Summerhill College’s new five-year plan announced
A NEW five-year strategic plan has been announced for Summerhill College.
The plan, entitled Realising Our Potential, builds on the success of the school’s previous plan, Looking to the future, Treasuring the Past.
The plan is the outcome of a lengthy consultation process with students, staff, parents/ guardians and members of the alumni association.
During the consultation a number of key areas of interest emerged – curriculum, culture, relationships, policy and planning. These headings have provided key areas for action which the college will focus on developing over the next five years.
A comprehensive implemen- tation plan has been drawn up to ensure that the targets outlined are achieved in a timely fashion. The aim throughout is to provide the students of the college with the best possible educational experience in a caring and nurturing environment.
Among other things, the plan envisages the continued development of the alumni association which was officially launched in 2018, an alumni career mentoring programme for students, supports for staff development, in particular for the use of ICT and peer to peer coaching.
It also includes the further development of pastoral care services with a particular focus on the promotion of restorative practice and the friends first programmes encouraging positive mental health, the development of the school campus to incorporate addition classrooms, technology rooms and sporting facilities.
Also planned is the introduction of computer science and physical education as senior cycle subjects as well as the continuation of a researched informed school with formal links with local third level institutions.
The online launch was streamed from the college and included speeches from the college’s patron, Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin; Stephen Doyle, chairperson of the Student Council; Mary
Moore, chairperson of the Parents’ Association; Eugene Toolan, chairperson of the school’s board of management; Dr Jim Browne, president of the Alumni Association; Paul Keogh, principal, and Dr Joseph Duffy, a past pupil and CEO of Jigsaw, a national organisation promoting positive mental health for young people.
Dr Duffy welcomed the plan complimenting all in the college community for their forward thinking and their openness to engaging with programmes and initiatives which foster the positive mental health of all in the school.
Welcoming the plan, college principal Paul Keogh noted that the plan “is another important stage in Summerhill’s journey”. He said: “As we approach 130 years in Sligo, we are continuing to strive for excellence in a caring environment.
“This plan is another part of the evolution of the college as it continues to positively influence the educational experience of the young men of Sligo.”
Eugene Toolan, chairperson of the board of management, thanked all those who had contributed to the process. Praising the dedication and creativity of the students and staff of the college, he said: “The title of the plan ‘Realising our Potential’ and the plan itself perfectly captures what is sacred about the college’s mission and vision, a school which is always striving to improve and do better and make the experiences in the school community as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
“The priority areas agreed for action are in perfect harmony with the aims of the college and capture and reflect the Catholic ethos and spirit, values and rich history and traditions of the college.”