TRIBUTES have been paid to a dinner lady at a Ballynahinch school.
Joan McCann has called time after 24 years as dinner lady in St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, Ballynahinch.
Last Thursday was peppered with students making their way to the canteen to pay fond tribute to her.
Year 10 pupil Christopher said, “Joan always asked me was there enough chips on my plate.”
Senior student Lauren said: “You always knew Joan would say something to lift your day.”
Of her time in the school, Joan, who was always happy to serve up spicy words of wisdom along with the chips she dished out said: “It’s gone by so quickly and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It has been my pleasure to serve the children and the staff of St Colman’s.”
Joan was the first of the kitchen staff to run the school’s breakfast club. She was always the first to arrive every morning and as well as setting tables, she set a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
With social distancing well observed, staff, students and personnel from the Education Authority were present to watch as Joan received gifts, flowers and accolades in appreciation of her service.
On behalf of staff and students past and present Mr Paul Hazzard, Head of Pastoral Care, said: “There are generations of staff and students in the school who remember and will continue to remember Joan fondly.
“Lunchtimes were always the brighter and happier thanks to Joan’s smile, her sense of humour and the heartfelt care she extended to everyone.”
The St Colman’s school community would like to wish Joan a joyous, long and fulfilling retirement.