St Mary's Boys' School, Drogheda, Co Louth: Paddy Darcy - National school principal

What's it like to work in St Mary's?

I'm just starting my second year as principal at St Mary's and it's been very rewarding so far. The staff are very dedicated to providing the best start in life for these boys. Primary education is the foundation of all education and we take our role very seriously. As Dr Tom Collins of Dundalk IT put it the other day, the Celtic Tiger was born out of our excellent primary education service, even though we are the "Cinderella" of the system at the moment.

How does this job compare to your last job?

As a teacher at St Mary's I was in charge of 34 students and had built up strong relationships with them and their parents. They were able to get to know me and see the human side of me - we had a bit of banter together every day. As principal I am in charge of all the students and all the staff. There is more of a "social work" dimension to my role as I look at the wider issues confronting students, adult staff and families.

What's the best part of your job?

I get deep satisfaction when a child has received the special help that he needs and has progressed as a result. When learning support is made available to a student, and it works, it is a source of great satisfaction and delight to me.

What's the hardest part of your job?

Explaining to parents the difficulties in dealing with the Department of Education in getting extra resources for children with special needs. The process is very slow.

At the moment, we are waiting for support for a child with autism. We applied in June and still have no word. We hoped that the new weighted system would improve matters but have been told that it won't apply to us until next year.

Where's the best place in St Mary's to retreat to when it all gets too much?

After a difficult interview I like to take a walk around the school building to get a perspective on things. When I go out on to the street I am reminded that everyone has their own problems to deal with.

Who's your education idol?

John P. Wilson, former tánaiste and Minister for Education. He was my Latin lecturer in college - no one was ever tempted to skip his lectures. As a minister, he really put a lot of resources into education.

If you could change one thing about St Mary's, what would it be? I'd love if we had playing pitches of our own.

What's unique about St Mary's?

We live in an area called Little Ulster. There's a real community here. The parents work hard for the school and that helps, from discipline to creating a warm atmosphere.