WHEN a young Pat McTeggart started school at St Aidan's High in the early 1970s, he never dreamt that he would one day become the principal. 

But, little did he know that in years to come he would not only become head boy, but that he would also return to work at his beloved school both as a teacher and, eventually, the head.  

"I have been here a long time, some would say too long!" laughed Mr. McTeggart, who is set to officially retire as principal of St Aidan's High School in August. 

"I think after 40-years it's time to draw breath and look toward a different direction. I am sorry to be going, but it's the right thing to do."

For Mr. McTeggart, the school's ethos, 'Through working together we achieve, develop and grow', is one that he has lived by. 

The proud Kinawley man described his profession as both a "vocation and a pleasure", and said that encouraging young people to achieve their dreams has been "one of the greatest honours". 

"The school is nothing without the children," he said. "They are the oxygen that it needs to carry on. They never fail to surprise and inspire me in what they can do.

"I will be watching proudly as they carve out their lives and futures."

As principal, Mr. McTeggart has witnessed many highs and lows over the years and also helped steer the school through periods of uncertainty  

Over a decade ago, he was closely involved in a successful campaign to save the school from closure, which he said was a "testament to the will of local people."

"The campaign to save the school showed that the community had a strong feeling that they wanted high quality in a rural area to be maintained," Mr. McTeggart reflected. 

"The school has since gone from strength to strength, our numbers have risen, and we are in a great position academically, culturally and pastorally."

This year, St. Aidan's High School was named the top-performing non-selective post-primary school in Fermanagh. He feels he is leaving the school in a good place. 

"The fact that there is investment in both infrastructure and the school estate augers well for future," he added.

In terms of highlights, Mr. McTeggart said there are "too many to mention", but he did say that winning three Ulster titles has been major achievement.

"When I started in 1972, I was in the first group of first years," said Mr. McTeggart, when asked of his own memories of studying at St. Aidan's.

"I later became Head Boy, and then went off to college. Before long I found myself with the honour of teaching in my old Alma Mater! 

"My inspiration to get educated was my mother. She always said to me, 'Go get yourself an education, so you are able to stand on your own two feet'. It was good advice."

Mr. McTeggart admits that even after retirement, the school will hold a special place in his heart. 

"The school means a lot to me, and I am very proud of the school and the role it plays in the community," he said. 

"I may be retiring, but I will always have that interest. If there is anything I can do for the school, I will be there.

"I have to thank all the staff, teaching and non-teaching," Mr. McTeggart concluded.

" The success of the school isn't down to me. It's down to all the staff, the Board of Governors, the parents, and the local community. I have to thank every last one of them."