Farewell to Andrew Purcell – much respected Deputy Principal
The staff, students, parent association nominee and chairperson of the board all turned out in force to wish Andrew Purcell farewell on Friday 1st October. Andrew moved to St Farnan’s Post Primary School, Prosperous to take up the role of Principal from 4th October. The staff social committee made a number of presentations to Andrew in the form of a Principal’s survival kit on Thursday as staff gathered to recall the wide and varied contributions that Andrew has made to the school during his 21 years here, 12 of them as Deputy Principal.
Andrew started in Lucan Community College in 2000 as a teacher of Music and Geography having previously worked in St Tiarnan’s Community School and Kings Hospital School. During his time as music teacher he inspired many students to achieve great performances on stage in the National Concert Hall as part of the Co Dub VEC/DDLETB Festival of Music, in 19 school musicals and at countless school events and ceremonies. Many students also progressed to studying music at 3rd level. Andrew recounted his love of school events that allowed students to demonstrate their achievements including graduations, music practical exams and also recounted stories from the many school trips and tours that he had organised and supervised.
Imelda Higgins, wife and colleague to Andrew, spoke about how they met in the staff room and how they had enjoyed many years of Friday evening discussions about education and would continue to do so in the future. Andrew spoke warmly about the support he had from his wife and family as he took on his new role.
Always ready to champion those who needed help and support, Andrew served on the school TUI committee for a number of years. He also held the roles of TY coordinator, website coordinator and Year Head bringing a level of innovation and improvement to everything he led. No stranger to sport, Andrew started the student rugby teams with other colleagues and shared his passion for the sport with students and staff both on and off the field.
Andrew listened, he understood complex issues from different perspectives and took time to engage with the school community on many and varied topics. He acted from a supportive stance for students and parents/guardians and did his utmost to resolve challenging situations before they escalated further.
Messages from current and former students, staff and parents were gathered into a booklet for Andrew and he was honoured and proud to read comments thanking him for his “guidance and kindness”, for being approachable, encouraging and a “great support” to students. His colleagues called him a “gentleman in the truest sense” and recalled his “professionalism and passion” as a teacher and his “compassion and hard work” to support members of staff.
Speeches from John Grimes, Genevieve Casey and John O’Connor long-time colleagues of Andrew and Diane Birnie, principal, recalled the wonderful contribution that Andrew has made to the college over his 21 years and how much he will be missed. The school senior leadership team of Diane Birnie, Stephen Brett and Grainne Malone are delighted to be joined by Elaine Brady who was appointed as Deputy Principal.
Andrew’s final hours in Lucan CC included a guard of honour formed by 3rd and 6th year students who applauded him warmly followed by a quick visit to every classroom in the school to say his goodbyes. A final presentation from staff and the board of management and many individual cards gifts from colleagues and students ensured that Andrew can begin his new role confident and proud that his approach to leadership and the skills and talents he has practised were very much appreciated in Lucan CC and with good wishes that the same will be true in his new school.
Thank you Andrew! Lucan CC will miss you.
1st year 2022 applications
The application form for 1st year 2022 is now live on our website from 1st October. Closing date is Friday 22nd October. Application forms will also be distributed to feeder schools.
Historians of the future
“Local history brings history home, it touches your life, the life of your family, your neighborhood, your community.” –Thomas J. Noel, Denver author and historian.
The history department would like to congratulate all 3rd year history classes for their amazing CBA’s on local and family history. Great work as historians.
Ad Astra Scholarship for Lucan CC student
It was great to see David Wright (class or 2021) return to his alma mater this week so school principal Ms Birnie could present him with his plaque to mark his award of a UCD Ad Astra scholarship. “The UCD Ad Astra Academic scholarship programme seeks to recruit exceptional, high-achieving students and provide them with additional support and unique opportunities as they study for a degree at UCD. These students will have a proven record of academic excellence and a desire to continue to achieve at the highest level”.https://www.ucd.ie/adastraacademy/academic/scholarships/
Many teachers in the school took the opportunity to congratulate David on this fantastic achievement. David’s former year head Elaine Brady told us “It is such a joy to hear more good news from David. I am delighted that he received an Ad Astra Academic Award from UCD. David is an inspiration to us all – his passion and commitment to learning and engaging with initiatives are to be admired. He is an excellent role model for our school community, and we wish him luck with his future endeavours.”
Home Economics Department promotes National Potato Day!
National Potato Day was celebrated on October 1st.
Why don’t you try these delicious potato wedges, tried and tested recently by our third year Home Economics students.
Ingredients: 500g Baby potatoes, 1 tbsp rapeseed/olive oil, 1tsp chilli powder/paprika, salt and pepper (optional)
Method:
- Wash the potatoes and slice into even sized wedges.
- Place on an ovenproof dish/tray. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning of your choice. Toss to evenly coat with seasoning.
- Place in the oven at 180°c for 20 to 30 minutes (depending on size) until crispy. Toss the potato wedges after about 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
For inspiration on how versatile potatoes can be see http://www.potato.ie
Transition Year Trip To Causey Farm
Transition year students set off at 8:30am last Monday morning for Causey Farm – marking the first trip to leave Lucan Community in over 18 months. Students had the opportunity to bake bread before visiting the animals on the farm. Students fed the donkeys, horses and llamas and some even managed to milk a cow! Later they ran through the corn maize before heading off for some bog hopping.
The highlight of the day must surely have been the freezing power wash before heading for home!!
Space Week
To celebrate Space Week (October 4th-10th 2021)Frances McCarthy from Blackrock Castle Observatory ‘zoomed’ in to chat to us about Space Weather and how it affects us on Earth. Science students enjoyed the talk to promote Space week which is being promoted. More details of additional events in http://www.spaceweek.ie/
German Exchange
Gute Reise to the Transition year and 5th year students as they begin their Virtual Exchange with Germany. This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the exchange with Gymnasium Münchberg! Our first ever virtual exchange started on Thursday with the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony included music and speeches from current and former students and staff of both schools. A lovely letter from President Michael D. Higgins was also read before students from Lucan Community College virtually, but no less warmly, welcomed the students from Gymnasium Münchberg. Look out for a further report on the exchange in next week’s Newsletter.
