St Dominic’s College needs you!
By Aura McMenamin
The story and successes of St Dominic’s College in Ballyfermot are showcased through a colourful eight-page special in this week’s edition of The Echo.
The insert, which was compiled by the school community with some design help from The Echo, features interviews with teachers and pupils, past and present, on why the 62-year-old school has a special place in the hearts of students.
This eight-page special looks at recent achievements of the Dominican school, which last year became a recipient of the prestigious 21st Century School of Distinction award.
In an interview, Principal Mary Daly said: “We are so proud of our students and teachers at St Dominic’s College.
“We have embraced 21st century teaching that now sets us apart as a certified School of Distinction, an accolade award for the school’s innovation in the classroom and development of a college-going culture in our curriculum.”
The DEIS school, which adopts a holistic approach to education, was founded in 1956 and currently has 320 students.
It has 34 teaching staff, many of whom attended the school – including current teacher and Ballyfermot native, Jennifer McMahon who shares her story with readers.
The Ballyfermot school for girls boasts an impressive 98 retention rate among students who complete their Leaving Certificate, with 49 per cent of students going on to third-level education – around double the national rate of students who attend college from disadvantaged areas.
This Echo Newspaper insert also has a special message from former Minister of Education and St Dominic’s College school board chair Mary Hanafin and an interview with professional dancer and Dancing with the Stars partner Karen Byrne who attended the school – and is this year partnered up with Jake Carter on the hit RTE show.
According to Karen: “I don’t buy into the notion that because you’re from somewhere presumed to be disadvantaged that you can’t achieve what you put your mind to.
“Mary Daly and St Dominic’s never let you think you can’t achieve and aspire to what you want.”
This special also includes students’ stories as well photos of students engaged in the St Dominic’s many extracurricular activities such as rugby, music and debating.
See this week’s Echo for the celebratory insert on St Dominic’s, which has launched a major recruitment drive for new students.
