Farewell and Thanks to Miss Halligan

After thirty-five years of dedicated service to Down High, Miss Halligan is retiring from the school she joined as a Mathematics teacher in January 1982. Miss Halligan has taught thousands of pupils as they progressed through Down High into adulthood, helping them to achieve their full potential in such an important curricular subject. To simply describe her contribution to Down High as being a teacher of Mathematics would, however, be a massive understatement. Deputy Principal Mr Dawson explained that Miss Halligan had played a number of major roles over the years. “Lorraine’s involvement in school hockey has been an ever-present feature of her time here. As a coach, umpire and tour organiser, she has enriched the lives of hundreds of our girls. But it was not only hockey: Lorraine coached our girls’ cricket sides, seeing a number of pupils gaining Ulster Squad recognition in the process. She also served for twelve years as one of the staff leaders of the Army Cadet Force, with the rank of Captain. She was selected to attend the Royal Tournament at Earls Court in 1994, and was later chosen to represent the Cadets at the annual Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, as well as being one of the first women Cadets to represent the force at the Ulster Hall service.” As if this wasn’t enough, Lorraine organised the school’s work experience programme and was a Head of Year for pupils in Middle School. Miss Halligan was one of the original organisers of the popular Water Sports holiday for pupils, which runs every two years at the end of the summer term. Opportunities for those members of staff brave enough to act and sing on stage during the school shows were seized upon by Miss Halligan, with a particular highlight being her performance as a puppet in “The Sound of Music.” Her farewell appearance in “Bugsy Malone” had an Italian theme!

Mrs Perry wished Miss Halligan well for her retirement. “In the short space of time I have been here, Lorraine has epitomised the loyalty and commitment which I have come to value amongst Down High School’s teaching staff. Her contribution to school life over many years has been immense, and even extends to organising the staff Christmas dinner. I trust Lorraine will have a long and happy retirement; it is well earned,” said Mrs Perry.

Pictured alongside Miss Halligan are Mrs Perry and Mr Dawson.