the field.
At Cuthbert Moore Primary School, where Mascoll was last posted, a retirement function was held for their beloved leader, hailing her for giving those who were not academically inclined other avenues to excel.
In her farewell speech, Mascoll charged the remaining school staff with identifying the other talents of the children and helping to develop their talents along with a sense of pride.
“I always felt that once a child has that sense of pride and self-esteem, that would enable that child to tackle other areas of the curriculum,” she said.
Mascoll spent 42 years in the teaching service, the last 11 of which were at Cuthbert Moore. She shared the story of a former student who was not good at academics but won the award for best Cub Scout, and was one of the best dancers, a good cricketer, footballer, athlete and also a member of the choir.
She admitted that when she came to the school the job was half done since she found a lot of things in place to build upon. Mascoll had high praise for the students who were well mannered and well spoken and the cooperative staff who were willing to go the extra mile for the school.
The retirement celebration included performances by the NIFCA award-winning school choir, cultural pieces in song, dance and poetry pieces.
Education officer assigned to the school, Olwin Walker, said Mascoll always demonstrated a genuine interest in the development of students and teachers. She praised the departing head for planning ahead to ensure the school was always equipped for the year and that teachers were assigned to the appropriate classes.
Walker said classrooms have changed from five years ago, with more students having emotional, psychological and behavioural challenges.
Mascoll proved to be a leader who demonstrated the aptitude to “promote the success of the students”, Walker said. (LK)
