Blackwater
Community School
Principal’s
Address
Blackwater Community School, Lismore is a state of the art educational establishment that boasts a modern school building on a greenfield site. The school is an amalgamation of 3 Catholic Voluntary Schools with a Mercy, Presentation and CBS traditions. Since opening in September 2003, we have been very much conscious of being innovators and not so much imitators. This is reflected in our recent addition to our school which include a new pitch with an elaborate drainage system, a massive Olympic standard sports hall, a gymnasium, a floodlit astroturf pitch, a Fergus Costello designed Meditation room, a new library and an excellent canteen facility. Our investment in 3 IT rooms, 12 interactive whiteboards and a video conferencing unit has made BCS the first school in Ireland to be so technologically advanced.
This attention to innovation and enterprise is something we try to instil in our students. We are the first school in the region to include a swipe card attendance option, a sophisticated lotto style form of continuous assessment, individual attention to student mentoring and a positive behaviour system that reinforces positive action creating a harmonious and cooperative atmosphere within our school.
However, as I often remind our students, the building and facilities we possess are one thing but what goes on within them is what really matters. We are very pleased that an excellent work ethic exists among our students. We are delighted that this is reflected in our results. Our academic progress is due to the hard work and committed efforts of the staff in terms of class teaching, the provision of extra help and tuition after school and individual attention in the area of special needs, the organisation of a successful study programme which incorporates after school, Saturdays, Mid-terms and Easter time.
In the area of extra curricular activities, BCS has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in sport, drama, choir and enterprise. At County levels, we have won titles in all sports at all levels. At Provincial level, we have become a dominant force capturing Munster titles in hurling, camogie, badminton, cross country, track & field athletics, basketball, drama and choir. At National level we continue to attain All-Ireland titles in volleyball, young scientist and technology, choir, drama and track & field athletics.
Our students furthermore get the opportunity to represent us on the international stage in debating at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and on student exchanges to Germany and France.
It is admirable that our students respond so positively to the constant encouragement of the staff. It certainly gives expression to the seanfhocail “Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh sí “.
Our student body representatives have been very proactive in the school both in the role of student council and in mentoring fellow students. Our Parents Council, like our Student Council, are actively involved in policy making and very energetic in co-ordinating Junior Cert and Leaving Certificate Graduation ceremonies, in various fundraising ventures and study skills seminars. Parents complement BCS as being a ‘listening school’ whereby their requests and concerns are welcomed and responded to. Our Board of Management is extremely positive and supportive to all school activities.
As School Principal, I am tremendously proud of the efforts and achievements of all at BCS including staff, secretarial staff, caretakers and cleaning staff in such a short time in our new school. It is the sense of team work generated at BCS by all its inhabitants that makes our school such a vibrant and energetic place to be.
At BCS our Mission statement expresses that ‘we are committed to Quality Education’ We can assure parents/guardians that no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of excellence and in the delivery of quality education to the young people of East Munster. We feel that it is refreshing to be part of an educational establishment that places as much emphasis on the journey as well as the destination. We are all focused on the ultimate requirement of excellent Leaving Certificate results as the end product or destination. However, 5 or 6 years in school is a long journey, why not enjoy the scenery and our innovative process of education along the way.
I can assure you that Blackwater Community School is a good place to be for both staff and student. It is an excellent place to go to work and a great team to be part of. Please join and support us in ensuring that your child realises his/her maximum potential at BCS.
Denis
Ring.