I would like to welcome all students, parents, past-pupils and visitors to the website on this the 60th Academic Year in De La Salle College Churchtown. From humble beginnings in 1952 the College has grown and matured into a well regarded and respected academic institution in South County Dublin and has contributed to the education and spiritual development of many people. It is a great privilege for me as a former pupil, teacher and Deputy Principal to be appointed Headmaster. I would like to thank everybody for the many messages of support and encouragement that I have received on my appointment.
Ms Betty O'Connell from the College teaching staff has been appointed Deputy Principal. I look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead. Ms O'Connell taught Religion and History and in more recent years was instrumental in setting up and operating the very successful Learning Support programme in De La Salle College.
The College is experiencing a period of growth. Student numbers are slowly increasing, following the demise during the Celtic Tiger years. I can assure everybody that the College is a vibrant state and must pay tribute to my predecessor Mr Tim Sheehan who provided such great leadership and direction over the last 10 years. I wish him well in his retirement and hope he has many happy days ahead.
Congratulations to our Leaving Certificate students who received such wonderful results in their recent exams. We are very proud of their achievements and in particular must commend Eamonn O'Shea on achieving 7 As. We hope that all the students will gain entry to their chosen career areas and that they will prosper and find fulfilment throughout their lives. We wish them well and will remember them with fondness.
The year ahead will be challenging, as the effects of the economic cutbacks are felt. The reality of the Department of Education and Skills philosophy of 'Managing Better with Less' will make life difficult for all of us and will limit the changes and improvement that we would like to achieve. However with the support of a very dedicated and committed teaching staff, the encouragement of the parent body and the application of the students, I know that we can provide a quality education service for all our students.
Lorcan Balfe,
Headmaster.