First College Headmaster

Andrew McGeady, Fr. Peter Slevin,  CM

In June 1992 the Government presented its Green Paper on Education, a document that charters the future for education in Ireland. Castleknock College, accordingly, addresses itself seriously to these challenges which the future education environment presents; not least is the whole quality of teaching in this changing and demanding world and here the role of Principal/Head Teacher is of vital importance.

Fr Peter Slevin has occupied this position for a number of years and has been instrumental in initiating many positive changes during that time. It was a period of transition for the College. The fact that we so successfully welcomed and integrated day pupils, that our teaching staff and students adjusted to a change in curriculum, that there has been a marked upturn in examination results, can be very much attributed to the leadership qualities that Fr Peter brought to his work. His computerization of the school reports and records is second to none. He now rightly earns sabbatical break, but we do look forward to his coming back in due course.

In response to Fr Slevin's departure and the challenges that lie ahead, the Governing Body has given a lot of thought to the filling of the post of Principal. They decided not to restrict their search to members of the Vincentian Community but opted to advertise on the open market. This decision was taken to secure for the College a Principal of the highest possible calibre with the best experience available. The new Principal must obviously strive to achieve for the College the high level of academic excellence we seek for our pupils, while at the same time maintaining the Vincentian ethos of the College. Despite the downturn in our Vincentian vocations it still remains the policy of the Order to maintain a strong presence in the College, and Father O'Shea will continue as President.

Mr McGeady has been a member of the teaching staff at the Kings Hospital, Palmerstown, since 1970 and is a well known figure in educational circles. He is a part-time lecturer,in Educational Methodology at St Patrick's College, Maynooth and the author of a number of school text books in Business Studies. Education Officer for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in preparing the Business Studies syllabus for the New junior Certificate, he is also currently involved assisting in the preparation of the new syllabus in Business and Economics for the Leaving Certificate Examination. He is a member of the Executive Council of the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland and has served for a number of years as Chairperson of the Board of Management of Blakestown Community School.

His appointment is an integral part of the College strategy for the future. His experience, expertise, and leadership qualities will be invaluable. Though he will be primarily responsible for the academic life of the College, his work as House Master for Boarding Students at the Kings Hospital will be an added asset to Castleknock College which cherishes and seeks to enhance its boarding tradition. Mr McGeady can be assured that he will be supported in his work by the continued presence of the Vincentian Community.