Gráinne Walsh - St. Declans College Community College, Kilmacthomas
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Having worked as Deputy Principal in St Fanahan’s College, now Colaiste Fionnchua, Mitchelstown for four years I was looking around for new opportunities when I applied for the position of Principal of St Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford. I was honoured to have been appointed to the position in July and began my work there in August. I am a graduate of UCC and hold a BA in Language and Cultural Studies, Higher Diploma in Education and Masters in Arts from there. I have also graduated from UCG and NUIM with Postgraduate Diplomas in Leading Learning, and in Educational Leadership respectively. I therefore practice my belief that to lead learning we need to remain informed of developments in methodologies, policies, procedures and initiatives.
Is the job what you expected?
Happily, I enjoyed very positive relationships with the principals I had previously worked with and was therefore aware of and experienced the workload, duties and difficulties leading a school can involve. I had also informed myself of what life in St Declan’s Community College was like and its strong record of academic and extra-curricular achievements. Leading a school involves aspects outside of learning and teaching also, so I researched community life in Kilmacthomas and its hinterland to ensure that I had a more rounded view of the lives of our students, their families and our other stakeholders.
What is a typical work day like for you?
A typical day in St Declan’s Community College tends to start for me at 8 am and continue until 6pm when I leave with our students and after school study leaders. It begins with opening post, checking e-mails and if I’m lucky, walking the corridors with the Deputy Principal, Mary Dunbar, meeting our students as they arrive in and prepare for the day ahead. As any principal can relate to, the remainder of my day could involve anything from organising buckets for leaks, to dealing with a concern for a student, to congratulating a school team on their success. At least you will never hear me complain about feeling bored!
What are you hoping to change about the role?
I have a world of respect for what my colleagues and predecessor have achieved. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. As with any position in the world of work I need to keep my eye on developments in teaching methodologies, educational policy and care of the child. Any changes I introduce into St Declan’s Community College will be anchored in those three main areas.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Fortunately, living in west and mid Waterford carries with it several advantages. I can choose a walk by the sea, in the mountains, in a forest or an historical trail all within 10 minutes of my home. Some activity in the fresh air tends to give me a clearer perspective on how to deal with an issue that I have been mulling over in my mind. Keeping up to date with my family and friends is also important to me as my personal relationships tend to enable me to approach a challenge with a new way of thinking. I also enjoy dipping into some reading on educational matters as I enjoy picking up new approaches and hints. At the moment I am alternating between Jacinta Kitt’s Positive Behaviours, Relationships and Emotions and Andy Buck’s Leadership Matters.