Celebrating creativity and learning at Inver College
It was a proud day at Inver College last Thursday as the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, paid a visit to the school.
Minister Naughton was warmly welcomed by the Chief Executive of CMETB, Dr Fiona McGrath; Principal Sinead McColgan; and Deputy Principals, Ms Fiona Mulholland and Mr Paudie Finnegan.
Their reception set the tone for a visit that highlighted the school’s achievements, its commitment to inclusive education and its growing reputation for excellence across academic and practical disciplines.
The school’s talented musicians, Elana Walsh, Jessica McGovern, Aoibheann Hill, Maggie Rooney, Zoe Mulholland and Sean Walsh provided traditional Irish music, creating a vibrant atmosphere and showcasing the cultural life of Inver College.
A particular highlight of the visit was Minister Naughton’s meeting with the students who recently secured a coveted place in the Junk Kouture World Final. She praised Marija Cernikova and Molly Markey for their creativity and dedication, noting that their success reflects the school’s strong support for the arts and sustainable design.
Her tour of the school also took her to several classrooms and labs where students were busy working on technical graphics and design projects; conducting experiments and working on their projects.
Ministerial delight
Minister Naughton expressed her delight at seeing so many girls actively participating in STEM and practical subjects - an encouraging sign of growing diversity in these fields.
One of the most meaningful parts of Minister Naughton’s visit was her time in the school’s autism class. There, she met and spoke at length with the ASD classroom manager, Helen Clinch; teachers and Special Needs Assistants who all looked on with pride as students from ‘The Homeroom’ engaged confidently and warmly with the Minister.
The Minister commended the staff for their dedication and the students for their enthusiasm, noting the importance of inclusive education and the supportive environment evident within the ASD classrooms.
Later, First Year student, Finn Kellet, presented Minister Naughton with a piece of Carrickmacross lace.
The day served as a celebration of Inver College’s achievements, its inclusive ethos and its commitment to preparing students for a bright and diverse future.
Also present- CMETB chair Aprilanna Barker; Cllr Colm Carthy (SF), Deputy David Maxwell (FG), Sen Robbie Gallagher (FF); Cllrs PJ O’Hanlon (FF), Aidan Campbell (FG) and Peter Conlon (FG).