Tribute to Donald Hayes

It was with sadness that the School received news that Donald Hayes, a former Vice Principal at Glenlola Collegiate, passed away at the weekend.

Donald who was known to some fellow teachers as ‘Joelie’,  joined the School in 1960 as the first male teacher of Mathematics, and made learning as entertaining as possible for his pupils.  In 1984 he was appointed to Head of Middle School, and in 1990 became Vice-Principal, retiring in 1994.

During his time at Glenlola, he was involved as Stage Manager for most of the school productions and created most of the scenery.  He started the Car Rally, sending scores of “mad, novice lady drivers” around the countryside using hand-written maps in search of clues (days before satnav and mobile phones!), where many got lost in North Down.

He was one of the key organisers of the school exchanges between Bundesgymnasium in Bregenz, Austria, and helped to entertain the Bregenz pupils when they were in Bangor.  Donald was also the ‘go between’ between the Boys’ Grammar School and Glenlola, resolving any trouble the girls got themselves into, and trying to avoid any potential incidents, particularly around the end of year school celebrations – which was not always a success according to those who were taught by Donald.

Donald had a strong commitment and passion to education for young people.  He was appointed to the SEELB in 1986 to represent North Down; in 1988 he was appointed as Chairman of Youth Service Committee and later Education Committee; and in 1986, he was appointed as SEELB representative of 13 Boards of Governors.  Donald was also Mayor of North Down between 1988-1989.

Donald was always upbeat and optimistic – never known to be in a bad mood.  Through his work in the teaching profession he enriched the lives of many and was respected by all who had the privilege to work with him. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Our condolences go out to his family.

Mr W E Thompson
Headmaster