Coláiste Chiaráin

Coláiste Chiaráin (in English: the College of St. Kieran) was opened in 1980 to provide second level education to the local area of Leixlip and Celbridge, in Ireland. It has just over 600 students and about 50 staff including office staff, teachers and two caretakers. It has received many science and sporting awards and boasts a big fully equipped sports hall. Coláiste Chiaráin, is known locally as "Colaiste Chiarain" and its motto is "Tús Feasa Fiafraí" which means (in Gaelic) "Enquiry is the beginning of knowledge".

Location

Situated roughly northwest of Leixlip town, it was built to educate the rapidly expanding population of the Dublin Metropolitan Area, to which Leixlip although strictly in County Kildare is part of. This rapid growth and need for education has since slowed, leading to Colaiste Chiarain no longer replacing retired teaching staff. In the short to medium term however, the education system is expected to grow to accommodate more students, as Ireland is experiencing unprecedented immigration and is one of the fastest growing populations in Europe.

Coláiste Chiaráin also adjoins a local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) with which it shares pitch facilities. In total the school has 1 GAA Pitch, 1 Soccer Pitch, 2 Tennis Courts and 2 Basketball Courts.

School Groups

Prefects

Prefects are a group of students installed by the Principal and the Deputy Principal. They perform auxiliary functions such as assisting teaching staff and the minding of junior students at break times. The Head Boy and Head Girl (Highest in the Prefect order) are given keys to classrooms.

Green Schools

The School is also proud of its Green Schools initiative, partly funded by local industry including Intel, that encourages recycling and conservation of energy. Intel also regularly donates computers to the school.

Sources

Coláiste Chiaráin: A 25 Year Anniversary (published by the school, printed by Mullen Print)