Big Kildare Interview: Oh, to be principal for a day!

Imagine the power you could have, right in the palm of your hands, by being principal of your school... especially as a child!

There is no doubt that Luke Wall and Kaiden Sherry, both in Fifth Class, were the envy of their peers at the Patrician Primary School (PPS) on Tuesday, February 14 last.

Luke managed to secure the coveted position for one day after winning a golden ticket raffle.

With the power of the golden ticket, Luke was also able to appoint a Vice-Principal (VP) for the day, which went to Kaiden.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

Luke explained to the Leinster Leader that the intriguing experiment was actually thought up by a pupil named Lorcan McDonnell-Whyte last year, when he was in Fourth Class.

The school loved his ingenious idea so much that they decided to make it a reality this year.

He also said that he initially 'couldn’t believe' that he had won the ticket, but was of course pleasantly surprised to win the role, and added that his family and friends were delighted for him also.

As part of their duties, Luke and Kaiden took part in a number of activities, including raising the school’s flag, handing out homework passes, and talking to their fellow pupils over the intercom.

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HARD WORK

When asked why he chose Kaiden as his VP, Luke, who is also running for a position with the school’s student council, said: "He is very a hard worker who always helps out in class a lot."

More importantly, when asked what he thinks of the school’s usual Principal, David Dempsey, Luke said: "He has a lot of big responsibilities, because he has to look after not just students, but also the teachers, SNAs, and school caretakers.

"He always works very hard to help everyone," Luke added.

The entrance to the Patrician Primary School at Chapel's Lane in Newbridge. Pic: Google Maps Street View.

Luke also said he remembered former principal’s John O’ Donovan run at the PPS before Principal Dempsey came onboard.

Praising John, saying: "He knew how to run it."

Well said Luke!

He said that he would like to see the competition make a return next year: "I think it would be good for someone else to experience this.

"It gives a good insight into what it’s like to be the principal."

A photographic highlight showing everything that Luke and Kaiden got up to in their brief but nevertheless prestigious tenures can be found on the PPS' official Twitter page.