Staff Retirements 2025
As the 2024/25 academic year draws to a close the entire DCS community would like to pay tribute to our 3 retiring colleagues.
Mr. Neil Bronks will be retiring at the end of this academic school year. And the truth is they don’t make them like Mr. Bronks anymore.
Mr. Bronks is loud. He is brash. He is absolutely, gloriously unique. A little eccentric, always full of life and heart. His classes were anything but ordinary. They were fun, noisy, unpredictable, often hilarious but always underpinned by serious learning and even more underpinned by serious care for the welfare of our students.
Neil has an extraordinary ability to connect with senior students. He treats them with a kind of no-nonsense honesty that earned huge respect especially from those who learned to appreciate his very particular brand of humour. But behind the jokes and the big personality was someone who cared deeply and instinctively. He looked out for the quiet students, the vulnerable students, the ones who needed someone in their corner and he never, ever forgot about them.
As he now moves on to retirement, to time with his beloved grandchildren, to road trips in his camper van, to a well-earned break from the school bell we simply want to say thank you. Mr. Bronks, you leave behind an extraordinary legacy. You have made a difference to so many and we are all the better for it.
We must also pay tribute to another DCS stalwart, Ms Mary O’ Sullivan, Special Needs Assistant and friend who also retires at the end of the school year after 15 years at DCS.
Mary has been a deeply valued member of our school community. As a Special Needs Assistant she has supported countless students over the years with kindness, patience and genuine care. What has always stood out about Mary is her empathy, her ability to connect with students, to see the person behind the behaviour, to understand the challenges they face and to always act in their best interest.
Mary has brought calm to chaotic days, encouragement to anxious moments and good humour to every corridor and classroom she’s passed through. Many students have flourished here because of her steady support and quiet belief in them. We wish you a healthy and happy retirement. Thank you Mary.
All at DCS wish to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to Mr Donal Coughlan who has left a lasting mark on our school since joining us in 2016.
It was clear from the moment he joined DCS that we were in the presence of someone special. His insights on teaching, on building relationships with students and on life itself are remarkable.
Coming from a background in industry he brought with him a wealth of life experience that shaped his teaching in profound ways. He understands people. He understands students. He never sought attention or got caught up in the politics of school life, his focus was always exactly where it should be: on the students.
Donal is an outstanding teacher. Whether it is with the exceptionally bright student looking to stretch their potential to get that H1 or the student quietly struggling with the basics, he was always there. He is generous with his time, patient, kind and determined to help. If you needed support he was someone you could count on. Always.
He brought to his teaching a quiet wisdom, a deep intellect, and above all, an unwavering sense of care. A complete gentleman in every sense of the word he is someone we have all been privileged to work alongside.
Now, as he steps into retirement, it is certain that he won’t be idle for long. There are golf courses to be walked, squash courts to be played in and much well-earned time to enjoy his retirement. Thank you for everything you have given to this school, to your students, and to your colleagues. Your impact is real, and it will last.
We wish you every happiness and good health in the years ahead. You will always be part of our school community.
