Jones Memorial Primary School will greatly miss long-standing classroom assistant Mrs. Yvonne Bowles as she retires after 34 years with the school

Mrs. Bowles, who had been employed in Jones Memorial Primary School in Enniskillen since 1994, officially retired on Friday September 28 after a special send off from the children. The whole school assembled in the Junior Playground to sing “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” as Mrs. Bowles was ‘bowled over’ with the fondness she received from the pupils.

Former P1 teacher Mrs. Elder, who now teaches P2 in the school, worked closely with Mrs. Bowles over the years. With warm-hearted appreciation for Mrs. Bowles, she said:

“Yvonne was my classroom assistant in primary one for 25 years. We became good friends and had many good times with the hundreds of children who passed through our hands. She was capable, committed and enthusiastic in her encouragement of the youngest pupils. Together we aimed to make the P1 classroom a happy and welcoming place.”

Mrs. Elder added: “I wish her a long, healthy and happy retirement. Enjoy the peace and quiet with Derek!”

Mrs. Bailie, the current P1 teacher and Vice Principal said of her former colleague Mrs. Bowles:

"Yvonne was a very special team member. She was involved with generations in her career and her dedication and warmth have been an experience enjoyed by all. Not having Yvonne will be a change for us all but we are trying not to be sad because she deserves a great retirement. We can't replace her, she's definitely irreplaceable."

A special reception for Mrs. Bowles took place at the Killyhevlin Hotel on Friday October 5. As a final send off, staff and pupils from the school gave video tributes to the departing classroom assistant. Principal of Jones Memorial Primary School Mrs. Isherwood stated that this was a “fitting event to mark the member of staff that dedicated herself to the pupils and to the sustainability of the school.” All of the staff and pupils of the school wish Mrs. Bowles a very happy retirement.