Farewell to two great schools
Friday June 23rd saw the end of two great schools in Coatbridge: Columba High and Saint Patrick’s.
I have had the great fortune to be in both these schools. I was a pupil at St Patrick’s from August 1973 to June 1979. From August 1984 till yesterday I was a teacher in Columba High School.
The reason why I love physics so much is down to the fantastic teachers I had in St Patrick’s in the late seventies. Through their lessons and enthusiasm I developed a passion for science and physics.
My thanks go to Mr. Bill Kennedy (my S3,S4 and S5 teacher) and Dr Daly who taught me the then CSYS physics.
I must also say thanks to my physics and science colleagues in Columba over the past years who have been an utmost joy to work with:
Mr. Joseph McGrath (my first principle teacher of physics at Columba), Mr John McMullen, Mr. Paul McKendrick, Mr Stephen Hendry, Mr Kevin McFadden and Mr James Graham. All of these teachers were fantastic people to work with.
Let me not forget my other science colleagues who, more than colleagues were good friends:
Susan Shields, Jan Cruikshanks, Tommy Reilly, Charlie Donnelly, Karen Gray, Magda McAleenan, Sarah Boyle, Theresa Fairweather and Harry Hughes.
A special mention has to be made of probably the two best science technicians in Scotland: Helen Timmons and Eddie McKenna.
Also the science department’s adopted son : Mr Stephen McCrossan Columba’s fantastic PT of computing.
So it is farewell St Columba & St Patrick’s: both good ships to sail in.
And let me not forget the wonderful pupils of Columba High who will now move on to the new Saint Andrew’s High. God Bless you all.
