THERE was lots to celebrate at Le Chéile secondary school in Tyrrelstown at its recent graduation ceremony of sixth year students.
The class of 2019 were the school’s first cohort of sixth year graduates and Le Chéile was also celebrating being presented with a College Awareness Week (CAW) supporters' award.
Le Chéile first opened its doors on Mill Street in September 2014 and while officially a Catholic school it has a diverse school population of all cultures and backgrounds.
“Our school is one of the most diverse, if not the most diverse, school in the country with over 67 different nationalities attending here and for many of our students, they are the first generation of their families to apply for and attend third level education and will be the first to experience university life,” said proud principal, Dr Áine Moran.
The school’s College Awareness Week award was recognition of its efforts in the annual campaign that focuses on raising awareness of educational opportunities, particularly amongst those under-represented in further education.
“This is a special and momentous time in our school,” said Dr Moran.
“We strive to educate the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually and we are constantly trying to inform our students about the possibilities in life and education, and to receive an award acknowledging our efforts and ethos from College Awareness Week is really exciting.
“The range of options available to students In Ireland today are incredibly varied, and it is so important that every student in this country, are made aware of the options available to them.”
Le Chéile was one of only 10 recipients of a 2018 CAW Supporter Award. Head Girl and Le Chéile Leaving Certificate student, Andrea Bayer spoke about the award.
“The College Awareness Week initiative in our school was extremely helpful,” she said.
“If you were confused on what colleges to pick on your CAO and if you didn’t get to go to the Open Days, the speakers from different colleges helped to clarify any questions.
“It was really helpful to talk to teachers during this week also, especially teachers that studied an area of similar interest to me like Law and I could talk to them about the different clubs and societies they participated in during college.”
Last year, a total of 243 second level schools were involved with CAW.
That’s an increase from 133 in 2017, and it represents 34 percent of all secondary school in Ireland.
Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals said the goal of CAW was to raise awareness of the value of education among communities that can benefit from it the most.
“Education is for everyone, and it is for a lifetime,” he added.
“The benefits of education cannot be overstated.
“The positive effects of education is not limited to the individual, buts spreads widely among their families communities, society, and most importantly, is passed on through generations.
“Our goal is to see the ripple effects of education spread through the country. For Le Chéile, this is a significant milestone in achieving that goal.”