COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (JULY 7 EDITION)
Mount St Michael Secondary School has announced the appointment of Aisling McAlpine as its new principal, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the well-established school.
The appointment was confirmed by the board of management, which also paid tribute to outgoing principal Ciarán Ryan for his dedicated leadership and service over the past four years. The board thanked Mr Ryan for his contribution to the school and wished Ms McAlpine every success as she takes up her new role. It also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.
Ms McAlpine joins Mount St Michael from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar, where she has served as Deputy Principal for the past five years. Originally from Athenry, Co Galway, and now living in Ballyheane, she brings extensive leadership experience, having spent the past 12 years in senior management positions across three schools.
Before taking up her role in Castlebar, she was principal of Presentation College, Headford, from 2018 to 2021. During her tenure there, student enrolment increased significantly from 720 to 820, while the school also secured and delivered a major Department of Education capital building project.
Ms McAlpine’s contribution to education extends well beyond individual schools. She serves on the National Executive of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, and is one of the five architects behind the Cothú programme, now operating in more than fifty schools nationwide.
Ms McAlpine began her teaching career at Mount Sackville Secondary School in Dublin before returning west. She is also continuing her own academic development and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Glasgow.
Throughout her career, Ms McAlpine has built a reputation for people-centred leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to Catholic education. Her educational philosophy places student wellbeing at the heart of school life, believing that caring for students provides the foundation upon which excellence in teaching and learning is built. Her leadership is informed by the Mercy and Presentation traditions, with a strong emphasis on respect, hospitality, justice, compassion and care.
