Beginning secondary school is one of the landmark moments in a child’s life, but new beginnings can bring both excitement and anticipation for incoming first-year students.
This was certainly the case this morning, where 192 First Years and their families were welcomed at Portlaoise College.
“At Portlaoise College we adopted a variety of methods to make the first days at second-level less stressful,” says principal Noel Daly.
“All incoming first years are invited to attend induction workshop in June and an information session in January and receive advice on what to expect at Portlaoise College.
“In mid-September all parents and students are invited to attend a “working together” workshop. All this makes the transition to secondary school seamless.
“Each new 1st Year at Portlaoise College was assigned a Meitheal Leader who will ensure that our 1st Years have a smooth transition into Portlaoise College and assist them in any way during their first year at our school.
“We are delighted to welcome our 192 First Years along with their families today, we are excited that so many students have chosen Portlaoise College for their secondary school education.
“We will ensure that all our students fulfil their massive potential. In addition to welcoming 192 students, we have 11 new staff members starting their educational careers at Portlaoise College.
“Our continued growth can be attributed to a many number of factors, however I believe that the quality of the relationships between students, parents, teachers and management at Portlaoise College is second to none.
“In addition our ethos is to put the student at the centre of everything we do, our commitment to innovation in teaching and learning and the high standards we set are the main reasons why students and parents are choosing Portlaoise College”.
Due to the demand for 1st Year places at Portlaoise College, the school is holding two Opening Evenings – on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th September.
Further information will be distributed to the local primary school in the coming weeks.
SEE ALSO – Music Generation Laois and Laois School of Music all set for opening night
