A new era begins at Castlepollard school

When the new school year commences at Castlepollard Community College, there will be a changing of the guard in the staff room, with Mary Coyle appointed to replace retired principal, James Whyte as head of the north Westmeath vocational school.Ms. Coyle, a former member of the teaching staff at the Cavan Institute for 21 years, will be joined by fellow Westmeath native Olive McCormack, who succeeds Myles Cosgrave - who also retired this summer - in the role of deputy principal.A native of Archerstown, Delvin, Mary Coyle holds a primary degree in Commerce, and a Masters Degree in Public Management from the Institute of Public Administration (IPA). Having studied for her degree in Galway, she started her career at Belcamp College, Dublin.A keen sports supporter, Ms. Coyle is a founding member of the ladies' GAA club in Oldcastle, and has served as chairperson for three years. She also manages the Meath Under 16 ladies' football team.The new principal lives in Oldcastle with her husband PJ, and they have three children, two of whom are currently studying at third level, and one at post-primary level.A member of the teaching staff at the Cavan Institute for 21 years, where she held the posts of Deputy Principal and Acting Principal, Ms. Coyle has also worked with FETAC as an External Examiner, and was recently appointed as an External Authenticator.During her years at the Cavan Institute, Ms. Coyle said that she benefited from the experience of "growing into management", and playing a key role in overseeing the expansion and development of a school.As principal of Castlepollard Community College, Ms. Coyle said that to take the school into the future, she will work not only with staff and students, but also with parents and the local community."I believe that my experience as a parent of teenagers will be invaluable in my role as principal," Ms. Coyle said. "Parents have many concerns; they want their children to get the best possible results, they want to know that there is a strong emphasis on good discipline in the school, but they also want their children to learn in a safe and happy environment."She praised the wealth of educational, technical and sporting facilities provided at the state-of-the-art Castlepollard Community College building, and looks forward to working in the school environment.Ms. Coyle also welcomed the appointment of Ms. Olive McCormack as deputy principal, saying that her experience within the school would "provide a major contribution towards a positive teaching and learning environment".Ms. McCormack, who joined the teaching staff in Castlepollard in 2002, has a diverse array of qualifications, including a BA in English and Economics, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, and a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.Married to Aidan with two grown-up sons, she previously taught at Athlone Community College, and looks forward to taking on her new role."I am familiar with the staff and students, and the workings of the school, and this experience will provide important continuity for our new principal," the south Westmeath native explained."It's an exciting time of development at the school, with new management, new ideas and new experiences."In addition to my professional training as a teacher, I am also qualified as a counsellor and psychotherapist, and I feel that this training will be very useful when dealing with the psychological needs and understanding of the students."Like Ms. Coyle, the new Deputy Principal comes from a business and IT background - key attributes for taking a post-primary school in rural north Westmeath into the future.Ms. McCormack, who has the driving force behind the development of comprehensive courses in computing and business at the school, is also keen to point out the programme of resource education available at the school, for students with learning difficulties."One to one assistance is provided where recommended, and this year, a special post was established to cater for student pastoral care and special needs," she said."Students with learning difficulties have an opportunity to learn in small groups, getting the necessary direction and support from the resource teacher."