Historic Offaly school appoints new principal ahead of momentous change

Historic Offaly boarding school, Cistercian College, have announced the appointment of a new school principal at a momentous time for the school as it will soon transition to co-education, welcoming female students for the first time.

The new principal is Ms Catherine Smyth who has been a member of the teaching staff at Cistercian College for the past 27 years.

For over seven of those years she has served as Deputy Principal and for the past two years she has provided steady and capable leadership as Acting Principal.

The school stated, "throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to her students, her colleagues, and to the life of the school. Her authentic leadership, courage to lead change, pragmatism, humility, and determination to guide the College into the future make this a truly well-deserved appointment.

"The appointment follows a lengthy, competitive, and rigorous selection process undertaken by the Board of Management to ensure that the right candidate was chosen to lead the College at this important time, the College said in a statement.

"The calibre of candidates reflected the significance of the role, making Ms Smyth’s appointment all the more deserved, and the panel was unanimous in its strong endorsement of her."

As Principal, Ms Smyth will work closely with the College President, Mr Colm Maloney, the Senior Management Team, teachers, housemasters, and staff to guide Cistercian College into the next exciting stage of its history.

She will lead the teaching and learning at the College into a new future, as the school begins its transition to co-education, a significant and historic moment for the school 

"We warmly congratulate Ms. Smyth on her appointment and look forward to supporting her as she takes on this important role," they concluded.