August 28, 2012
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all the teachers and students to De La Salle College Churchtown for the 2012/2013 school year - our 60th Academic Year. When Brother Patrick McCann FSC opened the College in September 1952, he did so to 44 students spread over the several years. From these humble beginning the College has grown and has matured into a respected educational establishment in South County Dublin that has contributed to the education and spiritual development of many people. Today, the College continues to grow and we have about 360 students and 30 teachers. Over the last 60 years many of our past pupils have achieved great success in their chosen careers in the business, medical, legal, educational and sporting worlds. We commend them on their successes and wish them continued prosperity and success. In particular, we wish to mark the retirement of our past pupil Damien Duff from the Ireland team after a superb international career.
Leaving Certificate reuslts were excelllent again this year. I would like to congratulate all our students on their achievements
Leaving Certificate results were excellent again this year. I would like to congratulate all our students on their achievements and pay tribute to the teachers who guided and assisted them in their endeavours. We are very proud of all these students, and despite the surge in points at Third Level, we hope that they will achieve access to their chosen areas of further study and in their future lives. We wish them all well and encourage them to stay in touch with us here in the College.
As we start the school year, I welcome back again all the students. A special welcome is extended to all our the new students. I hope that you will have a good year; that you will work hard at your academic tasks and that you will involve yourself in the many extra-curricular activities in the College. I hope that you will grow and prosper as informed individuals and that you will acquire the necessary social, educational and spiritual skills to find fulfilment in life.
I would like to congratulate current 6th Year Student Robert Gaughan, who represented Dublin Minors throughout this year's Championship, and Daniel Plummer, who was selected for the Irish Inland Fishing team. Six students, Kevin Curry, Gavin Gaynor, Jamie Hanlon, Aaron McGinnity, Stephen O'Donnell and Daniel Plummer will shortly head off to Lourdes as part of the Schools Support Programme for the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage. We wish them well.
The years ahead will be ones of great change. As Ireland slowly pulls itself out of the economic mess, we are continuing to experience cutbacks in investment in education, in the provision of Resources for Special Needs Pupils and in the payment of allowances to teachers. At the same time the demand for curriculum change at both Junior and Senior levels continues, along with the continued roll out of Project Maths and the development and delivery of a new focus on Literacy and Numeracy. I know that the dedication and professionalism of the teaching staff and the support of the parent body will ensure that we can continue to provide a quality education service for our students.