Tributes paid as long-serving headteacher at St Modan’s HS retires

Stirling Council and the St Modan’s High School learning community have paid tributes to long-serving Headteacher Ray O’Neill following his recent retirement

Ray O'Neill being presented with retirement cake

Ray became Headteacher at the school in April 2011 after seven years as its Depute Head, meaning he worked in the old and the new school, which opened in 2008. His last official day was 1 April, the final day before the Spring Break.

Over the past nine years, Ray led St Modan’s through many significant developments in Scottish education, promoted the school at every opportunity and enhanced the learning experience for its young people in a variety of ways.

This included:

The implementation of Curriculum of Excellence and national exam changes.
A curricular review in the Senior Phase to broaden the offer available and to better meet the demands of a changing labour market.
Supporting young people to access a wide range of future pathways.
The opening of a fantastic new library and learning space in 2017.
The opening of a state-of-the-art Vocational Training Centre (VTC), which is helping equip young people with essential skills for the workplace via innovative partnerships with a number of employers and other agencies.
The opening and expansion of Tiny Farm, a working farm that helps to teach children rural skills as well as being a place to relax, learn and interact with animals. This is enabling young people to access qualifications in rural skills and animal care.

Outstanding leadership

Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Susan McGill said: “On behalf of Stirling Council and the wider learning community across Stirling, we would like to thank Ray for his outstanding leadership of St Modan’s High and his dedication to improve learning and opportunities for young people at the school.

“Ray has successfully led the school through several major changes in the curriculum and worked tirelessly to enhance the school’s facilities, which are helping pupils fulfil their potential and reach a wide range of positive destinations.

“His last act has been steering the school through this unprecedented national crisis, supporting staff and ensuring its young people can continue their learning in these uncertain times. We would like to wish Ray a very long and happy retirement.”

Along with promoting academic success for learners in the school, Ray placed huge importance on the development of the whole child into a morally responsible adult, promoting all talents and skills beyond the traditional three R’s.

He introduced the whole school annual Feast Day Mass and celebration events for more than 1000 young people. He was also a great supporter of the extra-curricular activities including the school cabaret, school shows, sporting events and SPLOF (Stuff presented at Lunch on Fridays).

Staff at St Modan’s also praised Ray’s values-led leadership - moulded by his strong Roman Catholic faith – and his open and welcoming approach, which saw him put the person first, whether that was a pupil, member of staff, parent/carer or colleague.

Greatly missed

Vice Convener of the Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Christine Simpson said: “St Modan’s motto is “In wisdom and grace”, and Ray epitomised these values in his daily interactions and his planning for improvement across the school community.

“His leadership qualities ensured the school was truly inclusive, while he was a passionate supporter of nurturing young people’s talents and skills inside and outside the classroom.

“Ray will be greatly missed at St Modan’s but he can be proud of his achievements and the strong foundations he put in place, along with a distinguished career in education spanning 34 years. We wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Made a real difference

Stirling Council Chief Officer for People and Education, Kevin Kelman said: “Ray has shown tremendous leadership at St Modan’s and made a real difference to the lives of hundreds of young people who have attended the school from across Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk.

“I would like to thank Ray for his dedication, commitment and care he has shown to pupils, staff and families over so many years and wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Very supportive

Clare Malcom, Chair of St Modan’s HS Parent Council said: “Mr. O’Neill has been very supportive of the PTP (Parent Teacher Partnership) and has always been a strong advocate of parental involvement in the school embracing our suggestions and ideas to further improve learners’ experiences and family engagement.

“We wish him all the best and thank him for the time, dedication and opportunities he has given our children.”

A privilege

Ray O'Neill said: “It was such a privilege to work at St Modan’s both as DHT then Headteacher. The school is blessed with so many wonderful young people who genuinely work hard, show care and respect for others and try, always to be the best they can be, in every respect.

“I hope that in some small way my time at the school will be remembered for, at least my commitment to doing what’s right for all of our young people regardless of academic ability.

“Highlights for me include: the introduction of our annual whole-school feast day Mass; completion of our Vocational Training Centre; the significant increase and variety of courses made available to our young people as part of our transformed mainstream curriculum; strong partnerships with local employers, Forth Valley College and parents; the refurbishment of our beautiful school library and the introduction of our school farm.

“All this and more was made possible because of the huge commitment of a fantastic staff at the school and a supportive, forward-thinking parent body.

After amassing 34 years in the teaching profession, Ray is looking forward to spending more time with his family and to go travelling with his wife, Tina, who retired at the same time as headteacher of St Francis Xavier’s PS in Falkirk.

He said: “I am lucky to have worked with so many great colleagues and families in my time here and for that I will always be enormously grateful.

“I will miss St Modan’s but know that the school is in a very good place to continue to serve well the young people and families of Stirling, Clacks and Falkirk.

“Finally I would like to thank all in the St Modan’s community for supporting me throughout my 16 years in the school and wish them all God’s blessings. I now look forward to the new adventures which lie ahead for me as I learn to adapt to my own ‘new normal’. Thank you once again and best wishes.”