Ms Liz McDermott:

Yes, he is 14 now and in second year in school. He is very bright and popular and has a very full life. He is probably the most outgoing of all of my children. He faces his challenges. It is hard for me to talk about him because he is my son, but the poem his teacher gave me when he finished primary school taught me what other people, and not just me, get from him. He would probably cringe now if he knew I was reading this poem out. It will not win any prizes but it says a lot. The teacher writes:

John McDermott, what a guy,

Never afraid, not all that shy,

He inspires all around him from day to day,

Blue Steel surrounds him, come what may.

Modesty and brilliance wears well on his shoulders,

His friends will testify that he's strong as a boulder,

He is friends to all, both young and old,

Never a bad word to say, no matter how bold.

His work speaks for itself from year to year,

No challenge too big, the solution always clear,

His wit and humour delight his peers

Always there for his friends over the years.

John was born to discover and create

To feel inspired, never to imitate.

So please John, allow us to thank your eight years,

It goes without saying your leaving St. Mary's brings us all to tears.

Blue Steel is something from a cartoon, I think. I do not know about the members of the committee but I have never had a poem written for me. That is what John meant to this school and to other people.