Integrated pupils wish Mrs Lyness a top retirement

STAFF and pupils at Glengormley Integrated Primary School have said a fond farewell to teacher Mrs Susan Lyness, who retired on Friday (October 26).

The whole school turned out on Thursday morning to wish Mrs Lyness a long and happy retirement, presenting her with gifts thanking her for her hard work and dedication over the past five years.

Staff members past and present later gathered at the Templeton Hotel for a special lunch as they wished their colleague all the best for the years ahead.

Mrs Lyness graduated from Stranmillis College in 1978 and was appointed an early years teacher at Ballyduff Primary School the same year.

Working initially under Principal Herbie Martin and later his successor, Drew McWilliams, she taught at the Knockview Road school until it closed in 2007.

Mrs Lyness was appointed to a new post at Glengormley Integrated Primary in September 2007, arriving at the school just as her good friend, Mr Derek Greer, who had worked alongside her at Ballyduff, was stepping aside from his role as Acting Principal.

A P4 and P5 teacher with responsibility for music, Mrs Lyness actively promoted the school choir over the years, involving the young singers under her tutelage in a variety of activities and events, including Young Voices at the Odyssey Arena,

The Peace Proms and carol singing at venues across Newtownabbey. She has also worked at various school-run charity events over the years, including fundraisers for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and Macmillan Cancer.

Wishing Mrs Lyness well for her retirement, Principal Nigel Arnold said: “She will be missed by all the children at Glengormley Integrated Primary School and the staff.

“They and the Board of Governors wish her well on her retirement, with many happy years to come with her husband Victor, her two boys and their families.”