Deputy Principals Address
Dear Prospective Pupils and Parents/Guardians,
This
is a most exciting time for me personally, having recently been appointed
as Deputy Principal of Athlone Community College. I am honoured and privileged
to have been given that role, and look forward to working closely with
the Principal, Mrs.Eileen Donohoe and our dedicated staff. It is equally
an exciting time for you as you contemplate the change from Primary to
Secondary school. There is reason to be excited but not afraid, hopeful
but not apprehensive. We are here to help you make the transition a smooth
one.
Our philosophy is one of Holism, where we aim to nurture the development of all our students as pupils and more importantly as people. Our co-educational approach to learning places emphasis on equal opportunity for all, and provides flexibility in response to an ever changing society. We also encourage mutual respect for one another, where the job of learning becomes a reciprocal experience.
Academically we cater for all students by placing priority on their needs. Our wide range of extra curricular activities are a fundamental part of our school endeavours, whether it is on the playing fields, the concert stage, the debating chamber, or elsewhere. You will all find your niche whatever it might be. The writer Ann Frank once said ‘Parents and teachers can only give good advice or put students on the right path, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.’
I believe the values we instil in young people in Athlone Community College will stand you in good stead for the rest of your lives. The atmosphere of camaraderie, achievement, and a sense of belonging are very evident among our student body and can be observed on a daily basis. I hope you take this opportunity to observe this sense of belonging for yourself on Open Night, and I hope to have the privilege of watching and helping you grow into young men and women of whom we will be deservedly proud.
I would encourage you, on open night, to view all our exhibits and to ask any question that you have from any of the staff. The choice of secondary school is too serious a choice to be left to chance.
Tom Whyte
Acting Deputy Principal