News

As Trustees and Board of Management of Gormanston College, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Dermot Lavin as the new Principal of the College and Mr. Padraic O' Dowd as the new Deputy Principal. Their last schools were very reluctant to see these forward thinking men leave.

Dermot, a native of Dundalk, Co. Louth and a past pupil of the College, joins us from Meopham School, Gravesend in Kent where he has gained 20 years experience.

He comes with extensive middle management experience in education and elsewhere and has been Deputy Head Master for 6 years.

Padraic comes to us from Ashbourne Community School and has 17 years teaching experience in the areas of Business Studies and Religion while also acting as Guidance Counsellor. These new appointment are occurring in a crucial time for our College and the education system in Ireland. While we are facing significant challenges, we also recognise the enormous resources and rich tradition of our College to meet these challenges.

One of the most important dimensions in building a sustainable and successful future will be the new leadership team working in partnership with the excellent staff of the College. The process of appointment has been extensive and rigorous. We are very grateful to all who have participated in this process and are delighted that the Board of Management has come to a unanimous decision regarding those who will be charged with leadership for our College in the coming years.

There can be no doubt that the College is heading into a time of real challenge. We as Trustees and Board wish to play our full part in doing all possible to address these challenges effectively. We will do so in partnership with the teaching staff, parents, support staff and students. It is only working in a genuine partnership that the true potential of our college will be realised. There is much work to be done in the coming year especially to chart a vibrant, relevant and compelling direction for our College. It will demand resourcefulness and generosity on all sides - we are ready to play our part and look forward to working at this time of new beginnings.

We propose to resource a significant strategic planning process to outline a development plan for our College over the coming years with an emphasis on professional development and teacher support; curriculum review and planning; and pastoral support among other aspects that will be only finalised after a period of consultation. This education strategic plan will have, as its vision, Gormanston college as a beacon of education provision in Ireland.

We look forward to working with you at this time of hope and promise for our College.


From

Camilla Hannon
Chairperson
Board of Management

and

Caoimhín Ó Laoide
Provincial
Franciscan Province of Ireland