Exciting developments at Ó Fiaich Educational Campus, Dundalk
A YEAR on from its move to the former Keytronic Building on Dundalk’s Ramparts, and Pádraig McGovern, Principal of Ó Fiaich Institute has a summer of works ahead expanding further the facilities and courses on offer to PLC students in the region.
“We work very closely with industry and government support agencies to ensure that the courses we offer are in line with market demands, so with this in mind we plan to add new courses for 2017/18 intake and the interest levels so far from our first round of interviews have been extremely encouraging.”
Principal McGovern outlined the importance of Further Education in a learner’s journey, “a certified PLC course gives you a variety of options with defined and accessible routes to take, Ó Fiaich work very closely with Higher Education providers to map progression routes from our Further Education courses onto related Higher Education courses. Many of our students progress onto degree programmes and many are now in professions they love.”
New courses for September 2017 • Hairdressing & Barbering • Golf & Sports Management • Animal Science • Youth Work (including SNA) • TV & Film Production • Pre-University Arts
Robin House gives Ó Fiaich Institute much needed space to cope with ever growing numbers year on year. The state of the art facilities offered are a testament to the commitment shown by LMETB, Mr McGovern and his staff to the ongoing support offered to PLC students in Dundalk and the wider regions.
What our 2016/17 students say:
“There are great supports here to achieve your goals; there is a great atmosphere in Robin House”.
“Robin House is a great place to be, the facilities are second to none, and the teachers have made sure this course will give me a new and exciting career.”
“We love being part of a college campus that is so convenient, modern and progressive.”
“I was delighted to find an holistic course that welcomed both men and women, I enjoyed it completely.”
PLC applications for 2017/18
First round interviews for PLC courses took place in May, and many students are in the process of receiving their offers over the next few days. Second round interviews will happen in late August and we are open all summer for enquiries from students exploring their options after Leaving Certificate 2017 results are out.
The student body at Ó Fiaich is diverse with people of all ages and backgrounds coming to study within the College and our progression onto higher education or into work exceed national trends. Our student catchment area is also broadening with students travelling from Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath and Dublin; indeed this year we have had students from as far as Roscommon and Leitrim enrolling. This trend will continue to grow as the range and reputation of our courses grow. It is also due to the extensive transport links that the Institute has implemented in order to service an even wider spread of areas.
For further information on the courses on offer this September check out our website on www.ofi.ie
Appointment of Deputy Principal to Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education
Margaret Deegan was recently appointed as Deputy Principal to Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education and brings with her a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and boundless energy.
Coming from Ó Fiaich Post Primary as Deputy Principal, Ms Deegan understands completely the transition from Post Primary to Third Level and also as a former mature student herself, she knows the emotions that descend when a mature learner makes the first steps back into study. Margaret is a champion of further education and the options it affords the learner “The Ó Fiaich Campus embodies everything that I believe is most important in education, it is inclusive, accessible and compassionate. It provides opportunity for all, and the highly professional and dedicated staff ensure that every student, young and not so young, from every economic and social background, can and will achieve their potential.”
Ms Deegan outlined her plans for PLC moving forward – It is intended to further develop the course offerings within the Institute so that students have every opportunity for progression to third level education or employment. Collaboration with third level providers such as DKIT, Hibernia College, Irish Institute of Accounting Technicians Ireland and ITB mean that students frequently can enjoy the advantages of advanced entry into their chosen courses. Ó Fiaich Institute will continue to reach out to the people of Dundalk and the surrounding hinterland to ensure that community groups, those returning to education after a long break, and recent school leavers will have a range of relevant, challenging and progressive courses to choose from.
The college continues to work closely with local employers, listening to what skills they require from potential employees, providing opportunities for students to re-skill and upskill so that they can help the local economy to grow and develop into the future. It is envisaged that Ó Fiaich Institute will develop the Robin House Campus over the coming years to that it further enhances the offering of health, wellbeing, holistic, sports and care related courses. This dynamic centre situated right in the heart of the town of Dundalk will become a centre associated with excellence.
Ms Deegan goes on to state “I am so excited and pleased to take on a leadership position in the Institute at a time when we are growing and developing so rapidly. Together with Mr McGovern and Ms Flood I will work to ensure that every student at Post Primary and Post Leaving Certificate level receive the very best educational opportunity possible. We, along with our team of hugely dedicated staff, are totally committed collectively and individually to our students. We look forward to supporting the learning and development of every student who enters our doors”.
Appointment of new Deputy Principal Audrey Flood to Ó Fiaich College
Ó Fiaich College is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Audrey Flood as second Deputy Principal to the college with effect from September 1st.
Ms. Flood has taught in Ó Fiaich College for the last nine years during which time she has developed and piloted many initiatives. She co-ordinated the extremely successful Transition Year Programme which uses emerging technologies and progressive teaching and learning techniques. This bridging Programme between junior and senior cycles has provided students with a
very broad and holistic educational experience. As well as building on educational experience gained in primary school and in junior cycle Post Primary, students are exposed to new and innovative experiences and skills designed to help them in further and higher educational programmes and in employment. Students engaged with employers, community groups and voluntary organisations and received many commendations from local employers and organisations such as Special Olympics Ireland, St. Vincent De Paul and The Irish Heart Foundation.
Audrey promotes and advocates the use of Information and Communication Technology as an aid to learning and was instrumental in the promotion and development of Ó Fiaich College as one of the first iPad schools in the county.
Audrey holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from NUIG. She has recently completed Year One of a Masters in Education in NUI Maynooth. A native of Co. Monaghan, Audrey is a past pupil of St Aidan’s Comprehensive, Cootehill, Co Cavan. She has taught a range of business subjects in Carndonagh Community School, Castleblayney College and Ó Fiaich College during her career to date.
“I am delighted and enthusiastic to be appointed Deputy Principal of Ó Fiaich College and look forward to working with Pádraig Mc Govern, Principal, Margaret Deegan, current Deputy Principal, teachers, students, parents/guardians and the wider community in a leadership role. It is my ambition to ensure that every individual learner obtains the very best educational opportunities to suit their particular aptitudes and career preferences. The Ó Fiaich Educational Campus facilitates learners to develop skills needed for the future, while promoting the concept of lifelong learning. I am excited to be part of the management team who will develop innovative educational courses in response to societal needs in order to provide a broad, progressive range of career and employment based programmes and courses”.
Audrey enjoys reading, walking, running and keeping fit. She recently completed the Ladies Mini Marathon with ten colleagues from Ó Fiaich. An active member of her local community, Audrey is treasurer of Bawn Area Community Groups Ltd. She uses her many talents to help in a wide range of community events and activities.
Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education Graduation
Our 2016/17 PLC Students and their families and friends came out in huge numbers to celebrate their graduation in late May. Deputy Principal Ms Margaret Deegan welcomed the large crowd gathered in the Crowne Plaza and also welcomed guests Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Adult and Further Education, LMETB, Imelda Prunty, Adult Education Officer LMETB and Mr Davy McDonnell, Principal of Drogheda Institute of Further Education. The evening’s award recipients included those who achieved the highest academic awards within their class groups. See two tables of award nominees and winners above.
Principal of Ó Fiaich Educational Campus, Mr Pádraig McGovern sincerely commended each and every student for their dedication and commitment to their course, reminding them that Ó Fiaich will continue to support them in their onward journey to Higher Education or into full-time careers.
Each student received a certificate from their course tutors and celebrations moved onto Dundalk and continued into the wee small hours. All the staff wish each and every graduate the very best of luck in their next step.
Ó Fiaich College Sixth Year Graduation Night
On 25th May, our 6th year students assembled with their family and friends to mark the final days of their Post Primary journey. Students took part in a Memories Tree ceremony, posting their fondest memories of their time at Ó Fiaich. Our head girl Molly McShane spoke of her time at Ó Fiaich and of landing here without knowing anyone and quickly making firm friends with many.
Fr Duffy celebrated with us through prayer and with the help of many of the 6th year students, this prayer service organised by religion teacher Ms McBride gave time for those present to reflect on past achievements and also raise awareness amongst the student body that the journey of life continues and their potential is there for the taking. Councillor Emma Coffey, former student at Ó Fiaich College, encouraged students to reach for the stars in their lives. She spoke of the lifelong friends she made here. Learn by our mistakes to build a stronger future for yourself is Emma’s motto. She was inspirational to listen to and her pride in being present in her old Alma Mater was evident.
Sixth Year Head Ms Claire Morton highly commended the students, congratulating them on their many achievements, and wished them every success and happiness as they take their leave of Ó Fiaich College and embark on the next exciting stages of their lives. The graduation ceremony resonated of care and respect that epitomises life within the college. Many parents and teachers attended the event, and there was great pride and emotion evident as each student moved forward to be presented with their certificate and symbolic graduation gift. The students stayed on to enjoy refreshments with their parents and families before moving on to celebrate the night together.