Last year’s third years were in for a wonderful surprise when they headed to the Chapel Hall just before Christmas to recieve their JCPAs. The Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement is the new Junior Cycle Certificate which replaces the old Junior Certificate. They are distributed in November or December each year which gives time to students to query results and have them rechecked before the certificate is generated. Last year Roisín Ingle of The Irish Times came to the school to present the certificates but this year the school invited one of its own past pupils, doyenne of fashion Niamh O’ Neill.
Niamh who has worked in the past with both John Galliano and Diane Von Furstenberg came home to set up her own fashion label in 2012 in Ireland and hasn’t looked back since. She is a regular visitor to the school, having previously being honoured with the Sr Claire Past Pupils Award. Deputy Principal Mary Glmore was delighted to welcome Niamh to the school. ” The JCPA is very different to the old Junior Certificate. It contains an area for each girl to highlight her personal achievements in school outside of the academic ones. It is a lovely certificate of achievement and so we in St Louis like to make a fuss to celebrate all the Other Learning Experiences of every girl.”
Principal Michelle Dolan said: “Our ethos here in St Louis is about so much more than just the academic achievements of our students. it is wonderful to see the Dept recognising that too in this new certificate. It shows the whole education received through all the extras that go on in the school every day. We were delighted that Niamh, who is such a great role model for the girls, was able to present the awards. It made for a very special day for them and for the parents who attended to wupport their daughters.”