Annette Shannon

Holy Cross Girls' Primary 

www.holycrossgirls.com

Subject or Primary School Year: Vice Principal and Learning Support Coordinator

Place of Birth: Belfast

Where you studied: St Kevin's Primary School, St Louise's Comprehensive College, St Mary's College

What was your first job? I worked as a technician in the Grand Opera House.

What did your first job teach you? That often a job is not as glamorous or exciting as it looks. A good lesson I think.

Family/Status: Married with three children.

Best advice you would give to someone thinking of a teaching career: You may be just one person, but in a good team you can make a great difference, so be prepared to work hard, to put others first and to be the best advocate you can for the children and families in your care.

Annette has been teaching in Ardoyne for almost 30 years and she owes that longevity to the wonderful teams she has been a part of and the amazing leaders she has worked under. The children she first taught are the mothers of the children she now looks after and in this fantastic family the staff are part of all of their joys and achievements, their sorrows and their difficulties.

Despite the challenges they face each day, the teachers and support staff work hard to encourage every child to fulfil their potential, to develop resilience, perseverance, a love for learning and an appreciation of the world around them. Annette was fortunate enough to have generous, talented teachers throughout her time at school and strong, courageous role models in her own family.

It is her job to deliver that same support and guidance for the girls in Holy Cross so that they can go out into the world and lead, guide and share their gifts and talents proudly.