One of Laois’s longest-serving secondary school principals is set to retire at the end of this term, following 26 years of distinguished service.
Helen O’Donnell, who has been principal of Scoil Chriost Ri in Portlaoise since 1998, informed staff and students this week of her decision to retire.
The highly respected and popular principal came to Portlaoise as principal in 1998, taking over from Sister Marie Therese.
Mrs O’Donnell steered the ship over almost three decades, and was principal during the school’s move from its town centre site to its new Borris Road location in 2010.
She was known for her fairness to students and staff and was well regarded across the school community.
The Tipperary native took great pride in the school’s various academic and sporting achievements.
Her retirement this year comes in the 250th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters.
A new principal will be appointed for the 2024-2025 school year. Scoil Chríost Rí is an all girls school of almost 800 pupils.
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