JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mention the Junior School to most past students and the name of Fr. McHugh will inevitably surface.  For much of its development the fortunes of the Junior School are inextricably linked with his name.  After a distinguished career as a missionary in Nigeria and some years spent in pastoral work in England, Fr. Laurence McHugh was appointed to St. Michael’s as Dean of Studies in 1971.  He became Principal in 1975 and continued in that capacity until 1991.  While the length of time spent in a function does not determine its impact or its quality, 20 years is a significant duration.  His time in office will, however be better remembered for the depth of its commitment and the height of its purpose.  Even when his tenure as Principal had elapsed he retained a valuable link with the school as Manager of Admissions and as a priest who said mass daily for the students.  He continued in these roles until 2005 when he tranferred to a well deserved retirement in Kimmage Manor.

When Fr. McHugh retired as Principal of the Junior School in 1991, he was succeeded by Mr. John Kelly.

Mr. John Kelly’s appointment as Principal took effect from August 1st 1991.  John, who served the previous year as Dean of Studies graduated from St. Patrick’s Training College and had considerable experience of Primary Schools. His main concern was the development of the curriculum and of teaching methodologies. He was always available to parents for consultation and advice.

John’s successor, Mairead Burke who had joined the staff of St. Michael’s in September 1988,  became the Junior School’s first female principal when she was appointed to that post in 1993.

A native of Bandon, Co. Cork, Mairead was educated at Presentation Convent, Bandon and subsequently graduated B.Ed. (Hons), Diploma in Religion (Hons), Diploma in Drama (Hons) from St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra in 1983 and M.Ed from U.C.D. in October 1996. Ms Burke also taught in Primary Schools and T.E.F.L. Colleges in London, Dublin and Cork.  

During 1994 new buildings were added. The prefabs were joined on to the main school and extra classrooms and a new staffroom were built. Library presses were added to the corridors of both floors allowing the pupils to have greater access to new books, many of which had been donated by parents.

New computers were supplied for the classrooms from Third Form upwards during 1999.  Teachers participated in inservice sessions to improve their own computer skills.

In May of 1999 the staff and pupils of the Junior School were deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Brian Mahoney, Sixth Form teacher.  The staff of the Junior School were very grateful to the Principal and staff of the Senior School for the kindness and support offered at that difficult time.  In 2000, the Mahoney family presented the school with a beautiful bog oak sculpture which is awarded for general excellence to a pupil in Sixth Form each year.  This gracious gesture of the Mahoney family ensures that Brian’s memory will be perpetuated.

Ms. Lorna Heslin was appointed as Deputy Principal of the Junior School in January 2001

Following meetings between the *Des Places Association, parents and school management, the Constitution of the Parents Association was drawn up in 2003. The first meeting of the Parents Association took place In October and the following class representatives were elected:

Junior Infants    Mrs. Suzanne Deegan  

Senior Infants   Mrs. Rhona Mockler (Secretary)

First Form        Mr. Des Martin

Second Form   Mrs. Annette McDermott

Third Form       Mrs. Jackie Cleary

Fourth Form     Mrs. Fiona Barr (Chairperson)

Fifth Form        Mrs Evelyn Cregan (Treasurer)

Sixth Form       Mrs. Bronagh McCormack

[*The Des Places Association or the DEA, is a limited Company set up in 1999 by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit designated to act as Patron of the Holy Ghost schools and colleges in Ireland. See below.]

The end of the school year in 2003 saw the retirement of Mrs. Brid O’Connor.  Her leaving marked the end of thirty years of excellent teaching and dedicated service.

In 2004 our Principal Ms Mairead Burke began a career break and Ms. Heslin succeeded her as Acting Principal.

Following discussions with the DEA the appointment of the Junior School’s Board of Management took place with the following people agreeing to serve on the board for a three year period:

Prof. Peter Clarke (Chairperson)          Patron’s Nominee

Fr. Roddy Curran C.S.Sp                     Patron’s Nominee

Mr. Nap Keeling.                                 Patron’s Nominee

Mrs. Marian Shanley                            Patron’s Nominee

Mrs. Deirdre Hogan                             Teachers’ Representative

Mrs. Karen Reid                                  Parents’ Representative

Mr. Jeff Greene                                    Parents’ Representative

Ms. Lorna Heslin                                  Acting Principal and Board Secretary

At the end of the year, following a teaching career which began in the Secondary school and continued in the Junior School, Mrs. Finola Reid retired.  Mrs. Reid’s kindness, excellent teaching and commitment to the school will be fondly remembered by both teachers and past pupils.

Since 2001, the Junior School teachers have begun each academic year with inservice on the new primary school curriculum.  The changes in emphasis brought about in the new curriculum have been reflected in the work undertaken in the classrooms by both teachers and students alike. 

While the input of Holy Ghost fathers on the St. Michael’s staff has decreased in recent years, we are fortunate that Fr. Little CSSp remains as a link between the community and the Junior School.  As chaplain Fr. Little conducts practically all liturgical ceremonies.  Fr. Little’s association with St. Michael’s goes way-back, to 1957 in fact, when he came here as a prefect for the usual two year stint.  He returned here as a young priest in 1964 and since then has been unsparing of himself and totally dedicated to the welfare of the school and its pupils.  There is practically no aspect of the Junior School activities in which the trace of Fr. Little’s hand cannot be seen - games, drama, and contact with parents, to mention but some.  Fr. Galvin, in the sermon preached on the occasion of Fr. Tony’s priestly ordination Silver Jubilee, paid a glowing tribute to Fr. Little.  Fr. Galvin recalled that Fr. Tony was very, very generous with his time as a prefect and that no effort was too great as he helped to build up the reputation of the school. 

In 1976 a Ladies Committee was formed by Fr. Little to provide welcome refreshments for spectators and players after home games.  This functions as a pleasant social interlude.  They also supply refreshments on the occasions of the rugby and soccer festivals and Sports Day.  In 1990 they decided to hold an annual social evening – Race Night or Quiz Night for parents and this is an ongoing event.

For many years, boys in St. Michael’s went to Mass in the community Oratory. As part of Project 2000, a beautiful Chapel was included in the new Jubilee Development.  Students and staff attend Mass in the Chapel. The College Chapel is also used for Confessions and for the preparation ceremonies leading up to the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.  The Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Merrion Road is used for the ceremonies of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

Over the past ten years, the Learning Support unit has developed within the school. Currently learning support is offered in English and Mathematics, while children with specific learning difficulties availing of resource teaching.

The strong tradition of drama has continued in the Junior School.  Ms. Maire Cranny and Mrs. Rita English’s high standards have continued and boys in Fifth and Sixth Form continue to take part in a musical each January.  To recall the many years of productions under her guidance, the Maire Cranny Perpetual Cup was presented to the school. The cup is awarded to a pupil in Sixth Form for his role in the musical at the annual Graduation ceremony.

Since 2003, Mr./Mrs. Jimmy and Carol O’Beirne and Ms. Mary Rose Stauder have led the production team.  As always, Fr. Little and the class teachers are on hand to give assistance where required. 

Pupils from Junior Infants to Fourth Form also present a concert each year. The pupils are guided in their preparations by their class teacher and by Mrs. Nuala Bracken.

A commitment to the poor is central to the Spiritan ethos and throughout the year, pupils in the Junior School support charities working with the less privileged. The proceeds of the Christmas and Easter Concerts are donated to the Pontifical Mission Society “Children Helping Children”. Pupils gather in the Merrion Shopping Centre before Christmas to sing carols in aid of the St. Vincent De Paul society. The pupils also bring gifts of food to the Crib each Christmas. This food is sent to the Regina Coeli Hostel. We are greatly indebted to the parents of the Junior School pupils who always so generously contribute to these worthy causes and whose good example helps the boys to realise their responsibility to the less well off.

The physical and social development of the student is also a core value of our education system in St. Michael’s.  Pupils participate in weekly P.E. and swimming classes while extra curricular activities remain very much part of life in the Junior School.  Chess, tennis, art, hockey and French are offered after school while the tradition of rugby continues each evening and on Saturday mornings.  Each spring the pupils, accompanied by their teachers, support the Junior and Senior Cup teams in the Leinster School competitions.

In the mid 1990’s Ms. Boden began the Junior School Choir. The choir sing at all religious ceremonies and add much to these occasions.  The choir is now in the capable hands of Mrs. Deirdre Hogan with rehearsals taking place once a week during school time.

The beginning of the 2006-2007 academic year saw significant developments.  Ms Mairead Burke resigned from her position as Principal of the Junior School and Ms Lorna Heslin was appointed to succeed her.

Ms Burke was a wonderfully dedicated principal and a great asset to the school. She always demanded standards of excellence from both staff and pupils and in doing so exemplified the best aspect of a Catholic education. Her efforts ensured that the boys achieved their full potential across all aspects of the educational spectrum. Her attention to detail was exceptional and shone through not only in the classrooms but also at religious ceremonies and drams performances which are part of Junior School life.

As a colleague, Ms Burke was always available to the staff and continuously gave support and advice.  In the staffroom her presence and sense of humour were much appreciated.  While expecting the best of the pupils at all times, Ms Burke was always fair and kind in her dealings with them.  Ms. Burke always balanced her professionalism with kindness and will be fondly remembered by staff, pupils and parents.

After many years of dedicated teaching in the infant classrooms, Mrs. Leslie Herriott and Mrs. Nuala Bracken retired in 2006. We acknowledge their huge contribution to the Junior School and to St. Michael’s College and wish them health and happiness in well deserved retirement.

A native of Kilrush, Co. Clare, Mrs. Bracken began her teaching career in the Junior school in 1973.  In the early years, Mrs. Bracken taught the preparatory classes and then progressed to Senior Infants. She set very high standards for her young charges but they never failed to rise to the challenge. In particular parents and pupils will have fond memories of Mrs. Bracken’s concerts where the pupils performed at the highest standard to the obvious appreciation of the audiences. Mrs. Bracken still helps with the drama on an occasional basis.  This gesture alone reflects her loyalty to the school and to the Holy Ghost Order.

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Last modified: 11-Nov-2008