SIMPSON M
It was a day of happiness and joy at Kashenyi Secondary School in Ruhinda Sub-county, Rukungiri District, as staff, parents, and well-wishers bid farewell to one of their long-serving senior headteachers, Canon Twinomujuni Wycliff Mackey.
The farewell ceremony, held at the school premises on Sunday, was marked by heartfelt tributes. Retired Venerable Geoffrey Mutabazi, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, praised the management of Kashenyi Secondary School for honoring their retirees and providing such an official send-off. He commended the school staff for their cooperation with Canon Mackey, which led to significant achievements over the years.
Canon Mackey, who has served as headteacher from 2007 to 2024—an impressive 17-year tenure—will officially leave his post on October 9, 2024, upon reaching the retirement age of 60. In his speech, he advised fellow teachers to serve diligently and encouraged them to foster teamwork and collaboration among themselves.
The retiring headteacher expressed his gratitude to the staff who supported him throughout his career, making his work easier and more fulfilling. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in elevating the school to new heights. Canon Mackey also highlighted the role of prayer in maintaining discipline in a large institution like a school, noting its power in preventing negative influences from affecting the students.
Addressing the students, Canon Mackey urged them to maintain a positive mindset, remain aware of their backgrounds, and stay focused on building a brighter future. He also called upon the remaining staff to set a good example for their students, as teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for children on behalf of their parents. Furthermore, he encouraged the Kashenyi community to warmly welcome his successor.
The Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Davis Mutabanura, expressed his gratitude to Canon Mackey for his selfless service, acknowledging his key role in the school’s achievements over the years. He noted that both he and Canon Mackey began their service at Kashenyi Secondary School in 2007, and they have accomplished significant milestones together, including winning trophies in sports and overseeing infrastructural development. Under Canon Mackey’s leadership, the school’s enrollment grew from 400 students to over 1,000.
As a token of appreciation, the school management rewarded Canon Mackey with a car, presented in the form of a cheque. The Deputy Headteacher, Mr. Francis Tusiingwire, lauded Canon Mackey’s bravery, leadership, and dedication to the school. He commented that the farewell was a fitting tribute to Mackey’s 17 years of dedicated service and leadership, highlighting his commitment to development and his straightforward approach to issues.
Robert Byamukama, a physics and mathematics teacher at the school, praised Canon Mackey’s fairness and approachability. He noted that Mackey treated both teaching and non-teaching staff equally and was always available to counsel and assist those in need. His unwavering support for school activities was also highly appreciated.
Nicholas Bikogwamuhangi, the head boy of Kashenyi Secondary School, shared that the students would deeply miss Canon Mackey’s guidance, particularly his advice to pray regularly. He described him as kind-hearted, mentioning that Mackey had personally supported many vulnerable students from poor backgrounds by paying their school fees.
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