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Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Staff,

As we come to the close of another school year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved and to thank those who have contributed so much to the life of our school community.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Third Year students who have completed their Junior Cycle examinations and to our Sixth Year students who have just finished their Leaving Certificate. The dedication, resilience and hard work you have shown throughout this year have been truly impressive. You have done yourselves and your families proud. We look forward to celebrating your results with you in August and wish you every success as you prepare for the next chapter of your lives.

This year marked a significant milestone in the history of Mount Carmel Secondary School as our patronage formally transferred from the Religious Sisters of Charity to the Jesuits. In May, we gathered as a community for a deeply moving ceremony to mark this transition. It was a moment of profound gratitude for the Sisters, who have shaped the ethos and spirit of our school for generations, and a moment of hope and excitement as we embrace our new Jesuit identity. We are privileged to join a network of Jesuit schools and ministries committed to educational excellence, social justice and the formation of young people as men and women for others. We look forward to deepening our connection with our fellow Jesuit institutions in the Dublin 1 area, including Belvedere College (www.belvederecollege.ie), Gardiner Street Church (St Francis Xavier's) (www.gardinerstreetparish.ie), The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (www.jcfj.ie) and Gardiner Street Primary School (www.gardinerstreetschool.ie)

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our staff, who have given so generously of their time, energy and talents throughout the year. Your commitment to the education and wellbeing of our students goes far beyond the classroom. The care, creativity and professionalism you bring to your work each day are what make Mount Carmel the special place that it is. Thank you for everything you do.

To our students: you are the heart of this school community. Your enthusiasm, curiosity and courage inspire us every day. Thank you for the way you engage with your learning, support one another, and contribute to the vibrant life of our school. It is a privilege to work with you.

This year we say farewell to a small number of valued colleagues who are moving on to new opportunities. Your professionalism, commitment and care for our students have left a lasting mark on Mount Carmel, and you will be greatly missed. We wish you every blessing and happiness in the future. At the same time, we look forward to welcoming new staff members who will be joining us in August. We are confident they will quickly become part of the warm and supportive community that defines our school.

I want to express my sincere thanks to the members of our Board of Management who have given so generously of their time and expertise throughout the year on an entirely voluntary basis. Your dedication to the welfare of our students and staff is deeply appreciated. The work you do behind the scenes is vital to the smooth running and continued development of our school.

Student reports have now been issued. I encourage all parents and guardians to sit down with your daughter over the coming days to review the feedback provided by their teachers. These reports offer valuable insights into progress, strengths and areas for growth. Taking time to discuss them together will support your daughter's development and help set goals for the year ahead.

We are pleased to announce that Mount Carmel will be introducing a new school app in August. This will enhance communication between home and school and provide you with easier access to important information and updates. You will receive full instructions on how to download and use the app before the new term begins.

As we enter the summer months, I invite you to reflect on the Ignatian practice of the Examen—a way of prayerfully reviewing our day. St Ignatius encourages us to notice where we have experienced God's presence: in moments of joy, in challenges that helped us grow, and in the people who have accompanied us on the journey. As a school community, we can give thanks for the gifts of this year—the friendships formed, the learning that took place, the kindness shown. We can also acknowledge where we fell short and trust in God's mercy and grace as we move forward.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you all for the welcome that you have afforded to me since I joined the school this year. Whether it is in school or as I am walking around our local community, I have been extremely grateful for your kindness and your friendly comments. Our school is very much a school of the community and this feeling is palpable as you walk around the local area. The success of our school is built upon the involvement of all stakeholders- parents, guardians, staff and students. I wish you all a peaceful and safe summer and I look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed in August. 

Cillian O'Riordan

Principal