St Clare’s College – strong community links
Image 1 of 2
Transition Year students Cian Harten, Declan Goldrick and Diarmuid Lee set up a social enterprise and secured generous sponsorship for a new set of Senior boys football jerseys from Aurora Beds, Corlurgan, Cavan. We would like to thank Padraig Donohoe, Managing Director of Aurora Beds for his kind contribution and we hope that the new jerseys will bring us luck on the pitch. From left; Ms Goldrick, (teacher) Declan Goldrick, Padraig Donohoe (Aurora Beds) and Cian Harten. Missing from photo: Diarmuid Lee.Image 2 of 2
Student Gavin McComiskey graduating from St Clare’s College with staff member and mother Sam McComiskey.St Clare's College Ballyjamesduff prides itself on following in the tradition of their founders, the Sisters of St Clare, “to bring service to the community”. The strong bond between the second level school and the community is reflected in many ways.
The school provides quality teaching and learning within a caring climate of mutual respect. That ethos of mutual respect is reflected in the local community where St Clare's has been very proactive in the last year in providing support for students in particularly difficult circumstances during the pandemic in a remote learning environment.
School principal, Teresa Donnellan, says St Clare's adapted to those conditions: “The school operated safely and our curriculum was delivered to our students. Microsoft Teams is our online platform. Our curriculum continued to offer a Transition Year Programme, LCA Programme and LCVP along with the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate.”
Teacher Yvonne Kilkenny said the school's role in the community was strengthened in the last 12 months: “We get a lot of support from local businesses and, like them, we are deeply rooted in the community. There is a relationship between the college and local businesses through our students. Many of the pupils of St Clare's College will be working over the summer. Many more have had placements as part of Transition Year and LCVP students and that further strengthen the links between us and local businesses,” Yvonne explained.
The college said they would like to wish the many business in Ballyjamesduff the best of luck as they open up to the new opportunities that present themselves.