I extend a warm welcome to all who visit this website.
Coláiste Chraobh Abhann is a Community College under the auspices of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The school opened for first year students in September 2003. It is built on an eight acre greenfield site on the edge of Kilcoole village and, with a phased introduction of students, reached its capacity of 550 in September 2008. The school was officially opened by The Minister for Education and Science, Mr Noel Dempsey TD in May 2004. The current enrolment of 715 students is catered for by a staff of 55 teachers and 13 ancillary staff. The school is co-educational and serves boys and girls in the community from first to sixth year. Students from all religious backgrounds, traditions and cultures are welcome at the school.
The school has 'state of the art' facilities. These facilities are coupled with a vibrant and dedicated staff to ensure the delivery of a top quality education and learning service at all levels for students.
Teachers are encouraged to adopt a student-centred approach to education. This ensures that each individual student’s needs are catered for in the school. Students are encouraged to achieve their potential whatever their aptitude. A huge emphasis is placed on the social, spiritual and personal development of students outside of the academic sphere of the classroom. There is a vast range of after-school activities in which all students are encouraged to participate.
Parental and student involvement is actively encouraged at the school. We firmly believe that parents play a vital role in their children’s education and that children need to feel part of the school. Structures such as a Parents’ Association, Parents’ Council and Students’ Council all play a vital role in ensuring that a strong partnership approach is adopted in school planning and development.
The school has already in its brief history set high standards which are being consistently achieved and recognised. As you browse through the website, I hope that you will enjoy learning about our school and get a flavour of the unique experience that is Coláiste Chraobh Abhann.
Oliver Stack
Principal